- Two hurdles, not one. You must clear both the minimum salary threshold AND score 40+ points under COMPASS. Meeting salary alone is no longer sufficient.
- Salaries are higher and rising. The current minimums are S$5,600 (general) and S$6,200 (financial services), scaling to S$10,700–S$11,800 by your mid-40s. Budget 2026 announced another increase effective January 2027.
- Processing is faster than most sources say. MOM’s own website states online applications are processed within 10 business days, not 3 weeks as commonly cited.
- High earners skip COMPASS. If your salary is S$22,500/month or above, you are generally exempt from the COMPASS points assessment entirely.
Working in Singapore is a sought-after opportunity. The bustling city-state is known for its thriving economy and diverse culture. But before you can start your dream job, you need to navigate the Employment Pass application process. Getting your EP doesn’t have to be a headache. This guide covers everything you need to know.
|
Quick Answer: The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) is a work visa for foreign professionals, managers, and executives. Minimum salary starts at S$5,600/month (S$6,200 for financial services) as of January 2025. The application fee is S$105, submitted online via MOM’s myMOM Portal, and is processed within 10 business days for most online applications. You must also score at least 40 points under the COMPASS framework to qualify. |
What are the eligibility requirements for a Singapore Employment Pass?
Eligibility requirements for Singapore Employment Pass
If you’re a foreign professional looking for your answer on “how to get an employment pass in Singapore”, the first step is to make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for an Employment Pass. As someone who’s been through the process myself, I can tell you that the key things MOM looks at are your salary, qualifications, and work experience. In addition, MOM also looks at your company profile such as the company finances, company size and company annual turnover.
Minimum salary threshold
To qualify for an Employment Pass in Singapore, you need a minimum fixed monthly salary of at least S$5,600 (non-financial services) or S$6,200 (financial services). This applies if you’re a fresh graduate from a good university. If you’re older and more experienced, the salary requirement goes up.
MOM has a tiered system where the minimum qualifying salary progressively increases with age, up to S$10,700–S$11,800 for candidates in their mid-40s. So before you even think about applying, make sure your job offer meets the salary criteria for your age group, you don’t want to go through all the trouble of applying only to get rejected on this basis.
Required documents
When it comes to the paperwork, there are a few key documents required for your Employment Pass application:
- A duly completed application form
- Your educational certificates and verification proof from MOM-approved background screening companies
- Detailed resume or CV
- Copy of your passport bio-data page
- Your employer’s latest business profile or instant information from ACRA
Make sure you have clear, legible copies of all these documents ready to go. Any missing or unclear documents can delay your application.
Educational qualifications
While the Employment Pass is mainly for foreign professionals, managers, executives and specialists, having the right educational background is still important.
You should have a good university degree, professional qualifications, or specialist skills that are relevant to your job. A degree from a reputable university can really help your case. But don’t worry if you don’t have a degree, extensive, relevant work experience can sometimes make up for the lack of formal educational qualifications. I’ve seen people get approved based on their solid track record.
The key is to show that you have the expertise and skills to excel in your role and contribute to Singapore’s economy. So highlight your achievements and specialisations in your resume and application.
Do note that if you are declaring your education qualification, MOM will require employers/candidates to obtain and share the Verification Proof Certificate for bachelor degree and above qualifications declared to MOM from approved background screening companies. Most verification checks can be completed within 14 working days. You can consider approaching our Partner Veremark for the education qualification verification service. Alternatively, if the candidate meets EP requirements without declaring the qualification, you may skip verification to save time and cost.
If you have graduated from a China university, you can provide either:
- A Verification Proof Certificate from an approved background screening company, or
- A China Higher Education Student Information and Career Center (CHSI) Online Verification Report of Higher Education Degree Certificate
Coming in January 2027: As announced in Budget 2026, the minimum qualifying salary will increase to S$6,000 (non-financial services) and S$6,600 (financial services) for new applications from 1 January 2027, and renewals from 1 January 2028. If you're planning ahead, factor this into your offer negotiations now.
How do I apply for an Employment Pass: Step by step?
Step 1: Create a myMOM Portal account
Your employer or employment agent applies on your behalf. Portal access requires SingPass and is available to Singapore citizens, PRs, EntrePass holders, and existing EP/S Pass holders at a registered business.
Step 2: Submit the online application
Fill in all personal particulars, educational details, passport information, and employer contact details. All information must match your supporting documents exactly.
Step 3: Pay the S$105 application fee
The fee is S$105, payable by credit card or other electronic methods. It is non-refundable, even if rejected. Double-check everything before submitting.
Step 4: Upload supporting documents
Upload clear digital copies of all documents, including education verification proof and passport. Unclear scans will cause delays.
Step 5: Await approval
MOM processes online applications within 10 business days in most cases. (Note: the commonly cited “3 weeks” is outdated. MOM’s own application page now states 10 business days.) For overseas companies without a Singapore-registered entity, manual applications take up to 6 weeks.
