The Ultimate Guide to Singapore Employment Pass (Updated 2025)

Introduction

Singapore remains among the most attractive destinations for global professionals, thanks to its pro-business regulations, stable economy, and dynamic job market. In sectors like finance, tech, healthcare, and engineering, foreign talent is in high demand. For those aiming to work and live in this advanced city-state, the Employment Pass (EP) is the primary visa route.
Issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the EP is tailored to skilled professionals, executives, and specialists. It grants legal work in Singapore, the ability to switch employers (with new applications), and, under certain conditions, the right to bring family members. Employers hiring foreign staff must meet strict MOM eligibility criteria before applying.
This guide brings you the most current updates for 2025, covering eligibility, application steps, renewals, pitfalls, and how EP holders can be on track for Permanent Residency (PR).

What This Guide Covers

• What the Employment Pass (EP) is and why it’s a preferred work visa
• The 2025 eligibility criteria, including salary thresholds and how the COMPASS framework works
• Step-by-step EP application procedure and required documents
• What to do if your EP application is rejected — and how to appeal
• The EP renewal process and compliance requirements
• How an EP holder can transition toward Singapore PR
• Sector-specific notes (tech, finance) and alternative passes like Tech.Pass, ONE Pass, S Pass, and EntrePass

What Is an Employment Pass (EP)?

A foreign professional wanting to work in Singapore must hold an Employment Pass (EP). The EP permits individuals to take up employment under a company registered in Singapore. It is geared toward highly skilled workers, executives, specialists, and professionals who bring expertise and value to Singapore’s economy.

• Duration & Renewal: First-time EPs are typically granted for 1 to 2 years and may be renewed as long as eligibility continues.
• Flexibility: EP holders can switch jobs in Singapore, provided the new employer applies for a fresh EP.
• No Quotas or Levies: Unlike S Pass or Work Permits, EPs are not subject to foreign worker quotas or levies, simplifying hiring for firms.

Benefits of an Employment Pass

Obtaining an EP delivers multiple advantages:

• Legal authorization to work and reside in Singapore
• Freedom to change employer provided the new EP is approved
• Eligibility to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) after a period
• Ability to bring family under Dependant Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass
• No foreign worker levy or quota restrictions
• Access to financial facilities such as corporate bank accounts, credit lines, and housing loans

Employment Pass Eligibility Criteria (2025 Updates)

Minimum Salary Requirements

• From 1 Jan 2025, the base salary for new EP applications is SGD 5,600/month, increasing with age and experience.
• Financial services sector has a higher threshold of SGD 6,200/month, rising to SGD 11,800/month for seniors.
• These thresholds reflect MOM’s push to attract higher-quality applicants and discourage misuse of lower salaries.

Recognised Educational Qualifications

• Applicants need a degree from a reputable institution
• Professional certifications or relevant skills can be considered in lieu of degrees in certain high-demand sectors
• Work experience may offset the lack of formal education if strong and relevant

COMPASS Framework (From September 2023)

All EP applications must satisfy both:

1. EP qualifying salary
2. A COMPASS score of at least 40 points

The COMPASS is a point-based assessment across categories:

Note: EP candidates earning SGD 22,500 or more fixed monthly salary are exempt from COMPASS.

How to Improve Your COMPASS Score

• Negotiate a salary aligned with sector benchmarks
• Emphasise degrees from top global or Singapore institutions
• Work in high-demand sectors (tech, robotics, biotech) for better scoring
• Ensure employer demonstrates workforce diversity and local PMET hiring

Documents Required for EP Application

Employers (or appointed agents) must submit:

• Copy of applicant’s passport
• Educational certificates and school transcripts
• Job offer letter or employment contract
• Singapore company’s business profile from ACRA
• Detailed job responsibilities and scope
• For non-English documents: certified English translations

Step-by-Step EP Application Process

1. Submit via EP Online

Employer logs into MOM’s EP Online portal and pays the application fee of SGD 105.

2. MOM Review & Checks

Standard processing is 10 business days, though complex cases may stretch to 8 weeks.

