Key Note

Aerial view of Marina Bay Sands and the ArtScience Museum at sunset

If you are planning to relocate and incorporate your company in Singapore, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the Employment Pass (EP) system is essential for a smooth transition.

The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) is a work visa specifically tailored for foreign professionals, managers, executives, and specialists who are looking to work in Singapore. As a result, this pass enables qualified individuals to legally reside and work in the country, therefore granting them access to one of the world’s most vibrant business hubs. Moreover, it plays a critical role for entrepreneurs and professionals who wish to contribute their expertise and expand their businesses within Singapore’s dynamic and rapidly growing economy. In essence, the EP offers a clear pathway to long-term career success in one of Asia’s leading business destinations. To summarize, it provides professionals with the opportunity to thrive in an economically progressive environment.

How Do I Qualify for Singapore Employment Pass?

To qualify for an Employment Pass in Singapore, applicants need a minimum salary of SGD 5,600 (SGD 6,200 in financial services, rising with age), relevant experience, and recognized qualifications. Employers must justify hiring foreign professionals, ensuring EP holders contribute to Singapore’s economy.

Related Read: How To Use CPF for Homeownership in Singapore: An Essential Guide 2024

In short: Yes, you can get an Employment Pass through a Singapore company you own. The company applies for you, and you must earn at least the EP qualifying salary: S$5,600 a month now (S$6,200 in financial services), rising to S$6,000 (S$6,600) for new applications from 1 Jan 2027, and higher with age. You also need to pass COMPASS. Paul Hype Page registers the company and prepares your EP, starting with a free EP eligibility check, and if MOM rejects your EP, we appeal for free. Bringing family? See the Dependant’s Pass. Need a named secretary after setup? Our company secretary service is S$600 a year.

Since 2008 · ACRA-registered public accounting firm · 30 Petain Road, Singapore 208099 · 96% EP success rate across 1,000+ applications (PHP internal records) · If MOM rejects your EP, we appeal for free.

Eligibility Criteria for Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore

To work and reside in Singapore as a foreign professional, you must first meet the eligibility requirements for an Employment Pass (EP), a work visa issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM).Specifically, the EP is designed for professionals, managers, executives, and specialists, requiring candidates to meet key criteria — including a minimum monthly salary, relevant academic qualifications, and specialized skills or experience. Moreover, the hiring company must sponsor the application and comply with fair hiring practices.By fulfilling these requirements, applicants can ensure a smooth application process and gain access to Singapore’s dynamic workforce and thriving economy.

  • Have a Job Offer from a Singapore Company

  • A minimum fixed monthly salary of at least S$5,600 (S$6,200 in financial services)

  • A Recognized Diploma or Degree from a Reputable University

  • Professional Qualifications, Specialist Skills, and Work-Related Experience

  • Meet the Required Minimum of 40 Points under the New Point-Based COMPASS

Employment Pass Application Checklist

Checklist for a successful EP Application

For Employing Company

  • Post Job Advertisements on carrers@gov to abide with MOM’s Fair Consideration Framework
  • Ensure you have a corporate bank account opened and have sufficient funds to cover candidate’s 12 month salary + business operation expenses
  • Tenancy agreement of the workplace
  • Prepare business plan proposal
  • Engage with potential clients (preferably Singapore clients) and prepare Letter of Intent or contracts signed with them
  • Ensure you have all invoices issued and proof of payment made by client in
    company bank account
  • Ensure the Company complied with all the annual tax filing with IRAS and annaul return filing with ACRA. Preparation the AGM finanicial statements as well

For EP Applicant

  • Get a signed employment contract with company incorporated in Singapore
  • Get letter of recommendation from past employers
  • Passport

  • Academic certificates

  • Prepare you updated resume and ensure you have past experience in align with your current Job description
  • Salary offered on your previous job should be similar to the one you applying

Employment Pass Salary Checker

Employment Pass Salary Checker

More questions foreigners ask

Here are common questions foreigners ask about the Singapore Employment Pass.

S$6,000 a month for new applications (S$6,600 in financial services), rising with age up to S$11,500 (S$12,700 in financial services) at 45 and above. Renewals follow the new rate for passes expiring from 1 Jan 2028.

Source: www.mom.gov.sg

Yes. Your company applies for you as employer once it is incorporated. MOM assesses your salary, qualifications and the company under COMPASS like any other employer.

Source: www.mom.gov.sg

You can appeal through the employer within 3 months of the rejection. At Paul Hype Page, if MOM rejects your EP, we appeal for free.

