What is an Employment Pass (EP)?
The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) is a type of work visa designed for foreign professionals in managerial or specialised roles. For first-time applicants, the EP is typically granted for up to two years, with each subsequent renewal allowing for an extension of up to three years.
In addition to the EP, there are other viable options depending on your business needs and employee profiles. These include the EntrePass, tailored for entrepreneurs and business owners, and the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP), which offers greater flexibility for high-earning professionals.
| Pass | Minimum Qualification | Salary Requirements | Pass Duration | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass (EP) | No minimum Qualifications •Bachelor & above – 10 COMPASS points •Top 100 Schools (including NUS/NTU) – 20 COMPASS points | Criteria 1 : EP Salary Progressive by Age Financial Services: Min Fixed Monthly of $6,200 Other Sectors: Min Fixed Monthly of $5,600 Criteria 2 : COMPASS – National Salary Average for position offered within 65th Percentile – 10 Points, 90th Percentile – 20 points. | 1st Time: 2 years Renewals: Up to 3 years | Subject to COMPASS Points System (min 40 points) – Newly incorporated companies with less than 25 employees – 20 points. Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) compulsory for companies with more than 10 staff. EP holders are eligible to apply for Permanent Residence. |
COMPASS is a structured framework used to assess Employment Pass (EP) applications based on four core criteria and two bonus criteria. These bonus components recognise candidates who possess skills in shortage areas or contribute to Singapore’s strategic economic objectives.
To qualify under the COMPASS system, EP applicants must achieve a minimum of 40 points across the assessment criteria. Each criterion awards either 0, 10, or 20 points, depending on how well the applicant satisfies or surpasses the established benchmarks.
What are the six criteria for COMPASS?
The COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment) Framework is a structured, points-based system designed to evaluate Employment Pass (EP) applications based on both individual and firm-level attributes. It comprises four foundational and two bonus criteria. Applicants must score at least 40 points to qualify. Each criterion awards 0, 10, or 20 points depending on how well the applicant or firm meets the benchmarks.
Core Criteria
- Salary
- Assesses whether the applicant’s salary is competitive relative to industry peers and local cost of living.
- 20 pts: Salary significantly exceeds industry median
- 10 pts: Salary meets industry median
- 0 pts: Salary below industry median
- Qualifications
- Evaluates the relevance and recognition of academic credentials.
- 20 pts: Degrees from top 100 global, Singaporean universities, or prestigious vocational institutions
- 10 pts: Degrees from other recognised institutions
- 0 pts: Below degree level or from unrecognised institutions
- Diversity (Firm-Level)
- Measures the firm’s workforce diversity based on the candidate’s nationality representation.
- 20 pts: Candidate’s nationality <5% of firm’s PMETs
- 10 pts: 5–25%
- 0 pts: ≥25%
- Support for Local Employment (Firm-Level)
- Gauges the firm’s employment of local professionals relative to industry standards.
- 20 pts: Local PMET share ≥ 50th percentile in sector
- 10 pts: 20th–49th percentile
- 0 pts: <20th percentile
Bonus Criteria
- Skills Bonus (Shortage Occupation List)
- Awards points for roles listed under Singapore’s Shortage Occupation List (SOL).
- 20 pts: SOL role; nationality <⅓ of firm’s PMETs
- 10 pts: SOL role; nationality ≥⅓
- Strategic Economic Priorities (SEP) Bonus
- Rewards firms contributing to Singapore’s key economic priorities by participating in eligible government-supported initiatives.
- 10 pts: Participation in at least one approved SEP programme
Who is eligible for an Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore?
The Employment Pass is designed for foreign professionals working in managerial, executive, or specialist roles. EP holders earning at least SGD6,000 per month may sponsor immediate family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21) for a Dependant’s Pass. To bring in common-law spouses, disabled children, or stepchildren, a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) is required. Bringing parents requires a minimum fixed monthly salary of SGD12,000.
Starting 1 January 2025, new EP applicants must earn a minimum monthly salary of SGD5,600. This also applies to renewals from 1 January 2026. The qualifying salary increases with age, up to SGD10,500 for applicants aged 45 and above.
For the financial services sector:
- Minimum salary: SGD6,200
- For those in their mid-40s: SGD11,800
Educational & Professional Background
Applicants should have a recognized university degree, professional qualifications, or specialized skills. Relevant work experience may compensate for the lack of formal education. Strong professional track records are also considered favorably.
Prepare the following:
- Completed application form
- Educational certificates
- Detailed resume/CV
- Passport-sized photo
- Bio-data page of passport
- Employer’s latest ACRA business profile
Ensure all documents are clear and in English (or officially translated).
All employers must fairly consider local candidates before hiring foreigners, including a 14-day job posting on MyCareersFuture.
The EP application is submitted online by the employer or an authorized agency:
- Register on MOM’s EP Online portal via SingPass
- Complete and submit the application
- Pay the non-refundable SGD105 fee
- Upload all required documents
- Track processing status (approx. 3 weeks)
If approved, MOM will issue an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter valid for 3–6 months, which allows the pass to be issued after the applicant arrives in Singapore.
EPs are valid for 1–2 years and renewable for up to 3 years. Renewals should be submitted up to 6 months before expiry and include:
- Updated job scope and salary
- Any changes in employment terms
Processing takes about 3 weeks. If dependants hold Dependant’s Passes, renew them concurrently. Once approved, follow the IPA instructions to collect the renewed pass.
Whether you are eligible to apply for an Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore depends on various factors such as your job role, salary, educational qualifications, and the profile of your employing company. With evolving policies and criteria like the COMPASS framework and degree verification requirements, each application must be carefully assessed. To ensure compliance and improve your chances of approval, we strongly recommend consulting our professional advisors. They can evaluate your unique situation and provide tailored guidance on EP matters.
