How to Apply for Employment Pass in Singapore 

*updated on September 2023

Applying for an Employment Pass in Singapore can be a challenging and anxiety-inducing process. It involves the handling of intricate documents and meeting stringent Singapore government standards. This guide provides an overview of the necessary requirements and procedures to initiate the application process. Additionally, we offer company registration services for businesses and provide assistance throughout the entire process. 

An Employment Pass (EP) is a work visa designed for foreign professionals with specialized skills, managers, director and entrepreneur. The EP allows them to live and work in Singapore as an employee of the sponsoring Singapore company. 

What is Employment Pass?   

• An Employment Pass application must can be apply by employer or the authorized corporate service provider that holds the Employment Agency (EA) license, which is required for employment agencies to operate in Singapore. 
• The candidate must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$5,000 per month. It goes up proportionately according to age, up to $10,500 for candidates aged 45 and up.  
• Candidates from the finance service sector require higher salary.  

Employment Pass vs Entrepreneur Pass 

Being listed as a shareholder in a newly established company in Singapore will qualify you as an entrepreneur. Consequently, it is advisable to apply for an Entrepreneur Pass instead of an Employment Pass. However, for companies which are more than six months old, the shareholding factor is not relevant, and you may proceed to apply for an Employment Pass without any restrictions. 

If you want to register your company in Singapore, you may consider applying for ONE Pass Singapore (Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass) 

Singapore Employment Pass Eligibility and Salary Requirements 

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has tightened its requirements for Employment Pass application.  

To secure MOM’s approval, the candidate must have the following qualifications: 

• Persons of any nationality can apply for an Employment Pass. 
• The foreign professional must have a job offer in Singapore. 
• The position must be for a managerial, executive, or specialist role. 

For fresh graduates from reputable universities, a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$5,000 is mandatory. However, more experienced candidates are likely to receive correspondingly higher salaries. 

Moreover, candidates need to possess satisfactory qualifications, which typically comprise a university degree, professional certifications, and/or specialized skills. 

As of February 1, 2022, candidates must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to be approved for an Employment Pass. 

If you want to check your eligibility for an Employment Pass in Singapore, you can use the MOM’s Self Assessment Tool. This tool can assist you in determining your eligibility for application. Nonetheless, keep in mind that the tool does not guarantee approval, and there may be exceptions, particularly for senior executives and personnel with specialized expertise  

Advertising requirements for the sponsor company 

In order to enhance transparency in the labor market and foster equitable employment practices, employers must advertise job openings on MyCareersFuture for at least 28 days before submitting an Employment Pass (EP) application and consider all candidates fairly. 
 
Singapore companies need not post on the job board if they meet the following conditions: 

• The company has 10 or fewer employees 
• The position pays a fixed monthly salary of S$22,500 per month or more 
• The job must be filled by an intra-corporate transferee (i.e., those holding senior positions in the company or have an advanced level of expertise) 
• The job is necessary for no longer than one month 

Contact us now to find out more company registration and employment pass application.