Yes. EP holders earning at least S$6,000 a month fixed salary can apply for a Dependant’s Pass for their spouse and unmarried children under 21.

Source: www.mom.gov.sg

Tech.Pass is being replaced by the ONE Pass AI & Tech track on 28 Jan 2027. High earners may also consider the ONE Pass.

Source: www.mom.gov.sg

96% across 1,000+ applications since Paul Hype Page started (PHP internal records).

Yes. The company is your employer and applies through MOM’s EP eService. It must pay you at least the qualifying salary and show real business substance.

No. We prepare and submit the application, and you sign remotely.

If MOM rejects your EP, we appeal for free. MOM accepts appeals from the employer within 3 months of the rejection.

Up to 2 years. Renewals last up to 3 years.

Contact us for a quote. The eligibility check is free.

How we help with your Employment Pass application

  • Step 1: Eligibility check

    We compare the candidate’s salary with MOM’s EP qualifying salary for their age and sector, and estimate the COMPASS score using MOM’s Self-Assessment Tool.

  • Step 2: COMPASS planning

    We look at each COMPASS criterion (salary, qualifications, diversity, local employment) and whether a skills bonus may apply, and tell you honestly if the application is likely to fall short.

  • Step 3: Employer readiness

    For new companies, we check the company is registered, its ACRA and IRAS filings are up to date, and the job has been advertised under the Fair Consideration Framework where required.

  • Step 4: Documents and submission

    We prepare the job description, qualification verification proof (if points are needed), and the application.

  • Step 5: After approval

    We help with card issuance, a Letter of Consent if the EP holder will also be a director of another, related company, and renewals.

MOM makes the final decision on every application. We can’t guarantee approval, but we make sure the application is complete and accurate.

What is COMPASS?

On September 1, 2023, Singapore introduced the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS), a transformative point-based system designed to evaluate Employment Pass (EP) applications. COMPASS aims to ensure that foreign professionals complement the local workforce by meeting key criteria aligned with Singapore’s economic and workforce priorities.

Under COMPASS, EP applicants are assessed through a two-stage eligibility framework. Firstly, in the first stage, basic requirements are evaluated, which include a minimum qualifying salary and relevant academic qualifications. Once these are met, the second stage comes into play, involving a point-based system that considers individual attributes such as skills, experience, and qualifications. Moreover, company-related aspects are also assessed, including workforce diversity, contribution to local employment, and alignment with strategic industry needs.

This system will also apply to the renewal of EPs starting September 1, 2024, making it essential for both new and renewing applicants to align with the framework’s requirements. COMPASS underscores Singapore’s commitment to building a competitive yet inclusive workforce, ensuring that foreign talent adds value to the nation’s vibrant economy.

From 1 January 2025 for new applications, and 1 January 2026 for renewals, the minimum qualifying salary is based on the applicant’s age.

Sectors Excluding Financial Services

  • At age 23 or below, the qualifying salary is $5,600.
  • The qualifying salary increases progressively with each year of age (for example, $5,832 at age 24 and $6,064 at age 25).
  • At age 45 and above, the qualifying salary is $10,700.

The Financial Services Sector

  • At age 23 or below, the qualifying salary is $6,200.
  • At age 45 and above, it is $11,800. From 1 January 2027 for new applications (and renewals of passes expiring from 1 January 2028), MOM will raise these to $6,000 (up to $11,500 at 45 and above) and $6,600 for financial services (up to $12,700).

Compass is a point-based system. EP applicants must score at least 40 points based on individual or firm attributes to qualify.
Foundational Criteria: Earn up to 20 points per criterion

  • Salary: Fixed monthly salary compared to local PMET salaries in sector by age
  • Qualifications: Based on candidate’s qualifications
  • Diversity: Share of candidate’s nationality among firms PMETS.
  • Support for Local Employment: Firm’s share of local PMETs within its subsector

Bonus Criteria: Fail to hit 40 points? Here are bonus points awarded to applications that meet these conditions.

  • Skill Bonus: Specialized skills that are in short supply within the local workforce.
  • Strategic Economic Priorities Bonus: Grants companies for approved strategic initiatives like ambitious investment, internationalization efforts, and innovative endeavors endorsed by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) for workforce transformation.

