Singapore removes work permit time limits for foreign workers starting July 2025

🇸🇬 Major Overhaul of Singapore’s Work Permit System Starting July 2025

Singapore is making significant changes to its Work Permit and S Pass regulations, with reforms taking effect from July 2025 and September 2025. These updates aim to enhance workforce stability, address manpower shortages, and retain skilled foreign workers in key sectors.

Unlimited Employment Duration for Work Permit Holders

Starting July 2025, foreign workers on Work Permits will no longer face a cap on their employment duration. This policy will apply across all nationalities and industries, including critical sectors like construction, shipyards, and manufacturing.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced this move to help companies retain valuable, experienced talent and reduce the high turnover that often stems from prior employment time limits.

Key Benefit:
Companies can now invest in the long-term development of their foreign workforce without concerns over expiry limits.

Extended Age Limits for Work Permit Holders

In another major change, Singapore is raising the age limits for Work Permit holders:

New maximum working age: Increased to 63 years (from the current 60).

New application age limit: Increased to 61 years

Previously 50 years for non-Malaysians

58 years for Malaysians

These updates will allow older, experienced workers to remain in the workforce longer, ensuring knowledge retention and smoother skills transfer—particularly in industries heavily reliant on seasoned professionals.

Why These Changes Matter

The new Work Permit policies are designed to:

Boost retention of skilled foreign labor

Reduce costly workforce churn

Encourage deeper investment in training and development

Support long-term industry growth

For employers, this marks a strategic shift—enabling greater continuity in operations and fostering a more stable and competent workforce.

Updates for S Pass Holders (Effective September 1, 2025)

In tandem with Work Permit changes, MOM has also announced updates for S Pass holders, aimed at maintaining fair employment practices and attracting skilled professionals.

New S Pass Requirements:

Minimum qualifying salary: Increased to SGD 3,300

Basic (Tier 1) levy: Raised from SGD 550 to SGD 650

These adjustments are intended to:

Reflect rising wage expectations

Ensure fair compensation for mid-skilled foreign workers

Encourage firms to invest in higher-quality hires

Building a Stronger, Sustainable Workforce

These sweeping reforms highlight Singapore’s long-term commitment to developing a resilient, experienced, and skilled foreign workforce. With fewer limitations on age and employment duration, companies can now create better pathways for talent retention, training, and industry excellence.

For more details, please contact my team.

Phone number

+ 91 6301550340
+ 91 6380692148

Thank you.