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It may seem easy to apply for an employment pass to work in Singapore. But, the reality is that to get a Singapore EP, you must be considered a “talent” by MOM to be able to work in Singapore.
Many executives have struggled to get one; most foreign managers and professionals don’t know why MOM rejects them.
That is why, in this guide, we will cover everything you need to know and newest MOM updates on EP:
- What is the Singapore employment pass;
- The benefits of getting an EP;
- What are the requirements for a Singapore EP;
- A proven process to apply for an EP with 100% success.
Want to know the secret of a successful EP applicant? Learn from our guide here.
1. What is a Singapore employment pass?
The Employment Pass (EP) is a work visa for highly skilled foreign professionals, managers, and executives who wish to live and work in Singapore.
It allows holders to travel in and out of the country without needing additional entry visas. This pass is ideal for individuals with specialized skills and education, enabling them to work and reside in Singapore with ease.
Everybody, regardless of their nationality, can apply for an employment pass, as long as they are eligible for one.
Quick fact
You may need to pay Singapore personal income tax if you are qualified as a Singapore tax resident.
To learn more about this, read our article here: Singapore personal income tax - A comprehensive guide
2. What are the benefits of an Employment Pass?
There are reasons why so many foreigners are willing to apply for a Singapore EP. The benefits are truly great.
Some of the benefits you can get when having an EP are:
- Ability to be your company's sole director: If you are planning to open your company in Singapore, you can become the sole director without needing a nominee director.
- Eligibility for Dependants' Pass: Your spouse and children can join you in Singapore.
- Eligibility for long-term Visit Pass: You can bring parents, common-law spouses, step-children, or handicapped children to live with you.
- Pathway to permanent residency: Employment Pass holders can apply for Singapore Permanent Residency.
- Higher salary and qualifications: You can easily apply for higher-paying jobs and higher qualifications and have access to professional and executive positions, which can enhance career growth.
- Ease of travel: As Employment Pass holders, you can easily travel in and out of Singapore for work purposes.
- Business development: Employment Pass holders who wish to start their own business in Singapore can apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) to run their business.
3. What are the eligibility and requirements for a Singapore Employment Pass?
This is the most important part that every EP applicant needs to remember to see if they are fit for an EP. Especially nowadays, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has made the requirements for Employment Pass applicants stricter.
According to MOM EP eligibility criteria, there are 5 key factors for a successful EP application
- A job offer in Singapore
- A managerial, executive, or special role
- A qualifying salary for the role (The most important requirement)
- For most sectors, the minimum salary is $5,000, increasing with age from 23, reaching up to $10,500 at age 45 and older.
- For the financial services sector, the minimum salary is $5,500, increasing with age from 23, reaching up to $11,500 at age 45 and older.
- Acceptable qualifications, required skills and degree, education
- Acceptance from the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). Your application needs to earn 40 points to pass COMPASS.
2 extra factors no service provider tells you about to increase your chance of success
- Under the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF), the company you apply to work for must post a job ad on Jobs Bank two weeks before sending their EP application (EP) and you must include the job posting ID in the application.
- The company should have at least $50,000 SGD in paid-up capital. The more capital the company has the more credible MOM perceives it and the higher the chance you get an EP.
Applicants are exempted from COMPASS if they meet any of the following conditions:
- Have a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500;
- Apply as an overseas intra-corporate transferee;
- File the role for 1 month or less.
Quick tip
To check if you are eligible for an Employment Pass in Singapore, use the Ministry of Manpower's Self-Assessment Tool.
This tool can help determine your eligibility to apply. However, keep in mind that it does not guarantee approval.
4. What are the required documents for the Employment Pass
When submitting an Employment Pass application, you must upload relevant documents such as the candidate's passport page showing personal details.
In detail, the essential documents in English you need to prepare are:
| Documents required | Description |
| Personal particulars page of candidate’s passport | Upload the page from the candidate’s passport that shows their personal details |
| Explanation letter and supporting documents | Provide an explanation letter and documents like a deed poll if the candidate’s name on the passport is different from other documents, p |
| The company's latest business profile | Submit the latest business profile or instant information registered with ACRA |
| Additional documents |
May be required depending on specific circumstances E.g: a food shop license if you are an employee of a food establishment, supporting document from the Singapore Dental Council if you are a dentist |
5. Proven process to apply for an Employment Pass with success
This section will show how the application process works to get a Singapore EP.
Every step shown here is crucial to getting done exactly step-by-step, from what you need to do before, during, and after applying for an Employment Pass.
Before applying, You should understand the eligibility criteria and prepare the necessary documents for the application process for your job role in Singapore
If you are a foreign business owner, you should require the support of your registered employment agent or corporate service provider to handle the EP application.
