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Key Facts on Work Permit for migrant worker

Get an overview and key facts about the Work Permit for migrant workers.

Pass Facts

Who it is for	Workers from approved source countries/regions working in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process or services sector. Find out the eligibility criteria.
Who can apply	An employer or appointed employment agent needs to apply for the permit.
Minimum/maximum age	At least 18 years old, and below 61 years old when applying for the Work Permit.
Qualifying salary	No minimum required.
What is the duration	Up to 2 years, depending on the validity of the worker’s passport, security bond and employment period.
Is it renewable	Yes. Find out how to renew.
Passes for family	Not available.
Quota and levy	Yes. Employers are limited by a quota for their industry and have to pay a monthly levy for each worker. Find out the quota and levy requirements.
Medical insurance	Employers must provide medical insurance.
Primary Care Plan (PCP)	Employers must complete all of the following: After getting the in-principle approval (IPA) or renewal letter, buy the PCP for workers who either: Stay in dormitories that can accommodate 7 or more workers Work in CMP sectors Before the Work Permit can be issued or renewed, declare the PCP purchase on WP Online.
Relevant legislation	Conditions of Work Pass Employment of Foreign Manpower Act
Related eServices and forms	Access online services and forms for Work Permit.

Pass map

Get an idea of what you need to do before, during and after you apply for a Work Permit.

Step 1 of 5

Before applying

Step 2 of 5

Before arrival

Step 3 of 5

Upon arrival

Step 4 of 5

Monthly

Step 5 of 5

When required

Step 1 of 5

Before Applying

Understand the general requirements and sector-specific rules to apply.

Understand the foreign worker quota and levy requirements.

If you have never applied for a Work Permit, you need to declare your business activity.

For first-time employers

Step 2 of 5

Before worker’s arrival

Apply for Work Permit

Apply for the Work Permit. Once approved, you will get an in-principle approval (IPA) to bring the worker into Singapore.

Apply for Work Permit

Ensure that the worker complies with the latest travel requirements.

Book a slot at the Onboard centre before securing your worker’s flight.

For all non-Malaysian male CMP Work Permit holders on IPA

Buy a security bond.

For non-Malaysian Work Permit holders

Buy medical insurance for each Work Permit holder and submit the insurance details online.

Buy the Primary Care Plan.

For workers who stay in dormitories or work in CMP sectors.

Register the worker for the Settling-in Programme (SIP) once you know their arrival date.

For employers of all non-Malaysian Work Permit holders in the manufacturing sector and female CMP workers.

Step 3 of 5

Upon worker’s arrival

Before permit can be issued

Send the worker to the Onboard centre directly after they arrive in Singapore.

For employers of all non-Malaysian male CMP Work Permit holders on IPA

Send the worker to attend SIP within first 14 days of arrival in Singapore.

For employers of all non-Malaysian Work Permit holders in the manufacturing sector and female CMP workers

Send the worker for a medical examination by a Singapore-registered doctor within 2 weeks of arrival.

Get the Work Permit issued

When the worker arrives, you can get the permit issued and you will get a notification letter stating whether registration is required.

If required, make an appointment for the worker to register their fingerprints and photo.

Receive the Work Permit card at the address provided 4 working days after registration or document verification.

Step 4 of 5

Monthly

Pay the foreign worker levy by GIRO.

Step 5 of 5

As and when required

Notify MOM if the company’s or worker’s information changes.

You can apply for levy waiver in certain situations.

Renew the Work Permit before it expires.

Apply for a replacement if the permit card is lost, stolen or damaged.

Cancel the permit if the worker no longer works for you.

Cancel the worker’s PCP by contacting your PCP Anchor Operator.

Note: Pass holders may be required to pay income tax.