If you want to move to Singapore to work or are looking to move your foreign workforce to Singapore, there are many types of work visas available. Each visa has its specific rules and regulations governed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
An Employment Pass (EP) is a Singapore working visa issued by MOM to foreign professional employees, managers, executives and owners or directors of Singapore companies.
The work pass is open to all nationalities and is usually valid for two years with the possibility of renewal. No foreign work levy or quota is required for the pass. Employment Pass holders may apply for PR in due course.
Contact our immigration experts so we can further assist you.
To qualify for an Employment Pass (EP), the foreign professional must:
Note: Even if the candidate fulfils all requirements listed above, they are not automatically eligible. Each candidate is evaluated based on the track record and the skill set they bring to the Singapore economy. The evaluation may also include examining the company’s contributions to the Singapore economy and workforce.
Check Your EP Eligibility
Note : Excluding MOM application fee
Employment Pass is for top-tier jobs such as professional, manager, and executives. In addition, having an acceptable educational qualification from reputable universities is also one of the criteria to be eligible for an Employment Pass.
Individuals with professional skills and expertise with a proven track record of relevant experiences have a higher chance of getting their applications approved.
For your application to be successful, you are required to have a fixed monthly salary which is required by Ministry of Manpower. However, if you are an experienced professional, you may need a higher salary for an affirmative response from MOM.
Your job title must be aligned to your job scope and responsibilities.
Companies that have been in operation for several years often have an easier time getting EPs approved than startups.
According to the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF), a company seeking EP must advertise on Jobs Bank two weeks before submitting their EP application.
EP holders are eligible to apply for Permanent Residence (PR) in Singapore. However, it is advisable to wait for at least six months to two years to meet one of the assessing criteria requiring submission of a minimum six-month payslip and preferably an IRAS tax assessment.
The quota and levy do not apply to foreign professionals and directors who work in Singapore under Employment Pass.
You can sponsor a Dependant Pass for your family if you hold a valid EP. However, it also demands that you earn not less than S$6,000 per month. The dependents may include; your spouse and unmarried children below 21 years.
EP holders are given more flexibility in changing employers. For example, they can participate in a new EP application without termination if they find another job while still being employed.
EP is the only work visa that allows foreigners to start their own business. EP holder can freely register the company in Singapore using the electronic system BizFile or via an incorporation agency.
When it comes to buying property, EP holders are allowed to purchase private apartments or condominiums only in Singapore.
The following documents are required for the application of Employment Pass:
Additional documents may be required for certain professions or industries.
Note: all documents must be in English or with an English translation done by a certified translation body.
Undergo a free consultation with our expert. We will advise and assist in preparing the S Pass application and ensure that all necessary supporting documents are included to minimise delays and maximise approval.
After all the documents are prepared, we will then submit the application online and make sure that all details are keyed in accurately. We will track your application and liaise with MOM if required.
Upon approval, an in-principle approval (IPA) letter will be issued. It serves as a pre-approved single entry visa for the worker to enter Singapore.
When the worker arrives in Singapore, they must complete a medical examination with any Singapore-registered doctor.
A request for issuing the pass must be made within 60 days after the candidate is in Singapore.
The candidate must register their fingerprints and complete photo-taking at the MOM Services Centre within two weeks. The Employment Pass card will be delivered within four working days.
FAQs About ApplyiPR applications take around six months to process, provided all the required documents are submitted. However, depending on the case’s complexity, some applications may take more than six months to process.
FAQs About ApplyiPR applications take around six months to process, provided all the required documents are submitted. However, depending on the case’s complexity, some applications may take more than six months to process.
FAQs About ApplyiPR applications take around six months to process, provided all the required documents are submitted. However, depending on the case’s complexity, some applications may take more than six months to process.
FAQs About ApplyiPR applications take around six months to process, provided all the required documents are submitted. However, depending on the case’s complexity, some applications may take more than six months to process.
FAQs About ApplyiPR applications take around six months to process, provided all the required documents are submitted. However, depending on the case’s complexity, some applications may take more than six months to process.
FAQs About ApplyiPR applications take around six months to process, provided all the required documents are submitted. However, depending on the case’s complexity, some applications may take more than six months to process.
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