How to get an Employment Pass in Singapore (XNUMX ultimate guide)
Singapore 
Updated on January 12 
Verified by GLA Experts 
Follow GLA on 
Follow GLA on 
Applying for a work permit in Singapore is a necessary requirement for foreign workers who want to live and work in the country for more than one month.
Nowadays, the demand for working in Singapore is increasing. This is due to globalization, as well as the growing need for business, investment, and start-ups in the country. Moreover, Singapore offers many favorable conditions and opportunities for foreign workers.
There are several types of work permits that foreign workers can apply for, including the Employment Pass (EP), EntrePass, S Pass, and PEP. However, in this article, GLA focuses on the 5 essential steps to apply for an Employment Pass (EP). This type of permit is especially popular among professionals with high expertise and education.
1. About Employment Pass - Work permit in Singapore
1.1. What is an Employment Pass?
Employment Pass (EP) is a type of visa/work permit in Singapore. EP is for managers, directors, professionals and highly skilled professionals who plan to work in Singapore. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is responsible for issuing this permit.
1.2. Common types of work permits
<p>There are several types of work permits and visas available in Singapore. The table below outlines the key options:</p> <p>Each type of work permit has specific eligibility criteria, making it important for applicants to choose the right option based on their qualifications and work plans in Singapore.</p>
| Work permit | For whom? |
| Employment Pass | Foreign professionals, managers, and executives. Applicants must earn at least SGD 5,000 and pass the Complementary Assessment Framework (COMPASS). |
| EntrePass | Foreign entrepreneurs who want to start and manage a venture-backed or technology-driven business in Singapore. |
| Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) | High-income EP holders or foreign professionals. PEP provides greater flexibility than EP. |
| SPass | Skilled workers. Applicants must meet a minimum salary requirement of SGD 3,150 per month. |
| Dependant's Pass | Spouses and children of EP or S Pass holders. |
1.3. What requirements do you need to meet to apply for an Employment Pass?
- Eligibility: Foreign professionals, managers, and executives who are employed by a Singapore company to work in Singapore and meet the required standards.
- Adequate salary: The basic salary requirement is SGD 5,000, while for the financial sector, the minimum salary is SGD 5,500.
- Card validity: First-time applicants receive a 2-year EP, which can be renewed for up to 3 years
- Family member card: EP holders can sponsor family members if they earn at least SGD 6,000 per month.
Starting January 01, 01, the qualifying salary for new EP applications will increase to SGD 2025 and SGD 5,600 for the financial sector. This adjustment will also apply to EP renewals for permits expiring from January 6,200, 01
1.4. How to increase your success of registering an Employment Pass?
To successfully apply for an Employment Pass (EP), candidates must pass two rounds of assessment:
Stage 1: Meet the qualifying salary
To be eligible for an EP, applicants must meet the minimum salary requirement set by the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM): SGD 5,000 for most industries or SGD 5,500 for the financial sector.
The actual salary requirement may vary based on the applicant’s industry and qualifications. However, this salary benchmark ensures that EP candidates are financially stable and align with Singapore’s labor standards.
Stage 2: Pass the COMPASS Assessment (Unless Exempted)
COMPASS (Complementary Assessment Framework) is a points-based evaluation system used by MOM to assess both the applicant and the hiring company. This ensures that only suitable candidates receive an Employment Pass.
- Salary
- Candidate's education, professional skills and expertise.
- Nationality.
- Company's contribution to Singapore labor market.
- Company business operations.
A qualifying score will ensure candidates have an added advantage when applying for an Employment Pass.
2. Procedures for applying for Employment Pass in Singapore
Step 1: Receive a job offer in Singapore
The first requirement for a foreign individual to apply for an Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore is to receive a job offer from a Singapore-based company. Once the applicant successfully passes the interview and receives confirmation from the hiring company, the next step is to request the employer to officially confirm the job offer for the EP application.
After that, the applicant can submit the Employment Pass application to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore. However, in most cases, the hiring company will act as the representative and apply for the EP on behalf of the applicant.
If an applicant does not receive a job offer from a company in Singapore, GLA can still provide support in applying for an EP. This is because foreign citizens who own a company in Singapore are eligible to apply for an Employment Pass. Once approved, they can then relocate to Singapore to manage and operate their business.
Step 2: Complete the criteria in the EP application form
It should be noted that not all foreigners can apply for EP, but it also depends on many other factors such as professional qualifications and monthly salary as follows:
- Job:
- Much related to the business operations of the recruiting company;
- Make sure that the Ministry of Manpower has confirmed the company's exact business activities and sectors.
- Education: High education level, degrees from prestigious and large schools are an advantage.
