The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) is a Singapore work visa that permits foreign entrepreneurs, directors, shareholders and skilled-professionals to work and live in Singapore for a minimum period of 12 months. Each Employment Pass can be valid for 1 or 2 years, and is renewable so long that the pass holder remains employed in the company. The validity period for first-time applicants is up to two years. Validity for Employment Pass renewals is up to three years.  Individuals will need to apply for Employment Pass if you are an entrepreneur who has just incorporated a company in Singapore and wish to work and live in Singapore.

For Corporations you will need to secure Employment Passes for the staff such as managing directors and management staff of the company that you are intending to relocate to Singapore. With an Employment Pass, the pass holder can travel in and out of Singapore with minimum hassle at the immigration. In addition, Employment Pass holders are also eligible to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in Singapore. On another note, if you or your foreign employees are in Singapore on a short-term basis (between 2 weeks – 6 months), it will be more useful to apply for the Short-Term Employment Pass or Training Employment Pass.

Key Considering Factors:

1. If the company sponsor the work visa is a well-established organisation in Singapore.

2. If the applicant am holding on to a tertiary qualification from a well-established institution.

3. If the applicant has at least 3 years of professional experience in the field relevant to the new job scope.

4. If the applicant is making a minimum income of more than S$2,800

Related information: Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR), Personalised Employment Pass, Singapore Entrepass, Training Employment Pass, Dependant Passes

Applicants must:

1. Be sponsored by a well-established company which is based in Singapore;

2. Have a monthly salary of at least S$2,800 or more;

3. Hold at least a diploma/degree* from a well-recognised institutions; and/or

4. Equipped with 3-5 years of professional working experience.

However, there are exceptional cases where the Ministry of Manpower of Singapore (MOM) approves employment pass for applicants who do not have a diploma/degree but are equipped with many years of work experience and other factors of merits. In addition, a recognized educational qualification does not guarantee a successful EP application. You’ll also need to satisfy other criteria such as relevant work experience and/or professional skills. The EP application is also evaluated by MOM based on the following factors such as:

i) Age;

ii) Total Salary;

iii) Roles & responsibility;

iv) Related work experience;

v) Company’s background;

vi) Company’s paid up capital;

vii) Current citizenship.

Below is list of documents required for the purpose of Employment Pass application:

1. Clear copy of applicant’s passport bio-data page (with at least 18 month validity);

2. Applicant’s CV/resume clearly stating all educational and employment history;

3. Highest educational certificate (degree, diploma, other professional certificates etc.);

4. Completed application form with details of applicant;

5. Employment letter / contract from employing company;

6. All other relevant documents (which we may advice you to prepare so that the rate of success for your application will be much higher).

One Visa facilitates your Singapore employment pass application by advising you on the forms and documents required. We ensure that all your supporting documents are acceptable by the MOM. We monitor closely on your application until we have obtained the official reply from MOM.

Certainly, not all visa applications are instantly successful and in the event that your first Employment Pass application is rejected, One Visa will certainly lodge an inquiry with the Ministry of Manpower. Based on the reasons provided by the Ministry, we will submit an appeal that will address the issues outlined by the government body and also include all other additional relevant documents, if any, that they request for. One Visa is well known and acknowledged to be very successful for all our appeal cases. You are allowed to submit an Employment Pass Appeal if your initial Employment Pass application with the Ministry of Manpower was rejected.

The Employment Pass Application are usually rejected due to the following reasons:

1. The Singapore Company sponsor is not well-established in Singapore or the company does not maintain proper accounts;

2. The applicant does not have the type of experiences or educational qualification.

One Visa facilitates your Singapore Employment Pass application by advising you on the forms and documents required. We ensure that all your supporting documents are acceptable by the MOM. We monitor closely on your application until we have obtained the official reply from MOM.

The Employment Pass is basically divided into 3 categories:

P1 Pass – Employment Pass for holders with a minimum income of more S$8,000 per month;

P2 Pass – Employment Pass for holders with an income of between S$4000 and up to S$8000 per month and minimum a degree/diploma qualification; or

Q1 Pass is for Employment Pass for holders with at least a degree/diploma qualification and earn an income of between S$2800 to S$4,000 per month.

Singapore Employment Pass holders may also be eligible for Singapore Permanent Residency (SPR) after working in Singapore for a minimum period of 12 months. For more information on the successful application for SPR, please refer to Singapore Permanent Residency Application

Processing Time: 2 week (Subject to MOM’s Approval)

Service fee: S$ 1,200 (subject to the complication of the case)

Employment Pass Validity

• Validity period for first-time applicants is up to two years
• Validity for EP renewals is up to three years

Renewal of Employment Pass You should always submit the ‘Employment Pass Renewal Form’ at least 4 weeks prior to the expiration of your Employment Pass. The Ministry of Manpower of Singapore (MOM) will need sufficient time to process your application. MOM will send an Employment Pass Renewal Form to you or your employer two months before your Employment Pass expires. Upon approval, you will receive a letter of notification and you may collect your renewed Employment Pass at the Ministry of Manpower.

Change of Employer There is a need to apply for the Employment Pass whenever you change employers. The Ministry of Manpower evaluates each new Employment Pass application based the applicant’s qualifications, work experience, and current employer credentials. There is no need to cancel the existing Employment Pass before applying for a new pass. Once the new Employment Pass is approved, you shall have to arrange for the old pass to be cancelled by your old employer issuing a letter requesting the same.

Entry Visa into Singapore If you are overseas and require an entry visa to Singapore, your IPA letter will include a single journey entry visa. Upon your arrival in Singapore, we will make an appointment with Ministry of Manpower on your behalf for finger printing. Your pass will be ready in 4 days after you complete the procedures.