The Ultimate Guide to Singapore Employment Pass (Updated 2025)

Introduction

Singapore remains one of the most desirable destinations for global professionals due to its business-friendly regulations, stable economy, and thriving job market. The country continues to attract foreign talent in finance, technology, healthcare, and engineering, making it a top choice for those looking to build a successful career. For foreign professionals eager to work in Singapore, the Employment Pass (EP) is the primary visa that grants them the ability to work and live in this highly developed economy.

The Employment Pass is issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and is specifically designed for skilled professionals, executives, and specialists. This pass allows individuals to work legally in Singapore, switch jobs within the country, and, in some cases, bring their family members under certain conditions. Employers seeking to hire foreign talent must ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria outlined by MOM before proceeding with the application.

This guide offers the latest updates for 2025, covering everything an applicant or employer needs to know about the Employment Pass application process, eligibility criteria, renewal guidelines, and common pitfalls to avoid.

What This Guide Covers

• The Employment Pass (EP), its benefits, and why it is the preferred work visa for professionals
• The most up-to-date eligibility criteria, including salary requirements and COMPASS scoring
• The complete step-by-step application process and required documents
• What to do if an EP application gets rejected and how to successfully appeal
• The process for renewing an EP and ensuring compliance with Singapore’s latest regulations
• Insights into how an EP holder can apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in Singapore

What Is an Employment Pass (EP)?

Foreign professionals looking to work in Singapore must obtain an Employment Pass (EP), which serves as a work visa allowing them to take up employment with a company registered in Singapore. This visa is targeted at highly skilled workers, executives, managers, and specialists who can contribute significantly to Singapore’s economy.

An Employment Pass is typically granted for 1 to 2 years and can be renewed as long as the applicant continues to meet the eligibility requirements. The EP provides flexibility, allowing foreign professionals to switch jobs within Singapore, provided their new employer applies for a new EP on their behalf. Unlike some other work visas, the Employment Pass does not require employers to pay a foreign worker levy or adhere to quota restrictions.

Benefits of an Employment Pass

Securing an Employment Pass (EP) offers many advantages, including:

• Legally working in Singapore without requiring additional work authorizations.
• Freedom to change employers as long as the new company successfully applies for an EP transfer.
• Eligibility to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) after working in Singapore for a few years.
• Bringing family members under a Dependant’s Pass (for spouses and children) or a Long-Term Visit Pass (for common-law spouses, parents, and stepchildren).
• Exemption from foreign worker levy and quota restrictions, making it easier for companies to hire qualified foreign talent.
• Access to Singapore’s financial system, allowing EP holders to open business bank accounts, apply for credit cards, and secure property loans.

Employment Pass Eligibility Criteria (Updated 2025)

To qualify for an Employment Pass, applicants must meet the following latest requirements set by MOM:

Minimum Salary Requirements

• New applications (from 1 January 2025): The minimum salary starts at SGD 5,600 per month, increasing progressively with age and experience, up to SGD 10,700 for candidates aged 45 and above.
• Financial services sector: Higher salary threshold of SGD 6,200 per month, increasing up to SGD 11,800 for candidates aged 45 and above, reflecting the industry’s higher pay scales.

Recognized Educational Qualifications

• A degree from a reputable and recognized university or institution.
• Professional qualifications and specialized skills in high-demand sectors may be considered.
• Relevant work experience can compensate for the lack of formal higher education.

COMPASS Framework (Effective September 2023)

Since 2023, all Employment Pass applications are assessed under COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework), which scores candidates on four key factors:

Category	Criteria	Max Points
Salary	Must meet industry benchmarks	20
Qualifications	Degree from a globally recognized institution	20
Diversity	Adds value to Singapore’s workforce	20
Skills & Sector	Talent in critical industries	20

To qualify, applicants must score at least 40 points across all categories.

How to Improve COMPASS Score

• Negotiate a higher salary that is aligned with market rates to score more points.
• Highlight degrees from top-tier global universities in your application.
• Ensure that your employer operates in a high-demand sector to maximize scoring potential.

Documents Required for an Employment Pass Application

Employers or authorized employment agencies must submit the following when applying for an EP:

• Applicant’s passport copy
• Educational certificates and transcripts
• Employment contract or job offer letter
• Company’s business profile (from ACRA)
• Comprehensive job scope and responsibilities

All non-English documents must be officially translated into English.

