A Comprehensive Guide to Singapore's Employment Pass: Eligibility, Application, and Renewal

Unlock Your Future with Singapore's Employment Pass

Singapore continues to be a popular destination for expatriates and foreign professionals alike, thanks to its robust economy, strategic location, and high quality of life. To maintain a competitive edge in the global market, the city-state has opened its doors to skilled individuals from all over the globe, offering various work visas tailored to their capabilities and expertise. One such integral visa in Singapore is the Employment Pass (EP).

What Is the Employment Pass?

The Employment Pass is a work visa specifically designed for professionals, managers, executives, and other highly skilled individuals seeking employment within the island nation. With a strong focus on attracting top talent, Singapore has streamlined its visa application process, making it straightforward and efficient for qualified applicants. However, navigating the intricacies of securing an EP can be challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with the country’s immigration policies and requirements.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the ins and outs of obtaining a Singapore Employment Pass, from determining your eligibility to taking essential steps for a successful application and renewal. We will tackle the key factors that influence the outcome of your application, such as your  educational background, work experience, and the strategic alignment of your skills with the nation’s economic goals.

In addition, we will discuss common pitfalls to watch out for and share valuable tips to enhance your application’s chances for approval. Having a thorough understanding of the Employment Pass requirements and process will go a long way in ensuring that your journey to working in Singapore unfolds as smoothly as possible. Continue learning about Singapore’s Employment Pass with our expert guidance and innovative solutions to simplify, expedite, and succeed in your visa journey.

Understanding the Employment Pass: Key Features and Benefits

Employment Pass Eligibility Criteria

The Comprehensive Assessment Framework, or COMPASS, introduces additional criteria for Employment Pass applications, aimed at ensuring a fair and comprehensive evaluation of candidates. Key aspects include:

  • Qualifications and Salary: Points are awarded based on the applicant’s qualifications, salary, and the relevance of their skills to the Singaporean job market.
  • Diversity: Recognizing the importance of a diverse workforce, COMPASS considers the diversity of the applicant’s country of origin in relation to the company’s existing workforce.
  • Support for Local Employment: Points may be awarded to companies demonstrating support for the local workforce through hiring practices and contributions to the Singaporean economy.
  • Strategic Economic Priorities: Applicants in sectors identified as strategic or growth areas for Singapore’s economy
    may receive additional consideration.


COMPASS is designed to complement existing eligibility criteria, ensuring that Employment Pass holders contribute positively to Singapore’s social and economic landscape.

An Employment Pass not only facilitates your professional ventures but also opens doors for your family. Eligible EP holders can sponsor their spouses, children, and even parents, under specific conditions, to join them in Singapore, making it a holistic relocation option.

  • Spouse and Children:

    • Monthly Fixed Salary: S$6,000 per month
  • Parents:

    • Monthly Fixed Salary: S$12,000 per month

Document Requirements for Employment Pass Application

Application Process for Singapore's Employment Pass: One Step at A Time

You will be notified of the outcome of your Employment Pass application via email. If your application is successful, you will be issued an in-principle approval letter. This letter is valid for 6 months and allows you to start work in Singapore immediately. Your employer will then need to submit a formal application for your employment pass, along with the required documents and fees. Once the formal application has been approved, you will be issued an employment pass which is valid for up to 2 years. You can collect your Employment Pass from the issuing authority, typically within 5 working days from the date of approval. In the unlikely event of a rejection, the employer may submit an appeal to reconsider the application, provided there is substantial new information and supporting documents to address the reason for rejection. Check out our Employment Pass Appeal Guide

Ensuring a Successful EP Renewal: Planning Ahead

An Employment Pass is initially valid for one to two years and can be renewed as long as the holder continues to meet the MOM’s criteria for employment. Renewal applications should ideally be submitted at least two months before the EP’s expiry, allowing ample time for processing. However, you can start the EP renewal process 6 months prior to the EP expiry date.

To further boost the chances of successful renewal, EP holders should maintain a good track record of employment, consistent salary increments, and active contributions to the company’s success. Moreover, employers play a significant role in ensuring a smooth renewal process by keeping their corporate compliance in order and submitting well-documented applications with accurate information.

An in-principle approval IPA letter will be sent to your employer once your renewal application has been approved. To receive your new Employment Pass, you must visit the Ministry of Manpower Employment Pass Service Centre at the Riverwalk.

How can I bring my family members?

 All employment pass holders are allowed to bring their direct family members with them to Singapore under the Dependant’s Pass Scheme. Additionally, you can also bring your parents provided you meet the minimum salary requirement to bring your family members.

Ensuring a Successful Employment Pass Journey in Singapore

Acquiring a Singapore Employment Pass is a rewarding endeavour for foreign professionals striving to excel in the Lion City’s competitive landscape. Armed with valuable insights into the eligibility criteria, application process, and renewal tips, you are now well-equipped to navigate the intricacies of the EP journey. Stay proactive in keeping abreast of changing visa requirements and the most up-to-date industry trends to enhance your application’s success.

Embark on a fruitful career journey in Singapore with expert guidance and innovative solutions to simplify, expedite, and succeed in your Employment Pass Service journey.

Table of Contents

Other Related Guides

Entrepreneur Pass (Entrepass) Guide

If you are looking to launch and operate your business in Singapore, the entrepreneur pass can be a better option for you. Learn more about Entrepass.

Personalised Employment Pass

This type of work pass is suitable for high income earner wanting to explore work or career opportunities in Singapore. Learn more about the PEP.

Overseas Network & Expertise (ONE) Pass

If you are a global top-tier talent with Exceptional Achievements in Arts, Science, Sports & Culture or business certain sectors. You can explore the One Pass.

You must have a Singapore Registered Company Sponsor to be Eligible to Apply!

Type of Singapore Visa you are Eilgible for

Employment Pass​

The Employment Pass is a Singapore work pass serves as a gateway for foreign professionals, managers, and executives to advance their careers in Singapore. To be eligible, individuals must secure a minimum monthly salary of $5,000 and obtain sponsorship from a registered Singaporean company for their work pass application.

Employment Pass​

Employment Pass is the most common work pass in Singapore that allows you to work and stay in Singapore for 12 – 24 months. Starting from September 2023, applicants must provide education verification proof before you can proceed with Employment Pass Application.
What are the criteria for the Employment Pass?
  • Employment Pass (EP)Processing: S$ 700 
  • Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Application Fee:     S$ 105 
  • MOM Issuance Fee:     S$ 255 (Payable upon approval and collection of EP)

An Employment Pass is required prior to your first day of work in Singapore. We can assist you in processing this work pass in less 3-4 weeks.

Type of Visa

Employment Pass

MOM fees

360

Visa Express Application Service fee

500 SGD

Processing Time

3 – 6 weeks

*The above fee quoted does not include any additional fees due to complication of your application and any other disbursements (translations, medical checkup fee etc.)

What are the criteria for the Employment Pass?
Required documents to apply:

International Passport

Highest education certificate

Resume

Employment Pass Application Easy as 1,2,3!
Why Visa Express?

Affordable Rates

Enjoy visa services at half the cost with basic eligibility assessment, ensuring your move to Singapore is both economical and hassle-free.

Self-Serve Convenience

Use our intuitive form to guide you through a simple, self-managed application process, saving you time and putting control in your hands.

On-Time Submission

We ensure your application is submitted within 2-3 days, provided all documents supplied are accurate, adhering strictly to the timeline promised upon sign-up.
FAQs
On normal circumstances, 3 weeks upon submission. Additional 3 – 6 weeks for rejected and additional documents request case
3,600 SGD per month but will be increased to 3900 SGD in May 2020.
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