Singapore Employment Pass: Eligibility, Application Process & Fees
The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) allows foreign professionals, managers, and company directors to work and live in Singapore. It’s the most common type of work visa for company founders and skilled employees. This guide explains the current EP eligibility rules, salary criteria, and application process to help you plan your move or hire foreign staff.
The Employment Pass requirements and application process have become increasingly complex, requiring meticulous preparation of documents and careful management of the filing process. Our immigration team has decades of unmatched experience in advising on and managing Employment Pass applications.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways About Singapore Employment Pass
What Is an Employment Pass (EP)?
Employment Pass Eligibility and Salary Requirements
Documents Required for Employment Pass
Educational Qualifications for Singapore Employment Pass
How to Apply for Employment Pass in Singapore
Employment Pass Appeal
Renewing an Employment Pass
Canceling an Employment Pass
Employer Compliance Obligations
Passes for Family Members of EP Holders
Switching Employers on an Employment Pass
Other Work Passes in Singapore
Company Founders: Employment Pass or Entrepreneur Pass?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Key Takeaways About Singapore Employment Pass
The minimum qualifying salary for an Employment Pass is S$5,600 per month for young graduates from reputable universities and increases with age and experience, reaching about S$11,800 at age 45 and above.
EP applications are evaluated under a point based system, which assesses both the candidate’s qualifications and the employer’s profile.
Applications are typically processed within three weeks.
The Employment Pass is valid for up to two years for first-time applicants and can be renewed.
EP holders who meet the minimum family sponsorship salary can bring eligible family members to Singapore on a Dependant Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass.
What Is an Employment Pass (EP)?
The Employment Pass (EP) is a work visa issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) that allows foreign professionals, managers, executives, and company directors to live and work in Singapore.
It is typically granted to individuals with well recognized qualifications, specialized skills, and a confirmed job offer from a Singapore-registered employer. Unlike lower-tier work passes, the EP is designed for skilled roles that contribute to Singapore’s economy and workforce.
An EP is tied to the sponsoring employer. It is usually valid for up to two years for first-time applicants and can be renewed, subject to meeting MOM’s eligibility criteria.
Employment Pass Eligibility and Salary Requirements
Basic Eligibility Requirements
- All nationalities may apply for an Employment Pass.
- Applicants must have a confirmed job offer from a Singapore-registered company.
- The position must be for a managerial, executive, or specialist role.
- Candidates must have acceptable qualifications, such as a recognized university degree, professional qualifications, or specialized skills.
Salary Thresholds
- Starting from 1 Jan 2025, the minimum qualifying salary for EP candidates is S$5,600 per month for recent graduates of reputable universities.
- Salary requirements increase with age and experience, reaching at least S$11,800 per month for candidates aged 45 and above.
- In practice, applicants in senior or specialized positions are expected to command even higher salaries.
COMPASS Framework
EP candidates must also score at least 40 points under the COMPASS framework. Points are awarded based on two categories:
- Individual attributes: salary level, qualifications, and skills.
- Company-related attributes: workforce diversity and support for local employment. Additional bonus points may be awarded for roles in strategic sectors or occupations where Singapore has a shortage of talent.
Exemptions from COMPASS
Applicants are exempted from the COMPASS scoring system if they:
- Earn a fixed monthly salary of S$22,500 or more;
- Are applying as an overseas intra-corporate transferee; or
- Are filling a role in Singapore for one month or less.
No Automatic EP Approvals
Considerations for Individuals
- MOM evaluates candidates based on the special skill set he or she will bring to the Singapore economy.
- Although MOM typically prefers candidates with specialized skills, those without specialized qualifications can still be approved.
- Candidates with specialized qualifications are not automatically eligible.
Considerations for Companies
In addition to reviewing the candidate’s qualifications, MOM will also evaluate the company that’s applying for the Employment Pass in Singapore. They will examine the company’s contributions to the Singapore economy and workforce. MOM considers companies based on the following criteria:
- What portion of the company’s staff is Singaporean compared to the industry average?
- Has the company shown a commitment to hiring and developing Singaporean talent?
- To what extent does the company contribute to the Singapore economy and society?
Documents Required for Employment Pass
To apply for an Employment Pass in Singapore, MOM requires copies of each of the following documents:
- The personal particulars page of the candidate’s passport
- The company’s latest business profile or instant information registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)
- The candidate’s educational certificates (e.g., degree certification)
- Written consent from the candidate allowing the company or employment agent to apply on his or her behalf
- Any additional documents that MOM may request
Note that all documents must be in English or translated into English.
