Work Permit applications for Singapore employers
Assembly Works HR Pte Ltd (EA licence 22C1133) supports Work Permit applications, renewals and related employer administration. We assess the proposed role, sector, worker eligibility and available quota before agreeing the engagement. MOM decides each application.
Reviewed 8 September 2026. This page covers migrant workers in construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process and services. Migrant domestic workers have a separate Work Permit route.
Who can qualify?
Applicants must be at least 18 and below 62 when applying, and meet their sector's requirements. There is no general qualifying salary for this pass, although occupation-specific salary conditions can apply. Permits can last up to two years, depending on passport, security bond and employment validity. Work Permit holders cannot sponsor family passes through this permit. MOM Work Permit key facts.
Check the sector, source country and occupation together
A nationality being eligible in one sector does not make it eligible for every job. For services and manufacturing, Malaysia, the People's Republic of China and North Asian sources are covered by the main source-country rules. Non-Traditional Sources are restricted to approved occupations and additional conditions. Check the actual role before recruiting. Services rules and manufacturing rules.
Quota and levy
| Sector | Ceiling |
|---|---|
| Construction | 83.3% |
| Process | 83.3% |
| Marine shipyard | 75% |
| Manufacturing | 60% |
| Services | 35% |
These ceilings are not a count of vacancies. Quota calculations depend on the qualifying local workforce and relevant foreign-worker counts and sub-quotas. Levy rates depend on sector, skills and applicable tiers. Use MOM's quota calculation guide and the current sector rules for a workforce-specific assessment.
Application and arrival preparation
- Confirm the employer's business activity, quota and the worker's country, age, occupation and sector requirements.
- Prepare the required employer and worker documents and submit through the applicable MOM eService.
- When approved, follow the conditions and expiry date on the in-principle approval letter. Do not assume every IPA lasts six months.
- Arrange the required insurance, security bond and arrival requirements before travel and issuance.
- Complete the medical examination, address registration and pass issuance steps; attend fingerprint and photo registration if required.
The application and issuance stages have separate requirements. Follow MOM's application instructions for current fees, processing guidance and deadlines. Our preparation time depends on the documents and scope; approval and a fixed start date cannot be guaranteed.
Employer responsibilities continue after approval
Employers must meet salary, levy, housing, insurance and other Work Permit conditions. A security bond is required for non-Malaysian workers. A Primary Care Plan applies to workers in construction, marine shipyard and process, and those staying in dormitories accommodating seven or more workers. Review the worker's specific arrival and ongoing obligations rather than using one checklist for every sector. See MOM's Work Permit conditions.
Can a Work Permit holder change employers?
Yes, transfer routes exist, subject to sector rules, timing, the current permit and any required consent or pre-approval. A worker must not start with the new employer just because an application was submitted. For example, MOM provides specific manufacturing and services transfer rules. Check the applicable process before cancelling a permit or arranging travel.
Would an S Pass or Employment Pass fit the role?
These are separate application routes with their own criteria; a Work Permit is not automatically upgraded. See our S Pass service and Employment Pass service for the dated salary thresholds and conditions, including age, sector and application or renewal timing. The lowest advertised salary alone does not establish eligibility.
Discuss your workforce requirements
Tell us the sector, proposed role, worker's current pass position and recruitment or renewal timing. We will discuss the application and administration scope and quote the professional fees. Contact Assembly Works.