Work Passes
(WP / S Pass / EP / PEP / ONE Pass)

Get your Singapore Work Passes today. ISO assists with Employment Pass, S Pass, One Pass, and more to ensure smooth approval.

Work Passes
(WP / S Pass / EP / PEP / ONE Pass)

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work passes

Singapore offers various work passes and permits for foreigners who wish to work here

Singapore offers various work passes and permits for foreigners who wish to work here. The eligibility criteria differ for every pass. You must know which suite you best to comply with employment standards.

Immigration Singapore Office offers expert guidance throughout the application process for all these work passes: S Pass, Employment Pass, Personalised Employment Pass and Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass.

These are short-term passes that allow foreigners to be employed in Singapore. Foreigners with these work passes who intend to sink their roots in Singapore can look forward to the next step: Apply Singapore PR.

All applications for these work passes must go through Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

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Type of Work Pass

The S pass is for mid-level skilled foreign employees who are associate professionals or technicians with mid-level skills – holding a degree, diploma, or technical certificate. Examples of sectors would be manufacturing, construction and services.

Eligibility For S Pass Application

  • To have a job offer from a Singapore-based employer.
  • Earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$3,150 (as of 2024).
  • The minimum monthly salary for foreigners in financial services is S$3,650 (as of 2024.)
  • Proper educational qualification.
  • Relevant work experience.

The Singapore-based employer or approved employment agency is responsible for applying for the foreigner’s S Pass Application. They would be the ones handling the paperwork and application submission.

The number of S Pass holders that the companies can hire is limited by quota. Employers must also pay a monthly levy for these workers. Under the existing quota by MOM, the number of S Pass holders the company can hire is capped at:

  • 10% of the company’s total workforce is in the services sector.
  • 15% in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard and process sectors.

*For employers, you may calculate your foreign employee quota or check for your company’s available quota via the Work Permit Online porta.

The Step-By-Step S Pass Application Process

You’ll provide a letter of consent for your employer. The letter states that you agreed to work for them and that they have your permission to apply for the S pass in your stead.

Your employer fills out the online S Pass application form from MOM’s website and attaches all documents required for the S Pass.

Your employer pays the processing fee of S$105.

It usually takes three to four weeks for MOM to process the S Pass application. Once your application has been approved, your employer will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter.


An IPA letter in Singapore:

  • Acts as a single-entry visa which allows you entry into Singapore.
  • Informs you whether you need to have a medical check-up in Singapore.
  • Contains a list of documents you will need when your employer applies for the issuance of the S Pass.

The IPA letter is valid for 60 days from the date of approval. You are required to complete the formalities with MOM within these 6 months and have your S Pass issued.

Documents Needed For S Pass Application:

Your employer needs to make sure they have secured the following documents when submitting your S Pass Application:

  • Filled out S Pass Application Form
  • Letter of consent
  • Photocopies of the following:
  • Your passport’s details page
  • Photocopy of your marriage certificates (if applicable)
  • Diplomas and other educational certifications
  • Letter of Support or registration from a registration agency, accreditation agency, or professional body (this varies depending on your profession)

S PAss Application Issuance Process

Step 1
Once you are in Singapore, your employer will visit Employment Pass Online (EP Online) and request an S Pass to be issued to you.

Step 2
Your employer will need to provide the following documents:

  • Details of medical insurance and work injury compensation insurance (for employees doing manual labour).
  • Details about your Short-Term Visit Pass or Immigration Pass.
  • Address where MOM can mail your S Pass Card.
  • Embarkation/Desembarkation card.
  • Medical examination form (if applicable).

Step 3
Pay the S Pass fee of S$100.

Step 4
Once MOM has issued the pass, your employer will receive a notification letter that:

  • Allows you entry to and exit from Singapore while waiting to receive your S Pass.
  • States you must register your fingerprints and photo (if it’s your first time applying for an S Pass or if five years have passed since your last registered).

Employment Pass (EP) is intended for professionals with high-level qualifications, a good university degree or specialised skills. EP holders are those who work in managerial, executive or specialised roles.

Eligibility For Employment Pass Application

  • To have a job offer from a Singapore-based employer.
  • Hold a managerial, executive or specialised role.
  • Earned a fixed monthly salary of the least S$5,000 (as of 2024).
  • The minimum fixed monthly salary for foreigners in financial services is S$5,500 (as of 2024).
  • Relevant educational qualification of degree, professional qualification or specialised skills.
  • Relevant work experience.