In most cases, companies can submit Employment Pass applications online. Both online and manual applications require a $105 SGD fee.
- Online applications:
- Submitted through the myMOM Portal
- Processing time is three weeks or longer.
- Manual applications:
- Must be submitted over the counter at a SingPost location.
- Take eight weeks or longer to process the application
- Require a completed Employment Pass Application Form and all necessary documents.
If the application is approved, applicants will receive the In-Principle Approval (IPA) through the myMOM Portal.
Once the IPA is received, the candidate has six months to enter Singapore and request MOM to issue the Employment Pass.
To request MOM to issue the Employment Pass, the candidate must be in Singapore. Companies and employment agents must submit the following through the myMOM Portal:
- Candidate’s passport details
- Details of the candidate’s current Short-Term Visit Pass or immigration pass
- The 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
A payment of S$225 is required to have the pass issued. In some cases, additional documents may be needed:
- Disembarkation/Embarkation Card (i.e., immigration white card)
- Completed medical examination form or health declaration form
- Completed declaration form attached with the candidate’s in-principle approval letter
After submitting these documents, 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 (If this is your first time in Singapore).
Check the notification letter to see if the candidate needs to register fingerprints and a photo.
If required, you must complete the registration within 2 weeks after the pass is issued.
To register, make an appointment for the candidate to visit the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC).
For the appointment, you should bring:
- Original passport
- Appointment letter
- Notification letter
If you register and get documents verified at EPSC, the card will be delivered to the given address within 5 working days.
If registration is not needed, the card will be delivered within 5 working days after checking the documents.
Authorized recipients will receive an SMS or email with delivery details at least 1 working day before delivery.
You can use the SGWorkPass app to scan the QR code on your new card to check your status, expiry date, and more.
After 2 unsuccessful deliveries, the candidate or an authorized person can collect the card at EPSC after 3 working days without an appointment.
You must bring relevant paper to claim the employment pass card.
- For candidate:
- Original passport
- Notification letter
- For the authorized person:
- Authorization letter from the employer
- NRIC or passport for verification
6. What are your responsibilities after getting your Singapore Employment Pass?
Once you have successfully obtained your Singapore Employment Pass, it's crucial to understand and fulfill certain responsibilities to maintain your legal status and ensure a smooth stay in Singapore.
Some of the key duties you must adhere to after receiving your Employment Pass are:
Now that you have the right to live and reside in Singapore, you have the responsibility to file your income tax return with the IRAS and pay tax on time if you are eligible to be a tax resident in Singapore.
If any of the following changes occur, you have the obligation to notify the MOM as soon as possible.
- You change your details, such as address, passport information, or marital status.
- You change your jobs or transfer to a different role. The employer must file for a new EP for you
- The hiring company changes their information such as company name, address
If you have family members on Dependant or Long-Term Visit Passes, ensure their passes remain valid and comply with renewal requirements.
The EP has a duration depending on your application. So, you should apply for a renewal before it expires.
Remember to check for new regulations so you meet the renewal criteria and submit your application on time.
If you stop working or leave Singapore, return your Employment Pass card to MOM within one week of cancellation.
There is no doubt that you have to abide by all local laws and regulations, both at work and in your personal life if you are working in Singapore
This includes participation in any mandatory health screenings or vaccinations required by MOM.
7. How to cancel your Singapore Employment Pass?
You can cancel the EP card in these 2 scenarios
- The EP card expires;
- The hiring company or the employment agent cancels your EP within 1 week if you stop working \
The cancellation process is as follows:
- The applicant will cancel the pass through the myMOM portal.
- Once canceled, the holder will receive a cancellation acknowledgment letter.
- If still in Singapore, the holder will be issued a Short-Term Visit Pass.
Important note
- You must pay all taxes and obtain tax clearance from IRAS if you cancel your employment pass.
- All Dependant Passes, Long-Term Visit Passes, letters of consent, and work permits linked to the Employment Pass will also be canceled.
- The Employment Pass holder must give the Short-Term Visit Pass to immigration authorities upon leaving Singapore.
- The company must return the Employment Pass card to MOM within one week after cancellation.
8. How to replace and renew your Singapore Employment Pass?
You should, at all times, keep your EP card in a safe location or carry it with you as proof as proof of your legal right to work and reside in Singapore.
If you lose, damage the EP, or have it stolen, you should contact your hiring company or the registered agent so that they apply for a replacement card within one week.
The applicant will complete the filing via my MoM portal and pay the relevant fee.
- $60 SGD for damaged cards
- $100 SGD for the first lost card, S$300 for subsequent lost cards
MOM will issue a card replacement letter with collection instructions when it approves the application.
