🇸🇬 Singapore Employment Pass Guide
Your complete guide to applying for Singapore's Employment Pass for skilled professionals
What is the Employment Pass?
The Employment Pass (EP) is Singapore's primary work visa for skilled professionals and mid-level executives. It allows qualified foreign workers to work and live in Singapore, contributing to the country's knowledge-based economy. The EP is designed to attract talent in sectors where skills are scarce in the local workforce.
Perfect For:
- • Skilled professionals with job offers
- • Mid-level managers and executives
- • Those earning S$5,000+ monthly
- • Professionals in growth sectors
Key Benefits:
- • Valid for 2-3 years
- • Family reunification rights
- • Path to permanent residency
- • Full work rights in Singapore
💰 Salary Tiers & Requirements
Progressive Salary Structure
Employment Pass applications are evaluated based on salary tiers, with higher salaries receiving more favorable assessment and longer validity periods.
Basic Tier
- • 2-year validity
- • Standard assessment
- • Most entry-level roles
- • Additional criteria required
Mid-tier
- • 2-3 year validity
- • Faster processing
- • Mid-level positions
- • Fewer additional requirements
Top-tier
- • 3-year validity
- • Priority processing
- • Senior positions
- • Minimal additional criteria
Note: Salary thresholds are reviewed annually by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). All salaries must be in Singapore dollars and represent gross monthly earnings before deductions.
📋 Eligibility Requirements
Core Requirements
- ✓Job OfferValid job offer from a Singapore-based employer
- ✓Salary ThresholdMeet minimum salary requirement (S$5,000+ gross monthly)
- ✓QualificationsRelevant qualifications for the job role
- ✓Skills AssessmentSkills must be relevant and not readily available locally
Additional Criteria
- ℹ️Work ExperienceRelevant work experience in the field
- ℹ️Educational BackgroundDegree or equivalent qualification
- ℹ️Employer Track RecordEmployer's compliance and employment practices
- ℹ️Positive Employment ProspectsDemonstrated potential for career progression
📝 Step-by-Step Application Process
Secure Job Offer
Obtain a job offer that meets EP requirements:
- Salary of at least S$5,000 per month
- Job role matches your qualifications
- Employer is registered in Singapore
- Employment contract is prepared
Employer Submits Application
Your employer applies on your behalf:
- Online application through MOM website
- Submit employment contract and job description
- Provide your qualifications and experience
- Pay application fee (S$105)
Prepare Personal Documents
Gather required personal documentation:
- Valid passport and passport photos
- Educational certificates and transcripts
- Work experience letters and references
- Resume/CV and cover letter
- Birth certificate (if bringing dependents)
Application Assessment
MOM assesses your application:
- Processing time: 2-4 weeks
- Assessment based on COMPASS framework
- Points awarded for qualifications, experience, salary
- Employer's track record considered
Receive Approval & Enter Singapore
Complete final steps:
- Receive Employment Pass approval
- Apply for Entry Visa (if required)
- Travel to Singapore on Employment Pass
- Report to employer and start work
- Register with relevant authorities
🎯 COMPASS Assessment Framework
MOM uses the COMPASS framework to assess Employment Pass applications. This points-based system evaluates candidates across multiple criteria to determine eligibility.
Qualifications
- • PhD: 40 points
- • Master's: 30 points
- • Bachelor's: 20 points
- • Diploma: 10 points
Work Experience
- • 8+ years: 25 points
- • 6-7 years: 20 points
- • 4-5 years: 15 points
- • 2-3 years: 10 points
Salary
- • S$12,000+: 25 points
- • S$9,000-11,999: 20 points
- • S$7,000-8,999: 15 points
- • S$5,000-6,999: 10 points
🎁 Employment Pass Benefits
Family Reunification
Bring spouse and unmarried children under 21 to Singapore
Permanent Residency Path
Clear pathway to Singapore Permanent Residency
Full Work Rights
Work for any employer without additional approval
CPF Contributions
Access to Central Provident Fund savings scheme
Healthcare Access
Full access to Singapore's healthcare system
Education Opportunities
Access to SkillsFuture and continuing education
🏠 Path to Permanent Residency
Employment Pass
2-3 years working in Singapore
Permanent Residency
Apply after meeting PR criteria
Citizenship
After 2-5 years as PR
PR Application Criteria:
- • Continuous employment in Singapore
- • Stable income and housing
- • Integration into Singaporean society
- • Family ties and community involvement
- • Clean criminal record
What's Your Next Step?
⚠️ Important Considerations
- • Salary Threshold: Must meet minimum S$5,000 monthly salary requirement
- • Employer Responsibility: Employer submits the application and pays the fee
- • COMPASS Points: Higher scores improve approval chances and permit duration
- • Processing Time: 2-4 weeks for assessment, plus additional time for entry visa if needed
- • Contract Requirements: Must have a valid employment contract for at least 1 year
- • Official Sources: Always check mom.gov.sg for latest salary thresholds and requirements
- • Skills Assessment: Your skills must address local skills shortages
- • Annual Reviews: Employment Pass requirements are reviewed annually