Quick answer: Renew a migrant worker’s Work Permit online, normally 7 to 12 weeks before it expires, and work from the renewal notice MOM issues for that worker. Before renewing you need the worker’s medical insurance extended or replaced, a new security bond for non-Malaysian workers, any medical examination flagged on the renewal notice, and a Primary Care Plan declared for workers in dormitories or the construction, marine and process sectors. The fee is S$35. A 2-year permit needs a passport valid for at least 25 months. Renewal is also capped by the worker’s maximum period of employment for the sector.
This guide is for businesses renewing permits for migrant workers. If you employ a domestic helper, see our separate guide to renewing your helper’s Work Permit, because the requirements differ.
The timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 12 weeks before expiry | Check the renewal notice. It states what this particular worker needs |
| 7 to 12 weeks before expiry | Renew online through the Work Permit eService |
| Before submitting | Extend or replace medical insurance, arrange the security bond, complete any required medical examination, declare the Primary Care Plan where it applies |
| On submission | Pay S$35 |
| After approval | Issue the permit and arrange the card |
Work from the renewal notice rather than from a general rule, because the requirements vary by worker, sector and accommodation.
What you need in place
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Medical insurance | Extend the worker’s existing policy or buy a new one. Coverage must meet MOM’s minimum |
| Security bond | A new bond for each non-Malaysian worker. The bank or insurer sends the details to MOM before you renew |
| Medical examination | Check the renewal notice to see whether a full examination is required |
| Primary Care Plan | Must be declared for workers living in dormitories, or in the construction, marine shipyard and process sectors |
| Passport validity | At least 25 months for a 2-year permit |
| Quota and levy | The renewal still sits within your sector quota, and the monthly levy continues |
What blocks a renewal
| Blocker | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maximum period of employment reached | Each sector sets a cap. For basic-skilled construction workers it is 14 years |
| Age | Workers must be at least 18 and below 62 when applying |
| Quota exceeded | The renewal fails if your workforce profile no longer supports it |
| Levy in arrears | Outstanding levy can lead to permits being revoked |
| Insurance or bond missing | The renewal cannot be submitted without them |
If a worker is not eligible for renewal and you want to keep employing them, MOM allows an appeal. Prepare it around the specific reason given.
Renewal, by sector
Requirements differ by sector, and so do quotas, levies and maximum employment periods. Our guides to Work Permits in Singapore and the foreign worker quota cover the framework. Check the sector rules for the worker in question before you plan headcount.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Waiting for the permit to expire before acting | Late renewal brings levy penalties and overstaying issues |
| Renewing without extending insurance | The submission cannot proceed |
| Forgetting the security bond for non-Malaysian workers | Same |
| Assuming the passport is fine | A 2-year permit needs 25 months of passport validity |
| Missing the Primary Care Plan declaration | Blocks renewal for dormitory and CMP-sector workers |
| Ignoring the maximum employment period | A worker at the cap cannot be renewed, so plan replacement early |
| Planning around a general rule instead of the renewal notice | The notice is worker-specific |
If the worker is moving up
A worker whose role and salary have grown may be better placed on an S Pass than a renewed Work Permit. That is a different application with its own qualifying salary, quota and levy. See our guide to S Pass criteria.
How First Immigration can help
- Renewal planning across a workforce, so nothing lapses.
- Checking the blockers in advance, particularly maximum employment periods and quota headroom.
- Appeals where a renewal is refused.
- Upgrades from Work Permit to S Pass where the role justifies it.
Book a free assessment through our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
When can I renew a Work Permit in Singapore?
Normally 7 to 12 weeks before expiry, working from the renewal notice MOM issues for that worker.
How much does Work Permit renewal cost?
S$35 per renewal.
What do I need before renewing?
Extended or replaced medical insurance, a new security bond for non-Malaysian workers, any medical examination stated on the renewal notice, and a declared Primary Care Plan for dormitory and CMP-sector workers.
How long must the worker’s passport be valid?
At least 25 months for a 2-year Work Permit.
Is there a maximum employment period?
Yes, set by sector. Basic-skilled construction workers reach a maximum of 14 years.
What is the age limit?
Workers must be at least 18 and below 62 when applying.
What happens if I renew late?
Late renewal brings levy penalties and overstaying consequences. Renew within the window.
Can I appeal a refused renewal?
Yes. Prepare the appeal around the reason MOM gives.
Does the renewal affect my quota and levy?
Yes. The worker still counts towards your sector quota, and the monthly levy continues.
Is this the same as renewing a domestic helper’s permit?
No. Domestic helper renewals have their own requirements, covered in our separate guide.
Official sources: MOM, Renew a Work Permit for migrant workers, Key facts on Work Permit for migrant worker, Appeal for Work Permit renewal, and the Work Permit Online renewal FAQs.
Disclaimer: Requirements are set by MOM, vary by sector and can change. Checked October 2026. Always follow the renewal notice issued for the individual worker.
Hiring, or applying for a work pass?
We review salary, COMPASS and documents before the application goes to MOM. See our Employment Pass service and S Pass service, or ask us about your case.
