Singapore’s strong economy is supported by a high level of economic independence as well as its advantageous location, which has drawn numerous investors and businesspeople alike. Along with this, numerous employment possibilities have been created across several industries.
Professionals with in-depth knowledge of their fields or who have collected several years of industry experience are extremely likely to be in demand in Singapore. The Personalized Employment Pass(PEP) was created by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to entice them to come work in the city-state.
The PEP comes with various benefits for its owners as well as certain restrictions. We will outline in this article the various points that you should be aware of before submitting a PEP application.
A Singapore Personalised Employment Pass (PEP): What Is It?
A unique kind of employment permit that isn’t connected to any particular company is called a Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) in Singapore. PEPs are intended for exceptionally competent people who want to work in Singapore.
As long as the bearer has not been jobless for more than six months, this permit allows him or her to stay and change jobs in Singapore without having to reapply for a work visa.
What Advantages Does a PEP Offer?
PEP holders are eligible to work as workers in any sector. However, before applying, certain occupations require approval, such as those of a doctor, dentist, security officer, etc.
In general, the PEP gives its holders the freedom to work and switch occupations without having to apply for a new pass with each job change. They just need to use the PEP Notification Form to notify the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
PEP holders can also avoid having to apply for a new employment pass or being asked to leave the country by not becoming unemployed for up to six months at a time. This will generally provide them with the simplest means of residing and working in Singapore.
Additionally, the PEP gives dependents the same benefits as Employment Pass holders. This implies that you are permitted to bring your spouse and children along on a Dependant’s Pass (DP). The Long Term Visit Pass allows you to bring your parents to Singapore as well (LTVP).
What are the Constraints of the PEP?
The PEP has three main drawbacks. Although they can be quite flexible, you should be aware of some restrictions before applying.
First off, a PEP can only be obtained once and cannot be renewed. It is only valid for three years, after which you must apply for permanent resident status or an employment pass.
PEP holders are only allowed to be unemployed for up to six months at a time. Additionally, PEP holders must make a minimum income of $144,000 per year while working in Singapore. After each calendar year ends, you must disclose your wage within 30 days.
You are permitted to change your occupation at any time, but you must notify MOM of any changes to your employment or any other relevant status. This covers modifications to your employment status, travel authorisations, and termination of work.
What Distinguishes an Employment Pass (EP) from a Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)?
They are comparable in many respects. Both cards permit holders to travel into and out of Singapore without a visa, live and work here, and bring family members with them on Dependent’s Passes and Long-Term Visit Passes.
Holders of Personalised Employment Passes must meet several extra criteria, though:
- In Singapore, you are not permitted to run any business. This includes working for your own business or taking on entrepreneurial endeavours. However, you are permitted to earn a salary as a director of a business that you do not own.
- Holders of Personalised Employment Passes must maintain a set annual wage of S$144,000.
Who Is Eligible to Submit a Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) Application?
You are eligible to apply for a Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) if you satisfy the requirements listed below:
- You have an employment pass and have a fixed monthly income of at least $12,000.
- The most recently drawn fixed salary as a foreign professional employed abroad was at least $18,000 per month. You should have drawn your most recent salary in the six months before your application.
However, if any of the following applies to you, the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is not available to you:
- An employee sponsored under the Employment Pass program.
- A lone owner, a partner, or a director and shareholder in a company that is registered with ACRA.
- A foreign national or freelancer who wants to work on your own.
- A producer, an editor, a sub-editor, or a journalist.
What Documents Would I Need to Submit for a Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) Application?
Existing Employment Pass holders are exempt from submitting any further documentation. However, the following information must be entered on your Personalised Employment Pass application form:
- Information about your passport.
- If available, the name and address of your employer.
- Details about your job and pay, if any.
- Local contact information (for overseas professionals, the local contact details can be furnished upon approval).
- Information on holders of Dependent Passes, if relevant.
- If applicable, information on Long-Term Social Visit Pass holders.
The following extra documentation must be provided if you do not possess an Employment Pass:
- A duplicate of the passport page with your personal information.
- The employment agreement from your current job and/or previous job, if there was one.
- Payslips from the last three months and bank account statements.
- The most recent tax return,
- A copy of your most recent CV and any relevant academic credentials
Please be aware that any non-English papers must be accompanied by an official translation into English that has been completed by a certified translator, High Commission, Embassy, or notary public.
The PEP’s Approval and Collection
The majority of applications are processed within eight (8) weeks. The MOM will send you an e-mail including an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter as soon as your PEP application is accepted. For the PEP to be collected at the Work Pass Division at MOM, the IPA letter must be shown.
An IPA letter is valid for up to six months from its date.
You will need to provide the following while picking up your PEP:
- A duplicate of the IPA letter.
- An updated passport-sized photograph.
- Original passport along with the embarkation and admission cards.
- Medical examination findings (if the In-Principle Approval states that you require one).
- Any further records that the IPA letter requests.
What Happens If I Submit a PEP Application, But It Is Denied?
MOM reserves the right to refuse your application in certain extraordinary circumstances. In such a case, you can file an appeal, which MOM will review after at least three weeks. The success of your application will rely on how well you market your qualifications and qualities.
Personalised Employment Pass Validity
Please be aware of the following circumstances that have an impact on the PEP’s validity:
- The PEP is not renewable and has a three-year expiration date after it has been granted. Then, to work lawfully in Singapore, you must further apply for an Employment Pass or Permanent Resident (PR) status.
- You are not allowed to run a business or take part in any kind of entrepreneurial activity while on a PEP. Being a board member of a business is an example of entrepreneurial activity. Instead, you should apply for an Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) if you want to launch a business, engage in entrepreneurial endeavours, or work for yourself.
- You can’t be jobless for longer than six months straight. The PEP is terminated if you can’t find work within a period of six months.
- You must notify MOM right away if there is any change to your work, address, travel papers, etc.
- After each calendar year, you have 30 days to notify MOM of your yearly income.
How Can I Have My Personalised Employment Pass Renewed?
The Personalised Employment Pass cannot be renewed after three years have passed, unlike the other work passes. Upon expiration, you have two options: apply for permanent residency or continue to work in Singapore with an Employment Pass.
Personalized Employment Pass Cancellation
Your PEP will be terminated, and you won’t be able to reactivate the Pass if you go unemployed for a period of longer than six months.
Therefore, upon cancellation of the PEP, you will be given a 30-day Short-Term Visit Pass. You must apply for an Employment Pass or Permanent Residency to work lawfully in Singapore.
What Must I Do to Keep My Personalised Employment Pass Current?
Your contact and employment information must be kept up to date with the authorities. There are two ways to notify people:
- Using the PEP Notification Form.
- Using the Employment Pass Online Account (EPOL).
You should update the following details on the PEP Notification Form:
- Updates on changes to employment status must be made within seven days. Your employer must also notify the appropriate authorities of your change in employment status by using the Notification Form for Employers.
- Alteration of local contacts.
- Salary per annum, which must be disclosed within 30 days of the year’s conclusion.
You should update the following details in your EPOL account:
- Travel document updates or renewals.
- PEP cards that have been lost or destroyed must be replaced by applying through EPOL.
- Change in the home address.
Conclusion
The Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is for you if you’re seeking a work permit that doesn’t restrict you from working in Singapore for just one company.
We hope that this information has assisted you in learning how to apply for the PEP and in knowing about the requirements to qualify for one. If you wish to apply for a PEP or any other work pass, it’s highly advisable to seek help from an immigration agent. As they are experts in this field, they can ensure there are no hiccups in the application process, and also you get a positive outcome.
