IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower has announced that it will adjust initial and renewal application and issuance fees for work passes and related passes.

What does the change mean? Administrative fees for Employment Passes, S Passes, work permits and other passes will increase in April.

  • Implementation time frame: April 1, 2019.
  • Visas/permits affected: Employment Passes, S Passes, work permits and other passes administered by MOM.
  • Business impact: The increase in fees will raise the cost of employing foreign nationals and sponsoring related passes for accompanying family or other immigration pass types.

Some of the relevant fees are highlighted below (all figures in Singapore dollars):

Type of Pass Current Starting April 1, 2019
Application Issuance/Renewal Application Issuance/Renewal
Employment Pass $70 $150 $105 $225
S Pass $60 $80 $75 $100
Work Permit $30 $30 $35 $35

A full list of the fee changes is available here.

Analysis & Comments: The last update to the administration fee was in April 2013. Companies should factor the fee increases into their budgets and consider filing affected applications before the rate hikes take effect.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.