Once approved, you receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter valid for 6 months. The IPA is not the pass itself. Your employer or agent will guide you through pass issuance after you arrive in Singapore.
Summary: 5 steps, S$105 fee, decision within 10 business days online. Approved? You get a 6-month IPA to enter Singapore and complete issuance.
How do I qualify for an Employment Pass? The two-stage framework
Stage 1: Does your salary meet the qualifying threshold?
For non-financial services, the minimum starts at S$5,600/month for a candidate around age 23, rising progressively to approximately S$10,700–S$11,800/month for candidates around age 45. For financial services, the threshold starts at S$6,200/month.
MOM also considers your company profile at this stage: business size, number of employees, annual turnover, and whether the company’s finances demonstrate the ability to pay the candidate’s salary.
On the candidate side, MOM looks at working experience, qualifications, and history in Singapore (previous passes held, studies, or any adverse records with government agencies such as owing taxes to IRAS).
Stage 2: COMPASS: The points-based assessment
Since 1 September 2023, all new EP applications must also pass COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework). Renewals have been subject to COMPASS since 1 September 2024.
To pass COMPASS, candidates must score a minimum of 40 points across five criteria:
Criteria | Max Points | What it measures |
|---|---|---|
C1 — Salary | 20 pts | Salary vs. 65th percentile (10 pts) or 90th percentile (20 pts) of local PMET wages in your sector |
C2 — Qualifications | 20 pts | Degree quality (top-tier universities earn full 20 pts) |
C3 — Diversity | 10 pts | Whether your nationality adds diversity to the employer’s PMET workforce |
C4 — Support for local employment | 10 pts | Employer’s track record of hiring and developing local workers |
C5 — Skills/Strategic bonus | 10–20 pts | Roles on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) or in strategic economic priority sectors |
Candidates earning S$22,500 or more per month are generally exempt from the COMPASS framework. However, MOM may still evaluate the employer’s profile and role credibility before approving such applications.
Score at least 40 points from salary, qualifications, workforce diversity, local hiring support, and skills bonuses. A fresh graduate from a top university earning above the 65th-percentile benchmark for their age/sector would typically reach 40 points. If you fall short on salary, strong qualifications or being on the Shortage Occupation List can compensate.
Proof of company’s ongoing business and company’s financial ability to pay annual staff cost: The key to a successful application
Two of the most common additional documents requested by MOM are Proof of company’s ongoing business and company’s financial ability to pay annual staff cost These documents gives MOM a better understanding of the company you’ll be working for, including its size, industry, and financial health.
Passes for family members of Employment Pass holders
Moving to a new country for work can be tough, especially if you have to leave your loved ones behind. But the good news is that Employment Pass holders in Singapore can bring certain family members with them.
If you’re an Employment Pass holder earning at least S$6,000 per month, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for a Dependant’s Pass. This allows them to live with you in Singapore. For parents, common-law spouses, and unmarried children with disabilities who are over 21, a Long Term Visit Pass is available.
It’s not quite the same as a Dependant’s Pass, but it still allows them to stay in Singapore with you.
Bringing your family along for the ride
Some people remember when they first moved to Singapore for work. They were excited about the opportunity, but they hated the thought of being away from their families. Thankfully, they were able to reunite with them all thanks to the Dependant’s Pass.
This pass made the whole experience so much better, knowing that expats had a strong support system. If you’re an Employment Pass holder, it’s highly recommended to look into the Dependant’s Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass options for your family members. It can make a world of difference in your quality of life and overall happiness in your new home.
Maintaining your Employment Pass status
Getting your Employment Pass is just the beginning. The real challenge is maintaining your pass status and making sure you don’t run into any issues down the line.
One of the most important things to keep in mind is the expiration date on your Employment Pass card. You’ll need to renew your pass before it expires to avoid any disruptions to your employment and stay in Singapore. Your employer or appointed agent can apply for renewal up to six months before your pass expires.
But don’t wait until the last minute. It’s always better to start the renewal process early, just in case there are any hiccups along the way.
Staying on top of your Employment Pass status
Another thing to keep in mind is your Short-Term Visit Pass or immigration pass. If you’re entering Singapore on one of these passes while waiting for your Employment Pass to be approved, make sure you know when it expires. Overstaying your visit pass can lead to serious consequences, including fines and even deportation.
Keep a close eye on all your pass expiration dates and set reminders for yourself to start the employment pass renewal process well in advance. It may seem like a small thing, but it can save you a lot of stress and headaches in the long run.
Staying on top of your Employment Pass status
Another thing to keep in mind is your Short-Term Visit Pass or immigration pass. If you’re entering Singapore on one of these passes while waiting for your Employment Pass to be approved, make sure you know when it expires. Overstaying your visit pass can lead to serious consequences, including fines and even deportation.
