Employment Pass
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 3-8 weeks
- Fee
- SGD 105 (application) + SGD 225 (issuance)
- Validity
- Up to 2 years (first-time), up to 3 years (renewal)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
The Employment Pass (EP) is for foreign professionals, managers, and executives. Minimum qualifying salary is SGD 5,600/month (SGD 6,200 for financial services sector), with age-adjusted higher thresholds for older candidates. From September 2023, all EP applications must pass the COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) points-based system, scoring at least 40 points across criteria including salary, qualifications, diversity, and local employment support. Employers must advertise the position on MyCareersFuture for at least 28 days under the Fair Consideration Framework before applying.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Open to all foreign nationals. Employer must be a Singapore-registered company.
-
Financial
Minimum fixed monthly salary of SGD 5,600 (SGD 6,200 for financial services). Higher thresholds apply for older candidates, scaling up to approximately SGD 10,700-11,800 for candidates in their mid-40s.
Minimum funds: SGD 5,600/month
-
Employment
Must have acceptable qualifications from a recognized institution. Must pass COMPASS with at least 40 points. Points assessed on: salary benchmarking, qualifications, workforce diversity, and local employment support.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: EP Online Application; Form url: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/employment-pass
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Credit card or e-payment; Amount: SGD 105 (application) + SGD 225 (issuance upon approval)
-
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Employer prepares: candidate's passport copy, educational certificates, employment history, job description, and company details.
-
Online application
Employer submits the EP application via EP Online at the MOM website. Application includes COMPASS self-assessment.
-
Fee payment
Employer pays SGD 105 non-refundable application fee.
-
Processing wait
Wait 3-8 weeks for MOM to process the application. COMPASS scoring and salary benchmarking are assessed during this period.
-
Visa collection
If approved, In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter is issued. Candidate uses IPA as a single-entry visa to enter Singapore. Upon arrival, employer notifies MOM and pays SGD 225 issuance fee. Candidate completes formalities and receives EP card.