Singapore has expanded its Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) to include Bhutan, Cambodia, and Laos. Effective from 1 June 2025, employers in specific sectors can hire workers from these countries for designated occupations

Source:

https://gemsrecruit.com/work-permit-framework
https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-worker/sector-specific-rules/non-traditional-sources-occupation-list

Bhutanese workers can apply for the following work passes:

• Work Permit (WP): For semi-skilled workers in sectors like manufacturing and services.
• S Pass: For mid-level skilled staff earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$3,300 from 1 September 2025.
• Employment Pass (EP): For professionals, managers, and executives earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$5,600.

Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-worker/sector-specific-rules/non-traditional-sources-occupation-list
https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/s-pass/eligibility https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/employment-pass/eligibility#ep-qualifying-salary

Work Permit (WP): Minimum fixed monthly salary of S$2,000, subject to sector-specific quotas and levies.

S Pass: Minimum fixed monthly salary of S$3,300 (effective 1 September 2025); subject to quotas and levies.

Employment Pass (EP): Minimum fixed monthly salary of S$5,600 for the non-financial services sector and $6,200 for the financial services sector; not subject to quotas or levies.

Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-worker/foreign-worker-levy/what-is-the-foreign-worker-levy
https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/s-pass/eligibility https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/employment-pass/eligibility#ep-qualifying-salary

Yes, the fixed monthly salary can include allowances for daily expenses such as accommodation, food, and transportation, depending on the employer’s compensation structure. Employers may provide these allowances separately or bundle them into the total salary package. Always check the employment contract to understand how allowances are structured.

From 1 June 2025, Bhutanese workers can be employed in:

• F&B sector: Cooks (Indian & general restaurants).
• Hospitality: Housekeeping workers and porters in licensed hotels.
• Manufacturing & construction: Welders, sheet metal workers, riggers.
• Logistics: Heavy vehicle drivers (from 1 Sept 2025, with valid Bhutanese Class 4/5 license).

Source:

https://gemsrecruit.com/work-permit-framework
https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-worker/sector-specific-rules/non-traditional-sources-occupation-list

Yes, a valid job offer from a Singapore-based employer is required before applying for any work pass and you must not be in Singapore during this work pass application process.

To apply for a Work Permit, you must be above 18 years old and below 50 years old.

Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-worker/sector-specific-rules/services-sector-requirements

Your employer is responsible for applying for the work pass. If the employer engages a recruitment agency like Gems Recruit, the recruitment agency can apply for Work Permits on behalf of your employer.

Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-worker/apply-for-work-permit

Typically, the following documents are needed:

• A copy of your passport
• Recent passport-sized photograph
• Educational certificates
• Employment contract

It takes around 1 week to process the application. You must not be in Singapore at the time of Work Permit application. You are only allowed to enter Singapore after the Work Pass Division gives an In-Principle Approval.

Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/-/media/mom/documents/services-forms/passes/wp_appln_for_nts_workers.pdf

Application fees vary by pass type. Employers typically bear these costs.

You’ll receive an In-Principal Approval (IPA) letter which allows you to enter Singapore. Ensure that you comply with the latest travel regulations. Upon arrival, you need to go for a medical examination and Settling-in-Programme if you’re working in the manufacturing industry.

You may also be asked to register your fingerprints and photo at the MOM Services Centre.

Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-worker/apply-for-work-permit#submit-an-application
https://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-transit-depart/entering-singapore
https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-worker/sector-specific-rules/settling-in-programme

Yes, a Work Permit card will be issued and delivered to your registered address within 5 working days upon all successful verification of all the documents.

Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-worker/apply-for-work-permit#prepare-for-workers-arrival

No, Work Permit holders cannot switch jobs freely. If you want to change employers, your new employer must apply for a fresh Work Permit.

Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-worker/notify-mom-of-changes

Up to 8 or 9 hours per day or 44 hours per week (depending on your contractual working hours).

Overtime pay: 1.5 times the hourly wage for extra hours.

Rest days: At least 1 rest day per week.

Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/employment-practices/hours-of-work-overtime-and-rest-days

These are just general guidelines. Terms and conditions will depend on the employee’s contract.​

• Annual leave: Minimum 7 days per year (increases with years of service).
• Sick leave: Up to 14 days with a medical certificate.
• Medical insurance: Employers must provide basic medical insurance for Work Permit holders.

Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/employment-practices/leave/annual-leave/eligibility-and-entitlement
https://www.mom.gov.sg/employment-practices/leave/sick-leave/eligibility-and-entitlement
https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-worker/sector-specific-rules/medical-insurance

These are just general guidelines. Terms and conditions will depend on the employee’s contract.

In Singapore, employers must pay salaries directly into the employee’s bank account or via cheque. You will also be issued itemised pay slips upon receiving your salaries.

Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/employment-practices/salary/paying-salary
https://www.mom.gov.sg/employment-practices/salary/itemised-payslips

Yes, work Permit holders can open a bank account with any local bank (DBS, OCBC, UOB) in Singapore. However, POSB (under DBS bank) offers a special POSB Payroll Account designed specifically for Work Permit holders. This account makes it easier to manage and track salary payments, with no minimum balance requirement and convenient access to ATMs and digital banking services.

Source: https://www.posb.com.sg/personal/deposits/for-foreigners/posb-payroll-account

No, Bhutanese workers are not entitled to CPF contributions. The CPF (Central Provident Fund) is only applicable to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs). Foreign workers on Work Permits, S Passes, and Employment Passes do not contribute to CPF and do not receive CPF benefits.

Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/employment-practices/central-provident-fund/employers-contributions

Yes, foreign workers, including Bhutanese, must pay income tax in Singapore if they earn a salary. However, tax rates depend on how long they stay in the country:

• If you stay in Singapore for at least 183 days in a year, you are considered a tax resident, and progressive income tax rates (0% to 22%) apply.
• If you stay for less than 183 days in a year, you are considered a non-resident, and a flat tax rate of 15% or the progressive tax rate (whichever is higher) applies.

Income tax must be filed annually with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). Employers may assist in tax deductions, so it’s essential to check with them.

Source: https://www.iras.gov.sg/who-we-are/what-we-do/annual-reports-and-publications/taxbytes-iras/individuals/working-in-singapore-for-the-first-time
https://www.iras.gov.sg/taxes/individual-income-tax/basics-of-individual-income-tax/tax-residency-and-tax-rates/individual-income-tax-rates

You are only allowed to work in Singapore if you meet specific requirements and study under specific educational institutions.

Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-pass-exemption-for-foreign-students

• Skill development: Experience in sectors like manufacturing and hospitality can improve job opportunities in Bhutan.
• Contribution to Bhutan & Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC): Bhutanese workers who gain expertise in Singapore can return and contribute to GMC’s economic development, tourism, hospitality, and industrial sectors.
• Professional growth: Workers can improve their employability in Bhutan’s expanding private sector after gaining international exposure.

Singapore is one of the best destinations for Bhutanese workers due to:

• Higher salaries compared to most other countries where Bhutanese seek employment.
• Strict labour laws ensuring fair wages and good working conditions.
• A safe and clean environment with excellent public infrastructure.

No, as a Work Permit holder, you will not be able to bring your family to Singapore.

No, work permit holders are not eligible to apply for Singapore Permanent Residency (PR) unless you are a spouse or unmarried child under 21 of a Singapore PR or citizen.

Source: https://www.ica.gov.sg/reside/PR

Foreign workers, including Bhutanese workers, have several accommodation options depending on their budget, work pass type, and employer provisions. Here are the common types of accommodation:

1. Employer-Provided Accommodation

Some employers provide housing for foreign workers, especially Work Permit holders in sectors like manufacturing. This may include:

• Dormitories – Shared living spaces with basic facilities, often located near industrial areas.
• Company-Provided Housing – Employers may rent apartments or rooms for their workers.

2. Rented Housing Options

If accommodation is not provided by the employer, workers can rent housing, including:

• HDB Flats (Public Housing) – Renting a room in an HDB flat (government housing) is the most affordable option. Monthly rent: S$600 – S$1,000 per room depending on the location.
• Private Apartments & Condominiums – More expensive, with rental prices starting from S$3,000 per unit.

3. Co-Living & Shared Housing

Foreign workers can also consider:

• Worker Dormitories – Large-scale accommodations with shared rooms, usually for Work Permit holders.
• Co-Living Spaces – Shared rental flats where tenants get private rooms but share common areas.

Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-worker/housing/various-types-of-housing

Estimated monthly expenses:

• Accommodation: S$600 – S$1000 (shared housing).
• Food: S$300 – S$600.
• Transport: S$100 – S$300.
• Utilities - $200 - $300

You can send money using:

• Bank transfers (e.g., DBS, OCBC, UOB).
• Remittance services (Western Union, Singtel Dash, Wise).

Bhutanese workers must return to Bhutan unless they secure another job before their work pass expires. Employers must cancel work permits once employment ends.

Source: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-worker/notify-mom-of-changes

Drukair, operates twice-weekly flights (on Wednesdays and Saturdays) between Paro International Airport (PBH) and Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), with a stopover in Guwahati, India. ​

Alternatively, you can enter Singapore via Bangkok (Thailand)

• Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) operates direct flights from Paro to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).
• From Bangkok, you can take a direct flight to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) with airlines like Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Scoot, or AirAsia.

Via Delhi or Kolkata (India)

• Drukair operates flights to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU).
• From Delhi or Kolkata, you can catch a direct flight to Singapore on airlines like Singapore Airlines, Air India, or IndiGo.