Singapore Work Permit Visa for Indians: Eligibility, Requirements, Fees

So your dream is to get a high-paying Job in Singapore? Completing your education and getting a job offer letter is not final destination for you. As a student or professional, you need to understand process of getting a Singapore work visa for Indians.

A Singapore work visa or work pass is a legal document that allows foreign nationals to work in Singapore. It is mandatory for anyone who wants employment in Singapore. There are several types of work passes in Singapore. Employment Pass, S Pass, and Work Permit are for different skill levels and job roles.

Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in world. International workforce and high paying jobs attract working professionals from across the world, including India. This is the main reason behind, Indian students want to work after studying in Singapore.

It is a safe country to live in. The crime rate here is low. Laws are strict here. In short, it checks every box to be one of the best countries to migrate from India. This blog will be helpful for you. Here, we have covered details that you should know about securing a Singapore work visa for Indians, including costs and key details involved.

Singapore Work Visa for Indians

Many international students are studying different courses offered by universities in Singapore. Only these students will get a post-study work visa to find jobs here. The post-study work visas in Singapore are different from the work visa. The Singapore work visa is commonly known as "Work Pass". A foreign citizen who wants to work in Singapore must apply for a valid work pass before work starts.

Types of Work Passes in Singapore

There are different types of work visas, or work passes, in Singapore. Here we have mentioned some of the types below:

Note that eligibility criteria and application process for all these types of Singapore work visas are different. Applicants need to ensure they meet certain criteria before applying for a work pass in Singapore.

What is COMPASS Framework?

As of 2026, all new Employment Pass (EP) applications must pass the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). This points-based system ensures that foreign professionals contribute to the workforce of Singapore. To get an EP, you need to score at least 40 points across four foundational criteria:

• C1. Salary (Individual): You earn points if your fixed monthly salary is higher than that of local Singaporean professionals in your sector.
• C2. Qualifications (Individual): You earn points for your academic degree.
  • 20 Points: Degree from one of top universities in Singapore.
  • 10 Points: Degree equivalent qualification from other recognized universities.
• C3. Diversity: You score higher if your nationality (Indian) forms a small percentage of your employer's company. If your nationality makes up less than 5% of their professional staff, you get 20 points.
• C4. Support for Local Employment: You score points if your employer hires a healthy number of local Singaporeans compared to other companies in their industry.

Exemption: Candidates earning a fixed monthly salary of SGD 22,500 or more are exempted from the COMPASS requirement.

Benefits of Singapore Employment Pass

There are multiple benefits of an Employment Pass for Indian students. We have listed some of them below:

• More Valued Work Experience: Having an EP or Employment pass increases the value of you and your work experience.
• Can Bring Dependents: It allows you to bring your dependents (Spouse and Children) to Singapore. However, there are some conditions for it. If you are still a student, check out how to study abroad with your spouse.
• More Earning Potential: An EP unlocks your earning potential as you get managerial jobs with an amount of SGD 5,500+ as a monthly salary.

Can Indians Apply for Employment Pass in Singapore?

Yes, Indian professionals can apply for the Employment Pass (EP) to work in Singapore in 2026. This visa is for managers, executives, and specialists. To get this pass, you must meet certain rules set by the Singapore government.

Eligibility for Employment Pass Singapore

To qualify for an EP in 2026, you must meet these key requirements:

• Salary Requirement: You need a minimum fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 5,600 (INR 4.07 Lakhs Approx.). If you work in the finance sector, the minimum is SGD 6,200. Older, more experienced workers need a higher salary.

• Job Offer: You must have a confirmed job offer from a company registered in Singapore before you apply.

• Education Qualification: You should have a degree from a recognized university. This is not an official eligibility, but having a degree from top-ranked universities will increase your chances of getting an employment pass.

• COMPASS System: Your application must pass a points-based system called COMPASS. You need at least 40 points based on your salary, qualifications, and the company's diversity.

• Work Experience: Having relevant work experience in your field makes your application much stronger.

Your employer or a chosen agent must apply for the Employment Pass for you. You cannot apply for it yourself. Remember that these rules can change, so always check for the latest updates.

How to Apply for a Singapore Work Visa from India?

A common misconception among Indian applicants is that they can apply for Singapore work visa themselves. This is incorrect. You cannot apply for a Singapore Work Pass on your own. Your employer (or an appointed employment agent) must submit the application on your behalf.

Step-by-Step Application Process

• Secure a Job Offer: You must first be hired by a Singapore based company.
• Employer Submits Application: Your employer submits the application via the EP Online (for Employment Pass) or WP Online (for Work Permits) portal. You do not need to be in Singapore for this.
• Receive the IPA Letter: Once approved, Ministry of Manpower (MOM) issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. The IPA letter acts as a pre-approved single-entry visa.
• Arrival & Card Issuance: Upon arriving in Singapore, you must complete a medical exam (if required). Your employer will then make an appointment for your fingerprint registration.
• Receive Your Pass Card: After biometrics, your official Work Pass card will be delivered to your office within 4-5 working days.

List of Required Documents for Work Visa

Listed below are the Singapore work visa documents required:

• Valid Passport of the applicant
• Work Visa Application form
• Job offer letter copy
• Academics certificate
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Work Experience (If required)
• Medical report
• Proof of your financial source
• Passport size Photographs

Singapore Work Visa Fee for Indians

At the time of applying for a work visa (employment pass), applicants need to pay the SGD 105 (INR 7,555) as the Singapore work visa price either through GIRO, Visa, Mastercard, or Amex. This is a non-refundable fee. Apart from this, you need to incur some additional expenses, such as medical examination fees and more. Here we have mentioned fees according to the type of work visas in Singapore.

Source: Official Website of MOM Singapore

Common Reasons for Singapore Work Visa Rejection

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) strictly reviews every application for a Singapore Work Visa for Indians. To secure approval in 2026, you must meet updated salary and skill benchmarks. Below are the most frequent reasons applications are declined:

• Low Salary: Applications fail if the fixed monthly salary is below the 2026 minimum of SGD 5,600 for Employment Pass (EP) or SGD 3,300 for S Pass. Financial sector roles require higher thresholds.
• Education Mismatch: MOM uses the COMPASS framework to score your qualifications. Rejection occurs if your degree is from an unrecognised institution or is unrelated to your job role.
• Employer Quota Issues: For S Pass and Work Permits, your employer must have enough "quota" for foreign workers. If the company exceeds its limit, your visa will be rejected regardless of your skills.
• Incorrect Documentation: Missing signatures, unverified certificates, or inconsistent details in your resume and application form are major red flags.
• Security or Health Concerns: A history of immigration violations or failing the mandatory medical examination for infectious diseases will lead to an immediate ban.

That's all about the work visa in Singapore. We hope that you have got all the information that you are looking for. If you have any queries related to this topic, please feel free to contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors, or the comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.