Hiring Foreign Workers in Singapore
Making It Simple to Hire Foreign Employees in Singapore
Hiring foreign workers in Singapore is a great way to bring in new skills and expertise to help your business grow. But navigating the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations can feel like a bit of a challenge. From work passes to eligibility criteria, there’s a lot to keep track of to make sure everything is above board.
That’s where Trinity Pass comes in. We’re here to make the whole process of hiring foreign workers as easy and stress-free as possible. Our team knows the MOM regulations inside out, so you can rest easy knowing you’re always compliant.
Whether you’re hiring skilled professionals, technicians, or other workers, Trinity Pass has got you covered from start to finish.
When is a Work Pass Required?
If you're hiring foreign workers in Singapore, they must have a valid work pass before they can start working. This is a requirement set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), and as an employer, it’s your job to ensure everything is done properly.
To keep things simple, you’ll need to apply for the right foreign employee work pass based on the job, the worker's qualifications, and the sector you’re in. Missing this step could result in penalties, so it’s important to stay on top of it.
Here’s a quick guide to the main types of work passes:
You’ll also want to be aware of the Employment Act and the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, which set out the rights of foreign workers and your responsibilities as an employer. These laws cover everything from working hours to salary requirements, and ensuring compliance will keep everything running smoothly.
The good news is, we’re here to help guide you through it all, so you don’t have to worry.
Employment Pass Application Requirements
Applying for an Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore? You’ll need to meet a two-stage eligibility framework. First, you must earn at least the EP qualifying salary, which is based on the top one-third of local PMET salaries by age. Then, unless exempted, you’ll need to pass the points-based Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). If the salary requirement isn’t met, COMPASS won’t apply, and the application won’t be eligible.
COMPASS Exemptions
Some candidates don’t need to go through COMPASS if they:
- Earn a fixed monthly salary of at least $22,500 (qualifying for the Fair Consideration Framework exemption).
- Are applying as an overseas intra-corporate transferee.
- Are taking on a role for one month or less.
At Trinity Pass, we simplify the EP application process, ensuring you meet all requirements and guiding you through every step. Whether you need help assessing eligibility or navigating COMPASS, we’re here to make it easier for you.
Types of Work Passes & Eligibility
When you're thinking about hiring foreign workers in Singapore, one of the first things you need to know is which work pass your employee will need. It all depends on their skill set, the industry, and how much they’ll be earning. Let’s take a closer look at the different passes available:
Work Permit for Migrant Workers
If you're looking to hire foreign workers in Singapore, the Work Permit is likely the pass you’ll need, especially for industries like construction, manufacturing, and marine.
- Industries: This pass is typically used for workers in construction, manufacturing, marine, and shipyards.
- Salary: There’s no minimum salary requirement for this pass, making it a good option for workers in lower-wage positions.
- Quota & Levy: Employers have to stick to a quota system that limits how many foreign workers they can hire based on their industry. You’ll also need to pay a monthly levy for each worker.
- Employer Responsibilities:
If you’re ready to hire foreign workers in Singapore with a Work Permit, we can guide you through the process and make sure everything is in place.
S Pass
The S Pass is for skilled workers like technicians or associate professionals. If you need to hire foreign employees on an S Pass in Singapore, this is the right pass for those with specific technical skills.
- For Skilled Workers: This is perfect for people with diplomas or technical expertise in roles such as technicians, associate professionals, and similar positions.
- Salary Requirements: To qualify for an S Pass, workers need to earn at least $3,150 a month (this increases with age, up to $4,650).
- Levy & Quota: Like the Work Permit, there’s a quota for S Pass workers, and you’ll need to pay a monthly levy for each worker.
- Medical Insurance: Employers must provide medical insurance that covers inpatient care and day surgery.
- Increasing MOM Thresholds: Be aware that the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is gradually increasing the salary thresholds and levy requirements for S Pass holders, so it's a good idea to stay updated.
If you're looking to hire foreign employees on an S Pass in Singapore, we can help you navigate the requirements and ensure you’re on the right track.
Employment Pass
The Employment Pass (EP) is for professionals, managers, and executives. If you need to bring in skilled talent for higher-level roles, this pass is your go-to.
- For Professionals, Managers, & Executives: This pass is designed for workers in managerial, professional, or executive roles across various sectors like finance, IT, engineering, and more.
- Salary & COMPASS Requirements: To qualify for the EP, applicants need to earn at least $5,000 per month (higher for older candidates). They also need to meet the COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework), which takes into account salary, qualifications, and other factors.
- No Quota or Levy: Unlike the Work Permit and S Pass, there’s no quota or levy for Employment Pass holders. However, you do need to comply with the Fair Consideration Framework, which ensures that Singaporeans are fairly considered for job opportunities first.
If you're looking to hire foreign employees on an Employment Pass in Singapore, we’re here to help you understand the salary requirements, the COMPASS process, and the Fair Consideration Framework.
Step-by-Step Hiring Process
Hiring foreign workers doesn't have to be complicated. With a little guidance, you can breeze through the process. Here’s a simple rundown of the steps, and the best part? Trinity Pass is here to support you every step of the way.
Step 1:
1. Determine the Right Work Pass
First things first, you'll need to figure out which work pass your foreign worker needs.
Whether it’s a Work Permit, S Pass, or Employment Pass, we’ll help you choose the right one based on your employee's job and qualifications - making sure you're ticking all the boxes from the start.
Step 2
2. Apply Through MOM or via an Agency
Next, you’ll need to apply for the work pass.
You can do this through the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), but if you want to save time and avoid the paperwork headaches, just leave it to us.
At Trinity Pass, we handle all the details so you can focus on your business.
Step 3:
3. Comply with Quota, Levy & Salary Rules
Each pass comes with its own set of rules - quota limits, levy fees, salary guidelines, and more. Don’t worry though, we’ve got you covered. With our help, you’ll stay on the right side of the law and avoid any surprises.
Step 4:
4. Medical Insurance & Housing Requirements
Don’t forget that your foreign worker will need proper medical insurance and suitable housing, as required by MOM.
If you’re feeling unsure about the details, don’t stress. We’ll make sure everything’s in place so you don’t have to.
Step 5:
5. Work Pass Renewal & Compliance
Once the work pass is issued, you’ll need to keep track of renewals and compliance - luckily, we’ve got this part too. When it’s time for renewal, we’ll make sure everything’s ready to go so you don’t miss a thing.
Available Foreign Workers for Hire in Singapore
At Trinity Pass, we're all about making it easy for you to find the right workers for your business.
Whether you need help in food processing, admin/accounts, engineering, or warehouse operations, we’ve got a pool of talented candidates ready to step in and make a difference.
Take a look at the options below and see who might be the perfect fit for your team.