EP qualifying salary (Stage 1)

The following EP-qualifying salary requirements apply to new applications and renewals:

  • At least $5,000 for all sectors except financial services (increases progressively with age from 23, up to $10,500 at age 45 and above)
  • At least $5,500 for the financial services sector (increases progressively with age from age 23, up to $11,500 at age 45 and above)
  • For EPs expiring from 1 September 2024, in addition to meeting the EP qualifying salary, they will also need to pass COMPASS to get their pass renewed.
  • From 1 January 2025, the EP qualifying salary for new applications will be revised to a least $5,600, and at least $6,200 for the financial services sector.
  • The revised EP qualifying salary will also apply to the renewal of EPs that are expiring from 1 January 2026.

COMPASS (Stage 2)

COMPASS is a transparent points-based system that gives businesses greater clarity and certainty for manpower planning. It enables employers to select high-quality foreign professionals while improving workforce diversity and building a strong local core.

How to Pass COMPASS

Your application needs to earn 40 points to pass COMPASS.

Image from ICA website

The Step-By-Step EP Application Process

Your employer fills out the online EP application form from MyMOMPortal and attaches all documents required for the EP.

Your employer pays the processing fee for S$105.

It usually take three to eight weeks for MOM to process the EP application. Once your application has been approved, your employer will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter.

An IPA letter in Singapore:

  • Act as a single-entry visa which allows you entry into Singapore.
  • Informs you whether you need to have a medical check-up in Singapore.
  • Contains a list of documents you will need when your employer applies for the issuance of the EP.

The IPA letter gives you six months to be in Singapore, complete your medical check-up (if needed), and collect your EP card.

Documents Needed for EP Application

Your employer need to make sure they have secured the following documents when submitting your Employment Pass application:

  • Completely filled-out EP Application Form.
  • Photocopies of the following:
  • Your passport’s details page
  • Diplomas and other educational certifications
  • Letter of Support or registration agency, accreditation agency, or professional body (this varies depending on your profession)

EP Application Issuance Process

Step 1
Once you are in Singapore, your employer will visit MOM’s website and request the Employment Pass to be issued.

Step 2
Your employer will need to provide the following documents:

  • Details about your Short-Term Visit Pass or Immigration Pass.
  • Address where MOM can mail your Employment Pass card.
  • Embarkation/Disembarkation card.
  • Medical examination form (if application).

Step 3
Pay the EP issuance free of S$225 / S$255.

Step 4
Once MOM has issued the pass, your employer will receive a notification letter that:

  • Allows you entry to and exit from Singapore while waiting to receive your Employment Pass.
  • States if you need to register your fingertips and photo.

Note that older and more experienced applicants will need higher salaries to be eligible for both the S Pass and EP applications.

MOM offers a self-assessment tool to help you determine your S Pass or EP eligibility for a new application or a pass renewal. You will need to fill up a host of details such as:

  • Employment Sector
  • Nationality/Citizenship
  • Relevant Work Experience
  • Fixed Monthly Salary
  • Total Work Experience
  • Educational Qualification

Once you’re done answering the online form, you’ll receive an assessment result which tells you if you’re qualified based on the information you’ve indicated.

*For employers, you are also required to consider all candidates fairly under the Fair Consideration Framework before you apply for a S Pass or an EP. Employers must first advertise to job on MyCareersFuture and consider all job applicants fairly. You may refer to the job advertisement requirements by MOM.

The Personalised Pass (PEP) application is a non-renewable pass reserved for a niche group of overseas foreign professionals or high-earning EP holders.

Having the PEP is exclusively paired with a significantly higher income and, as such, subjected to one of the high reviewing standards for Passes. If you need a work pass that does not tie you down to a single employer, applying for a Personalised Employment Pass application is your solution.

Additionally, this pass enables you to switch jobs in Singapore without having to re-apply for an entry visa – so as long you haven’t been unemployed for more than six months.

Eligibility For Personalised Employment Pass Application

  • As an overseas foreign professional, your last drawn fixed monthly salary overseas was at least S$22,500.
  • Existing EP holders earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500.
  • Legally Adoptive Parent of a Singapore Citizen aged 21 or older.