COMPASS is a point-based evaluation system. To be eligible, EP applicants must score a minimum of 40 points, assessed across both individual and employer-related attributes. Specifically, points are allocated based on factors such as the applicant’s qualifications, experience, and salary, as well as the employer’s workforce diversity, support for local employment, and alignment with strategic industries. For more details, see the breakdown of the points based on employer and applicant criteria.

Updated COMPASS lists from 1 January 2027

MOM has updated the COMPASS C2 (Qualifications) lists. From 1 January 2027, the 20-point list of institutions and the 10-point list of professional qualifications apply to both new and renewal Employment Pass applications. See MOM’s Employment Pass eligibility page.

Also see our guides on COMPASS pre-checks, COMPASS for SMEs and the EP S$6,000 salary change.

How Can I be Exempted from Compass?

You don’t need to go through COMPASS if you met any of these criteria:

  • A fixed monthly salary at a minimum value of $22500
  • Currently applying as an overseas intra-corporate transferee
  • Will be holding the role for less than 1 month

Worried your new company looks too small for MOM or the bank?

Many new companies get EP rejections or bank account refusals because they look underfunded on paper. Paul Hype Page is one of the few firms in Singapore that can provide working-capital funding to your new company. For example, that could cover the founder’s salary of S$20,000 a month for 12 months, plus S$100,000 for a year of operating costs. Your company starts out properly funded, and MOM and the bank can see it’s a real business able to pay salaries and run operations. It’s one reason our clients achieve a 96% EP success rate across 1,000+ applications (based on our internal records). WhatsApp us to find out how it works for your company.

EP renewal worries after a slow first year? We can help you prove your business is viable.

Many founders fear their EP won’t be renewed because the first year’s results were weak. As an ACRA-registered public accounting firm, Paul Hype Page & Co can prepare and verify your company’s financial statements (revenue, costs and profit) for your EP renewal. If your first year was slow, we can also prepare cash flow projections based on your business plan, contracts and pipeline. These show MOM the business is viable and why you, as the founder, need to stay in Singapore to grow it. WhatsApp us to discuss your renewal.

Our Singapore Employment Pass Services

With extensive expertise in employment pass applications across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Hong Kong, we specialize in securing Singapore Employment Passes (EP) for professionals and businesses. Our in-depth knowledge of Singapore’s EP requirements and proven success in navigating complex applications make us the trusted partner for employers and employees alike. Let us guide you through a smooth and efficient process, ensuring your EP approval is quick and hassle-free.

Comprehensive Eligibility Assessment

We conduct a detailed evaluation of your qualifications, salary, and employer credentials to ensure your application aligns with all Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requirements.

Personalized Application Support

Our experts provide customized guidance, assisting with document preparation, job description refinement, and strategic recommendations to maximize your application’s approval chances.

Compliance with MOM Regulations

To ensure full compliance, we expertly guide your Employment Pass application through each stage, strictly following MOM’s regulations — including the COMPASS assessment and Fair Consideration Framework — thus guaranteeing regulatory adherence at every step.

Fast-Track Processing Assistance

Expedite your Employment Pass application with our meticulous submission process, ensuring error-free documents and prompt follow-ups to reduce delays.

End-to-End Guidance

From initial assessments to post-approval steps like card issuance and renewals, we provide seamless support throughout your Employment Pass application journey.

Need more information on our services? today!

Experienced Business Consultants

Our Expertise Since 2008 Will Guide Your Business

Since 2008, we’ve helped founders across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Hong Kong incorporate more than 2,000 companies across diverse jurisdictions. Notably, our expertise in Singapore is demonstrated by our high success rate in securing work passes and navigating complex regulatory frameworks — which stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to client success. As a result, we have earned the trust of businesses as reliable advisors, leveraging strategic networks and deep market insights. Ultimately, we ensure seamless incorporation processes and establish a strong foundation for sustainable growth in Singapore’s competitive business environment.

Rachel | Paul Hype Page & Co.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Moving to Singapore can be daunting if you’re not familiar with the visa processes. Here are the top questions regarding Singapore Immigration & Visa applications that will clear your doubts!

The estimated timeline for the Singapore EP application is between 2-4 months, depending on the case. In some instances, it could drag up to 6 months if multiple rounds of appeals are requested.

You can post in government career portals such as at carrer@gov and my career future. Alternatively, you can also search for local and foreign talents on other job portals like JobStreet, Randstad, and LinkedIn.

If hiring foreign talent, you must interview at least 3 local Singaporeans for the position. This is to abide with the MOM’s Fair Consideration Framework.

