Singapore Work Visa for Indians in 2026 : Fees, Eligibility, New Salary Rules
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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
- What is COMPASS Framework?
- Benefits of Singapore Employment Pass
- Who Can Apply for Employment Pass in Singapore?
- How to Apply for a Singapore Work Visa from India?
- Singapore Work Visa Fee for Indians
- Common Reasons for Singapore Work Visa Rejection
- FAQs Related to Singapore Work Visa
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:
| Work Pass Type | Minimum Monthly Salary (2025) | Who is Eligible / Key Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass (EP) |
|
|
| S Pass |
|
|
| Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) | SGD 22,500+ (Fixed Monthly) |
|
| EntrePass | No fixed salary requirement |
|
| Work Permit | No minimum (Market Rate) |
|
Note that eligibility criteria and application process for all these types of Singapore work visas are different. Applicants need to be sure that they fall in certain criteria before applying for a work pass in Singapore.
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What is COMPASS Framework?
As of 2025, all new Employment Pass (EP) applications must pass the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). This points based system ensures that foreign professionals contribute in 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 high compared to local Singaporean professionals in your sector.
- C2. Qualifications (Individual): You earn points for your academic degree.
- 20 Points: Degree from a "Top-Tier" institution.
- 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.
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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.
- 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.
Who Can Apply for Employment Pass in Singapore?
Not everyone can apply for the employment pass in Singapore. There are certain eligibility criteria for it, such as a strong academic background, and a job offer with at least SGD 5,000 (INR 3.08 Lakhs Approx.) per month salary. Here we have listed point-wise eligibility to apply for the Singapore Employment Pass:
- Salary Range- The first eligibility is that you should have a job with at least SGD 5,600 at the age of 23 and increases progressively up to SGD 10,700 at the age of 45..
- Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS): This is the second eligibility criterion, where students need to score well on the COMPASS point-based system to be eligible for getting an employment pass.
- Education Qualification- Now, this is not an official eligibility but having a degree from top-ranked universities will increase your chances of getting an employment pass.
- Job Offer- An Indian student who wants to work in Singapore should have a job offer for a professional or managerial position.
This is the complete list of visa requirements for Indian citizens. Now, let us proceed to understand the application process.
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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
- 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 6.4 K) 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 do some additional expenses such as medical examination fees and more. Here we have mentioned fees according to the type of work visas in Singapore.
| Pass Type | Application Fee (Non-Refundable) |
Issuance Fee (Paid Upon Approval) |
Total Cost (SGD) | Total Cost (INR Approx)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass (EP) | SGD 105 | SGD 225 | SGD 330 | 20,800 |
| S Pass | SGD 105 | SGD 100 | SGD 205 | 12,900 |
| Work Permit | SGD 35 | SGD 35 | SGD 70 | 4,400 |
| EntrePass | SGD 105 | SGD 225 | SGD 330 | 20,800 |
*Conversion Rate Estimate: 1 SGD = INR 63.
Source: Official Website of MOM Singapore
Common Reasons for Singapore Work Visa Rejection
The Ministry of Manpower of Singapore (MOM) thoroughly reviews every work visa application. They ensure that only eligible candidates receive a work visa for Singapore. Due to this, they decline approval for visa applications from those who are not qualified enough. Here are some frequent reasons why Indian applicants may face rejection for a Singapore work visa:
- Insufficient Experience: Candidate is less qualified for the job requirements.
- Less Salary: MOM sets a minimum salary for different work visa types. Get salary more than that limit and your application will get approval.
- Incorrect Documents: The most common reason is missing or inaccurate documents.
- Lack of Job Relevance: If a candidate’s past experience doesn’t align with the job role. Then application won't be approved.
- Previous Violations History: If you have violated any immigration rule ever, then this can lead to more scrutiny and possible rejection.
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.
FAQs Related to Singapore Work Visa
Financial independence, help cover living costs, improve communication and teamwork skills are the biggest advantages of part time jobs in Singapore for students. It gives valuable professional exposure, and enables you to build a local network. This experience is helpful for future career prospects in Singapore or globally.
Yes, Singapore is extremely safe for Indian students. It is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities globally. Crime rate here is low. Laws are strict. You will find a secure environment with an efficient police force and a large, welcoming Indian community.
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Yes, Indians can apply for a Singapore work visa, only if they have a secure, valid job offer. The Singapore employer who will offer you job must file the application on your behalf. Approval depends on meeting eligibility, educational qualifications, and minimum salary requirements.