Other eligibility criteria include the following:

  • Not being a freelancer who plans to work without a Singapore employer.
  • Not having your EP issued by a Sponsored scheme (if you are an EP holder)
  • Not sole shareholding partner, proprietor, or director in any Singapore-registered company.
  • Your profession should not be a journalist, editor, sub-editor or producer.

To retain this pass, you must:

  • Not be unemployed in Singapore for more than six months at any time. Otherwise, you will need to cancel the pass.
  • Earn a fixed salary of at least S$144,000 per calendar year (regardless of the number of months you are employed)

The Step-By-Step Personalised Employment Pass Application Process

Submit the PEP application online through MOM’s e-services or a designated agency.

Pay the processing fee of S$105 by PayNow or telegraphic transfer (if you don’t have PayNow)

It usually takes around eight weeks for MOM to process the PEP. Once your application has been approved, you will receive an IPA letter. The IPA letter gives you six months to come to Singapore and get the pass issued.

Documents Needed For PEP Application

  • Complete filled out-PEP Application Form
  • Passport details
  • Your salary (drawn for the past six months)
  • Your employment offer letter (if applicable)
  • A copy of your academics transcripts and certificates
  • Latest income tax statement

ONE pass is meant for top talent in business, art and culture, sports, academia and research.

This pass is more attractive than the PEP because it allows the pass holder to start and operate multiple companies in Singapore. The ONE pass is valid for five years, and it is renewable.

Eligibility For ONE Pass Application

  • Earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000, or its equivalent in foreign currency for the last year; or
  • Will earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 under their prospective employer based in Singapore.
  • Working for an established company for at least one year or will be working for an established company in Singapore.

*The fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 should only come from one employer.

Alternatively, foreign talents with exceptional accomplishment in the arts and culture, sports, academics, and research may be eligible for the ONE Pass without meeting the above criteria.

The ONE Pass application is valid for foreign talents who have shown a high level of achievement in scientific or other academic research with a track record of significant outcomes from research conducted (which may include international recognition of scientific or academic leadership).

To be considered for the outstanding achievement track for academia and research, the foreign talent must submit a thorough Curriculum Vitae (CV). The CV includes their academic credentials, professional experiences, accomplishments, and letters of recommendation from a regional host research institution (such as Autonomous Universities or A*STAR).

Existing work pass holders in Singapore can also apply for ONE Pass if they have been working in Singapore for at least one year or prove that they will be working for an established company.

The established company must have a market capitalisation or valuation of at least US$500 million or annual revenue of at least US$200 million in Singapore.

The Step-By-Step ONE Pass Application Process

Submit the ONE Pass application online through MOM’s portal.

Pay the processing fee of S$105 by Credit Card (VISA, MasterCard, AMEX), NETS or Cash Card. (Note that there is an additional fee of S$225 for card issuance).

It usually take three to eight weeks for MOM to process the ONE application. Once your application has been approved, your employer will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. The IPA letter give you six months to come to Singapore and get the pass issued.

Documents Needed For ONE Pass Application

Compulsory for all categories of eligible applicants. The passport details page and the following documents apply to applicants of the various categories.

Please note that an explanation letter and supporting documents (e.g., deed poll or affidavit) will be required if the applicant’s name in the passport differs from that on the other document(s).

A. Applicants who earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 in Singapore in the past year

  • Your monthly payslips for a consecutive period of 12 months
  • Most recent tax statements from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore
  • Documents supporting other income sources other than fixed monthly salary (if applicable)

B. Applicants who earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 working overseas in the past year

  • Monthly payslips for a consecutive period of 12 months
  • Documents supporting income sources other than fixed monthly salary (if applicable).
    Documents indicating the latest company valuation, market capitalisation or annual company revenue of the candidate’s current or most recent employer from using any one of these sources within the last three months:
  • Pitchbook
  • Yahoo Finance
  • Crunchbase
  • Bloomberg
  • Google Finance
  • Venturecap
  • Preqin
  • QCC.com
  • chinaventure.com.cn
  • itjuzi.com

You may provide the company’s latest audited Profit & Loss statements if the documentation is unavailable.

