Icon

Singapore employment pass and Singapore student pass: changes to the procedure for obtaining permits in 2024

Work
Education
Residence permit
Expats
Employment
Singapore
Singapore employment pass and Singapore student pass: changes to the procedure for obtaining permits in 2024

Singapore has updated the procedure for obtaining a work permit and simplified the rules for obtaining a residence permit based on a student visa. Find out what will change for expats and when the new rules will come into effect

Order an insurance policy for safe travel, stay or work abroad
Order an insurance policy for safe travel, stay or work abroad
BUY


Singapore's migration policy is aimed at attracting highly qualified specialists and young talents. That is why the state is actively working on changing the rules for obtaining study and work permits. The new rules for foreigners in Singapore, which were approved in 2024, are discussed below.


Singapore Employment Pass



Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has announced significant changes in the procedure for submitting documents for an Employment Pass - a Singapore work permit. In particular, the salary benchmarks for obtaining a permit were updated. The new criteria will affect both new applications for work permits and the procedure for renewing existing documents.

According to government officials, such changes can ensure that Singaporean companies hire the best workers.

Salary benchmarks will work according to the COMPASS point system.


Importantly! An Employment Pass (EP) is a work permit issued by the Singapore government to foreign professionals wishing to work there. To qualify, you usually need to meet certain salary thresholds and have relevant qualifications.


Changes to the salary threshold for obtaining a work permit in Singapore


For both new applications and renewals, candidates will need to meet the following qualifying salary thresholds:

1. General Sectors - At least S$5,600 per month (currently S$5,000 per month).

2. Financial Services - At least S$6,200 per month (currently S$5,600 per month).


- When will the new wage rates in Singapore come into effect?


1. For new applicants

The previous indicators of the wage level will remain valid until December 31, 2024. That is, the revised salary benchmarks will apply to all initial EP applications from 1 January 2025 onwards.


2. To extend the work permit

For EP renewal applications, the current table will apply to passes expiring between September 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. The new indicators will be applied after July 1, 2025.


 COMPASS scoring system for evaluating applicants


At the same time, the Singaporean authorities announced a strengthening of the rules for participation in the Employment Pass immigration scheme, introducing the COMPASS points system.


Expats applying for an Employment Pass will be awarded points based on various criteria:

- Education and skills – points are awarded based on the candidate's education, qualifications and professional skills, etc.

- Contribution to development - points are awarded if the hiring of the applicant will make a significant contribution to the expansion, diversity and inclusion of the hiring company (in terms of citizenship of the staff and other points).

- Salary – candidates receive points if their salary exceeds the salary of 65% of local workers in similar positions.


To obtain an Employment Pass (EP), employers must accumulate at least 40 COMPASS points.

Professionals earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500 are exempt from COMPASS,

The new procedure will start in September 2024.




In order to safely move, travel or work in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can issue an extended policy on our website using the link.




Singapore Student Pass




New rules for obtaining a permanent residence permit for foreign students


The Singapore authorities have simplified the procedure for obtaining a permanent residence permit for foreign students.

Under the new rules, Student Pass holders can now apply for permanent residency in Singapore if:

1. Passed at least one national exam – the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) or the General Certificate of Education (GCE) exam with grades “N”, “O” or “ A".

2. They attend courses on adaptation to the local community within the framework of the Integrated Program (English: Integrated Program) - this is a six-year course that ends with: the GCE exam (grade “A” is required), the International Baccalaureate diploma (English: International Baccalaureate; IB ) or obtaining a certificate of general secondary education at the National University of Singapore (English: National University of Singapore; NUS).


Previously, a foreigner had to study in Singapore for at least 2 years to be eligible for a permanent residence permit.


- What are the benefits of a foreign student with a permanent residence permit in Singapore?


Based on the document, an expat can live, work and travel to and from Singapore without visa restrictions. In particular, permanent residents can safely work in Singapore companies without the need for periodic visa extensions.


Importantly! However, before applying for a permanent residence permit in Singapore, an overseas student must obtain a Student Pass. The procedure for obtaining a permit has not changed. Foreigners admitted to full-time studies in Singapore receive a Student Pass.


Changes to guardian visas for international students


The Singaporean authorities have expanded the range of persons who are entitled to receive a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) based on accompanying relatives studying in Singapore after obtaining a Student Pass.

Male guardians (father, grandfather, great-grandfather) were added to the list of persons.

Previously, only female guardians (mother, grandmother, great-grandmother) could apply for LTVP on this basis. This change allows a guardian, regardless of gender, to accompany and support the student during the course of study in Singapore.


Importantly! Only one guardian is allowed to accompany the student.


Further changes in visa policy reflect Singapore's commitment to attracting and retaining talented foreigners, while revised salary benchmarks and Employment Pass eligibility criteria demonstrate the country's continued efforts to balance business needs with the development of a strong local workforce.


We will remind you! A high standard of living, a developed economy and high-quality social security attract expats from different parts of the world to Singapore. Read in this article where foreigners work in Singapore, what conditions and what types of visas are available for moving.





Ihor Usyk - head of Visit World's legal department


To simplify moving abroad, as well as facilitate the employment procedure, consult a migration specialist. We help solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in any corner of the world.



Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:


Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents for Singapore;

Legal advice on immigration to Singapore;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Singapore;

Medical insurance all over the world.




We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information. Therefore, if you see any error or discrepancy, please write to our hotline.

Recommended articles

3 min

Work Job in Slovakia for expats in 2024: work permit, job search and changes to migration legislation

Job in Slovakia for expats in 2024: work permit, job search and changes to migration legislation

Slovakia is known for its breathtaking scenery and historical sites, but you may not know that it is also home to a thriving market economy. Due to the low cost of living and job opportunities, the country offers good prospects for career growth. Find out what it takes to get a job here in 2024

23 sie. 2024

More details

2 min

Work Which country is best for working visa? Top 6 places with the best conditions for expats

Which country is best for working visa? Top 6 places with the best conditions for expats

Working abroad can be a good experience for personal and career development. However, finding the perfect place can be quite difficult, as well as getting a work visa. Find out which countries offer the best work visas in the world and what the conditions for obtaining a permit are

15 sie. 2024

More details

2 min

Education Increase in fees for international student visas in Australia: what is known

Increase in fees for international student visas in Australia: what is known

The Australian government has decided to increase fees for international student visas by 125%. This innovation should reduce the record high levels of migration. Learn more about the cost of a student visa in Australia

10 lip. 2024

More details

1 min

Work Lithuania introduced stricter requirements for foreign workers: what has changed for expats and employers in 2024?

Lithuania introduced stricter requirements for foreign workers: what has changed for expats and employers in 2024?

Lithuania continues to struggle with excessive migration, which is why it recently adopted new rules for the employment of foreigners. Find out what has changed in the country for employers and expats since July 1

03 sie. 2024

More details