A Special Pass is issued to legalise a foreigner’s stay in Singapore. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) are the only issuing authorities of the Special Pass. Below are some frequently asked questions about the Special Pass.
Q1: I have never seen a Special Pass before. How do I verify its authenticity and validity?
ICA
You may verify the authenticity and validity of ICA-issued Special Pass via the
e-Pass Enquiry Portal.
MOM
MOM issues Special Pass, and its digital version can be found in the SGWorkPass (SGWP) application. The validity period can be verified using the SGWorkPass (SGWP) application by scanning the QR code at the back of the SP card.
The front and back of MOM’s SP card can be found below for reference.
 |  |
| Front | Back |
Q2: Who may be issued with a Special Pass?
A2: A Special Pass may be issued to foreigners who are required to remain in Singapore for specific purposes such as assisting in investigations, attending court proceedings, settling salary or work injury claims or to stateless persons residing in Singapore.
Q3: Can I rent out my room/flat to a Special Pass holder?
A3: Homeowners may rent their room or flat to a Special Pass holder, as long as the Special Pass is valid. They must ensure that the particulars on the Special Pass correspond with those in the holder’s original passport. It is also prudent to check with the Housing Development Board (HDB) or Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) on the eligibility of subtenants to rent and the minimum and maximum rental period, before renting to foreigners.
Homeowners who wish to rent out their premises must exercise due diligence in checking the immigration status of their prospective foreign tenants to ensure that their stay in Singapore is legal. Renting premises to a Special Pass holder who remains in Singapore after his/her Special Pass has expired would constitute harbouring an immigration offender.
ICA takes a firm stance against any person who harbours immigration offenders, including overstayers. If you have any information on immigration offenders, please write in to ICA. All information provided to ICA will be kept strictly confidential.