C. Applicants who will earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 under a prospective employer in Singapore

  • Employment contract with a Singapore organisation or letter of offer from a prospective employer in Singapore
  • Documents indicating the prospective company valuation, market capitalisation or annual company revenue using any one of these sources within the last three months:
  • Pitchbook
  • Yahoo Finance
  • Crunchbase
  • Bloomberg
  • Google Finance
  • Venturecap
  • Preqin
  • QCC.com
  • chinaventure.com.cn
  • itjuzi.com

You may provide the company’s latest audited Profit & Loss statements if the documentation is unavailable.

D. Having outstanding achievements in arts and culture, sports, or academia and research

  • Payslips from the latest month.
  • Documents supporting other income sources other than fixed monthly fixed salary (if applicable).
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting key achievements.
  • For candidates applying under the academia and research track:
  • The CV should list significant publications, patents or technology disclosures in the past five years.
  • Provide a recommendation, recommendation letter, or document by a local host institution for a potential position.

The Tech.Pass is a visa designed to attract established tech entrepreneurs, leaders, and experts to contribute to Singapore’s innovation ecosystem. Overseen by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), this pass offers holders flexibility to operate businesses, invest, or work for multiple companies while in Singapore.

Eligibility For Tech.Pass

To be eligible for the pass, applicants must satisfy any two of the following conditions:

  • Have a last drawn fixed monthly salary (in the last 1 year) of at least S$22,5002
  • Have at least five cumulative years of experience in a leading role in a tech company with a valuation/market cap of at least US$500mil or at least US$30mil funding raised
  • Have at least five cumulative years of experience in a leading role3 in the development of a tech product that has at least 100,000 monthly active users or at least US$100mil annual revenue.

To retain this pass, you must fulfil either criteria 1 or 2, and (ii) criteria 3:

  • Criterion 1 or 2
    1. Have earned at least S$240,000 in assessable income based on the latest Notice of Assessment from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (can be made up of salaries and / or business income);
    Note: From 1 September 2024, the required assessable income will be raised to S$270,000.
  • Demonstrate total annual business spending of at least S$100,000 and employ at least 1 local PME1 or 3 LQS2.3
  • (ii) AND Criterion 3
    At the time of renewal, be performing at least two of the following roles, at least one of which must be in Category (A):

Category A

  • Founded a company in Singapore, offering a tech-based or tech-enabled product or service.3
  • Served a leading role (e.g. CEO, CTO, APAC MD) in a Singapore-based tech company
  • Served a leading role in two or more Singapore-based tech companies
  • Employed in a technical role leading a team in a Singapore-based company (e.g. senior engineer or senior researcher leading a team in a particular tech field)
  • Employed in a technical role leading a team in two or more Singapore-based companies

Category B

  • Served on Board of Directors of a Singapore-based company (need not necessarily be tech company)
  • Acted as advisor / mentor to a Singapore-based start-up
  • Served as professor / lecturer / adjunct professor / adjunct lecture in a Singapore Institute of Higher Learning (IHL)
  • Provided training in some form not covered by B2 or B3 above (e.g. workshops, corporate training classes).
  • Invested in one or more Singapore-based tech companies

1 Local PMEs refer to professionals, managers, and executives who are Singaporeans or Singapore Permanent Residents, earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$3,900 and receive CPF contributions for at least 3 months, as aligned with the definition in the EntrePass renewal criteria.

2 LQS refers to Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents who earn a monthly salary of at least S$1,400 and receive CPF contributions for at least 3 months, as aligned with the definition in the EntrePass renewal criteria.

3 You are eligible as a business owner or founder if your company is registered with ACRA as a private limited company, and you own at least 30% shareholding of the company and can provide proof of ongoing business activity, as aligned with the EntrePass renewal criteria.

The EntrePass is designed for foreign entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors seeking to establish venture-backed businesses or those possessing innovative technologies in Singapore.

Eligibility For EntrePass

To be eligible for the pass, applicants must satisfy both of the following conditions:

If the registered company is more than 12 months old as of the date of application, you will be assessed according to the renewal criteria.

  • Meet at least one of the following criteria below:

You have raised at least SGD 100,000 from a single funding round from investors for any past or current business.

Examples of eligible investors include:

The business is or will be supported by an incubator or accelerator that is either:

  • Government-recognised
  • Internationally renowned

Examples of eligible investors include:

  • Partners under Enterprise Singapore’s Startup SG Accelerator (SSGA) or Startup SG Founder (SSGF) programmes
  • Internationally renowned incubators or accelerators such as Y-Combinator, MassChallenge, Alchemist Accelerator, etc.

