Work Permit Renewal in Singapore

Keeping your business running smoothly demands consistent oversight of all regulatory matters, and one critical aspect is ensuring that work permits for your foreign workers are renewed on time. Missing the renewal deadline can lead to unnecessary complications, like fines or even having your worker’s employment halted.

What is a Work Permit?

A work permit is an official document that allows foreign nationals to work in Singapore. These permits are necessary to ensure that foreign workers are legally employed and must be renewed periodically to maintain compliance with local laws.

Here are the most common types of work permits available and their specifics:

Employment Pass (EP): For professionals, managers, and executives considered highly skilled. The minimum monthly salary required for employment pass holders (from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025) starts at S$5,000. While for those employed in the financial sector, the starting salary is set at S$5,500.
S Pass: Offered for mid-level skilled workers with a starting salary of S$3,150. However, the starting salary in the financial sector begins at S$3,650.
Work Permit: This is for skilled and semi-skilled foreign workers in sectors like manufacturing, construction, and marine industries.
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP): For high-earning professionals earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500. PEP holders must maintain an annual fixed salary of at least S$270,000, regardless of the number of months worked within the calendar year.

Process for Work Permit Renewal in Singapore

Ensure timely work permit renewal for foreign workers in Singapore by following this quick guide:

1. Document preparation

Prepare the following documents for a smooth renewal of work permits for your foreign workers:

Employee’s current work permit
Employee’s employment contract
A scanned copy of the personal particulars page of the employee’s passport (including pages with amendments)
Security bond (For non-Malaysian workers)
Medical insurance
Work permit renewal notice
Renewal application form
Card delivery details (If the worker is issued a new card)

2. Submission of the online work pass renewal form

You can complete the work pass renewal process online through the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) online portal by following these steps:

Use the Online Foreign Workers Address Service (OFWAS) to register the worker’s residential address and mobile number at least an hour before renewal online.
Log into WP Online to complete and submit your application, along with any necessary documents. The number of documents required can vary based on the details you provide during the work pass renewal process.
Pay S$35 per renewal using MasterCard, VISA, GIRO, or eNETS debit.

3. Collect the new work permit

Once you receive an approval notification email from the MOM, you can proceed to collect the new work permit from the designated MOM office. It is essential to ensure that the foreign employee is promptly informed about the permit update and possesses the new permit before the current one expires.

Actions to Take Post-Renewal

After renewing the work permit, consider these additional steps to ensure full compliance:

Check the notification letter to confirm whether the worker should continue using the existing card or if a new card will be issued. If a new card is issued, the old card must be cut in half and discarded to prevent misuse.
Update company records with the renewed permit details.
Keep track of work permit renewal dates and start preparing well in advance to ensure compliance and avoid penalties for late renewals.
If the worker has family members in Singapore on dependent passes, these must also be renewed. The validity of dependent passes is typically tied to the main work permit’s duration or the period requested.

Timeline and Considerations for Work Permit Renewals

To avoid penalties, initiate your foreign employee’s work permit renewal in Singapore, ideally seven to 12 weeks before expiration. This allows sufficient time to complete prerequisites like extending the worker’s security bond and medical insurance. Although the renewal process itself is usually immediate, beginning the process early can prevent issues related to overstaying fines. Moreover, if the worker plans to travel near the expiry date, renew the permit before departure to ensure compliance.

Typically, work permits are valid for two years, though the duration may differ depending on various regulatory factors. To verify work permit expiry dates in Singapore, you can:

Use the SGWorkPass mobile app (for newer cards featuring a QR code)
Visit the MOM website to check the status of your work pass and related applications.
Call the MOM automated phone system at 6438 5122 for quick updates.

Should you find yourself unable to renew on time, do note that employers remain liable for the levy following the permit’s expiry, and late renewal may result in levy penalties or overstaying fines. In such cases, requesting an extension to manage the renewal more effectively is advisable.

Secure Your Workforce’s Compliance Today

Ensuring the timely renewal of work permits for your foreign workers is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s crucial for maintaining uninterrupted business operations and compliance with Singapore’s employment laws.

If you need expert guidance throughout the renewal process, you can engage corporate service providers like Singapore Corporate Services (SCS) for a streamlined experience. We also offer reliable company secretary services that help ensure compliance with local regulations, assisting with documentation and timely filings.

Leverage Singapore Corporate Services’ expertise to manage all corporate governance aspects efficiently. Contact us today.

Note: All information provided is accurate at the time of writing. However, work permit renewal policies, fees, and processes are subject to change. For the latest updates, always refer to the official Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website or consult a professional corporate service provider.