Educational Qualifications for Singapore Employment Pass
Employers must verify that candidates’ qualifications are genuine and issued by accredited institutions. MOM’s guidelines are:
- Institution not listed in MOM’s list: Verification must confirm both the authenticity of the qualification and the institution’s accreditation, using MOM-approved screening agencies.
- Institution listed in MOM’s list: Verification is required only for authenticity, via approved screening agencies, official portals, or the OpenCerts platform.
Our Employment Pass service fee excludes qualification verification. As part of our EP application service, our team will advise you on approved screening agencies and procedures.
In general, candidates for an EP should possess acceptable qualifications, such as a recognized university degree, professional qualifications, or specialized skills relevant to the position. While a degree is not strictly mandatory, applicants without formal tertiary education must demonstrate strong professional experience and expertise to qualify.
How to Apply for Employment Pass in Singapore
Step 1
Submit an application
In almost all cases, companies can submit an application online. Foreign companies that do not have a registered office in Singapore must have a local sponsor manually apply through the mail. For both online and manual applications, the company or employment agent must pay a S$105 application fee.
- Online applications are submitted through myMOM Portal and take three weeks or longer to process.
- Manual applications through the mail must be submitted over the counter at a SingPost location and are processed in eight weeks or longer. They must include a completed Employment Pass Application Form and all required documents.
Step 2
Receive the In-Principal Approval (IPA) letter
Step 3
Request MOM to issue the Employment Pass
The candidate must be in Singapore to request MOM to issue the Employment Pass. To receive the pass, companies and employment agents must submit the following through myMOM Portal:
- Candidate’s passport details;
- Details of the candidate’s current Short-Term Visit Pass or immigration pass;
- Candidate’s residential address in Singapore;
- Local address where the Employment Pass card can be delivered;
- Contact details of at least one authorized recipient who can receive a text message or email alert with delivery details;
- Payment of S$225 is required to have the pass issued.
Once documents are submitted, the Employment Pass will be issued. However, the candidate will not receive the card until any required fingerprints and/or photographs are taken as proof of identity.
Step 4
Receive Notification letter
Step 5
Register fingerprints and have photo taken (if necessary)
New candidates and candidates who registered more than five years ago must register their fingerprints and have their photos taken within two weeks of the Employment Pass being issued. Candidates must make an appointment with the Employment Pass Services Centre. At the appointment, candidates must have the following documents ready:
- Original passport
- Appointment letter
- Notification letter
- Documents listed in the IPA letter and notification letter
Step 6
Receive the Employment Pass card
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Guys, thanks for handling the incorporation, bank account opening, and Employment Pass tasks so quickly and elegantly. With your professional team and sophisticated software platform, we are assured that our corporate compliance needs will be well taken care of. It has been a pleasure to work with you and we look forward to a long partnership! Convey my special thanks to Tiffany, she has been great to work with.
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Founder, KATZION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS PTE. LTD.Employment Pass Appeal
Key Guidelines:
- Appeals must be submitted within three months from the date of rejection.
- The company should appeal only if it can provide new or additional information addressing the reasons for rejection stated in MOM’s advisory.
- Typical grounds for rejection include insufficient justification for hiring a foreigner, salary below the qualifying threshold, or incomplete supporting documentation.
Appeal Procedure:
- Appeals are submitted online through the myMOM Portal by the employer or employment agent.
- MOM generally takes at least three weeks to review an appeal, though complex cases may take longer.
- If the appeal is successful, MOM will issue an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, and the process to issue the Employment Pass can proceed as usual.
Renewing an Employment Pass
When to Apply for Renewal
- The employer or employment agent can submit a renewal application up to six months before the EP’s expiry date.
- MOM must receive the renewal request at least two weeks before the pass expires.
- If the pass is not renewed before it expires, the candidate must leave Singapore and apply for a new EP.
How to Renew Employment Pass
Processing Time
Renewal Criteria
The renewal process is not automatic, MOM reassesses each case to ensure ongoing compliance with its criteria. The EP holder must:
- Continue to earn a qualifying fixed monthly salary (minimum S$5,600, increasing progressively with age and experience);
- Remain employed in a managerial, executive, or specialist role; and
- Maintain valid and verifiable educational qualifications (subject to the verification requirements).
Canceling an Employment Pass
Key Requirements:
- Before canceling the pass, the employer must obtain tax clearance from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) to confirm that all outstanding taxes have been paid.
- The employer must also purchase a return airfare for the employee to leave Singapore, where applicable.
- Once the EP is canceled, all related passes such as Dependant Passes, Long-Term Visit Passes, and Letters of Consent will be canceled automatically.