Keep a close eye on all your pass expiration dates and set reminders for yourself to start the renewal process well in advance. It may seem like a small thing, but it can save you a lot of stress and headaches in the long run.
Role of employment agents and background screening
Employment agents play a significant role in assisting companies with the Employment Pass application process in Singapore. These agents are well-versed in the requirements and procedures involved in obtaining an Employment Pass.
They can guide you through the entire process, from gathering the necessary documents to submitting the application on your behalf. This can save you a lot of time and hassle, especially if you’re not familiar with the process.
Additionally, background screening companies may be engaged to verify the credentials and employment history of foreign professionals, ensuring the accuracy and authenticity of the information provided in the application.
This is particularly important in light of the recent changes to the Employment Pass application process, which require all post-secondary diploma and above qualifications declared to MOM in new EP applications to be supported with verification proof from background screening companies listed on MOM’s website.
How COMPASS works
The Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) is a points-based system that evaluates Employment Pass applications based on a set of individual and company attributes. The system awards points for each attribute, and the applicant must score a minimum of 40 points to be eligible for an Employment Pass. The individual attributes considered under COMPASS include:
- Salary
- Qualifications
The company attributes considered under COMPASS include:
- Diversity
- Support for local employment
- Skills bonus
- Strategic economic priority bonus
The points awarded for each attribute vary depending on the specific circumstances of the applicant and the company. For example, an applicant with a higher salary and better qualifications will score more points than an applicant with a lower salary and fewer qualifications.
Similarly, a company that has a strong track record of hiring and developing local talent will score more points than a company that relies heavily on foreign workers.
Intra-Corporate transferees and Employment Pass
Intra-Corporate Transferees (ICTs) are employees of multinational corporations who are transferred to a branch or subsidiary in Singapore. ICTs who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for an Employment Pass.
To qualify as an ICT, the employee must have worked for the company for at least one year and be filling a managerial, executive, or specialised knowledge role in Singapore.
The company must also demonstrate that the transfer is necessary for the operation of the business in Singapore. ICTs are exempted from the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) and are not required to meet the minimum salary threshold for Employment Pass applications.
However, they must still meet the other eligibility criteria, such as having acceptable qualifications and being offered a job that is commensurate with their work experience.
Benefits of Intra-Corporate transfers
Intra-corporate transfers offer several benefits to both the employee and the company.
For the employee, an intra-corporate transfer can provide an opportunity to gain international work experience and advance their career within the company.
For the company, intra-corporate transfers can help to ensure continuity of operations and facilitate the transfer of knowledge and skills between different branches or subsidiaries.
This can be particularly important for companies that operate in multiple countries and require a high degree of coordination and collaboration between different offices. Intra-corporate transfers can also be a cost-effective way for companies to fill key positions in their Singapore operations.
By transferring an existing employee from another branch or subsidiary, the company can avoid the time and expense of recruiting and training a new employee.
How Sleek can help with your Employment Pass
You don’t have to navigate the EP application process alone. At Sleek, we’ve helped thousands of foreign professionals and businesses handle the Employment Pass application from start to finish. Whether you need help assessing your eligibility, preparing your documents, submitting your application, or renewing an existing pass, our licensed immigration specialists are here to guide you every step of the way.
Beyond helping businesses with work passes, Sleek also handles everything your business needs to get up and running in Singapore: from company incorporation and corporate secretarial services to accounting, payroll, and tax compliance. So whether you’re joining a company or building one, we’ve got you covered.
450,000
businesses worldwide.
from 4,100+ reviews.
FAQs: Employment Pass in Singapore
What are the eligibility criteria for an Employment Pass in Singapore?
To qualify, you must have a job offer from a Singapore-registered company in a managerial, executive, or specialist role, and meet the minimum salary threshold: S$5,600/month for non-financial services sectors and S$6,200/month for financial services, effective 1 January 2025 for new applications. Salaries scale up with age, reaching approximately S$10,700–S$11,800/month for applicants around age 45. You must also score at least 40 points under the COMPASS framework and have acceptable qualifications or equivalent specialist experience.
How do I apply for an Employment Pass?
Your employer or a licensed employment agent applies on your behalf through MOM’s myMOM Portal. The application fee is S$105 (non-refundable). Online applications are processed within 10 business days in most cases. Once approved, you receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter valid for 6 months.
Can I bring my family to Singapore on an Employment Pass?
Yes. If you earn at least S$6,000/month, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for a Dependant’s Pass (application fee: S$105; issuance fee: S$225). Parents, common-law spouses, and step-children may be eligible for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP).
What happens if my Employment Pass application is rejected?
You will receive an email stating the reason for rejection. You can file an appeal within 3 months by submitting additional documents or justifications. Common reasons for rejection include not meeting salary or qualification criteria, incomplete documents, or MOM’s assessment that a local candidate could fill the role.
