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Singapore Employment Pass Guide
Everything you need to know about Application for an Employment Pass?
Looking to work in Singapore? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the Singapore Employment Pass application process, including eligibility requirements and the documents required.
Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, this guide will help make the process as easy as possible. So what are you waiting for? Apply for an Employment Pass today! Read further to learn more.
What is an Employment Pass?
The Singapore employment pass (EP) is a work pass (issued by the Ministry of Manpower) that allows foreign professionals to work in Singapore. To be eligible for an EP, you must have a job offer from a Singapore-based employer and meet the minimum salary requirements.
If you are successful in your application, you will be issued an Employment Pass (EP) which is valid for up to 2 years. As an Employment Pass holder, you will be able to live and work in Singapore without the need for a separate visa.
You will also be able to bring your family members to Singapore on dependent passes. If you want to extend your stay in Singapore, you will need to apply for a renewal of your employment pass before it expires.
SINGAPORE EMPLOYMENT PASS
To qualify for Singapore Employment Pass (EP), you must meet the following criteria:
- You must have a job offer from a company in Singapore. The Sponsor company must:
- have existing business activities
- show proof of income to fund the business operations
- Your job must fall under one of the following categories:
- Executive
- Managerial
- Specialist positions
- You must have a minimum salary of $4,500 per month.
- You must have acceptable qualifications, such as a good university degree, professional qualifications, or relevant work experience.
- You must be able to meet the general requirements for an employment pass, such as being of good character and having no criminal record.
- Validity: The Employment Pass is valid for 1 to 2 years and can be renewed for an additional three years if needed.
- No quota: This means that you do not need to have certain number of local employees to be eligible for Employment Pass;
- Possibility to bring your direct family member to Singapore: If you are earning a salary of over 6000 SGD per month, you can bring your spouse and children to Singapore on a dependant pass.
- Multiple Journey Visa: The Employment Pass allows you to travel in and out of Singapore freely as long as your Employment Pass is still valid.
Due to the recent changes in foreign manpower policies, it is now getting harder to secure an employment pass as you need to show more proof on the applicant’s credentials and why you did not consider hiring locals. Therefore, it is more important now to ensure the applicant meets the approval requirements before he/she proceed with the work pass application. Below are the 3 main rejection reasons for Employment Pass Application:-
- The company does not have enough revenues to sustain the business operations;
- The applicant does not have the relevant experience / qualification, please look for another candidate.
- The applicant does not commensurate the salary indicate in the application.
What documents do I need to apply for an Employment Pass?
To apply for an Employment Pass (EP), you will need the following documents:
● A completed and signed Employment Pass application form.
● A passport-sized photograph of yourself.
● Your resume or CV.
● Your educational certificates and transcripts.
● Your employment contracts or offer letter.
● Your passport or travel document.
● Additional documents (if required).
Documents required from Sponsor Company in Singapore:
● Company in Singapore must provide a copy of your business registration certificate (for self-employed applicants).
● A letter from your current employer confirming your job title, salary and employment period (for first-time applicants).
What is the Singapore Employment Pass application process?
The first step is to submit your Singapore Employment Pass application online via the Ministry Of Manpower (MOM) website. You will need to create an account and login with your SingPass before you can begin the application.
Once you have logged in, you will need to complete the online application form and upload the required documents.
How long does it take to process an Employment Pass application, and how can I track its status online?
It usually takes about 3 to 6 weeks to process an Employment Pass application. You can track the status of your application online via the MOM website.
To do this, you will need to login with your SingPass and go to the “My Employment Pass Application” page.
How do I know if my Employment Pass has been approved, and how do I collect it?
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.
How do I renew my Employment Pass?
Your Singapore employment pass is valid for up to 2 years, and you will need to apply for a renewal of your employment pass before it expires.
To renew your Employment Pass, you will need to fill out a form that will be sent to your employer’s registered address three months before your pass expires.
Applicants should submit their renewal applications to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) at least four weeks before their pass expires.
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. Additionally, you can also bring your parents provided you meet the minimum salary requirement to bring your family members.