How to Cancel
EP cancellation is completed online through the myMOM Portal. After cancellation:
- MOM issues a cancellation acknowledgment letter.
- If the EP holder remains in Singapore, a Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) will be issued to allow a short stay before departure.
The EP card must be returned to MOM within one week of cancellation. When leaving Singapore, the pass holder must surrender the Short-Term Visit Pass to immigration officers at the checkpoint.
Employer Compliance Obligations
Requirement to Advertise the Position
Key Requirements
- The job advertisement must run for at least 28 consecutive days before the EP application is submitted to the MOM.
- The posting must clearly specify the job title, duties, skills, experience, and salary range.
- Employers are expected to fairly consider all applicants, including Singapore citizens and permanent residents.
Exemptions from Advertising
A company is not required to post a job advertisement if:
- It has 10 or fewer employees;
- The role pays a fixed monthly salary of S$20,000 or more;
- The candidate is an intra-corporate transferee holding a senior role or specialized expertise; or
- The position is required for one month or less.
Requirement to Notify MOM of Any Changes
Employers must promptly notify the Ministry of Manpower of any significant changes to an Employment Pass holder’s details or employment conditions. The employer must inform MOM as soon as possible if any of the following occur:
- A decrease in the EP holder’s salary
- The EP holder changes residential address
- Any update to the EP holder’s personal particulars
- The EP holder is transferred to a related parent or subsidiary company
- A change in the company name or registered address
- The EP holder takes on a new position within the company
- The EP holder is missing or cannot be contacted
Notifications are submitted through the myMOM Portal. Employers are encouraged to report all updates promptly to avoid non-compliance or delays in future work pass renewals or applications.
Passes for Family Members of EP Holders
Dependant Pass (DP)
DP is available to:
- Legally married spouse;
- Unmarried children under 21 years old, including legally adopted children.
Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
LTVP is available to:
- Common-law spouse;
- Unmarried handicapped children above 21 years old;
- Unmarried stepchildren under 21 years old;
- Parents of the EP holder (if the EP holder earns at least S$12,000 per month).
Employment for Family Members
Special Note for Intra-Corporate Transferees (ICTs)
Switching Employers on an Employment Pass
If an EP holder changes jobs in Singapore, the new employer must apply for a new Employment Pass. The existing pass is not transferable between employers, even if both companies are related entities such as a parent and subsidiary.
Key Points:
- The new employer must submit a fresh EP application to the Ministry of Manpower.
- The EP holder does not need to cancel their existing pass before the new application is filed.
- MOM will evaluate the new application based on the candidate’s current qualifications, salary, and role, as well as the new employer’s business profile and track record.
Once the new EP is approved and issued, the previous employer must cancel the old pass and complete tax clearance with IRAS.
Other Work Passes in Singapore
Employment Pass (this guide)
Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass)
Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
S Pass
Company Founders: Employment Pass or Entrepreneur Pass?
The Employment Pass and the Entrepreneur Pass are the two most common work passes for company founders who wish to relocate to Singapore. In practice, the EP is generally easier to qualify for and obtain than the EntrePass.
If you are a company founder applying for an Employment Pass, one key factor to consider is your shareholding in the business. If you are listed as a shareholder of a newly incorporated Singapore company, the Ministry of Manpower may view you as an entrepreneur rather than a typical employee. In such cases, MOM may suggest that you apply for an EntrePass instead.
However, it is still possible to obtain an EP as a shareholder if you meet MOM’s eligibility requirements, particularly if your company has already commenced operations and can demonstrate genuine business activity. MOM will assess whether your company is financially viable, capable of paying your declared salary, and has plans to hire local employees.
The more established and operational your company is, the stronger your case for an EP approval. For most founders who have incorporated their company and plan to relocate soon after, the Employment Pass route remains faster and more straightforward than applying for an EntrePass.
Need Help With Your Employment Pass Application?
Applying for an EP involves strict eligibility checks, detailed documentation, and multiple steps with the MOM. Many applications are delayed or rejected due to incomplete information or errors in submission. The simplest and most efficient way to obtain an EP is to work with a corporate services provider that is experienced in handling work pass applications. A licensed service provider can:
- Assess your eligibility before submitting the application
- Prepare and verify all required supporting documents
- File the application through the myMOM Portal on your behalf
- Liaise with MOM to respond to any follow-up queries
- Manage renewals, appeals, and dependent pass applications if required
At Corporate Services, our team provides full guidance throughout the entire process to ensure your Employment Pass application is complete, accurate, and compliant with MOM requirements.
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