Singapore - Work Permit

Before reading this you should look at the section –Types of Visa.

You can only permanently reside in Singapore if one adult member of the family has an Employment Pass. If you are the spouse of an Employment Pass holder, you will receive a Dependents Pass. If you are not legally married to your partner, you will have to apply for an Employment Pass in your own right, or if you cannot obtain employment - a Social Visit Pass.

If you are the spouse of an Employment Pass holder and have a Dependents Pass you have the following employment permit options:

1. Letter of Consent
The employer applies to the Ministry of Manpower for permission to employ a Dependant Pass holder. This is a simple procedure preferred by employers for part-time and contract work. The form is called:  Application For A Letter Of Consent To Work In Singapore (For Dependant’s Pass holders).

• Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
  Employment Pass Department
  9 Maxwell Road #03-01
  MND Complex Annex A
  Singapore
  069112
  Tel: + 65 6438 5122
  website: www.mom.sg.gov (click on employment pass)

2.  Sole Proprietorship
A sole proprietorship is a business firm owned by one person. Starting a small business which is run from your own home is a very good option for a trailing spouse. The procedure for registering your own small business is not too complicated. Firstly you will have to choose a business name (it can be as simple as your own name) and check via the website (using your own computer or the computer terminals at the Registrar of Businesses Office) that this business name has not already been used. At the Registrar of Companies and Businesses Office you will have to complete and submit Form A – Application for Approval of Business Name and Form B - Application to Register a Business. Go to the office early in the morning if you want to avoid a long wait to have your forms processed. Procedures for application and payment are always changing so be prepared to visit the office a few times or telephone in advance for up-to-date information. Once you have registered your business you will have to apply for a Letter of Consent (see above) to employ yourself in your own business.

• Registrar of Companies and Businesses
  10 Anson Road
  #05-01/15 International Plaza
  Singapore
  079903
  Tel: 1800 222 6266
  or
  Tel: + 65 6227 8551
  website: www.rcb.gov.sg

3.  Employment Pass
Dependant Pass holders can apply for an Employment Pass in their own right. (See Types of Visa)

• Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
  Employment Pass Department
  9 Maxwell Road, #03-01
  MND complex, Annexe A,
  Singapore
  069112
  Tel: + 65 6438 5122
  website: www.mom.sg.gov

If you are a Non-Dependent trailing spouse (i.e not legally married to your partner) then you must apply for an Employment Pass to work in Singapore. You have the same options as a Dependent Pass holder except that you cannot apply for a Letter of Consent. You may set up your own business but you must apply for an Approval In Principal Employment Pass before registering your business.

For more information go to:

• Career Resource Centre for Expatriates (CRCE)
  American Association of Singapore
  c/o American Club
  21 Scotts Road
  Singapore
  228219
  Tel: + 65 6733 4257
  email [email protected]
  website: www.aasingapore.com
  Join this organization for advice on employment passes and starting your own business.
• Primetime
  Tel: + 65 6234 0937
  email [email protected]
  website: www.primtime.org.sg
  A professional women networking organization