Singapore Work permit
Our Singapore Work Permit services support employers in navigating eligibility, quota requirements, levies, and documentation to legally hire foreign workers across key sectors. From preparation to submission and post-compliance support, we help ensure smooth permit processing under MOM’s current regulations.
Singapore Work Permit (Foreign Worker) Guide 2026
Quick Answer: A Work Permit allows semi-skilled migrant workers from approved source countries to work in Singapore. Fees: S$35 application + S$35 issuance. Processing: within 1 week for most cases. Security bond: S$5,000 for non-Malaysian workers. Medical insurance: minimum S$60,000/year. Cancel within 1 week after employment ends.
What is a Singapore Work Permit (foreign worker)?
The Singapore Work Permit allows semi-skilled migrant workers from approved source countries or regions to work in certain sectors.
If you are hiring a migrant domestic worker (MDW), use the MDW Work Permit category. This guide covers the general Work Permit for foreign workers in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, marine, and services.
Who is the Work Permit for?
For employers hiring foreign workers in Singapore, early planning around quota, levy, onboarding, insurance, and compliance obligations is critical before submitting the Work Permit application.
The Work Permit is designed for semi-skilled roles in sectors that MOM allows under this pass. The exact rules depend on your sector and worker profile. Employers should check quota and levy early — this is the most common blocker for hiring.
Employer first
Check quota and levy early. Start with MOM's Work Permit overview for sector requirements.
Not sure which pass?
Compare with S Pass (mid-skilled APT roles) and Employment Pass (professionals).
Family planning
If family will join, check Dependant's Pass eligibility.
Long-term stay
For retention and long-term pathways, see Singapore PR guide.
Fees and processing time
MOM states that online Work Permit processing is within 1 week for most cases. Fees are S$35 per application and S$35 per Work Permit issued.
| Item | Official MOM rule | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | S$35 per application | Pay when you submit online. |
| Issuance fee | S$35 per Work Permit issued | Pay when you issue after approval. |
| Processing time | Within 1 week (most cases) | Some cases take longer. |
| Validity | Usually 2 years | May be shorter based on passport and bond. |
MOM directs employers to use WP Online for key steps and transactions.
How to apply (step-by-step)
Work Permit applications are employer-led. The simplest flow is: check quota and sector rules, apply in WP Online, then issue the pass after approval.
Check sector rules, quota, and levy
Start with MOM's overview — it links to sector requirements, levy, and quota.
Submit the application online
Apply online and pay S$35 per application via WP Online.
Prepare arrival and compliance items
For non-Malaysians, set up the bond early. Also set up medical insurance and submit insurance details before issuance.
Issue the Work Permit
After approval, issue the Work Permit and pay S$35 per Work Permit issued.
MOM notes that if you have never applied for a Work Permit, you need to declare your business activity first.
Security bond (S$5,000) for non-Malaysian workers
MOM requires employers to buy a S$5,000 security bond for each non-Malaysian Work Permit holder. The employer cannot ask the worker to pay for the bond. The bond must take effect when the worker arrives.
| Bond rule | What MOM states |
|---|---|
| Who needs it? | Each non-Malaysian Work Permit holder. |
| Amount | S$5,000 per worker. |
| Timing | Buy before arrival; it must take effect when the worker arrives. |
| Who pays? | Employer cannot ask worker to pay. |
MOM states if the bond is not in effect when the worker arrives, the immigration officer will not allow entry.
Medical insurance (S$60,000/year) — minimum coverage in 2026
MOM requires employers to buy and maintain medical insurance for each Work Permit holder. Coverage must be at least S$60,000 per year. Insurance cost cannot be passed on to the worker. Insurance details must be submitted online before the Work Permit can be issued.
| Requirement | What MOM states |
|---|---|
| Minimum coverage | At least S$60,000 per year. |
| Stage 1 (from 1 Jul 2023) | For claim amounts above S$15,000: 75% insurer / 25% employer co-payment. |
| Stage 2 (from 1 Jul 2025) | Standardised exclusions, age-banded premiums, and direct payment to hospitals. |
MOM notes medical insurance is not needed if the Work Permit holder is also holding a Dependant's Pass and already has a plan that meets the minimum coverage for the full Work Permit validity period.
Six-monthly medical examination (6ME) for female Work Permit holders
MOM states employers must send female Work Permit holders for medical screening every 6 months. The screening covers pregnancy and infectious diseases such as syphilis, HIV, and tuberculosis.
MOM states the employer must cancel the Work Permit and send the worker home immediately.
Cancellation and Special Pass (end of employment)
MOM states you must cancel the Work Permit if the worker no longer works for you. Cancel within 1 week after the last day of notice. If the worker has left Singapore and will not return, cancel within 1 week from the departure date.
| Topic | MOM rule |
|---|---|
| Cancellation time | Within 1 week after last day of notice. |
| If worker already left SG | Cancel within 1 week of departure date. |
| Special Pass | Allows stay up to 14 days; linked to scheduled departure date. |
| When levy stops | Levy is charged until 1 day before cancellation. |
Common Work Permit Compliance Mistakes Employers Should Avoid
- Failing quota checks before submitting the application — submitting without available quota leads to automatic rejection and a non-refundable fee.
- Bond not active before arrival — if the S$5,000 security bond is not in effect when the worker arrives, entry is denied at the checkpoint.
- Incomplete insurance setup — failing to submit medical insurance details online before Work Permit issuance will block the pass from being issued.
- Late cancellation after employment ends — employers must cancel the Work Permit within 1 week of the last day of notice. Late cancellations can result in penalties.
- Missed 6ME deadlines for female Work Permit holders — failing to send workers for six-monthly medical examinations is a compliance violation.
- Illegal salary deductions — requiring workers to pay for bond, insurance, or other employer obligations is strictly prohibited by MOM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hiring Foreign Workers in Singapore?
We help employers review Work Permit eligibility, quota considerations, onboarding requirements, and ongoing MOM compliance obligations before hiring.
This guide is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. MOM policies, fees, and processing times are subject to change. For advice tailored to your specific circumstances, please consult a qualified professional or refer to official MOM publications.
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The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, immigration, financial, tax, or professional advice. While Terra Advisory Services Pte. Ltd. endeavours to keep the content accurate and current, Singapore government policies, regulations, fees, and procedures may change at any time without prior notice.
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