Thinking about moving from India to Singapore for work? Whether you’re exploring opportunities in technology, finance, engineering or another industry, understanding Singapore’s work visa requirements is an important first step.
The good news is that Indian nationals can apply for several types of Singapore work passes, provided they meet the relevant eligibility requirements.
But which pass do you need, how do you qualify, and what documents should you prepare?
Here’s what you need to know.
Can Indian citizens get a work visa for Singapore?
Yes. Indian citizens can work in Singapore if they qualify for an appropriate work pass and have an employer willing to sponsor their application.
Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) manages the country’s work pass system. The type of pass you need depends on your occupation, salary, qualifications and employer.
You generally need to secure a job offer before your employer can apply for your work pass.
What types of Singapore work visas are available to Indians?
There are three main work passes worth understanding.
1. Employment Pass (EP)
The Employment Pass is designed for foreign professionals, managers and executives.
If you’re an Indian professional applying for a role in Singapore’s technology, finance or professional services sectors, this may be the most relevant option.
To qualify, you’ll need to meet the applicable salary threshold and, unless exempted, pass Singapore’s Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS).
2. S Pass
The S Pass is intended for skilled foreign workers across a range of industries.
It has a lower qualifying salary than the Employment Pass, but your employer must also meet foreign workforce quota requirements.
3. Work Permit
A Work Permit is available for eligible workers in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, marine shipyards and process industries.
Indian nationals may qualify for certain Work Permit roles, but eligibility depends on the sector, occupation and employer.
Importantly, a Work Permit is not the same as an Employment Pass. Understanding the distinction can help you focus on the right opportunities.
For more information, RMI has published a useful guide to working in Singapore as a foreigner.
What are the Singapore Employment Pass salary requirements in 2026?
If you’re applying for an Employment Pass in 2026, the minimum fixed monthly salary starts at:
- S$5,600 for most sectors.
- S$6,200 for financial services.
However, these are starting thresholds. The minimum salary increases with your age.
For example, if you’re 30 years old and applying outside the financial services sector, you’ll generally need a fixed monthly salary of at least S$7,223.
From 1 January 2027, the starting thresholds for new applications will increase to S$6,000 and S$6,600 respectively.
You can check the latest figures in MOM’s official Employment Pass eligibility guidance.
How do you apply for a Singapore work visa from India?
The process usually follows five steps.
Step 1: Secure a job offer
Start by finding a Singapore employer willing to hire you and apply for the appropriate work pass.
You cannot normally apply for an Employment Pass or S Pass independently.
Step 2: Check your eligibility
Your employer will assess whether your salary, role and other details meet MOM’s requirements.
For Employment Pass applications, this may include calculating your COMPASS score.
RMI’s Employment Pass eligibility guide explains these requirements in more detail.
Step 3: Prepare your documents
Depending on your application, you may need:
- A valid Indian passport.
- Your educational certificates.
- Academic transcripts or marksheets.
- Supporting documents explaining any name differences.
- Qualification verification evidence, where required.
If you studied at an Indian university, it’s worth preparing your marksheets early.
Step 4: Complete any necessary qualification verification
If your employer needs to claim COMPASS points for your educational qualifications, MOM requires acceptable verification proof.
This confirms that your qualification is authentic and, where relevant, that the awarding institution is accredited.
RMI provides MOM-recognised educational qualification verification for individuals and employers.
Step 5: Your employer submits the application
Your employer or appointed employment agent submits your application to MOM.
Online Employment Pass applications are generally processed or receive an update within 10 business days, although some take longer.
If approved, you’ll receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter explaining the next steps before your pass is issued.
How can you avoid delays when applying from India?
One of the most useful things you can do is prepare your academic records before your employer needs them.
Indian university verification can take longer when institutions rely on manual records or need additional documentation.
Check that your passport, degree certificate and marksheets are clear, accurate and consistent.
You can find more practical advice in RMI’s guide to documents needed for education verification.
Frequently asked questions
Can you apply for a Singapore work visa without a job offer?
Generally, you’ll need a Singapore employer to sponsor your Employment Pass, S Pass or Work Permit application. Certain other pass schemes have different requirements.
Do you need a degree to work in Singapore?
Not necessarily. Requirements depend on the pass. Even for an Employment Pass, you may qualify without a degree if you meet the salary requirements and achieve sufficient COMPASS points through other criteria.
Can you apply while living in India?
Yes. Your employer can submit an Employment Pass or S Pass application while you’re still in India.
How long does Singapore work visa processing take?
MOM generally processes or provides an update on online Employment Pass applications within 10 business days. Preparing supporting documents and completing qualification checks can add time before submission.
Get your qualifications ready for Singapore
Planning an international career move is exciting, but paperwork can sometimes feel like the hardest part.
If your Employment Pass application requires educational qualification verification, getting organised early can help you avoid unnecessary delays.
Start your qualification verification with RMI and take one more step towards your Singapore career.