Guide to Renewing Your Employment Pass in Singapore

The Employment Pass (EP) is Singapore’s primary work visa for foreign professionals, managers, and executives. It is typically valid for 2–3 years and must be renewed before expiry. In 2026, all EP renewals are assessed under the COMPASS framework, requiring a minimum of 40 points across four foundational criteria and two bonus criteria. Approximately 50,000 renewals are processed annually, with approval rates above 90% for applicants who meet current salary thresholds and diversity requirements.

When to Apply for EP Renewal

Renewal applications can be submitted as early as 6 months before the current pass expires. MOM strongly recommends applying at least 2 months in advance to allow for processing and potential follow-ups. Applying late puts the pass holder at risk of overstaying, which can lead to penalties or a ban from future work passes.

The pass holder must remain employed by the same company throughout the application. If the job title, salary, or employer changes, a new EP application—not a renewal—is required.

Eligibility and COMPASS Framework

In 2026, a renewal is not automatic. Both the employer and employee must satisfy the points-based COMPASS system:

• Salary: At least S$5,600 for most sectors (higher for older candidates, peaking at S$10,500 for those in their mid-40s). Meeting the benchmark awards 10–20 points.
• Qualifications: A degree from a top-tier institution or equivalent diploma plus work experience earns up to 20 points.
• Diversity: The share of the candidate’s nationality among the firm’s PMET workforce. A low share (less than 25%) yields 20 points.
• Support for Local Employment: The proportion of local PMETs in the company relative to its industry norm. A high proportion earns 20 points.
• Bonus points (max 20) for scarce skills (e.g., tech, green economy) and for firms that partner with the government on economic priorities.

Employers can check their candidate’s likely COMPASS score via the online Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) before submitting the renewal.

Documents Required

Only scanned copies are needed for the online submission. A typical renewal package includes:

• Pass holder’s valid travel document (bio-data page)
• Current EP card (front and back)
• Updated employment contract showing salary and role
• Educational certificates and transcripts (if qualification was newly earned or previously not verified)
• For professions requiring registration (e.g., doctors, lawyers), a valid practising certificate
• Company’s latest ACRA profile and audited financial statements (if requested by MOM)

Documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.

Step-by-Step Renewal Process

1. Employer logs in to WP Online via Singpass and selects “Renew Employment Pass.”
2. Fill in the online form with updated personal and employment details.
3. Upload all required supporting documents.
4. Pay the S$105 processing fee.
5. MOM reviews the application; processing takes approximately 3–5 weeks in straightforward cases.
6. If approved, the employer pays the issuance fee (S$225) and prints the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter.
7. The pass holder visits the MOM Services Centre for photo and biometrics to collect the new card (or opts for card delivery).

No medical examination is needed for a renewal unless requested due to a change in job function.

What If Renewal Is Rejected?

A rejection is not the end. The employer can appeal within 3 months of the notice by submitting additional evidence (e.g., updated market salary benchmarking, revised job description). During the appeal, the pass holder’s existing pass remains valid until its expiry.

If the appeal fails or is not possible, alternatives include:

• S Pass: For mid-skilled workers earning at least S$3,150 (subject to quota)
• Personalised Employment Pass (PEP): For high-earning individuals (fixed monthly salary of S$22,500) not tied to a single employer
• Leaving Singapore: The pass holder must depart before the current pass expires to avoid overstaying; a 30-day short-term visit pass may be granted at the checkpoint for winding up affairs

A rejected renewal does not automatically bar future EP applications, but repeated failures may flag the employer as non-compliant with fair hiring norms.

Cost and Processing Time

Stage	Fee
Application fee	S$105
Issuance fee (if approved)	S$225
Total	S$330

Processing time is 3–5 weeks for complete applications. Missing documents or ambiguous COMPASS scores can extend it to 8 weeks.

FAQ

Can I renew my EP if I’ve changed jobs?
No. A renewal is only for the same employer. A new EP application is required for a different job.

What happens if my salary drops below the threshold?
The EP will not be renewed. You may ask the employer to adjust the salary or explore an S Pass if eligible.

Is there a grace period after EP expiry?
No. Overstaying is an offence. You must leave Singapore or obtain a valid pass before the expiry date.

References

• Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Employment Pass renewal requirements, 2025
• MOM, COMPASS framework details, 2024
• MOM, Work Pass fees schedule, 2026
• Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore, Employer filing obligations for work pass holders, 2025
• Singapore Statutes Online, Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, 2024

This article provides general guidance only and should not be taken as immigration advice. For the latest policies, always refer to the MOM website.