Welcome to our latest blog post, discussing what it takes to get a Singapore work holiday pass. This is an important and timely issue affecting many people, and we’re excited to share our insights and tips on navigating it. Whether you’re a professional in the field or just someone looking to learn more, this post has something for everyone. So, let’s dive in.
Not everyone needs a Singaporean Work Holiday Pass. It is targeted at young people from some specific countries. What exactly is it?z
The Singapore government created the Singapore Work Holiday Pass program to attract young professionals and students from participating countries to work and holiday in Singapore. The program aims to promote cultural exchange and deepen ties between Singapore and other countries while also helping to fill labor shortages in specific sectors of the Singaporean economy.

Singapore Work Holiday Pass – What is it?
A Singapore Work Holiday Pass (WHP) visa allows individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 from participating countries to work and travel in Singapore for up to 6 months. The program’s purpose is to provide young people with international work experience and cultural exposure.
To be eligible for a Work Holiday Pass, candidates must meet specific requirements, such as having a valid passport, being between 18 and 25 years of age, having a tertiary education, and being financially self-sufficient. In addition, applicants must not have ever been issued a Work Holiday Pass. They should also have no criminal records.
The program is currently open to citizens of Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
It is important to note that the Work Holiday Pass is not a work permit, and the holder is not allowed to take on permanent employment in Singapore. They can take on temporary or part-time jobs to support their stay in Singapore.
Singapore Work Holiday Pass Requirements
To apply for a Singapore Work Holiday Pass, you will need to meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand.
- Be between the ages of 18 and 25.
- Have a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity.
- Have enough funds to support yourself during your stay in Singapore.
- Have a return air ticket or enough funds to purchase one.
- Not have a criminal record.
Once you meet these criteria, you can apply for the Work Holiday Pass through the Ministry of Manpower’s website. You will need to provide some personal information, your travel itinerary, and proof of financial means. The processing time for the Work Holiday Pass is typically around 2 weeks.
It’s important to note that the Work Holiday Pass is not a work visa; it’s a type of social visit pass that allows you to work while you are holidaying in Singapore.
Singapore Work Holiday Pass – How do you become eligible?
- Age: You must be between 18 and 25 years old at the time of application.
- Citizenship: You must be a citizen of one of the participating countries (Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States)
- Education: You must have completed at least 2 years of tertiary education and hold a diploma or degree certificate from a recognized institution.
- Financial self-sufficiency: You must have sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of your stay in Singapore, which is typically 6 months.
- Passport: You must have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining before expiry.
- No prior WHP: You must not have previously been issued a Work Holiday Pass.
- No criminal records: You must not have any criminal records or pending charges.
It is also important to note that the Work Holiday Pass is not a work permit, and the holder is not allowed to take on permanent employment in Singapore. They are allowed to take on temporary or part-time jobs to support their stay in Singapore.
Singapore Work Holiday Pass – How do you check your status?
You can check the status of your Singapore Work Holiday Pass application by visiting the website of the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore.
You will need to have your application reference number and passport number handy to check the status. Once you have entered the required information, you will be able to view the current status of your application, such as whether it has been approved, rejected, or is still being processed.
It is also possible to check the status of your application over the phone by contacting the ICA’s Contact Centre at +65 6391 6100. They will need your application reference number and passport number to assist you in checking the status of your application.
Alternatively, you can also check the status of your application by visiting the ICA’s customer service center in person.
It’s worth mentioning that you might want to check it after a few days or weeks of application due to the processing time.
What is the difference between a Singapore VISA and a Singapore Work Holiday Pass?
A Singapore Work Holiday Pass is not the same as a regular Singapore visa. A Singapore Work Holiday Pass is a specific type of visa that is intended for young professionals and students from participating countries who want to work and holiday in Singapore for a short period of time.
It allows them to stay in Singapore for a maximum of 6 months and work part-time while they are there.
A regular Singapore visa, on the other hand, is intended for individuals who want to visit, work, or study in Singapore for a longer period of time. The requirements and conditions for a regular Singapore visa may be different from those for a Work Holiday Pass, and the length of stay and work permit conditions may also vary.
Benefits of getting a Singapore Work Holiday Pass
A Singapore Work Holiday Pass offers several benefits for students, including:
- Cultural exchange: A Work Holiday Pass allows students to experience Singapore’s culture and way of life, as well as learn about the country’s economy and business practices.
- Career development: Students can gain valuable work experience and develop new skills by working part-time while on their holiday in Singapore.
- Networking opportunities: Students will have the chance to meet and interact with professionals from different industries and cultures, which can open up new opportunities for their future careers.
- Financial benefits: A Work Holiday Pass allows students to earn money while they are on holiday, which can help to offset the costs of their trip.
- Language practice: Singapore is a multilingual country, by working and living in Singapore, students will have the opportunity to practise their language skills in real-life settings.
- Travel opportunities: Singapore is a major travel hub in Southeast Asia, which offers easy access to other countries in the region. A Work Holiday Pass allows students to explore the region during their stay.
Remember to check that you fulfil the requirements before applying. We hope you found this post informative and helpful. If you have any further questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us.
Don’t forget to check out our other posts for more information and tips on travelling to different countries. Thanks for reading!