You have founded and sold a business that is venture-backed or owns innovative technologies.

You must show all the following:

Requirement

Examples of supporting documents

You founded the business
  • Incorporation documents
  • Signed letter from current management team

The business is or was venture-backed or owns innovative technologies

The business is or was venture-backed or owns innovative technologies

The business was sold under your management

A Sale and Purchase Agreement indicating your name and information

The registered business or proposed business holds Intellectual Property (IP) that is registered with an approved national IP institution.

The IP must provide significant competitive advantage which cannot be easily replicated to the business.

The business has a relevant ongoing research collaboration in Singapore with at least one of the following:

  • Institute of Higher Learning (IHL)
  • Research Institution (RI)

Examples of eligible IHLs and RIs include:

  • IHLs as listed by the Immigrations & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)
  • RIs under the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
  • Universities and institutions under the Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE)

Requirements

The research collaboration must:

  • Have your involvement
  • Be related to the business
  • Be verified by a contact person from the institution

The Singapore Work Permit is a labor permit issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to employers for hiring foreign workers in lower-skilled or unskilled roles across various industries. Eligible foreign nationals are restricted to specific countries.

Unlike professional roles, which typically require Employment Passes or S Passes, Work Permits cater to the blue-collar workforce. Companies are subject to quotas and levies for Work Permit holders to manage the foreign workforce effectively.

Eligibility For Work Permit

To be eligible for the pass, applicants must satisfy both of the following conditions:

  • Age Limit: Singapore Work Permit holders must be at least 18 years old. Malaysians can work up to age 58, while non-Malaysians can work up to age 50.
  • Skill Categorization: Applicants must provide educational or trade certifications to determine their skill level (skilled or unskilled). Skill level directly impacts the monthly levy amount.
  • Mandatory Insurance: Employers must secure work injury insurance coverage for all foreign workers.
  • Employment Act Compliance: Employers are responsible for adhering to employment terms and conditions outlined in the Employment Act, ensuring fair treatment for foreign workers.
  • Housing Provision: Suitable accommodation must be provided for all foreign workers.
  • Repatriation Costs: Employers bear the cost of repatriating foreign workers upon Work Permit expiration.

FAQ

Find anything related to Singapore PR application matter.


There are five categories of work passes in Singapore.

Professional – Employment Pass (EP), Entrepass, Personalised Employment Pass (PEP), Tech.Pass, and effective January 2023, the One Pass.

Skilled and semi-skilled workers – S Pass, Work Permit for migrant worker, Work Permit for migrant domestic worker, Work Permit for confinement nanny, Work Permit for performing artiste

Trainees and Students – Training Employment Pass, Work Holiday Pass (under Work Holiday Programme), Work Holiday Pass (under Work and Holiday Visa Programme), Training Work Permit

Family members – Dependant’s Pass, Long Term Visit Pass, Pre-approved Letter of Consent, Letter of Consent for ICA-issued LTVP/LTVP+ holders, Letter of Consent for Dependant’s Pass holders who are business owners

Exemptions and working while on a visit pass – Miscellaneous Work Pass, Work Pass Exempt Activities, Work pass exemption for foreign students, Work passes for holders of Long Term Visit Passes issued by ICA

All work pass applications need to be submitted to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). However, depending on the pass type, you may need your employer or an authorised agent to apply on your behalf. For assistance, you may call us at 80882556.

If you are currently or previously an Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass holder, you can marry a Singaporean. However, if you are currently or previously a Work Permit holder, you will need to get an approval from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

The duration of stay after a work pass expires is at the sole discretion of the Ministry of Manpower. By default, an S-Pass or Employment Pass / PEP holder has to make arrangements to leave Singapore within 1 month from the date of pass expiry. Work Permit holders on the other hand have about 2 weeks on average.

However, the duration may change depending on the circumstances that led to the pass expiry or termination, including but not limited to Employment Termination, Misconduct, Criminal Charges, Resignation, and closure of business entities just to name a few.

No, you would need to have a job offer by a Singapore-registered company first. The employer or an authorised employment agent will apply for your work pass on your behalf to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Yes, it can be challenging to secure a work visa in Singapore. Due to Singapore’s size, reliance on foreign talent is dependent on gaps in the workforce that locals are unable to fill. Gaps could also be present in areas where locals lack the talent and expertise. For such, the Singapore Government is reliant on highly qualified foreigners to complement the local talent pool.