You must collect the new card at the Employment Pass Services Centre within four working days. No appointment is necessary.
Remember to bring one of these documents for collection
- Original passport
- Card replacement letter
- Damaged card (if applicable)
- Completed declaration form for lost or stolen cards
- Police report (for stolen cards)
9. What are the differences between an EP, S-Pass, Work Pass, Dependant Pass, and Work Permit?
All foreigners who want to work in Singapore need a valid pass, also known as a work visa, before they can start their job.
As a company owner, if you are hiring foreigners, ensure they have the correct pass. Check which pass they need, verify their eligibility, and learn how to apply for it.
Since there are many work passes in Singapore for each profession, position, and circumstance, the table below will indicate the most common work pass.
9.1. Work pass for professionals
| Pass type | Who is it for? |
| Employment Pass or EP | For foreign professionals, managers, and executives. Must earn at least $5,000 a month and pass COMPASS. |
| Entrepreneur Pass or EntrePass | For foreign entrepreneurs looking to start and run a venture-backed or innovative tech business in Singapore. |
| Personalized Employment Pass or PEP |
For high-earning Employment Pass holders or overseas foreign professionals. Offers more flexibility. |
| Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass or One Pass | For top talent in business, arts and culture, sports, academia, and research. |
9.2. Work pass for professionals
| Pass type | Who is it for? |
| S Pass | For skilled workers. Must earn at least $3,150 a month. |
| Work Permit for Migrant Worker | For skilled and semi-skilled migrant workers in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process, or services sector. |
| Work Permit for Migrant Domestic Worker | For migrant domestic workers (MDWs) to work in Singapore. |
| Work Permit for Confinement Nanny | For Malaysian confinement nannies to work in Singapore for up to 16 weeks from the birth of the employer's child. |
| Work Permit for Performing Artiste | For foreign performers working in public entertainment |
9.3. Work Pass for trainees and students
| Pass type | Who is it for? |
| Training Employment Pass or TEP | Foreign professionals doing practical training, earning at least $3,000 a month |
| Work Holiday Pass (under the Work Holiday Programme) | Students and graduates aged 18 to 25 who want to work and holiday in Singapore for 6 months |
| Work Holiday Pass (under Work and Holiday Visa Programmes) | Australian and New Zealander students and graduates aged 18 to 30 who want to work and holiday in Singapore for 12 months |
| Training Work Permit |
Semi-skilled foreign trainees or students doing practical training in Singapore for up to 6 months |
9.4. Work Pass for family members
| Pass type | Who is it for? |
| Dependant's Pass | Spouses and children of eligible Employment Pass or S Pass holders |
| Long-Term Visit Pass | Parents, common-law spouses, step-children, or handicapped child |
| Pre-approved Letter of Consent |
Eligible spouses or children of Singapore citizens or PRs with an LTVP/LTVP+ from ICA. The holder is pre-approved to work and applies when renewing the LTVP/LTVP+ |
| Letter of Consent for ICA-issued LTVP/LTVP+ holders |
Eligible spouses or children of Singapore citizens or PRs with an LTVP/LTVP+ from ICA. The employer must apply for the LOC |
| Letter of Consent for Dependant’s Pass holders who are business owners |
Eligible Dependant’s Pass holders who want to run a business |
10. How can we help you obtain your Employment Pass?
With stricter regulations and essential documents to manage, partnering with us is the simplest way to get your EP.
With 10+ years of helping entrepreneurs, directors, and professionals obtain employment passes, we provide expert support throughout the application process.
Reach out to us now if you need assistance applying for an Employment Pass for yourself or your employees.
If you plan to do business with a Singapore company or need to find a reliable corporate service provider, we can help you:
- Register a company in Singapore;
- Open a corporate bank account in Singapore with a 99% success rate;
- Choose the right company types for tax optimization in Singapore;
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- Support to open, authenticate, and manage Stripe Paypal Business in Singapore, Hong Kong, and the U.S;
- Handle all your tax accounting needs, timely annual filings, auditing, and more.
11. FAQs about Singapore Employment Pass
The S Pass is designed for mid-level skilled workers with a lower salary and qualification threshold, while the Employment Pass targets highly skilled professionals with higher salary and qualification requirements.
Additionally, the S Pass has a quota and levy system, unlike the Employment Pass.
For first-time candidates, the EP duration is up to 2 years. For other EP holders, the renewal is up to 3 years.
For experienced tech professionals with skills in shortage, the pass duration can be up to 5 years.
A work permit is a category within the work pass system.
Work Permit is for lower-skilled foreign workers employed in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and marine industries. Work Pass such as EP or S Pass is for foreign professionals and it requires a higher level of qualifications and experience.
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