Chinese applicants · Republic of Singapore
Employment Pass (EP) for Chinese citizens
Work pass for foreign professionals, managers, and executives earning above the qualifying salary, issued to employers.
This page covers the Employment Pass (EP) specifically for Chinese applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to China. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- 10 days – 2 weeks
- Government fees
- SGD 330
- Typical duration
- Up to 2 years on first issuance; renewable for up to 3 years.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Bilateral context
No nationality-specific treaty frameworks apply to this combination.
Consular processing: N/A — online application via MOM
Tourist entry vs. this route
Chinese nationals require a visa for any entry into Republic of Singapore. The Employment Pass (EP) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Key figures for Chinese applicants
Computed from our continuously re-verified, primary-sourced data. Indicative, not legal advice.
Salary you must earn
SGD 5,600/mo
Employment Pass - all sectors except financial services
Verified 1 January 2025 · MOM - Employment Pass eligibility
Government cost
SGD 330
Single applicant, no Multiple Journey Visa
Dependants apply under the relevant Dependant Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass route and have separate MOM fees.
Verified 1 July 2026 · MOM - Employment Pass application
How long it takes
10 days – 2 weeks
MOM says Employment Pass applications submitted online are processed, or receive an update, within 10 business days.
Verified 1 July 2026 · MOM - Apply for an Employment Pass
Visa overview
The Employment Pass is Singapore's primary work pass for professionals earning above the qualifying salary. Since September 2023, the COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) points-based system applies to most new EP applications, scoring applicants on salary, qualifications, diversity, and skills bonus criteria. MOM lists the current lower-bound salary at SGD 5,600 for most sectors and SGD 6,200 for financial services, with higher age-based thresholds and scheduled increases from 1 January 2027. EP holders can apply for Permanent Residence after working in Singapore.
Additional sources
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Job offer from a Singapore-registered employer.Ministry of Manpower (MOM) ↗
- €Fixed monthly salary at or above MOM's current qualifying salary: from SGD 5,600 in most sectors or SGD 6,200 in financial services before the 1 January 2027 increase, with higher thresholds by age.Ministry of Manpower (MOM) ↗
- ✓Recognised qualifications — typically a degree from a reputable university.Ministry of Manpower (MOM) ↗
- ✓Pass the COMPASS framework with 40+ points (applicable to most new applications from September 2023).Ministry of Manpower (MOM) ↗
Common blockers
- !Salary below the qualifying threshold for the applicant's age and sector — MOM uses a progressive salary scale based on age.Ministry of Manpower (MOM) ↗
- !COMPASS score below 40 points — typically due to low diversity, salary percentile, or qualification score.Ministry of Manpower (MOM) ↗
- !Employer has a poor Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) track record with MOM.Ministry of Manpower (MOM) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Educational certificates and transcripts.
- ·Employment contract or offer letter specifying salary and job scope.
- ·Employer's business registration details.Ministry of Manpower (MOM) ↗
- ·Professional qualifications or licences where applicable.Ministry of Manpower (MOM) ↗
Application pathway
Secure a job offer from a Singapore employer
The employer must be registered in Singapore and willing to sponsor an EP application. The role must meet the qualifying salary for your age and sector.
Employer submits EP application via EP Online
The employer (or an appointed employment agent) submits the application on MOM's EP Online portal with supporting documents.
COMPASS assessment
Most new EP applications are scored under COMPASS on four foundational criteria (salary, qualifications, diversity, support for local employment) plus bonus criteria. A score of 40+ is required.
In-Principle Approval (IPA)
If approved, MOM issues an IPA letter valid for 6 months. Use it to enter Singapore.
Card issuance and registration
After arriving in Singapore, attend a card-issuance appointment to register fingerprints and photo. The EP card is issued within days.
Consider PR application after working in Singapore
EP holders can apply for Singapore Permanent Residence (PR) via the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). There is no fixed timeline but 6–12 months of EP employment is a common minimum before applying.
Other Republic of Singapore routes covered for Chinese applicants
Not sure Republic of Singapore is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer work sponsored routes that Chinese nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Chinese citizens eligible for the Employment Pass (EP)?+
Eligibility for the Employment Pass (EP) is set by Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and is not nationality-restricted. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Chinese applicants typically file the Employment Pass (EP)?+
N/A — online application via MOM. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by Ministry of Manpower (MOM) — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Chinese applicants need a tourist visa for Republic of Singapore as well?+
Chinese nationals require a visa for any entry into Republic of Singapore. The Employment Pass (EP) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
How much does the Employment Pass (EP) cost for a Chinese applicant?+
Government fees for the worked example (Single applicant, no Multiple Journey Visa) total about SGD 330. Dependants apply under the relevant Dependant Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass route and have separate MOM fees. Figures from MOM - Employment Pass application, verified 1 July 2026. Treat these as indicative — confirm the current schedule on the official source before budgeting.
What salary do Chinese applicants need for the Employment Pass (EP)?+
The Employment Pass - all sectors except financial services floor is SGD 5,600/mo, effective 1 January 2025 (MOM - Employment Pass eligibility). Your occupation's published going rate may bind higher — whichever is greater applies.
How long does the Employment Pass (EP) take to process from China?+
The typical published decision window is 10 days – 2 weeks. Chinese applicants usually file via N/A — online application via MOM, and consular-post backlogs can add to the wait. Source: MOM - Apply for an Employment Pass, verified 1 July 2026.
What is the minimum salary for a Singapore Employment Pass?+
The qualifying salary depends on your age and sector. For younger applicants before the 1 January 2027 increase, the floor is SGD 5,600 per month in most sectors and SGD 6,200 in financial services. New applications from 1 January 2027 move to SGD 6,000 and SGD 6,600 respectively. Older and more experienced candidates must meet progressively higher salary thresholds.
What is COMPASS and do I need to pass it?+
COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) is a points-based scoring system introduced in September 2023 for most new EP applications. It scores you on four criteria: salary relative to local benchmarks, qualifications, employer diversity, and support for local employment — plus bonus points for skills in shortage occupations or strategic economic priorities. You need 40 points to pass. Some EP holders are exempt (e.g. those earning SGD 22,500+/month, or intra-corporate transferees).
Does the Employment Pass lead to Singapore Permanent Residence?+
The EP itself is temporary, but EP holders can apply for Permanent Residence (PR) through ICA. There is no automatic conversion — PR applications are assessed on salary, qualifications, time in Singapore, sector, and other factors. Most successful PR applicants have held an EP for at least 6–12 months, though ICA does not publish minimum thresholds.
Can my family join me on an Employment Pass?+
If you earn SGD 6,000 or more per month, your spouse and children can apply for a Dependant's Pass. If you earn SGD 12,000 or more, your parents can apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass. These thresholds are set by MOM and may change — verify the current figures.
Can I change employer on an Employment Pass?+
Yes. Your new employer must submit a fresh EP application before you start work. You cannot work for the new employer until the new EP is approved. Your old EP is cancelled when the new one is issued. There is no need to leave Singapore between jobs if you hold a valid pass.