Guide to Applying for an Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore

An Employment Pass (EP) is a work visa for foreign professionals, managers, and executives earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$5,600 (S$6,200 in financial services) as of 2025. Over 200,000 EP holders were active in Singapore as of June 2024, reflecting its role as the primary pass for skilled foreign talent.

Understanding Eligibility

EP eligibility now runs on the COMPASS framework, a two-stage points system launched in September 2023. Every application must meet:

• Salary threshold: S$5,600 (non‑financial) / S$6,200 (financial) for new applicants; older candidates under 40 require higher pay (e.g., ~S$10,300 for a 45‑year‑old).
• COMPASS score: 40 points across four foundational criteria (salary, qualifications, diversity, support for local PMETs) plus bonus points for skills on the Shortage Occupation List or strategic economic priorities. Use the Self‑Assessment Tool on MOM’s site before applying—it saves time and fees.

Required Documents

Gather these before you start. Incomplete submissions are the top reason for delays.

• Candidate’s passport page (valid at least 6 months beyond the intended stay).
• Educational certificates and transcripts; non‑English documents need a certified translation.
• Employment contract (salary, role, start date) or letter of offer.
• ACRA business profile of the employing company (dated within the last 3 months).
• For overseas hires: past employment testimonials if claiming experience points under COMPASS.

The Application Process: Step‑by‑Step

1. The employer or appointed employment agent logs into EP Online (CorpPass required).
2. Submit the application with all documents; declare COMPASS scores.
3. Pay the S$105 application fee (non‑refundable).
4. MOM may ask for further verification—respond within the given deadline.
5. If approved, an in‑principle approval (IPA) letter is issued. The candidate then enters Singapore or remains legally present to complete issuance.

Processing Time & Fees

• Online application: 3 weeks (straight‑forward cases) · S$105
• Manual verification: Up to 8 weeks · –
• Pass issuance: Within 1 week after IPA · S$225
• Multi‑journey visa (if needed): – · S$30 per application

Track status in real time via EP Online. Bulk processing delays if your sector is flagged for additional checks.

After Approval: Issuance & Renewal

Once the IPA is received, book an appointment via EP Online no later than 2 weeks before the IPA expires. On your appointment day, bring original documents for verification and have your photo and fingerprints enrolled. You’ll receive a notification card in 4 working days. EP renewal works similarly, but you can apply up to 6 months before expiry. If your salary or qualifications have changed, update COMPASS scores accordingly.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Wrong salary declaration: Gross monthly salary must be fixed—variable components don’t count toward the threshold.
• Expired or incomplete business profile: Use a fresh ACRA profile; older than 3 months gets rejected.
• Over‑estimating COMPASS points: Claiming points for a qualification not verified by MOM’s approved institutions will fail. Pay for verification upfront.
• Job‑advertisement requirement: Before applying, the employer must advertise on MyCareersFuture for 14 days (exemptions apply for small firms, high‑salary roles, and intra‑corp transferees).

FAQ

Can I work while my EP application is being processed?
No. You can only start work after the pass is issued and you have the notification, unless you hold a valid Dependant’s Pass or Long‑Term Visit Pass with work approval.

Can my family come with me?
EP holders earning at least S$6,000 can sponsor Dependant’s Passes for spouse and children. Those earning S$12,000+ may also sponsor parents on a Long‑Term Visit Pass.

What if my EP is rejected?
The employer can appeal within 3 months with additional evidence (e.g., revised salary, stronger COMPASS points). MOM’s grounds for refusal are not disclosed in detail.

参考资料

• Ministry of Manpower, “Employment Pass eligibility and requirements,” 2025.
• Ministry of Manpower, “Updates to the Employment Pass framework,” 2023.
• Singapore Department of Statistics, “Foreign Workforce Numbers,” mid‑2024.

This guide offers general information and does not constitute legal advice. Always check MOM’s official site for the latest rules before applying.