Singapore Work Permit Calculator 2026 | Levy & Cost

Work Permit levy rates in Singapore for 2026 range from SGD 180 to SGD 600 per month, depending on sector and skill level. Construction: SGD 250-550/month. Marine: SGD 300-600/month. Manufacturing: SGD 180-350/month. Process: SGD 180-350/month. Services: SGD 200-450/month. Higher-skilled workers attract lower levy rates under MOM's tiered system.

The standard security bond for a Singapore Work Permit is SGD 5,000 for non-Malaysian workers. Malaysian workers are exempt from the security bond under bilateral agreements with MOM. The bond is fully refundable when the worker leaves Singapore or transitions to another pass.

Employers must provide medical insurance with a minimum annual coverage of SGD 15,000 for each Work Permit holder, as mandated by MOM. The annual premium typically costs SGD 300-700 per worker. The policy must cover inpatient hospitalisation and day surgery.

The MOM application fee is SGD 105. The issuance fee is SGD 35. Renewal fee is SGD 105. Additional costs include medical examination (SGD 50-150), medical insurance (SGD 300-700/year), and security bond (SGD 5,000 for non-Malaysians). Total first-year cost ranges from SGD 2,000-6,000 per worker.

Construction sector Work Permit levy rates for 2026: Basic (unskilled): SGD 550/month, Skilled: SGD 350/month, Higher Skilled: SGD 250/month. Higher-skilled workers attract a SGD 300/month lower levy, making skills upgrading a cost-effective strategy for employers.

Services sector Work Permit levy rates for 2026: Basic (unskilled): SGD 450/month, Skilled: SGD 300/month, Higher Skilled: SGD 200/month. The services sector has a dependency ratio ceiling of 60% (1 local : 1.5 foreign workers).

The Work Permit quota, or Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC), varies by sector. Construction and Marine: 50% (1 local : 1 foreign). Manufacturing and Process: 50%. Services: 60% (1 local : 1.5 foreign). Employers must maintain the required local-to-foreign worker ratio to hire Work Permit holders.

There is no fixed minimum salary for Work Permit holders. However, employers must pay competitive salaries that align with market norms for the role. Work Permit holders typically earn SGD 1,500-3,000/month depending on sector and skill level. Unlike S Pass and Employment Pass, Work Permits do not have a fixed salary floor.

Work Permit is for unskilled/semi-skilled workers in construction, marine, manufacturing, process, and services. S Pass is for mid-skilled workers with a minimum salary of SGD 3,000 (SGD 3,500 for financial services). S Pass holders can bring dependants (spouse, children) if they meet income requirements (SGD 6,000+), while Work Permit holders cannot.

MOM typically processes Work Permit applications within 1-3 weeks. However, processing times vary based on the sector, worker profile, and completeness of documentation. Employers should plan for 2-4 weeks for the full application and medical examination process.

Work Permits are usually valid for 12 to 24 months, depending on the sector and worker profile. Construction Work Permits are typically valid for 2 years. Renewal is subject to MOM's prevailing policies, employer compliance, and quota availability.

No. Work Permit holders are not eligible to bring dependants (spouse or children) to Singapore. Only S Pass and Employment Pass holders meeting income thresholds can sponsor dependants. Work Permit holders must have their own accommodation arranged by the employer.

Work Permit holders are restricted to the specific employer and sector they are hired for. They cannot change employers without MOM approval. They may have restrictions on marriage to Singapore Citizens or PRs without MOM consent. They must reside in employer-provided accommodation meeting MOM standards.

For 2026, the Work Permit framework remains largely unchanged from 2025. Key rates: levy rates (SGD 180-600/month), security bond (SGD 5,000 for non-Malaysians), and minimum medical insurance coverage (SGD 15,000). Employers should check MOM's website for any policy adjustments announced during the year.

Official Work Permit information is available on the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website at www.mom.gov.sg. Employers should refer to MOM's Work Permit portal for application forms, levy calculations, and compliance requirements. This calculator provides estimates only and is not a substitute for official MOM guidance.