Qualified candidates may thus find it relatively easy to get a Singapore work pass, depending on the type of employment and the type of pass you are eligible for. A foreigner needs to be offered a job by a Singapore-registered company first before getting a work pass. Most of the work pass can only be applied by the employer or an authorised agent on behalf of the candidate.

Business owners on the other hand can secure a valid Work Pass as the Director of their own newly incorporated business fairly easily, so long as they have the right documentation and possess a relatively clean record during the necessary due diligence checks.

No, once you attain an IPA for whichever pass, you are required to complete the issuance process before you are eligible to commence working. With the issuance done, MOM will provide a temporary documentation (Notification Letter) that allows the applicant to commence working.

He/She is concurrently required to schedule an appointment at the MOM Pass office to register their biometrics and iris scans. The actual pass will then be ready for collection in a couple of weeks time.

You can stay in Singapore for the period of your travel visa only. An IPA is not treated as a travel visa. Although IPAs typically have a 3-6 month validity, successful applicants are advised to complete the IPA processing as soon as possible to avoid any complications that may arise due to overstaying.

The main difference is in salary scales and job technical expertise. The respective passes are meant for professionals with mid-level skills and high-level qualifications and technicians. Apart from the eligibility, S Pass holders are granted mandatory medical insurance while Employment Pass (EP) holders are granted more perks, such as family passes, should their salary threshold meet minimum requirements. Further, business will need to adhere to quota requirements before qualifying to apply for an S-Pass. However, there are no quotas set out for Employment Passes (EP).

No, S Pass and Work Permit are two different work passes in Singapore. S Pass is for mid-level skilled workers while Work Permit is for semi skilled and migrant workers.

As of 1 Sep 2023, a minimum fixed monthly salary of $3,150 is needed for a candidate to be eligible for an S Pass in non-financial related positions. This figure will increase progressively with age and may have a base requirement of up to $4,650 for candidates aged 45 years old and above.

For applicants in the Financial Services sector, the fixed monthly salary is S$3,650 and will increase progressively with age and may have a base requirement of up to $5,650 for candidates aged 45 years old and above.

There will be further changes to the S Pass qualifying salary on 1 September 2025 onwards.

Both the E Pass (aka Employment Pass or EP) and S Pass have their own distinct features. One is not better than the other. Depending on one’s qualifications and experience plus the employers company hierarchy and structure, attaining an S-Pass or EP may serve the same purpose. It is best to seek the advise from a professional like ISO before embarking on one’s foreign talent staffing strategy.

With the borders opening up and Singapore’s further enforcement of the Fair Consideration Framework, it is becoming increasingly challenging to attain an Employment Pass (EP). Jobs which can be fulfilled by locals should ideally be accorded to such. There has a seismic shift now in looking on to foreign talent that can immediately complement the local talent pool.

For candidates who meets such criteria or possess such skillsets, it is relatively easy to get an Employment Pass in Singapore, as long as the candidate meets all the other prevailing eligibility criteria.

Employment pass may be rejected due to the reasons below:

  • Tightening of regulations by MOM
  • No efforts in hiring local workers by the employer
  • Company does not have sufficient funds
  • Candidate’s proposed salary
  • Job scope and candidate’s qualifications do not match
  • Position can be easily replaced by a Singaporean
  • Applicant did not fulfil the eligibility criteria
  • Discrepancies in applicant’s personal information

According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), 85% of online applications are processed within 3 weeks. For overseas companies without a Singapore-registered office, it will take within 8 weeks for most cases.

MOM will exercise best practices to process all applications within its standard service level agreement requirements. However, there could be times when there are influx of applications that may surge and cause delays in overall processing times. For example, when the Singapore Government announced easing on border measures, there was a surge in EP and SPass applications that delayed overall processing time.

An Employment Pass allows a foreigner to work in Singapore without the need for attaining any other special visas. After 2 years, the foreigner is eligible to apply for a Singapore Permanent Residence. EP holders who earns the minimum threshold may also be eligible to sponsor their Spouse and Children below 21 years old under a Dependent’s Pass (DP).

An EP is typically granted for 2 years. Employment Pass (EP) may be renewed thereafter for up to 3 years at a time. This is again at the sole discretion of the Ministry of Manpower.

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