Singapore Visa Sponsorship Jobs for Indians: How Hiring Works

So the real question is not how to get a visa, but whether the job you are offered can clear MOM's rules. The figures below are as published on the official sources, checked on 15 October 2026. For visit visas, transit rules and Authorised Visa Agents, see our Singapore visa guide for Indians.

Who applies for the work pass: you or the employer?

For the three main work passes, the employer is the applicant and you are the candidate.

• Employment Pass (EP): the employer or an appointed employment agent applies online to MOM, with your written consent. You do not need to be in Singapore. An overseas company without a Singapore-registered office must apply through a local sponsor.
• S Pass: the employer or an appointed employment agent applies. The employer is subject to a quota and a levy and must provide medical insurance.
• Work Permit: the employer or employment agent applies, and non-Malaysian workers cannot be in Singapore during the application.
• EntrePass: the exception. Founders, innovators and investors can apply directly.

The High Commission in New Delhi and the Consulates-General in Mumbai and Chennai handle visit visas through Authorised Visa Agents. They do not process work passes.

Which pass will your job offer fall under?

MOM says the EP and S Pass application fees are paid by the employer or employment agent when applying.

What must an Employment Pass job clear before MOM approves it?

An EP application passes through two stages, and failing the first ends it.

1. Fair Consideration Framework: unless exempt, the employer must advertise the job on MyCareersFuture for at least 14 consecutive days and consider all candidates fairly.
2. Stage 1, qualifying salary: at least SGD 5,600 a month, rising with age from 23 up to SGD 10,700 at 45 and above. Candidates below this are not eligible, whatever their COMPASS points.
3. Stage 2, COMPASS: at least 40 points. Salary against local PMET benchmarks gives 20 (90th percentile and above), 10 (65th to below 90th) or 0. Qualifications give 20 for degrees from top-ranked or highly reputed institutions, 10 for other degree-equivalent qualifications, and 0 without a degree. Diversity and support for local employment give 0, 10 or 20 each. A Shortage Occupation List role adds 10 or 20, and Strategic Economic Priorities add 10.

You can pass COMPASS without a degree by scoring 40 from the other criteria. Roles paying a fixed SGD 22,500 a month or more, intra-corporate transfers and roles of 1 month or less are exempt from COMPASS.

If your start date slips into 2027, note the dated change: for new EP applications from 1 Jan 2027, the qualifying salary rises to SGD 6,000, going up to SGD 11,500 at 45 and above. Separately, experienced tech professionals in shortage occupations can get a 5-year EP; for new applications from 1 Jan 2025 the floor is SGD 10,700 at age 36 and below, rising to SGD 14,270 at 45 and above.

Can Indians get Work Permit jobs in construction or factories?

Yes, within limits. MOM lists India as an approved Non-Traditional Source (NTS) for the construction, marine shipyard and process sectors. In manufacturing and services, NTS workers can only be hired for occupations on the NTS Occupation List.

• You must be at least 18 and below 62 when the employer applies; Work Permit holders can work until 64.
• The employer buys a security bond and medical insurance, pays a monthly levy and works within a sector quota.
• The permit usually lasts up to 2 years, and family members get no passes.
• After arrival you take a medical examination within 2 weeks.

How does the hiring timeline run from offer to first day?

1. The employer advertises the role, unless exempt, and you accept the offer.
2. You sign written consent and send your documents.
3. The employer applies online to MOM and pays the application fee.
4. MOM processes an EP or S Pass, or gives an update, within 10 business days.
5. Approval comes as an in-principle approval (IPA) letter, which is a pre-approved single-entry visa. EP candidates get 6 months to enter Singapore; S Pass candidates get 60 days.
6. After you arrive, the employer gets the pass issued online. Fingerprint and photo registration, if required, is within 2 weeks, and the card arrives within 5 working days of registration or document verification.

Which documents will the employer ask you for?

MOM's Employment Pass checklist asks the employer to upload these, so expect requests for them:

• The personal particulars page of your passport, with an explanation letter and supporting papers if your name differs across documents.
• Verification proof for your degree, if the employer claims COMPASS qualification points.
• Documents from the relevant professional body for regulated jobs such as doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists and lawyers.
• English translations of non-English documents, uploaded with the original as one file.
• Your written consent to the application.

The employer adds its own latest business profile registered with ACRA.

What should you check before accepting a sponsored offer?

• Salary against your age: an offer below the Stage 1 figure for your age band cannot lead to an EP.
• Who the employer is: an overseas company without a Singapore office applies through a local sponsor, and MOM gives 6 weeks for most such cases.
• Family plans: on an S Pass, a Dependant's Pass for your spouse and children needs a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 6,000.
• Pass length: a first EP or S Pass runs up to 2 years, and up to 3 years on renewal.

Travelling to Singapore for interviews on a visit visa? Yatra For Fun's India office in Gurugram prepares flight reservations, hotel bookings, itineraries and cover letters, from INR 1,000 for a flight reservation to INR 3,000 for the full set. WhatsApp +91 95230 91018 or reach us through our contact page.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for a Singapore Employment Pass myself from India?

No. MOM says the employer or an appointed employment agent applies, with your written consent. The EntrePass is the work pass a candidate can apply for directly.

Do I need a separate Singapore visa to travel for my new job?

MOM's in-principle approval (IPA) letter is a pre-approved single-entry visa. Employment Pass candidates have 6 months to enter Singapore and get the pass issued, and S Pass candidates have 60 days.

How long is a first Singapore Employment Pass valid?

Up to 2 years for first-time candidates and up to 3 years on renewal. The S Pass follows the same 2-year and 3-year limits.

Can Work Permit holders bring family to Singapore?

No. MOM states that no passes are issued for family members of Work Permit holders. The permit usually lasts up to 2 years.