Singapore Employment Pass: Everything You Need to Know

Have your company recently asked you to move to Singapore for work? Or have you recently received a job offer in Singapore? If so, you should be receiving an employment pass. There are many work passes such as EntrePass, S Pass, and Work Permit in Singapore. The one we will be talking about will be the Singapore employment pass. 

In this article, we will talk about Singapore’s employment pass, what it is, qualifications and requirements, how to apply for it, and how to renew it. 

What is a Singapore Employment Pass?

An Employment Pass (EP) is a work visa issued by Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to foreign professionals, managers, and company owners or directors. It enables holders to live, work, and travel in and out of Singapore without needing entry visas.

Key points about the Employment Pass:

• Typically valid for 1-2 years, with the possibility of renewal.
• Facilitates applications for permanent residence (PR) in Singapore.

Are You Qualified for an Employment Pass?

Qualifications for a Singaporean Employment Pass:

• The minimum fixed monthly salary is SGD 5,000 per month, which may vary based on experience level.
• Employment in a managerial, executive, or specialised role.
• Possession of a tertiary degree from a reputable university. However, strong professional experience and higher salaries may compensate for a lack of formal education.
• Each Employment Pass application is subject to review by authorities, and approval is not guaranteed.
• There is no limit to the number of Employment Passes that can be granted to a Singaporean company.

🔎 Tip: If you’re not qualified for an employment pass, check out the other work permit and visa you might be qualified for in our Singapore work permit and visa guide.

Applying for an Employment Pass in Singapore

Applying for an employment pass in Singapore is not difficult. In this section, we will go through the documents needed, the application process, and other questions about the Singapore employment pass application process.

Documents Required

Documents required for an Employment Pass application in Singapore:

• EP Application Form 8, endorsed by the employing Singapore company
• Copy of your latest resume and relevant educational certificates
• References or testimonials from previous employers
• Passport-size photograph taken within the past three months
• Copy of the personal particulars page of your passport
• Copy of the business profile of the employing Singapore company
• Detailed description of your job duties
• Detailed description of the activities and/or products of the employing Singapore company

Additional supporting documents may be required, and any non-English documents must be officially translated into English.

Application Process

Submitting an Application

There are two methods to file your Employment Pass application:

1. Online Registration: You can register online if the employing Singapore company has an EP online account. Online applications are typically processed within ten business days from submission.
2. Manual Application: Alternatively, you can submit a manual application, which allows for attaching all supporting documents. Manual applications are usually processed within eight weeks of submission.

The processing time may vary based on factors such as the credentials of the employing Singapore company, qualifications of the applicant, and availability of supporting documents.

Prepare for Arrival in Singapore

Before departure:

• Print their In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, which is essential for completing the Employment Pass process.
• Ensure that they have received full vaccination with vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Use Listing (EUL). This is necessary to meet the vaccination requirements for work passes in Singapore.
• Ensure that they comply with the latest travel requirements, including any COVID-19 testing or quarantine measures. This ensures smooth entry into Singapore and compliance with local regulations.

After arriving, the candidate should:

• Present their In-Principle Approval Letter (IPA) to the immigration officer for verification.
• Verify and update their overseas vaccination records in the National Immunisation Registry (NIR) to ensure compliance with local vaccination requirements.
• Complete any required medical examinations as part of the entry process into Singapore.

Complete Employment Pass Issuance Process

To get the pass issued, the following steps need to be taken while the candidate is in Singapore:

1. Log in to EP eService and provide the required information and documents.
2. Pay the fees using GIRO, Visa, Mastercard, or Amex:
3. SGD 225 for each pass
4. (If applicable) SGD 30 for each Multiple Journey Visa
5. Once the pass is issued, both the candidate and the employer will receive a notification letter via email. This letter is valid for one month from the date of issue and:
6. Allows the candidate to start work and travel in and out of Singapore while awaiting the pass card.
7. States if a registration of fingerprints and photos is required.

Information and documents needed:

• Candidate's passport details
• Candidate’s Singapore contact details
• Candidate's current Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) or immigration pass details
• Candidate's Singapore residential address, meeting housing requirements
• Singapore residential or office address to receive the candidate’s card
• Details of up to 3 authorised recipients to receive the card (their mobile number and identification details)
• PDF copies of the following documents may need to be uploaded:
• Candidate’s passport page showing the date of arrival in Singapore
• Completed medical examination form or medical declaration form
• An authorised human resource personnel member or a managerial employee signed the completed declaration form attached to the candidate's IPA letter.

Register Fingerprints and Photo (If Applicable)

Upon receiving the notification letter, check whether the candidate needs to register fingerprints and photos.

If registration is required, ensure the candidate completes it within two weeks after the pass is issued.

To schedule the registration appointment, follow these steps:

• Make an appointment via MOM’s e-services for the candidate to visit the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC).
• For the appointment, ensure the candidate brings:
• Original passport
• Appointment letter
• Notification letter
  

Receive the Card

After the candidate registers and verifies documents at EPSC, the card will be delivered to the given address within five working days.

If the candidate does not need to register, the card will be delivered within five working days after checking the documents.

Authorised recipients will receive an SMS or email with delivery details at least one working day before delivery.

Employers or employment agents can also check the card delivery details via EP eService.

In the event of 2 unsuccessful deliveries, the candidate or an authorised person can collect the card at EPSC after three working days without an appointment.

Documents required for card collection:

For the candidate:

• Original passport
• Notification letter

For an authorised person:

• An authorisation letter from the employer
• NRIC or passport for verification

Bringing Your Family After Having Your Employment Pass

As an Employment Pass holder, you can bring certain family members to Singapore if you meet specific eligibility criteria.

Eligibility requirements:

• Earn a minimum of SGD 6,000 per month.
• Hold a valid Employment Pass.

Eligible family members and their required passes:

1. Dependant’s Pass: Legally married spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21, including legally adopted child(s).
2. Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP): Common-law spouse, unmarried handicapped children aged 21 and above, unmarried step-children under 21 years old, and parents. Do note that to bring your parents, you need to earn a minimum salary of at least SGD 12,000.

Employment Pass Renewal Application

Renewing an Employment Pass (EP) allows the pass holder to continue working. Here's what you need to know:

When to renew: You can apply up to 6 months before the pass expires. It's essential to apply before the expiry date.

Who can renew: The employer or appointed employment agent (EA) can initiate the renewal process.

Duration of renewed pass: The renewed pass can be granted for up to 3 years, unaffected by the passport's validity period.

Cost:

• SGD 225 for pass issuance
• SGD 30 for each Multiple Journey visa (if applicable)

Processing time:

• Renewal via myMOM Portal: Typically processed or updated within ten business days.
• For EP (Sponsorship) cases: Within eight weeks for most instances.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Employment Passes (EPs) are crucial in facilitating the employment of foreign professionals, managers, and executives in Singapore. These passes are issued by the Ministry of Manpower, allowing individuals to live and work in the country while contributing their skills and expertise to various industries. 

The process of getting these passes is not difficult, but there are certain requirements to fulfil in order to be eligible for the passes.