Singapore Work Permit

Work Permit for Migrant Workers

Overview

The Work Permit allows semi-skilled migrant workers from approved source countries/regions to work in certain industries including construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process, and services sector. Companies need to meet the Work Permit requirements, including medical insurance, security bond, quota, and levy.

Key Facts

  • Who is this for? Semi-skilled workers who meet the eligibility criteria.
  • Who can apply? An employer or appointed employment agent needs to apply for the permit.
  • What is the duration? Valid for 1 to 2 years and can be renewed.
  • Is there a quota and levy? Yes. Employers are limited by a quota for their industry and have to pay a monthly levy for each worker.

Medical Insurance

As an employer, you need to buy a medical insurance plan for each migrant worker you employ. You also need to submit the insurance details online before the Work Permit can be issued.

You must buy and maintain medical insurance coverage of at least $15,000 per year for each Work Permit holder.

You can have a co-pay arrangement with the Work Permit holder only if all of the following are met:

  • The co-pay amount is reasonable and does not exceed 10% of the worker’s monthly salary.
  • The duration co-payment does not exceed 6 months.
  • The co-payment option is explicitly in the employment contract or collective agreement and has the worker’s full consent.

Foreign Worker Levy

You are limited by a quota for your industry and must pay the monthly foreign worker levy for each Work Permit holder you employ.  The levy liability will start from the day the Temporary Work Permit or Work Permit is issued, whichever is earlier. It ends when the permit is cancelled or expires. 

  • The levy depends on the worker’s qualifications and the number of Work Permit or S Pass holders hired.
  • Levy requirements by sector: You can find them here.
  • Workers who possess relevant academic or skills-based test qualifications and certificates will be considered higher-skilled workers and qualify for higher-skilled worker levy.

Application & Processing time

  • Non-Malaysian workers cannot be in Singapore during the Work Permit application.
  • If this is the first time your company is applying for a Work Permit, you need to declare your business activity.
  • The Work Permit duration is usually 2 years, but it may be shorter depending on validity of the worker’s passport and the duration of the security bond. More can be found here.
Step Who does this When Result
Submit an application Employer or EA Process within 1 week. Some cases will take more time. In-principle approval or rejection letter
Prepare for workers’ arrival Employer or EA Security bond, insurance, etc.
Get the permit issued Employer or EA Notification letter
Register fingerprints and photo (if required) Candidate Within 1 week after pass is issued (if required) Acknowledgment of card delivery
Receive the card Employer or authorised recipients Within 5 working days after registration or document verification Work Permit card

Work Permit Renewal

  • When to renew? 7 to 12 weeks before the permit expires.
  • Who can renew? Employer or appointed employment agent (EA).
  • How long does it take? The outcome is immediate.
  • What is the duration? The Work Permit is usually valid for 2 years.

Work Permit for Migrant Domestic Workers

Overview

The Work Permit for migrant domestic workers allows foreign unskilled labor force from approved Asian countries to pursue employment in Singapore. Companies need to meet the Work Permit requirements, including medical insurance, security bond, quota and levy.

Key Facts

  • Who is this for? Foreigners employed as domestic helpers in Singapore. Both employers and helpers must meet the eligibility criteria.
  • Who can apply? Employer, sponsor, or authorised employment agent needs to apply for the Work Permit.
  • What is the duration? Up to 2 years depending on the validity of the security bond.
  • Is there a levy? Yes. Employers are limited by a quota for their industry and have to pay a monthly levy for each worker.

Medical Insurance

Before the helper arrives in Singapore, employers must buy medical insurance and personal accident insurance as part of your medical obligations. You cannot pass on the cost of purchasing the insurance to your helper.

You need to buy medical insurance with a coverage of at least $15,000 per year for inpatient care and day surgery during your helper’s stay in Singapore.

The personal accident insurance purchased for your helper must meet all of these requirements:

  • Have a sum assured of at least $60,000 per year.
  • Cover sudden, unforeseen and unexpected incidents resulting in permanent disability or death.
  • Not contain extra exclusion clauses that are not in the Employment of Foreign Manpower Regulations.

Medical Insurance

You must pay a monthly levy for your migrant domestic worker (MDW). You may also qualify for a levy concession and apply for a levy waiver in certain situations.

For first-time helpers, the levy will begin on the 5th day of their arrival (including the arrival date). Otherwise, the levy will begin the next day after the helper arrives. 

As an employer, you don’t have to pay Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions for your helper. However, you must pay a monthly levy. The levy ends when the Work Permit is canceled or expires.

Type of levy Monthly rate Daily rate
Normal (1st helper) $300 $9.87
Normal (Subsequent helpers) N$450 $14.80
Concessionary $60 $1.98

Application & Processing time

Step Who does this When Result
Submit an application Employer or EA Process within 1 week. Some cases will take more time. In-principle approval or rejection letter
Prepare for MDW’s arrival Employer or EA Security bond, insurance, etc.
Get the permit issued Employer or EA Within 2 weeks from helper’s arrival or 7 days from Stay-Home Notice completion Temporary Work Permit
Register fingerprints and photo (if required) Candidate Within 1 week after pass is issued (if required) Acknowledgment of card delivery
Receive the card Employer or EA Within 5 working days after registration or document verification Work Permit card

Work Permit Renewal

  • When to renew? After you receive the renewal letter, you can renew your helper’s Work Permit online. You should receive the letter about 8 weeks before the Work Permit expires.
  • Who can renew? Employer or appointed employment agent (EA).
  • How long does it take? The outcome is immediate.
  • What is the duration? The Work Permit is usually valid for 2 years.