Eligibility Requirements
- Job offer from a Singapore-registered company
- For Employment Pass: minimum monthly salary of SGD 5,000 (SGD 5,500 from 2025) and recognized degree or professional qualifications
- For S Pass: minimum SGD 3,150/month (SGD 3,300 from 2025), diploma or degree, and relevant work experience
- For Work Permit: for semi-skilled workers in specific sectors (construction, marine, process, domestic work) - employer applies through MOM
- No criminal record
Required Documents
4 mandatory documents Β· 1 supporting documents recommended
Mandatory Documents
Valid Passport
RequiredPassport valid for at least 6 months beyond work pass validity. Singapore work pass is linked to passport.
Educational Certificates
RequiredDegree, diploma, and professional certificates. Singapore MOM verifies qualifications for EP and S Pass.
Job Offer Letter
RequiredFormal offer specifying designation, salary, and employment terms.
CV/Resume
RequiredDetailed professional resume.
Supporting Documents (Recommended)
Medical Examination Report
OptionalRequired for Work Permit holders. Done at approved HICOM clinics after arrival in Singapore for Work Permit. For EP/S Pass, done before/after arrival.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Employer Applies via EP Online / WP Online
Your Singapore employer applies for the Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass through the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) online portal. For Work Permits, the process uses WP Online. The employer cannot submit your application on paper - it is entirely online. Processing takes 3-8 weeks.
Receive In-Principle Approval (IPA)
If approved, MOM issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter to the employer, who passes it to you. The IPA allows you to enter Singapore to collect the actual work pass.
Enter Singapore Using IPA
Travel to Singapore with your IPA letter. At the checkpoint, ICA immigration officers may verify your documents. Bangladeshi nationals with IPA do not need a separate entry visa.
Collect Work Pass Card
After arrival, your employer completes the final work pass issuance. You may need to complete medical screening (Tuberculosis X-ray for some nationalities). Your work pass card is typically issued within 2-3 working days.
Fees Breakdown
All fees are approximate. Exchange rates change β confirm current amounts before applying.
| Fee Type | Amount (BDT) |
|---|---|
| Employment Pass Issuance Fee (employer-paid) | ৳ 8,600 |
| S Pass Issuance Fee + Levy | ৳ 6,900 |
| Work Permit Levy (employer-paid) | ৳ 23,000 |
| Medical Examination | ৳ 5,700 |
* Fees subject to change. Always verify on the official visa portal or VFS Global website before applying.
Processing Time
EP and S Pass applications processed by Singapore MOM take 3-8 weeks. After IPA issuance, travel to Singapore and work pass card collection takes 1-2 weeks. Work Permit processing for semi-skilled roles can be faster (2-4 weeks).
Where to Apply in Bangladesh
Your employer applies entirely online through Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) portals. There is no Singapore Embassy in Bangladesh - Singapore Embassy jurisdiction is covered by the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi. However, for work pass purposes, no embassy visit is required as the IPA letter allows entry to Singapore.
Common Rejection Reasons
Avoid these common mistakes that cause visa refusals:
- Salary below EP minimum (SGD 5,000) or S Pass minimum (SGD 3,150)
- Qualifications not meeting MOM assessment criteria (COMPASS framework for EP)
- Employer quota for foreign workers in the S Pass or Work Permit category exceeded
- Employer not eligible to hire foreign workers in the occupation
- Previous Singapore immigration violations
Frequently Asked Questions β Singapore Work Visa
Q1. What is the COMPASS framework for Singapore Employment Pass?
COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) is Singapore MOM criteria for EP applications since September 2023. It scores applicants on: salary (compared to local benchmark), qualifications (degree type and institution quality), company diversity (% of foreign employees), and strategic needs (shortage occupations). EP applications need 40+ points to qualify. High salaries (SGD 10,000+) typically automatically pass.
Q2. How many Bangladeshis work in Singapore?
Singapore has a significant Bangladeshi worker community, primarily in construction, marine, process industries, and domestic work under Work Permits. There is also a growing professional community on Employment Passes in IT, finance, and engineering. The Singapore-Bangladesh relationship includes active labor cooperation agreements.
Q3. Can I switch employers in Singapore on an EP?
Yes. If you change jobs in Singapore, your new employer applies for a new EP. Your old EP is cancelled. The new application is assessed under COMPASS. Ensure there is no gap in your employment authorization - maintain valid work pass status at all times.
Related Visa Guides
Other Singapore Visas
Work Visa for Other Countries
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