Singapore Employment Pass (EP)

The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) is a type of work visa that is designed for managers, executives, specialists and other skilled professionals who wish to work in Singapore. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) oversees the application and issuance of the Singapore Employment Pass and allows entrepreneurs to apply for an EP after they have incorporated a company in Singapore. This enables them to relocate to Singapore in order to run company operations. There is no official quota for the EP.

Singapore Employment Pass can be applied if you are:

• An entrepreneur, executive or managing director of a Singapore company and wish to relocate to manage your company operations;
• A locally incorporated Singapore company and need to hire an employee from overseas;
• You have an employment offer from a Singapore employer. In this case, your employer will make the EP application on your behalf.

What do you need to have before applying for an Employment Pass (EP)?

All Employment Passes applications are carefully assessed by MOM and on a case-by-case basis. MOM takes into consideration a number of factors such as the applicant’s qualifications, work experience, job scope, economic contribution, employer track record, and ability to complement  Singapore’s local workforce. To be considered for a Singapore Employment Pass, you must possess one or more of the following:

• A recognized Diploma/Degree qualification
• Professional qualifications (professional or educational)
• Specialist skills
• Relevant work experience

In some instances, an applicant who does not possess recognised educational qualifications may not necessarily be rejected for a Singapore Employment Pass if there are other compensating positive factors in favour of their application, namely:

• Good job profile, salary, work experience;
• Good employer track record, high company paid-up capital and tax contribution;
• Possess strategic and in-demand skills in sunrise industries.

Conversely, having recognized educational qualifications does not guarantee a successful EP application.

What is the eligibility for an Employment Pass?

In addition to the above, a candidate must earn at least $5,000 a month to qualify for an EP. Older applicants will have to command a higher salary that is commensurate with the work experience and quality they are expected to bring.

Also, new EP applicants in the financial sector will need to earn at least $5,500 a month.

Application Procedure and Timeline

Singapore Employment Pass applications must be submitted to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Applications may be filed online or manually.

Online applications require the uploading of relevant supporting documents. Approximately 80% of applications via this route take 3 weeks or longer to process.

Manual applications are preferred by applicants whose supporting documents (eg. testimonials from previous employers, writing samples etc.) highlight other merits. The processing time for this route takes at least five weeks from the date of receipt of the application. The duration may lengthen during peak periods or when the case requires further input from various economic agencies.

Jobs Bank Requirement

The Ministry of Manpower requires companies that wish to hire Employment Pass Holders to first advertise the relevant position in the Singapore Workforce Development Agency’s Jobs Bank. However, certain exceptions apply.

The following are exempted:

• Jobs in firms with less than 10 employees
• Jobs that pay more than $15,000 per month
• Intra-corporate transferees (i.e. candidates holding senior positions/professionals with the advanced level of expertise)
• Short-term positions (less than 1 month)

What are the Documents Required for submission of an Employment Pass?

• An updated resume or CV stating your educational and employment history
• Copies of educational certificates and past employment testimonials
• A copy of the personal particulars page of your passport

* Any documents that are not in English must be translated into English by an official translation service.

What is the submission and timeline for an Employment Pass in Singapore?

Unless your case demands so, we submit all Employment Pass (EP) applications electronically to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) so that you can learn of your application outcome sooner.

• It takes MOM around 3 weeks or longer to process the application.
• Upon receiving the In-principle Approval (IPA) notification, we will make arrangements for the collection of your EP.

*Note for entrepreneurs
The EP application can only be done once your company has been incorporated. It is not necessary to be physically present in Singapore while the application is being processed.

Approval and Collection

To collect your EP you will be required to present:

• A copy of the IPA letter
• A recent passport-sized photograph
• Original passport with the entry embarkation cards
• Medical exam report* (if the In-Principle Approval states that you require one)
• Any other documents that are requested in the approval letter

* You may have a medical examination done in your own country through an established clinic/hospital or in Singapore. Most clinics in Singapore provide medical examination and report within a day.

The validity of an Employment Pass

The validity of an EP varies and are as follows:

• First-time applicants – up to 2 years
• EP renewals – up to 3 years

Entry Visa into Singapore

If you are overseas and require an entry visa to Singapore, your Singapore Employment Pass IPA letter will include a single journey entry visa. Upon your arrival in Singapore, we will make an appointment with the Ministry of Manpower on your behalf for fingerprinting. Once the procedures have been completed, your Employment Pass will be ready in 4 working days. You may collect the pass at MOM personally or authorise us to collect it on your behalf.

What happens if your application is rejected?

In the event that your EP application is rejected by the authority, we will investigate why the outcome was so. Based on the reasons provided by MOM, we will then establish a firm appeal in your defense, addressing the issues raised and providing documents per request, if any.

Please note that it may take three weeks or more to process an appeal, depending on the complexity of the case. Our fees include one free appeal in the event that your initial application is unsuccessful.

Change of Employer

EP holders must apply for a new pass whenever they change employers. There is no need to cancel the existing pass prior to application for a new pass. MOM evaluates each application for a new pass based on the applicant’s qualifications, work experience, and employer credentials. A new Employment Pass will be issued once the old pass is cancelled.

When and how to renew an Employment Pass

MOM will mail an EP Renewal Form to your employer’s address two months before your EP expires. You should submit the renewal application at least four weeks prior to the expiration of your EP. Once approved, your employer will receive a letter of notification when the new pass is ready for collection at the Ministry of Manpower.