Republic of Singapore · work sponsored
Employment Pass (EP)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Work pass for foreign professionals, managers, and executives earning above the qualifying salary, issued to employers.
- Processing time
- Typically 3–8 weeks for a straightforward application.
- Government fees
- Application fee SGD 105; issuance fee SGD 225. Multiple Journey Visa fee SGD 30 if required. Verify on MOM.
- Typical duration
- Up to 2 years on first issuance; renewable for up to 3 years.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
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. The qualifying salary has been raised multiple times — to SGD 5,600 for most sectors and SGD 6,200 for financial services (2025 figures, verify on MOM). EP holders can apply for Permanent Residence after working in Singapore.
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
Indian applicants
Indian nationals are the largest EP holder cohort. COMPASS diversity scoring means employers with a high proportion of I…
Chinese applicants
Chinese nationals are the second-largest EP cohort. Mainland Chinese degrees from 985/211 universities are well-recognis…
Malaysian applicants
Malaysian nationals benefit from geographic and cultural proximity. Many Malaysian EP holders commute from Johor Bahru. …
Filipino applicants
Filipino EP holders concentrate in healthcare, finance, and IT. Philippine professional licences (PRC-issued) are recogn…
British applicants
British nationals benefit from strong English-language alignment and recognition of UK degrees. Post-Brexit, Singapore r…
American applicants
American EP holders concentrate in finance, tech, and senior management. US degrees are well-recognised. The absence of …
Additional sources
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Job offer from a Singapore-registered employer.
- €Fixed monthly salary at or above the qualifying salary (SGD 5,600 general; SGD 6,200 for financial services as of 2025 — verify on MOM).
- ✓Recognised qualifications — typically a degree from a reputable university.
- ✓Pass the COMPASS framework with 40+ points (applicable to most new applications from September 2023).
Common blockers
- !Salary below the qualifying threshold for the applicant's age and sector — MOM uses a progressive salary scale based on age.
- !COMPASS score below 40 points — typically due to low diversity, salary percentile, or qualification score.
- !Employer has a poor Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) track record with MOM.
Typical evidence
- ·Educational certificates and transcripts.
- ·Employment contract or offer letter specifying salary and job scope.
- ·Employer's business registration details.
- ·Professional qualifications or licences where applicable.
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.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- ApplyEmployerApply for an Employment Pass ↗
Employer or appointed employment agent submits the EP application and later issues the pass after approval.
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) · verified
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Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum salary for a Singapore Employment Pass?+
The qualifying salary depends on your age and sector. For younger applicants (early 20s), the floor is SGD 5,600 per month in most sectors and SGD 6,200 in financial services. Older and more experienced candidates must meet progressively higher salary thresholds. MOM publishes the exact qualifying salary scale — always check the current figures before applying.
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.
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