Singapore Work Visa for Nepali Workers 2026: Eligibility, Salary, Fees & Step‑by‑Step Guide

Singapore remains a top destination for Nepali workers seeking overseas employment, but the rules keep shifting. As of September 2026, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has updated several thresholds that directly affect applicants from Nepal. This guide walks through the current landscape — what's changed, what hasn't, and how to prepare a file that clears both Singapore and Kathmandu requirements.

Minimum Qualifying Salaries in 2026

For Employment Pass (EP) applicants, the baseline qualifying salary has been raised in the latest MOM circular; the exact figure varies by sector, with higher floors for financial services and technology roles. S Pass candidates also face a revised minimum monthly salary. Because these numbers can change with each circular, always cross‑check the current threshold on MOM's official website before quoting a number to an employer.

Nepali graduates from recognised universities still qualify under the standard EP track, but diploma holders from institutions not on MOM's approved list often hit a wall. The COMPASS framework (see below) makes salary just one piece of the puzzle.

Quota, Levy & the Dependency Ratio Ceiling

Every Nepali worker on an S Pass or Work Permit counts toward their employer's Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC). The DRC differs by sector — construction, marine shipyard, and process sectors have the highest allowance, while manufacturing and services have lower caps. The Foreign Worker Levy (FWL) varies by sector and worker skill level; employers pay this levy, not the employee, but it shapes hiring budgets. A security deposit applies only to Work Permit holders (non‑Malaysian) unless the employer qualifies for a waiver under MOM's bizSAFE or other schemes.

COMPASS Points: What Nepali Applicants Can Influence

COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) remains the EP scoring engine in 2026. Applicants need to reach a minimum overall score. The four core criteria — salary, qualifications, diversity, and support for local employment — each contribute to the total, and bonus criteria such as skills bonuses or strategic economic priorities can add extra points.

For Nepali candidates, the levers you can actually pull:

• Salary: Negotiate above the bare minimum — every increment above the threshold adds points.
• Qualifications: Degrees from universities on MOM's recognised institution lists score higher. If your institution isn't listed, consider a credential evaluation through MOM‑approved channels.
• Diversity: Employers with a more diverse foreign workforce get points. You can't control this, but targeting firms with existing multinational teams helps.
• Local support: Firms that hire or train Singaporeans score better. Again, employer‑side, but worth asking during interviews.

Skills bonuses apply if your occupation appears on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) — check MOM's SOL page for the latest roles.

Step‑by‑Step: From Kathmandu to EP Online

1. Document prep in Nepal: Gather passport (valid for the intended stay plus a comfortable buffer), degree/diploma certificates, transcripts, employment references, and a police clearance certificate from Nepal Police. Get documents notarised and, if required, translated by an approved agency.
2. Employer submits via EP Online: The Singapore employer logs into MOM's EP Online portal, fills the application, uploads scanned copies, and pays the application fee. They'll need your particulars, salary offer, and job description.
3. In‑principle approval (IPA): If approved, MOM issues an IPA letter valid for several months. This is when you arrange travel.
4. Medical & insurance: Complete a medical exam at a MOM‑approved clinic in Singapore (or pre‑departure if your employer arranges it). Employers must buy Foreign Worker Medical Insurance and Work Injury Compensation Insurance before the pass is issued — this applies to Work Permit and S Pass holders; EP holders follow a different medical insurance regime.
5. Pass issuance: Employer logs back into EP Online, pays the issuance fee (plus any card fee), and schedules your fingerprint/photo appointment at MOM Services Centre.

Fee Overview (Current Rates)

Fees are paid by the employer unless otherwise noted. The application fee, issuance fee, and any visa fee are set by MOM and may be updated periodically. The monthly Foreign Worker Levy varies by sector and skill level. A security deposit is required for Work Permit holders (non‑Malaysian) unless waived. Medical insurance premiums and medical examination costs also vary; clarify with your employer who covers each item.

Processing Times & Tracking

Standard EP applications typically take several weeks from submission; S Pass applications are usually faster. Track status via EP Online using the application reference; SMS/email alerts now push updates automatically.

Common Pitfalls for Nepali Applicants

Mismatched credentials: MOM cross‑checks degrees against their recognised list. If your college isn't there, the application stalls. Get a pre‑assessment from a MOM‑recognised credential evaluator.

Salary documentation: Offer letters must show basic salary, not inclusive of overtime or allowances. MOM rejects packages where fixed allowances push the total above threshold but basic stays below.

Passport expiry: Ensure your passport remains valid for the full intended stay plus a comfortable buffer; MOM won't issue a pass longer than passport validity.

Medical flags: TB screening is mandatory. A positive result doesn't auto‑reject but requires treatment clearance — allow extra time.

Nepal Government Advisory

The Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) in Kathmandu issued a notice that remains in effect as of September 2026. It requires Nepali workers bound for Singapore to:

• Register with DoFE before departure through the online portal or at district offices.
• Obtain a labour approval letter from the Nepali embassy in Singapore — the employer must initiate this process.
• Carry a pre‑departure orientation certificate from a DoFE‑approved training centre (typically a short course in Kathmandu or Pokhara).

Non‑compliance can void your exit clearance at Tribhuvan airport. The embassy in Singapore also advises keeping copies of your employment contract, IPA letter, and insurance policy accessible — both digital and hard copy. Complete these steps before you book your flight to avoid last‑minute delays.

Singapore's work visa system rewards preparation. Align your salary ask with the latest MOM thresholds, verify your qualifications against MOM's lists early, and make sure your employer understands their quota and levy obligations. Do the paperwork on the Nepali side before you book the flight — it saves weeks of back‑and‑forth later.