Ministry of Manpower

Employment of foreign workers (FW)

Who can apply	Employer or appointed employment agency (EA)
How much it costs	When submit the application: $30 for each pass When the pass is issued: $30 for each pass
How long it takes	1 working day, unless more information is required
Related Services	WP Online – apply and get the pass issued. Check application status via WP Online Check application status by SMS Check card delivery status Make an appointment More eServices and forms

 

Steps for applying:

Submit an application

1. Log in to WP Online to fill out the application.
2. Pay $30 for each application. Payment can be made by Giro, Visa, MasterCard or ENets debit.
3. Check status of application on the next working day. (It normally takes 1 working day to process)
4. The outcome of the application can be viewed online. Upon approval, print the in-principle approval letter. You will receive an IPA letter when the work permit is approved.

Prepare for worker’s arrival (Require to complete the steps to prepare for your worker’s arrival to Singapore)

1. Before the worker’s arrives:
   • Buy a security bond (For non-Malaysian workers - $5,000 each. It is in the form of banker’s or insurance guarantee to support the security bond)
   • Buy medical insurance for the worker (Employer must buy and maintain medical insurance coverage of at least $15,000 per year for each work permit holder.)
2. When the worker arrives:
   • Register the worker’s residential address using the Online Foreign Workers Address Service – at least an hour before requesting for the pass to be issued.
   • Send the worker for a medical examination (bring along the form when worker goes for test) by a Singapore-registered doctor within 2 weeks of arrival.

Get the permit issued

Within 2 weeks of arrival or scheduled date mentioned in the IPA.

1. To request for the Work Permit to be issued:
   • Log in to WP Online to make the request
   • Provide an address (home or office) where the card will be delivered
   • Nominate up to 3 authorised recipients to receive the card, and provide their IC/FIN/Passport number, mobile numbers and email address.
   • Pay $30 for each work permit issued.
   • After the work permit is issued, print the notification letter.
2. The notification letter:
   • Is valid for 1 month from the date of issue. If require to extend it because of other travel plans, send the request to MOM using iSubmit (select option 7: Issuance and Renewal Matters)
   • Should be given to foreign worker. It allows them to travel in and out of Singapore while waiting for the work permit card.
   • States if the worker needs to report to MOM Services Centre – Hall C to register fingerprints and photo.

Register fingerprints and photo

Within 1 week after passed is issued (if required)

1. Check the notification letter for whether the worker needs to register at MOM Services Centre – Hall C. If it is required, the worker needs to register within 1 week of issuing the work permit.
2. An appointment must be made for the worker to register.
3. For the appointment, the worker should bring along:
   • Original passport
   • Appointment letter
   • Notification letter
   • Documents listed in the notification letter

Receiving the card

4 working days after registration

1. MOM will deliver the work permit to the given address 4 working days after the worker registers and gets documents verified.
2. For workers who do not need to register, MOM will deliver the card 4 working days after verifying their documents.
3. The authorised recipients will get an SMS or email with the delivery details at least 1 day before delivery.
4. The worker can check the card delivery details in WP Online.

If card delivery fails

1. After unsuccessful deliveries, you have to collect the card 3 working days after the second attempted delivery. You don’t need an appointment for collection.
2. You or authorised person (form) can collect the card 3 working days after the second attempt delivery.