Singapore has long been a top destination for global talent, thanks to its vibrant economy, strategic location, and high quality of life. For foreign professionals looking to build a career in this dynamic city-state, securing an Employment Pass (EP) is the essential first step. However, the application process can seem complex, with specific requirements and criteria set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about applying for an Employment Pass in Singapore. We’ll cover the eligibility requirements, the step-by-step application process, the documents you’ll need, and what to do after your application is approved. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to navigate the EP application process with confidence.
What is a Singapore Employment Pass?
An Employment Pass is a work visa issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower to foreign professionals, managers, and executives. It allows them to live and work in Singapore legally. The EP is tied to a specific employer, meaning you cannot work for another company without applying for a new pass.
Unlike other work passes, the EP does not have a foreign worker levy or a quota. Instead, eligibility is determined by a combination of factors, including the applicant’s qualifications, work experience, and salary, as well as the hiring company’s commitment to fair employment practices.
Who is Eligible for an Employment Pass?
To be considered for an Employment Pass, applicants must meet several criteria. The MOM uses a points-based system called the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) to evaluate applications. This framework ensures a holistic assessment of both the individual applicant and the firm they will be working for.
Foundational Criteria
Before even getting to the COMPASS evaluation, every applicant must meet the following baseline requirements:
- A Job Offer: You must have a confirmed job offer from a Singapore-based employer.
- Professional Role: The job must be in a managerial, executive, or specialized role.
- Qualifying Salary: You must earn a fixed monthly salary that meets the minimum requirement, which varies based on your age and sector. As of 2024, the minimum qualifying salary starts at S$5,000 for most sectors and S$5,500 for the financial services sector, increasing progressively with age.
The Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS)
From September 2023, all new EP applications are assessed using COMPASS. Applicants need to score at least 40 points across various individual and firm-related attributes to pass. These points are awarded based on how well an applicant meets or exceeds the standards for their industry.
C1: Salary (Individual Attribute)
Your fixed monthly salary is compared to local Professional, Managerial, Executive, and Technical (PMET) salary benchmarks for your sector.
- 20 points: Salary is at or above the 90th percentile.
- 10 points: Salary is between the 65th and 90th percentile.
- 0 points: Salary is below the 65th percentile.
C2: Qualifications (Individual Attribute)
Your educational qualifications are evaluated based on the reputation of the awarding institution.
- 20 points: You hold a degree-equivalent qualification from a “top-tier institution.”
- 10 points: You hold a degree-equivalent qualification from another recognized institution.
- 0 points: You do not have a degree-equivalent qualification.
C3: Diversity (Firm-related Attribute)
This attribute measures the diversity of nationalities within the hiring firm. A higher score is given if you improve the diversity of your nationality within the company’s PMET workforce.
- 20 points: Your nationality forms less than 5% of the firm’s PMETs.
- 10 points: Your nationality forms 5% to 25% of the firm’s PMETs.
- 0 points: Your nationality forms more than 25% of the firm’s PMETs.
C4: Support for Local Employment (Firm-related Attribute)
This evaluates the firm’s commitment to hiring local Singaporean PMETs compared to other firms in the same sector.
- 20 points: The firm’s share of local PMETs is at or above the 50th percentile for the sector.
- 10 points: The firm’s share of local PMETs is between the 20th and 50th percentile.
- 0 points: The firm’s share of local PMETs is below the 20th percentile.
Bonus Criteria
Applicants can also earn bonus points for specific skills or strategic priorities:
- Skills Bonus (C5): 20 points are awarded if the job is on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL), which identifies roles with a significant labor shortage in Singapore.
- Strategic Economic Priorities Bonus (C6): 10 points are awarded if the firm is actively participating in specific government-endorsed strategic programs that support economic transformation.
How to Apply for an Employment Pass: A Step-by-Step Guide
The EP application is typically submitted by the employer or an authorized third-party agent on behalf of the applicant. Here is a breakdown of the entire process from start to finish if you apply employment pass.
Step 1: Advertise on MyCareersFuture
Before submitting an EP application, employers must first advertise the job vacancy on the MyCareersFuture portal for at least 14 consecutive days. This requirement, part of the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF), ensures that employers have considered all qualified local candidates fairly.
There are some exemptions to this rule, including:
- Companies with fewer than 10 employees.
- Jobs with a fixed monthly salary of S$22,500 or more.
- Short-term roles (one month or less).
- Intra-corporate transferees.
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents
The employer or agent needs to collect specific information and documents from the applicant. Having these ready will ensure a smooth and swift application process.
Information Needed from the Applicant:
- Personal particulars from the passport.
- Contact details (email and phone number).
- Details of family members who may also be applying for passes (e.g., Dependant’s Pass).
Documents to Prepare:
- A copy of the applicant’s passport particulars page.
- The most recent resume or CV, detailing work history.
- Copies of educational certificates and transcripts (e.g., degree certificate, academic records).
Important Note on Verification: For applicants with qualifications from institutions not on the MOM’s pre-approved list, third-party verification is required. This proves that the qualification is authentic and was awarded by an accredited institution.
Step 3: Submit the Application Online
The application must be submitted electronically via the myMOM Portal. The employer or their appointed agent will need a CorpPass account to log in.
During the online submission, the employer will need to fill in various details about the applicant, the job role, and the company. The required documents must be uploaded in PDF format. The application fee is S$105 and is non-refundable.
The processing time for online applications is typically within 10 business days for most cases. However, it can take longer if additional information or verification is required.
Step 4: Receive the In-Principle Approval (IPA)
If the application is successful, the MOM will issue an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. The IPA is a crucial document that serves two main purposes:
- It acts as a pre-approved single-entry visa, allowing the applicant to enter Singapore to complete the formalities for the EP.
- It outlines any additional steps that need to be taken, such as a medical examination or fingerprint registration.
The IPA is typically valid for 6 months. The applicant must enter Singapore and have their pass issued within this timeframe.
Step 5: Arrive in Singapore and Get the Pass Issued
Once the applicant arrives in Singapore, the employer or agent must request to have the Employment Pass issued via the myMOM Portal. There is a fee of S$225 for each pass issued.
After the issuance request is processed, a notification letter will be sent out. This letter is important as it:
- Confirms the EP has been issued.
- Allows the pass holder to start working.
- Permits them to travel in and out of Singapore while waiting for the EP card.
- States whether the pass holder needs to register their fingerprints and photo.
Step 6: Register Fingerprints and Photo
First-time applicants or those whose last registration was more than 5 years ago will need to register their fingerprints and have their photo taken. This must be done within two weeks of the EP being issued.
An appointment must be booked at the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC). The pass holder must bring the following documents to the appointment:
- Original passport.
- Appointment letter.
- Notification letter.
- Any other documents listed in the IPA and notification letter.
Step 7: Receive the Employment Pass Card
After successful registration at the EPSC, the Employment Pass card will be delivered to the company’s address within 4 working days. The card is a physical proof of the holder’s right to work and reside in Singapore.
Charting Your Course to a Singapore Career
Securing an Employment Pass is a significant milestone for any professional looking to advance their career in one of Asia’s most dynamic hubs. While the process involves multiple steps and strict requirements, understanding the criteria and preparing thoroughly can make all the difference.
By familiarizing yourself with the COMPASS framework, ensuring all documents are in order, and following the application steps closely, you and your employer can navigate the process efficiently. If you find the process daunting, consider engaging a professional immigration service to guide you through every stage, ensuring compliance and maximizing your chances of a successful outcome.
