Singapore Training Work Permit (TWP) 2026: MOM Rules, Quota, Levy & Eligibility
Singapore Training Work Permit (TWP) 2026 guide: 6-month validity (non-renewable), MOM quota and levy rules, security bond, insurance requirements, application fees, eligible unskilled/semi-skilled foreign trainees and students, and company-to-company ICT training rules.
Key Framework Criteria & Principles
1. Foreign Student Practical Training
Student in SingaporeThe trainee must be a foreign student studying at an educational institution in Singapore, and the practical training must be part of the student's course requirements.
2. Related Overseas Company Trainee
Semi-skilled / UnskilledThe trainee must be a semi-skilled or unskilled employee of a related overseas company and must come to Singapore for practical training.
3. Employer-Sponsored Application
Employer AppliesThe Singapore employer is responsible for applying for the TWP and completing the required Work Permit procedures.
4. Quota and Levy
Sector Rules ApplyTWP holders are subject to the applicable foreign-worker quota and levy framework for the employer's sector.
5. Security Bond
Non-Malaysian HoldersA security bond is required for each non-Malaysian TWP holder and must take effect when the worker arrives in Singapore.
6. Six-Month Limit
Not RenewableA TWP can be granted for up to 6 months. Foreign students can only be granted a TWP once; a foreign employee from a related overseas company cannot obtain another TWP until 6 months after the previous TWP expires or is cancelled.
Mandatory Eligibility Requirements
Step-by-Step Procedure
Check eligibility, quota and documents
Confirm that the trainee fits either the Singapore-student route or related-overseas-company route, and check the employer's available foreign-worker quota and applicable levy.
Submit the TWP application
The employer applies online, pays the S$35 application fee and submits the required supporting documents. MOM states that interim approval normally takes 1 working day and the final outcome is generally within 3 weeks after a complete set of documents is received.
Prepare for arrival
After approval, print the in-principle approval documents and arrange the required security bond for a non-Malaysian trainee and medical insurance before arrival.
Enter Singapore and complete issuance
The trainee enters Singapore using the approved documents. The employer then completes TWP issuance, provides the required information and pays the S$35 issuance fee.
Receive notification and digital/physical pass
After issuance, the notification letter allows the worker to start work while waiting for the card where applicable. Fingerprint and photo registration is required only if stated in the notification letter.
Quota And Levy
Intro
TWP holders are subject to the employer's foreign-worker quota and levy framework. The current MOM TWP levy rates are:
Sector Rates
Quota Note
The number of TWP holders an employer can hire is capped by the applicable foreign-worker quota for its sector. The employer should check its live quota position before applying because quota is calculated using MOM's prevailing workforce rules.
Fees And Insurance
Application Fee
S$35 per TWP application
Issuance Fee
S$35 per TWP issued
Security Bond
A security bond is required for each non-Malaysian TWP holder. The bond must be in force when the worker arrives.
Medical Insurance
The employer must provide medical insurance for the TWP holder. The policy must meet the applicable MOM requirements.
Work Injury Compensation Insurance
Work Injury Compensation insurance is required if applicable under the prevailing rules.
Validity And Renewal
Maximum Validity
Up to 6 months
Renewable
Foreign Student Rule
A foreign student can only be granted a TWP once.
Overseas Employee Rule
A foreign employee from a related overseas company cannot obtain another TWP until 6 months after the previous TWP expires or is cancelled.
Replacement Or New Pass
A TWP does not automatically convert into another work pass. If the employer wants to employ the person after the training period, the person must qualify independently for the relevant new work pass and a separate application is required.
Twp Vs Tep
Compliance And Practical Notes
- The TWP is intended for genuine practical training, not as a substitute for an ordinary employment pass.
- MOM has stated that foreign trainees must come from related overseas companies and foreign students must undergo training that is part of their course requirements.
- MOM stated in March 2026 that employers found to have abused the scheme by deploying TWP holders in roles not genuinely intended for training may face a financial penalty of up to S$10,000 per worker and may also be debarred from employing foreign workers.
- TWP holders do not receive family passes under the TWP.
- The employer should verify the current quota balance, levy position, insurance requirements and required documents before filing because these operational requirements can change.
Application Process
Check eligibility, quota and documents
Step 1Confirm that the trainee fits either the Singapore-student route or related-overseas-company route, and check the employer's available foreign-worker quota and applicable levy.
Submit the TWP application
Step 2The employer applies online, pays the S$35 application fee and submits the required supporting documents. MOM states that interim approval normally takes 1 working day and the final outcome is generally within 3 weeks after a complete set of documents is received.
Prepare for arrival
Step 3After approval, print the in-principle approval documents and arrange the required security bond for a non-Malaysian trainee and medical insurance before arrival.
Enter Singapore and complete issuance
Step 4The trainee enters Singapore using the approved documents. The employer then completes TWP issuance, provides the required information and pays the S$35 issuance fee.
Receive notification and digital/physical pass
Step 5After issuance, the notification letter allows the worker to start work while waiting for the card where applicable. Fingerprint and photo registration is required only if stated in the notification letter.
Documents
- Foreign trainee's passport copy.
- For foreign students: copy of the student's Singapore student pass.
- For foreign students: local employer letter stating the training purpose, duration, department, attachment period and trainee duties.
- For foreign students: school letter confirming the field of study, course duration, registration date, expected graduation date, that training is a course requirement, and the required training period.
- For overseas-company trainees: local employer letter stating the relationship between the Singapore and overseas companies, training purpose, duration, department, attachment period and trainee duties.
- For overseas-company trainees: documents proving the relationship between the Singapore and overseas companies, such as annual reports, tax invoices or contracts.
- For overseas-company trainees: the trainee's overseas employment contract.
- Security bond documentation for a non-Malaysian trainee, as required.
- Medical insurance details required for issuance.
Required Document Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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