Singapore is one of the world’s most expensive cities (the other one being New York City), an economic junction with an energetic culture that offers many opportunities to those who landed there for work opportunities. The Asian city-state is the base where people with good knowledge and skills gather in large multinational companies. Singapore is known as one of the most prosperous countries in the world, home to a thriving business community. As a result, Singapore is a popular destination for foreign workers looking for employment opportunities. However, foreign workers must obtain a work visa to work in Singapore.
This blog post will discuss the steps involved in applying for a work visa. Many people have their base in Singapore. A Singapore work visa for Indians is the most promising for career growth, and hence many Indians migrate to Singapore through work visas.
Categories of Singapore Work Visas
Different types of work visas in Singapore are listed below.
- Open Pass Visa
- Singapore work visa for professionals
- Singapore work visa for skilled & semi-skilled employees.
- Singapore work visa for trainees and students
- Singapore short-term work passes.
Singapore work visas for professionals.
Professional workers are authorized to get the following types of Singapore work visas.
1. Employment Pass (EP).
This type of visa is for foreign managers, professionals, and executives who have a job offer in Singapore and earn a minimum salary of SGD 4,500 per month.
2. Personalized Employment Pass
This type of visa is issued to highly paid foreigners or current holders of Employment passes. It is offered mainly with PEP than with other work passes.
3. Entre Pass
This type of visa is granted to entrepreneurs who plan to establish a business in Singapore.
4. Overseas networks Eligibility Pass (One Pass).
This type of visa provides employment flexibility by allowing qualified employees to start, operate, and work for companies in Singapore).
Singapore Work Visas for Skilled and Semi-skilled Workers
1. Singapore Pass
This type of work visa is for foreign mid-level skilled workers who have a job offer in Singapore and earn a minimum salary of SGD 2,500 per month.
2. Work Permit:
This type of visa is for foreign semi-skilled or unskilled workers who have a job offer in Singapore and work in industries such as construction, manufacturing, marine, and shipyard.
Singapore Work Visas for foreign professionals.
1 . Personalized Employment Pass (PEP)
This type of work visa is for high-earning foreign professionals who still need to get a job offer in Singapore. The PEP is valid for three years and is not tied to a specific employer.
Process of applying for a Singapore Work visa
Before applying for a work visa in Singapore, firstly, you need to secure a job in Singapore. Afterwards, your employer or Employment Agency can submit your work visa application through EP Online. You can find the online application service on the webpage of the Ministry of Manpower(MOM).
Steps to Apply for Singapore Work Visa
The process of applying for a Singapore Work Visa is as follows
Step 1: Get a job offer in Singapore.
Step 2: If you are still in your native country, your employer or an Employment agency will have to submit a work visa application through EP online and need to pay a processing fee.
Step 3: When the application is accepted, your employer will get an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, and you can enter Singapore.
Step 4: If your application is rejected, an (IPA) letter will be sent to your employer, meaning you will not be granted a work visa in Singapore.
Step 5: An IPA letter is your permit to travel to Singapore.
Step 6: Applying to get the Singapore work visa issued.
Step 7: Pay fees for the pass.
Step 8: Receive a notification letter when the pass is issued.
Step 9: Register at the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC)
Complete the medical examination and obtain insurance.
Before working in Singapore, you must complete a medical examination and obtain medical insurance. A doctor approved by MOM must conduct the medical analysis. The insurance must cover inpatient care, day surgery, and a minimum coverage of SGD 15,000 per year.
Collect your work visa.
After completing the medical examination and obtaining insurance, you can collect your work visa. You must make an appointment with MOM to collect your work visa. Bring your passport, IPA letter, medical examination report, and insurance policy to the appointment.
Register for the Singapore Personal Access ( SingPass) account.
After collecting your work visa, you must register for a SingPass account. The SingPass account is a digital identity to access Singaporean government services, such as applying for a bank account or paying taxes.
Notify MOM of any changes.
Once you start working in Singapore, you must notify MOM of any changes to your employment status. For example, if you change employers or salary changes, you must inform MOM. You can make these updates through the MOM website.
In addition, if you plan to leave Singapore for an extended period, you must inform MOM and obtain a re-entry permit. The re-entry permit will allow you to go and re-enter Singapore without affecting your work visa.
Conclusion
Applying for a work visa in Singapore can take time and effort. Still, it can be a smooth and successful experience with proper preparation and attention. Remember to determine your eligibility, find a job, apply for a work visa, complete the medical examination and obtain insurance, collect your work visa, register for a SingPass account, and notify MOM of any changes. Good luck with your work visa application in Singapore!
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