- Wage:
- Are professionals with expertise in the work undertaken in Singapore;
- Minimum salary 5,000 SGD/month (the more work experience, the higher salary required).
Step 3: Prepare necessary documents
- Copy of company profile and job description at the company;
- Form 8 (The officla EP application form)
- Power of attorney;
- Passport copy;
- Latest copy of personal profile (or resume) with training certificate or professional degree;
- Copy of CV (Curriculum Vitae – a summary of detailed information about education, work experience, and job skills used when applying for a job).
Step 4: Apply for EP in Singapore online
The only way to apply for EP with MOM is to apply online on the website.
Normally the process can take from 3 to 6 weeks or in some cases up to 8 weeks if the competent authority requests a more thorough examination of the application.
Here are the 4 steps to apply for EP with MOM:
- Require a written confirmation that the candidate has received a job offer in Singapore from the employer;
- Log in to EP Online, upload the required documents as requested;
- Check application progress after 4 weeks;
- If your application is successfully received, log in to EP Online and print the “In-principle approval letter” (IPA).
Step 5: Receive EP card in Singapore after activation
Upon receipt of the IPA letter, the applicant’s EP card will be ready to be activated within 6 months. The IPA letter actually allows the applicant to come and work in Singapore for 6 months and wait for the MOM to issue the card. (The IPA letter will advise the applicant whether or not a medical examination is required, which can be done after arrival in Singapore)
Note: Applicants need to be physically present in Singapore before the card is active.
Once the card is activated, applicants can make an appointment and go to MOM with the following documents:
- Original passport;
- Appointment letter;
- Notice letter;
- Other documents are listed in the IPA.
In addition, the following documents should also be considered for inclusion:
- Copy of Immigration White Card;
- Health examination results;
- Declaration form along with IPA;
- If during the validity period of the EP, the holder wants to change the employer (Employing organization/individual), the EP holder must re-apply from the beginning as per the above mentioned procedure.
3. How can GLA help you get an Employment Pass to work in Singapore with success?
As a trusted partner for businesses, especially foreign enterpreneurs, seeking to register for an Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore. We can help you:
- Thoroughly review candidate profiles to ensure they meet all EP eligibility criteria before submission.
- Provide detailed insights into the latest regulations from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), helping businesses stay informed and compliant.
- Advise on alternative work passes, such as S Pass and Work Permit, to help businesses choose the most suitable visa option.
- Assist in compiling all necessary documents as per MOM's requirements, ensuring a complete and error-free submission.
- Support translation and notarization of documents into English, ensuring their validity and compliance.
- Act as the company's representative to submit EP applications online through MOM’s official portal.
- Closely track application progress and promptly inform businesses of any additional requirements from MOM.
4. FAQs about applying for Employment Pass in Singapore
1. How long does it take to apply for an Employment Pass in Singapore?
GLA has helped many individuals and businesses set up companies in Singapore and successfully apply for Employment Pass (EP) work permits. Usually, the processing time are:
- Company incorporation in Singapore: 1 – 3 days
- Employment Pass (EP) application processing: 4 – 8 weeks
2. When is the right time to apply for a Dependant's Pass for a family member of an Employment Pass holder?
After successfully applying for an Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore, businesses can apply for a Dependant’s Pass (DP) for their family members at any time. Here are two common approaches:
1. Applying for the Dependant’s Pass (DP) together with the Employment Pass (EP) allows both applications to be processed simultaneously, leading to a faster approval process. However, businesses should consider the potential risks: If the EP application is rejected, the DP application will also be automatically rejected. This may lead to unnecessary costs for processing the DP, which cannot be refunded.
2. If the business applies for a Dependant’s Pass (DP) after the Employment Pass (EP) has been approved, the DP application will be processed separately. This means family members will have to wait a few more weeks before receiving their DP card. While this approach takes longer, it reduces financial risks because the DP application is submitted only after EP approval is confirmed.
3. Can I bring my family to Singapore with an Employment Pass?
Employment Pass holders with an income of at least SGD 6,000/month will be eligible to bring family members to reside in Singapore.
Highlights- Employment Pass is a work permit for foreign professionals, managers and executives who want to work in Singapore.
- Conditions for applying for EP include meeting the minimum salary, having appropriate education and work experience, and passing the COMPASS assessment framework.
- In addition to EP, you also have other types of licenses such as S Pass, EntrePass. The licenses will be suitable for different subjects.
This article was published by GLA on 24/10/2019. Copyright and accompanying content are intellectual property of GLA. All rights reserved.
The guidance and content are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific guidance and advice on accounting, tax, legal or other professional advice. Readers should consult professional advisors on specific issues.
A-Z corporate support