Compared to other work passes, EP is the easiest way to apply for PR in Singapore. **Therefore**, foreigners interested in obtaining long-term Singapore PR status should first apply for an Employment Pass.

**So**, congratulations if you are applying for an Employment Pass (EP)! You’re taking a significant step towards becoming PR in Singapore.

For a foreigner seeking to register a company in Singapore with an Employment Pass (EP), the initial step is to ensure they meet MOM’s eligibility criteria.

The foreigner must understand the requirements and plan for their intended company comprehensively. After confirming eligibility, they should engage an appointed employment agent for EP application and company registration assistance.

You can read more about it here.

You can’t transfer ownership of your Singapore Employment Pass, but you can apply for a new EP under your newly formed company. Once the new EP is approved, you can cancel the EP that is tied to your current employer.

The two key differences between a Singapore Employment Pass (EP) and a Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) are as follows:

  • Firstly, the Singapore EP is applied for under the company’s name, whereas the PEP is applied for under your own name.

  • Secondly, the Singapore EP can be renewed upon expiry, while the PEP is non-renewable and valid for a maximum of three years.

  • In terms of salary, the EP requires at least S$5,600 a month (S$6,200 in financial services), rising with age and to S$6,000 (S$6,600) for new applications from 1 Jan 2027, whereas the PEP requires a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500 to apply and a fixed salary of at least S$270,000 per calendar year to keep the pass (S$144,000 per calendar year only if the PEP was applied for before 1 September 2023), regardless of the number of months employed.

The minimum paid up capital to set up a company in Singapore as an expat or foreigner is S$1.

The current regulations regarding the Employment Pass do not bar anyone from receiving one on the basis of nationality. Anyone who meets all of the relevant criteria may receive it. Therefore, any eligible person from any country may receive an Employment Pass.

There are no laws that bar one who has experienced an EP application rejection from applying for other work visas. EP application rejections pertain specifically to the EP. Thus, one who has had an EP application rejected but fulfills the criteria for other work visas may apply for those.

The Singaporean government places strong emphasis on ensuring that all foreigners working in the country hold a valid work visa. As such, it offers a variety of work visa options for individuals planning to work in Singapore. In addition to the Employment Pass (EP), other available options include the S Pass, Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass), and the Personalized Employment Pass (PEP).

No, to become an Employment Pass holder, one does not necessarily require IELTS to be eligible.

Changing jobs as a Singapore Employment Pass holder is simple – there are two situations that you may wish to consider:

  • Apply a new job and request your new employer to apply the Employment Pass on your behalf
  • Appoint an agent to incorporate a Company and apply the Employment Pass for you

Here are some pointers before changing jobs:

  • Firstly, you cannot keep your existing Employment Pass while switching jobs. You must apply for a new Employment Pass.

  • Secondly, you cannot hold two Employment Pass ID cards at the same time. To receive the new one, you’ll need to cancel the old card.

  • However, you don’t need to cancel your current pass during the new EP application process — it won’t affect your new EP application.

Therefore, we recommend that you wait for your In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter before resigning, to ensure that your Employment Pass (EP) is approved. On average, it takes roughly 100 days to complete the job change process as an EP holder in Singapore.

  • Day 1: Obtain an offer letter from your new employer
  • Day 2: Apply for an EP under your new employer.
  • Day 30-60: Once successful, you will receive an IPA letter valid for 6 months.
  • Day 90: Tender your resignation and serve the notice period (1 month in this example) with your current employer.
  • Day 91: Once finished, your current employer will help cancel your Employment Pass and issue a Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) for you to stay in Singapore.
  • Day 92: Proceed to card issuance at MOM for your new Employment Pass with the new employer.
  • Day 100: You are ready to start working with your new employer

The distinction between a dependant’s pass (DP) and a long-term visit pass (LTVP) lies in the relationship between you and the individual.

DP is for legally married spouses or unmarried children under 21 of holders of a Singapore Employment Pass or S Pass.

The current minimum qualifying salary is S$5,600 per month (S$6,200 in financial services), rising with age up to S$10,700 (S$11,800 in financial services) at age 45 and above. From 1 January 2027 for new applications, it rises to S$6,000 (S$6,600 in financial services).

Starting 1 Jan 2025, the updated EP qualifying salary requirements come into effect. The minimum qualifying salaries are:

  • $5,600 for all sectors (increases with age up to $10,700)
  • $6,200 for the financial services sector (increases with age up to $11,800)
Have more questions? today!

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