3. Receive In-Principle Approval (IPA)

If approved, MOM issues an IPA letter (valid 6 months).

4. Biometric Registration

Once IPA is granted, the candidate must pay a SGD 225 issuance fee and complete biometric registration.

5. Receive EP Card

EP card is typically issued within 5 working days after registration.

What Happens If Your Employment Pass Is Rejected?

Getting your Singapore Employment Pass (EP) rejected can feel discouraging, but it’s not the end of the road. MOM (Ministry of Manpower) typically provides a reason in the rejection notice, allowing both the applicant and employer to take corrective action.
Common rejection reasons include:

• Salary below the MOM threshold (as of 2025: SGD 5,600 general / SGD 6,200 finance sector).
• COMPASS score below 40 points.
• Mismatch between qualifications and job description.
• Weak company profile, low revenue or newly incorporated employer.
• Incomplete or inaccurate documents submitted.

How to Appeal

Employers may submit an appeal through EP Online within 3 months of rejection.
A strong appeal should:

• Address the reason for rejection clearly.
• Include supporting documents (such as updated salary slip, revised employment contract or education verification).
• Provide a convincing business justification for the hire.

MOM appeals usually take 3 to 6 weeks for review. During this period, the employer may be contacted for additional information.

Employment Pass Renewal Process

EP renewals are generally smooth if both employee and employer remain compliant with MOM guidelines.

When to Apply: Renew your EP up to 6 months before expiry to avoid any employment gaps.

Renewal Criteria:

• The employee’s fixed monthly salary must meet the latest EP minimum.
• The employer must remain financially stable and active in Singapore.
• Updated COMPASS points must still reach at least 40 on renewal.
• Tax and CPF obligations (for PR staff if any) should be fully met.

Most EP renewals are granted for up to 3 years based on performance and company track record.

Transitioning From Employment Pass to Permanent Residency

One of the key advantages of holding an EP is the possibility of becoming a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) under the PTS Scheme (Professional, Technical Personnel & Skilled Workers Scheme).

To enhance your PR application success:

• Stay employed in Singapore for at least 12 months.
• Show a progressive career path and consistent salary growth.
• Hold a stable employment contract with a Singapore-registered company.
• Participate in community work or volunteering initiatives.
• Highlight any dependents (spouse or children) living with you in Singapore.

The PR status grants access to CPF contributions, housing loans, and enhanced employment stability — making Singapore a more permanent base for you and your family.

Sector-Specific Guidelines

Technology Sector:
Tech roles such as AI engineers, software developers, and cybersecurity experts are in high demand. Applicants from these fields tend to score better under the COMPASS framework.

Finance & Banking:
Finance professionals are subject to higher salary benchmarks and stricter scrutiny due to MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) compliance. Professional certifications like CPA, CFA, or ACCA can enhance eligibility.

Healthcare & Engineering:
Foreign specialists in engineering and medical fields enjoy a steady approval rate because of labour shortages in these sectors.

Alternative Passes to the Employment Pass

If you do not qualify for an EP, Singapore offers other options:

1. S Pass — For mid-level skilled workers earning at least SGD 3,150/month (general benchmark). Subject to quota and levy.
2. EntrePass — For foreign entrepreneurs planning to start and operate a business in Singapore.
3. ONE Pass — For top global talents earning at least SGD 30,000/month with multi-employer flexibility.
4. Tech.Pass — For exceptional tech leaders and founders with outstanding credentials.

Each pass caters to specific career profiles and objectives. Choosing the right one ensures long-term compliance and career growth in Singapore.

Comparison Between EP and S Pass

Conclusion

Singapore’s Employment Pass system remains a gateway for skilled professionals to build long-term careers in Asia’s leading financial and innovation hub. However, as the MOM tightens eligibility through COMPASS and sector-based salary benchmarks, proper documentation and transparent employer support are crucial.
If you are planning to apply, renew, or appeal an EP decision, consult a licensed Singapore employment agent to avoid errors and boost your approval chances. With a strategic approach and compliance mindset, your EP can open doors to stable employment and future PR status in Singapore.