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🇸🇬 Singapore

Employment Pass (Singapore)

Singapore Work Visa for Professionals

Hard ~30 min ImmigrationSingaporeWork VisaEmployment

/ What is this form?

The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) is a work authorization for foreign professionals, managers, and executives (PMETs) who wish to work in Singapore. It is the primary long-term work visa for skilled workers in Singapore and is administered by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The EP is tied to a specific employer — if you change jobs, your new employer must apply for a new EP.

From September 2023, MOM introduced the COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) to all new EP applications, making it a structured points-based system rather than a purely discretionary one. COMPASS evaluates four attributes: salary compared to local professionals in the same occupation and sector, the applicant's nationality relative to the company's existing EP holder diversity, skills in sectors with identified shortages, and employment by companies in strategic economic sectors.

The minimum qualifying salary for an EP is $5,600/month (as of 2025), rising to $10,700 for the financial services sector. These minimums increase for older candidates — the EP framework recognizes that senior professionals command higher salaries. The EP is valid for 2 years initially and 3 years upon renewal.

/ Who needs this form?

  • Foreign professionals offered a position by a Singapore-registered employer at or above the minimum salary threshold
  • Senior managers and executives relocating to Singapore headquarters or regional offices
  • Highly skilled technical specialists in areas like engineering, IT, finance, and healthcare
  • Intra-company transferees from overseas branches of Singapore companies
  • Entrepreneurs and founders of Singapore-registered companies (must pay themselves EP-qualifying salary)

/ What you need before you start

Offer letter or employment contract from Singapore employer
Educational qualification certificates (degree, diplomas)
Professional certifications or licenses relevant to the role
CV/resume showing career history
Passport biodata page
Recent salary slips from current or previous employer
Company information (to be submitted by employer): business profile, financial statements, hiring justification

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Check Eligibility Using SAT
Before applying, use MOM's Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) at mom.gov.sg/eservices/sat to estimate whether your application is likely to pass. The SAT checks salary against fair market rates for your occupation and industry.
2 Employer Applies via EP Online
In Singapore, the employer applies on behalf of the candidate through MOM's EP Online portal. The applicant does not apply directly — a Singapore-registered company sponsors the EP. The employer submits the candidate's personal details, qualifications, employment contract, and company information.
3 COMPASS Assessment
All new EP applications since September 2023 are assessed under COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework): (C1) Salary relative to local peers in the sector, (C2) Diversity — the applicant's nationality as a proportion of the company's EP holders, (C3) Skills Bonus for shortage occupations, (C4) Strategic Economic Priority bonus for qualifying companies. Each criterion scores 0, 20, or 40 points. Minimum 40 points required to pass.
4 Wait for Decision
Processing time: approximately 3 weeks for straightforward applications, up to 8 weeks for complex cases referred to MOM. Some applications are approved in principle and require additional documentation before the pass is issued.
5 In-Principle Approval and Card Issuance
After approval, the employer receives an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter valid for 6 months. The candidate enters Singapore using the IPA. Within 3 months of arrival, the EP card is issued after medical examination and the Multi-Journey Visa is activated. The EP is valid for 2 years (first EP) or 3 years (renewals).

/ Key fields explained

Field What to enter Common mistake
Monthly Salary Fixed monthly salary as stated in the employment contract. Commissions and bonuses generally do not count toward the minimum salary threshold for eligibility assessment. Including variable pay (bonuses, commissions, allowances) to meet the minimum salary threshold — MOM assesses fixed salary only for eligibility, though variable pay is considered for overall pass assessment.
Job Title and Responsibilities Official job title and a detailed description of duties and responsibilities. The role must be commensurate with the salary offered and the applicant's qualifications. Using vague job titles like 'consultant' or 'manager' without specifying the actual function — MOM cross-references job titles against occupation classification (SSOC) to assess COMPASS scores.
Highest Educational Qualification Highest degree earned, institution name, country, and year of graduation. Singapore's qualification framework recognizes degrees from accredited institutions worldwide. Not listing professional certifications alongside academic degrees — for technical roles, professional certifications (AWS, CFA, CPA, PE) carry significant weight in the assessment.

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Employers applying without completing an SAT check first — an EP application that is likely to fail under COMPASS results in a rejection that is recorded and may affect future applications.
Not documenting why a local candidate was not hired — Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) rules require employers to advertise on MyCareersFuture.sg for 28 days before applying for most EP positions.
Candidates changing employers without a new EP — the EP is employer-specific. Starting work with a new employer before the new EP is approved is illegal.
Overstating qualifications — MOM conducts qualification verification. Fraudulent educational credentials result in immediate rejection and potential ban on future Singapore visa applications.

/ Frequently asked questions

Can I work in Singapore while my EP application is being processed?

No. You cannot work in Singapore until your EP (or at minimum, an In-Principle Approval for EP) has been granted. Working without a valid pass is illegal and can result in fines, imprisonment, and deportation.

Can my family join me in Singapore on an EP?

If your monthly salary is $6,000 or above, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for a Dependant's Pass. Unmarried parents can apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass at the same salary threshold.

What is the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)?

PEP is a premium pass for high-earning professionals (current EP holders earning $18,000+/month, or overseas professionals earning $22,500+/month) that is not tied to a specific employer. PEP holders have 6 months to find a new job between employments.

What happens if my EP application is rejected?

MOM provides a rejection notice citing the COMPASS criteria that were not met. Employers can submit a request for reconsideration within 3 months with additional documentation. If rejected again, a new application with a different employer or improved qualifications may be considered.