The Work Permit (WP) is a pass issued by Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) that allows eligible foreign workers to be employed legally in selected sectors such as construction, process, marine shipyard, manufacturing, and services. A Work Permit is tied to a single approved employer and role; you cannot change jobs or undertake additional work with another employer unless MOM approves the transfer.
Employers are responsible for the worker’s entry, housing, medical insurance, levy payments, and compliance with quota rules and other employment conditions. The Work Permit framework is designed to help companies fill manpower gaps while prioritising opportunities and wage growth for local workers.
Singapore Work Permit 2025 Glance Summary
Item |
Key details |
|---|---|
Programme |
Work Permit (WP) for foreign workers |
Overseen by |
Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Singapore |
Who it is for |
Lower to mid-skilled workers in construction, process, marine shipyard, manufacturing, and services sectors |
2025 highlights |
Removal of historical stay caps; higher age thresholds; expanded Non-Traditional Source (NTS) countries and occupations; levy and S Pass calibrations |
Age thresholds |
New applicants up to 61; renewals possible up to 63, subject to MOM conditions |
Employer duties |
Quotas and levies, medical insurance, acceptable housing, security bond where required, compliance with sector rules |
Fees and deposits |
Application fee about S$35; security bond about S$5,000 for non-Malays; monthly levy varies by sector and quota |
Processing time |
Typically 1–3 weeks if documents are complete |
Application channel |
MOM Work Pass eService (employer/appointed agent applies) |
Official website |
Singapore Work Permit: What changed in 2025?
Singapore has refreshed several aspects of the Work Permit framework to support a stable, skilled core of experienced workers and reduce avoidable turnover, while preserving labour market protections for citizens and permanent residents.
1) Stay duration cap removed
Historically, Work Permit holders in some sectors faced a maximum number of years they could work in Singapore. From 1 July 2025, the top employment limit is lifted. Workers may continue to work as long as they remain eligible, their employer retains quota and pays levies, and MOM renews their permits.
2) Higher age thresholds
From 2025, new Work Permit applicants may be up to 61, while existing workers can renew up to age 63, subject to fitness for work, sectoral rules, and MOM approval. This aligns the pass with national retirement policies and allows firms to retain reliable, skilled workers for longer.
3) Expanded NTS countries and occupations
More countries are included within the Non-Traditional Source (NTS) list, such as Bhutan, Cambodia, and Laos, giving employers a wider hiring pool. NTS coverage is also expanded across additional occupations including drivers, cooks, machine operators and other sector-specific roles.
4) Calibrations to levies and S Pass
MOM is adjusting levy rates to incentivise the hiring and retention of skilled workers. Separately, S Pass minimum salary will increase from September 2025, continuing Singapore progressive differentiation between Work Permit, S Pass, and Employment Pass cohorts.
Important: Sectoral requirements, quotas, safety certifications, and skills tests (where applicable) still apply. Employers and workers must always meet MOM’s prevailing rules at the time of application or renewal.
Who is eligible in 2025?
To obtain a Work Permit under the updated 2025 rules, the worker and employer generally must meet the following:
- Age:
- New applications: up to 61 at time of application
- Renewals: possible up to 63, subject to MOM conditions
- Source country: Applicant is a citizen of an approved source country for the sector (including expanded NTS countries).
- Valid job offer: Role is allowed by MOM in the relevant sector and the employer has available quota.
- Employer compliance: Employer meets levy, quota, and housing obligations and purchases medical insurance at the required coverage levels.
- Worker compliance: Worker passes the medical examination, holds a valid passport, and agrees to all Work Permit conditions (no unauthorised work, no job-hopping without MOM approval).
- Security bond: Required for non-Malays in most sectors, typically S$5,000.
Documents you will need
From the employer or appointed employment agent
- Completed MOM Work Pass eService application
- Business registration details and ACRA records
- Quota and levy declarations
- Proof of acceptable housing (e.g., dormitory details)
- Medical insurance policy meeting MOM minimum coverage
- Security bond undertaking where applicable
From the worker
- Valid passport with at least six months’ validity
- Passport-sized photographs (per MOM specifications)
- Employment contract/offer letter
- Pre-employment medical checkup results
- Any sector-specific certificates or skills test results (if required)
Fees, deposits, and processing times
Item |
Typical amount or timeline |
|---|---|
Application fee |
About S$35 per worker |
Security bond |
About S$5,000 (generally for non-Malays) |
Monthly levy |
Varies by sector, skill level, and quota tier (employer-paid) |
Processing time |
Typically 1–3 weeks if documents are complete |
Renewal window |
Apply 2–3 weeks before expiry for smooth continuity |
Note: MOM may take longer if additional checks are required, documents are incomplete, or medical/safety certifications are pending.
Step-by-step: How to apply for a Work Permit
- Employer/agent login to the MOM Work Pass eService.
- Complete the online application with full employer, job, and worker details.
- Upload supporting documents (business records, housing, insurance, security bond, worker passport and medical, sectoral certificates if any).
- Await MOM outcome. If approved, you will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter with instructions.
- Worker completes medical and any mandated onboarding or safety courses.
- Card issuance: After arrival or in-country finalisation, complete biometrics/registration steps. MOM issues the Work Permit card.
- Start work strictly within the approved occupation and employer, and keep all Work Permit conditions.
How to check application status
- Go to the MOM Work Pass eService.
- Enter the application number or FIN.
- Review the latest status and any outstanding requirements.
- Monitor email/SMS notifications for updates from MOM.
- If there are delays or document issues, contact your employer/agent or the MOM helpdesk for guidance.
Compliance essentials for employers and workers
- No unauthorised work: The worker may only perform the job and sector stated on the permit, for the approved employer.
- Update MOM promptly: Report changes in address, housing, employer details, or employment cessation.
- Medical insurance and housing: Maintain valid insurance coverage and acceptable accommodation.
- Levy and quota: Pay levies on time and stay within quotas; breaches can lead to penalties or non-renewal.
- Repatriation responsibility: Employers are responsible for repatriation when employment ends.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting incomplete documents or expired passports.
- Missing sectoral certifications or medical checks.
- Assuming job changes are allowed: You cannot switch employers or roles without MOM approval.
- Applying too late for renewal; start 2–3 weeks before expiry.
- Ignoring levy or quota changes that affect eligibility.
FAQs: Singapore Work Permit 2025
Can I work beyond the old 14-year stay cap?
Yes. From July 2025, the historical top-years cap is removed. Continued employment depends on ongoing eligibility, levy/quota availability, and MOM approval at renewal.
I am already 62. Can I renew?
Under the 2025 rules, renewals can be considered up to age 63, subject to MOM conditions. New applications must be 61 or younger.
Do these updates apply to migrant domestic workers?
No. Migrant domestic workers are governed by a separate framework with distinct rules.
Can I change employers under the new system?
Not freely. Job changes still require MOM approval. You cannot move at your own discretion.
Which countries are now NTS?
The NTS list is expanded to include more countries such as Bhutan, Cambodia, and Laos. Employers should check MOM’s latest list for their sector.
What about S Pass?
From September 2025, S Pass qualifying salary will increase. This is separate from Work Permit changes but relevant if employers are considering workforce mix.
Conclusion
The 2025 Work Permit updates are intended to retain skilled, dependable foreign workers, reduce churn, and give employers more certainty while preserving labour market safeguards for locals. With longer workable careers, expanded NTS sources and occupations, and a clearer renewal pathway, companies can build steadier teams and workers can plan longer tenures. Success under the new framework still hinges on strict compliance: submit complete applications, uphold levy and housing duties, and seek MOM approval for any change in job or employer.
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