When talking about foreign professionals working in Singapore, the Employment Pass—or EP as most call it—comes up immediately. Issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), this pass is designed for professionals, managers, and directors of Singapore companies. Holding it gives not just the right to work, but also to live in Singapore and to travel in and out without applying for separate entry visas.
Unlike work passes in some countries, there’s no hard quota on how many EPs a company can have. That said, conditions are strict. Employers and employees are required to update MOM whenever details change—be it salary adjustments, change in job title, relocation to a new residence, even something as personal as a change in marital status or nationality.
Typically, an EP is granted for one to two years. Renewal is allowed, provided eligibility criteria are still met. Beyond that, having an EP often opens the door to applying for Permanent Residence (PR), though that again depends entirely on MOM’s discretion.
Qualifications for EP
So, who qualifies? MOM has three broad requirements:
- A minimum fixed monthly salary, which depends on sector and age.
- A role that is managerial, executive, or specialist in nature.
- A tertiary degree from a recognised university.
There is some flexibility. A strong professional record and a higher salary can sometimes offset weaker academic credentials.
Sectors and Salary Requirements
From 1 September 2022 (for new applications) and 1 September 2023 (for renewals), revised salary thresholds came into effect:
| Sector | Young Candidates | Mid-40s Candidates |
| All other sectors | SGD 5,000 | SGD 10,500 |
| Financial services | SGD 5,500 | SGD 11,500 |
The higher bar for finance reflects the sector’s competitiveness. For older applicants, the salary expectation is also higher, since experience is assumed to come with seniority.
Obligations of Employers
Employers play a critical role in the EP system. To keep the labour market transparent and fair, MOM requires companies to give local candidates priority consideration.
That means before filing for an EP, companies must post the vacancy on MyCareersFuture.sg. The advertisement must:
- Match the EP role exactly.
- Stay live for at least 28 consecutive days.
- Disclose the salary and terms clearly.
Expired or closed ads older than 3 months cannot be used.
There are exceptions. Firms with fewer than 10 employees, or those filling roles with SGD 20,000+ monthly salaries, or short-term positions (less than one month) do not need to advertise. Likewise, internal transfers across related entities may skip the process.
Documentation Required
A successful EP application requires thorough documentation. Key items include:
- Form 8, signed by the employing Singapore company.
- A recent resume plus education certificates.
- Employer references or testimonials.
- Passport-size photo (within 3 months).
- Passport particulars page.
- Company business profile.
- Job description.
- Details of company’s products or services.
Non-English documents must be translated officially into English. MOM may also request further supporting documents if necessary.
Employment Pass Application
EP applications can be submitted in two ways:
- Online Application – available for companies with an EP account. These are generally processed within 3 weeks.
- Manual Application – used when supporting documents cannot be uploaded. Processing takes longer, often up to 8 weeks.
Processing time depends not just on method, but also on applicant credentials and company background.
Employment Pass Approval
Approval is never final until MOM issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter.
- If rejected, companies can appeal within 3 months, provided they address the reasons for rejection.
- The IPA, once granted, is valid for 6 months.
- In some cases, a medical test is needed before collection.
To collect the EP, the applicant must be in Singapore and show the IPA letter, passport, and any requested documents. MOM also issues a one-time entry visa if needed.
Renewal & Cancellation of EP
Like all passes, the EP has a cycle.
- Renewal: MOM sends renewal forms about 3 months before expiry. Employers should file at least 4 weeks in advance. Once approved, the pass must be collected in person.
- Cancellation: If employment ends, the employer must cancel the EP within 7 days. In most cases, MOM gives the pass holder a 1-month social visit pass after cancellation, allowing time to make arrangements before leaving.
Final Thoughts
The Employment Pass remains one of the most significant ways Singapore balances its need for foreign talent with the need to safeguard local opportunities. The process is clear-cut, but far from automatic. Higher qualifications and stronger salaries increase the chances, but MOM looks at the whole picture—company track record, the role, and compliance with fair hiring practices.
For employers, it’s more than a compliance exercise—it’s a responsibility. Every EP application is a statement that the role could not reasonably be filled by a local. For applicants, the EP is more than paperwork—it’s the gateway to living and working in Singapore, and possibly, to building a longer-term future here through Permanent Residence.
The message is simple: prepare carefully, respect the rules, and treat the EP not as a hurdle, but as a structured path into one of the most open yet carefully regulated labour markets in the region.
