Work Permit in Singapore
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Singapore Acts of Parliament, subsidiary legislation, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
The Work Permit is for semi-skilled foreign workers in specific sectors:
- Sectors: Construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process, services, and domestic work (Foreign Domestic Workers / FDWs).
- No minimum salary (unlike EP and S Pass), but the employer must comply with EFMA conditions including housing, medical, and salary payment requirements.
- Source countries: Workers must be from approved source countries (varies by sector — e.g., Malaysia, China, India, Bangladesh, Philippines, etc.).
- Employer levy: Monthly levy ranges from $300 to $950 depending on sector and quota tier.
- Duration: Up to 2 years; renewable subject to the worker's age limit (varies by nationality and sector).
When does it apply?
- You are a semi-skilled foreign worker employed in one of the specified sectors.
- Your employer must apply for the Work Permit on your behalf.
What to Do If Your Singapore Employer Is Not Paying Your Salary or Retaining Your Passport
- Know your employer's obligations: They must pay your salary on time (within 7 days of salary period), provide acceptable accommodation, and pay for your medical treatment.
- If your employer fails to pay your salary, file a claim with TADM/ECT — foreign workers have the same salary claim rights as locals.
- If you are a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW), your employer must provide you with a rest day every week (or compensation in lieu) and adequate food and accommodation.
- Report abuse or exploitation to MOM (6438 5122) or the Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC).
What should you NOT do?
- Don't pay recruitment fees beyond what is permitted — MOM limits the amount an employment agent can charge a worker.
- Don't surrender your passport to your employer — it is illegal for employers to retain workers' passports.
- Don't work for anyone other than your employer — this is a criminal offence for both you and the unauthorised employer.
Common Questions
Is there a minimum salary for a Singapore Work Permit?
No — unlike the EP and S Pass, the Work Permit has no minimum salary. However, employers must comply with EFMA conditions including salary payment within 7 days of the salary period, acceptable housing, and medical coverage. Employer levies range from S$300 to S$950 per month depending on sector and quota tier.
What rights do Foreign Domestic Workers have in Singapore?
FDWs must receive a weekly rest day (or compensation in lieu), adequate food and accommodation, and medical coverage. Employers cannot retain workers' passports — this is illegal. Report abuse or exploitation to MOM on 6438 5122 or the Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC). FDWs can file salary claims at TADM with the same rights as local workers.
Can my Singapore employer keep my passport?
No. It is illegal for employers to retain workers' passports. Do not surrender your passport to your employer. Also do not pay recruitment fees beyond what is permitted — MOM limits the amount an employment agent can charge a worker. If wages are withheld, file a claim at TADM/ECT — foreign workers have the same salary claim rights as locals.
When does it apply — work permit?
You are a semi-skilled foreign worker employed in one of the specified sectors.Your employer must apply for the Work Permit on your behalf.
What should I do if my employer in Singapore is withholding my salary, keeping my passport, or mistreating me as a Work Permit holder?
Know your employer's obligations: They must pay your salary on time (within 7 days of salary period), provide acceptable accommodation, and pay for your medical treatment.If your employer fails to pay your salary, file a claim with TADM/ECT — foreign workers have the same salary claim rights as locals.If you are a Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW), your employer must provide you with a rest day every week (or compensation in lieu) and adequate food and accommodation.Report abuse or exploitation to MOM (6438 5122) or the Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC).
What should you NOT do — work permit?
Don't pay recruitment fees beyond what is permitted — MOM limits the amount an employment agent can charge a worker.Don't surrender your passport to your employer — it is illegal for employers to retain workers' passports.Don't work for anyone other than your employer — this is a criminal offence for both you and the unauthorised employer.