Personalised Employment Pass

The PEP has a lot of requirements in common with the Employment Pass, but as this visa does not require the participation of an employer in the application process, the requirements are definitely lesser.

1. Salary: If you are an executive who is currently working abroad, your monthly salary for your previous month should be no less than $18,000 SGD. If you are currently holding a P1 Employment Pass, you can upgrade to a PEP under the condition your monthly income is no less than $12,000 SGD.
2. Education: You should have a degree from a well-established educational institution.
3. Background: You must be able to showcase your prominent employment history and prove that you have worked for a period of 3-5 years in the field of your expertise. If possible, your skills have to be in demand in growing sectors of the Singapore economy.
4. Passport: You have to provide a valid international passport.
5. Documentation: the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will require the necessary documentation such as your tax and bank statements, nationality, age, professional skills and how would your skills complement the local skill set

High-calibre professionals and managers opt for this visa because of the independent application process, freedom from employment bonds and other advantages of the Personal Employment Pass.

1. Basis of application: Overseas professionals who possess impressive experience does not have to initially get the offer in Singapore before applying. Applicants are granted the visa based on their personal merits.
2. Job-hunting: After the applicant is given their PEP visa, they are allowed to stay in Singapore for up to 6 months. During this time, they must job-hunt and find a job before the time period expires.
3. Flexibility in employment: The PEP visa allows the applicant to switch jobs without the need for the employer to reapply the applicant’s visa. This gives the applicants the ability to switch employment between industries or companies at their convenience.
4. Other Visa application: The PEP allows the applicant to apply for a Permanent Residence visa 1 year into their PEP visa. The PEP holder’s spouse and children (who are under 21 years of age) are able to apply for the Dependant’s Passe and relatives are able to apply for the Long Term Visit Pass.

1. High salary requirement: Due to the privileges provided along with the Personalised Employment Pass, there is a high salary requirement to meet ($18,000 SGD). This might cause issues between employer and employee when negotiating for a job. If the employer is not willing to pay $18,000 SGD and the employee is not willing to take anything less than the stated amount.
2. Tax: The visa holder is required to pay an income tax of about 15% or so.
3. Change of visa: The PEP holder must substitute the visa as it cannot be renewed. However, this provides the PEP holder the opportunity to apply for a PR application.
4. No business ownership: The PEP holder is not allowed to own his own business in Singapore (unlike the Employment Pass).