Singapore has completely overhauled their work visa system in 2025, which poses both advantages and challenges for professional foreigners. The visa system comes with stricter measures and enhanced compliance requirements which foreign employees and potential professionals targeting for opportunities in the Lion City must be abreast with.
Exponential Growth of SEligibility Criteria!
From January 2025, the Employment Pass (EP) minimum payment for different sectors will increase to S$5600, with employees in the financial services earning S6200. Certain payment brackets increase with age as well, and professionals over 45 will need to be earning 10,700 for general sectors and 11,800 in financial services.
COMPASS System: More Than Just Salary!
Singapore is still enforcing its Complementary Assessment Framework (COMPASS) for applicants which requires scoring at least 40 points from six assessment areas. The various factors evaluated in the system includes your salary, your qualifications, the impact on diversity, local employment support, employment in local skill shortages, and the company’s relevance to Singapore’s economy.
Work Permit Duration: A Major Breakthrough!
In a positive change, Singapore has abolished the previously existing maximum employment duration for Work Permit holders. This modification greatly enhances job security for semi-skilled workers in the construction, manufacturing, and service sectors that used to work under time restrictions.
Specialized Passes for Entrepreneurs and High Earners!
In addition to standard work visas, Singapore also provides the EntrePass, meant for more innovative entrepreneurs, and the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) for high-earning professionals who desire more flexibility in their employment. These two specialized work visas cater to targeted high value professionals and entrepreneurs.
Application Requirements and Process!
Employers located in Singapore must submit their applications through the Ministry of Manpower portal after posting the job on MyCareersFuture for a minimum of two weeks. Other documents required include a valid passport, educational and professional qualifications, and the employment contract.
Singapore will change its work visa policies in 2025. This change will help Singapore keep its leadership role in Asia as a world business center. Singapore has always attracted foreign talent which does not compete with Singaporeans for jobs.