- You need both MOM's qualifying salary and at least 40 COMPASS points to qualify
- New applications start at S$5,600 a month (S$6,200 in financial services)
- MOM processes most online applications within 10 business days
- The salary floor rises to S$6,000 (S$6,600 in financial services) on 1 January 2027
An Employment Pass is a Singapore work pass for eligible foreign professionals, managers and executives. For new applications before 1 January 2027, the qualifying salary starts at S$5,600 per month outside financial services and S$6,200 in financial services, with higher thresholds for older candidates. Most applicants must also score at least 40 points under COMPASS. The application fee is S$105. MOM processes or provides an update on most online applications within 10 business days. Approved applicants receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, which generally gives them six months to enter Singapore and complete pass issuance. From 1 January 2027, the starting qualifying salaries for new applications rise to S$6,000 and S$6,600, respectively.
To get an Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore, you need a job offer from an eligible Singapore employer, a fixed monthly salary that meets the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) age-adjusted qualifying threshold, and at least 40 COMPASS points unless exempt. Your employer or its appointed employment agent submits the application, and MOM makes the final decision.
The process involves checking eligibility, preparing supporting documents, submitting the application and completing pass issuance after approval. If you’re a foreign founder, you can also explore applying through your own Singapore company, provided the relevant requirements are met.
Sleek helps businesses and founders prepare and submit Employment Pass applications. Explore for more assistance.
What are the eligibility requirements for a Singapore Employment Pass?
To qualify, you need a job offer from a Singapore company, a salary at or above MOM’s qualifying threshold, acceptable qualifications and at least 40 COMPASS points.
Eligibility requirements for Singapore Employment Pass
Singapore Employment Pass eligibility has two stages. First, the candidate must meet the qualifying salary for their age and sector. Second, they must pass COMPASS, unless exempt. The employer must also meet the applicable application requirements, including the Fair Consideration Framework job advertising requirement where applicable. Employers can use MOM’s Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) to check likely eligibility before applying, although the result does not guarantee approval.
If the EP isn’t the right fit, our guide to work passes for foreign business owners covers the other options.
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 adjusts the qualifying salary according to the candidate’s age and sector. The threshold rises progressively from age 23 and reaches S$10,700 per month outside financial services and S$11,800 in financial services for candidates aged 45 and above under the current rules.
For new applications from 1 January 2027, these maximum thresholds rise to S$11,500 and S$12,700, respectively. The revised thresholds also apply to renewals of passes expiring from 1 January 2028. Check the exact threshold for the candidate’s age and sector before making an offer.
Employment Pass qualifying salary by age: 2026 vs 2027
| Candidate age | Non-financial services: current | Non-financial services: 2027 | Financial services: current | Financial services: 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 or below | S$5,600 | S$6,000 | S$6,200 | S$6,600 |
| 25 | S$6,064 | S$6,500 | S$6,709 | S$7,155 |
| 30 | S$7,223 | S$7,750 | S$7,982 | S$8,541 |
| 35 | S$8,382 | S$9,000 | S$9,255 | S$9,927 |
| 40 | S$9,541 | S$10,250 | S$10,527 | S$11,314 |
| 45 and above | S$10,700 | S$11,500 | S$11,800 | S$12,700 |
Source: MOM’s Employment Pass eligibility guidance. These are selected ages, not a complete salary schedule.
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.
When is education verification required?
MOM requires qualification verification proof when the candidate needs points under the COMPASS qualifications criterion. If the candidate does not need points from this criterion, MOM states that the qualifications and verification proof do not need to be submitted for that purpose. Check the current application requirements before arranging verification, as requirements can depend on the candidate’s circumstances.
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
What changes on 1 January 2027? As announced in Budget 2026, MOM will raise the EP salary requirement in Singapore to S$6,000 (non-financial services) and S$6,600 (financial services) for new applications from 1 January 2027, and for renewals from 1 January 2028. If you’re planning ahead, factor this into your offer negotiations now.
How do you apply for an Employment Pass?
To apply for an Employment Pass in Singapore, your employer or an appointed employment agent submits the application online through MOM’s myMOM Portal in five steps.
Step 1: Access MOM’s EP eService
The employer or its appointed employment agent submits the application through MOM’s EP eService. The authorised business user must have the appropriate access to the portal. The candidate does not submit the standard EP application personally, although they may need to provide information and documents for the employer to complete it.
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
MOM’s 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: Submit the supporting documents
Provide the documents requested by MOM for the application, including relevant passport, employment and employer information. Submit education verification proof when required for the candidate’s COMPASS qualifications points. Check that all details match the supporting documents and respond promptly if MOM requests additional information.
Step 5: Await approval
MOM processes online applications within 10 business days in most cases. For overseas companies without a Singapore-registered entity, MOM says 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: The application fee is S$105. MOM processes or provides an update on most online applications within 10 business days, although requests for additional information can extend this period. If approved, the IPA letter generally gives the candidate six months to enter Singapore and complete pass issuance.
Applying for yourself or hiring someone? Two ways Sleek helps
Applying for yourself as a founder: Sleek can help you incorporate and apply for your EP with one provider, setting up your Singapore company first and then sponsoring your pass through it. If you’re building an innovative startup, try the EntrePass eligibility checker or compare EP vs EntrePass before you choose.
Hiring a foreign employee: Sleek prepares your hire’s documents, checks the COMPASS score and submits the Employment Pass application in Singapore on your behalf.
Both paths run through Sleek’s Employment Pass application support, from S$1,088 per application, as an MOM-licensed employment agency (EA Licence 17S8937). MOM decides every application, so Sleek can’t guarantee approval.
How do you qualify for an Employment Pass under the two-stage framework?
MOM checks two things in order: whether your salary meets the qualifying threshold, then whether you score at least 40 COMPASS points.
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.
Why does proof of your company’s finances matter?
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. If your spouse plans to work, read Letter of Consent vs Employment Pass first, because Dependant’s Pass holders now need their own work pass.
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. If your salary will be paid into an overseas account, check MOM salary-crediting rules first.
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 before renewing an Employment Pass. It may seem like a small thing, but it can save you a lot of stress and headaches in the long run.
What do employment agents and background screening companies do?
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 does COMPASS work?
The COMPASS framework for the Employment Pass is a points-based system that evaluates 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 helps with your Employment Pass in Singapore
You don’t have to navigate the EP application process alone. At Sleek, we’ve helped thousands of foreign professionals and businesses handle the Singapore 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. For more guides like this, browse the Sleek resources hub.
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FAQs on employment pass singapore
Can I apply for an Employment Pass through my own Singapore company?
Yes. MOM accepts applications from a founder’s own Singapore-registered company, as long as the company meets MOM’s criteria and can pay the EP salary requirement. MOM looks at the company’s ongoing business and finances alongside your salary and COMPASS score, so a newly incorporated company may be asked for proof that it can cover your pay.
How long does an Employment Pass application take?
MOM processes most online applications within 10 business days, and overseas companies applying through a local sponsor can wait up to 6 weeks. Allow extra time before you submit, because education verification can take up to 14 working days. After approval, the IPA letter gives the candidate 6 months to enter Singapore and get the pass issued.
Does my company need to be incorporated before I apply?
Yes. Only a Singapore-registered company, or a local sponsor acting for an overseas employer, can apply for an EP, so founders must incorporate first. You can register a company in Singapore as a foreigner from overseas and then have it apply for an Employment Pass in Singapore on your behalf.
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 include not meeting salary or qualification criteria, incomplete documents, or MOM’s assessment that a local candidate could fill the role, and our guide on why EP applications get rejected covers them in more detail.