Step-by-Step Employment Pass Application Process

Submit Application via EP Online – Step 1

• Employer applies through MOM’s EP Online Portal.
• The application fee is SGD 105.

MOM Reviews & Conducts Background Checks – Step 2

• Most applications take 10 business days, though some may take up to 8 weeks if additional checks are required.

Receive In-Principle Approval (IPA) – Step 3

• If successful, MOM issues an IPA letter valid for 6 months.

Schedule Biometric Registration – Step 4

• Pay the issuance fee of SGD 225 and complete biometric registration.

Receive Employment Pass Card – Step 5

• The EP card will be delivered within 5 working days.

What to Do If Your Employment Pass Is Rejected

Common Rejection Reasons

• Salary does not meet the latest MOM benchmark.
• Job scope does not align with the candidate’s qualifications.
• Employer’s business profile lacks operational history.
• The application did not meet COMPASS scoring requirements.

Appeal Process for EP Rejection

• Review the rejection letter to understand the reason.
• Submit strong justifications and supporting documents.
• Employers should reassess salary competitiveness and resubmit if necessary.

Renewing an Employment Pass

Employment Pass renewals should be submitted at least 3 months before expiry.

EP Renewal Requirements

• Salary must still meet the latest threshold.
• Employer must demonstrate good business standing.

Renewals are typically processed within 3 weeks, and the new pass is issued for up to 3 years.

Can an EP Holder Apply for Permanent Residency (PR)?

Yes, many EP holders apply for Singapore PR after gaining work experience in the country.

PR Eligibility for EP Holders

• Must have worked in Singapore for at least 6-12 months.
• Higher chances if salary increases consistently.
• Priority given to workers in high-demand industries.

Industry-Specific Employment Pass Guidelines

Tech Professionals & the Tech.Pass vs Employment Pass

Singapore is a global technology hub, attracting top tech talent to its rapidly growing digital economy. While tech professionals can apply for the Employment Pass (EP), those with exceptional credentials may consider the Tech.Pass, a visa specifically designed for highly skilled individuals in the technology sector.

• Employment Pass: Suitable for tech professionals working under a specific employer, requiring a minimum salary of SGD 5,600 and compliance with the COMPASS framework.
• Tech.Pass: Ideal for established tech entrepreneurs and experts who want flexibility to work with multiple companies, start a business, or mentor startups. Tech.Pass applicants must meet higher salary thresholds (SGD 10,000/month) or demonstrate outstanding industry achievements.

Professionals in fields like AI, cybersecurity, blockchain, and software engineering are highly sought after in Singapore, making them strong candidates for EP approvals.

Finance Professionals & Stringent Compensation Guidelines

The financial services sector in Singapore has a higher Employment Pass salary threshold due to industry standards and regulatory requirements. Professionals in investment banking, fintech, risk management, and corporate finance need to meet a minimum salary of SGD 6,200 per month, which increases with experience.

Additionally, MOM evaluates applications for senior roles like fund managers and financial advisors under the Financial Services Compensation Guidelines, ensuring fair wages align with industry benchmarks. EP applicants in finance should also emphasize their qualifications, such as CFA, CPA, or ACCA, to strengthen their applications.

Sectors with High EP Approval Rates

Industries experiencing talent shortages tend to receive higher EP approval rates. These include:

• Technology: AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and cloud computing specialists.
• Healthcare: Medical professionals, research scientists, and biotechnology experts.
• Engineering: Civil, electrical, and software engineers in infrastructure and industrial projects.

ONE Pass vs Employment Pass

For highly skilled professionals earning at least SGD 30,000 per month, Singapore offers the ONE Pass, allowing greater work flexibility. Unlike the EP, which ties the holder to a specific employer, the ONE Pass lets professionals work with multiple companies or start their own business. It is aimed at top-tier talent in research, business leadership, and key economic sectors.

How Singapore’s Employment Pass Compares to Other Work Visas

Employment Pass vs. S Pass

The Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass cater to different levels of professionals:

Feature	Employment Pass (EP)	S Pass
Who is it for?	High-skilled professionals	Mid-skilled workers
Minimum salary	SGD 5,600 (SGD 6,200 for finance)	SGD 3,150
Quota & Levy	No quota or levy	Subject to industry quota and levy
PR Eligibility	Stronger pathway to PR	PR eligibility but lower success rate
Job Flexibility	Can switch jobs with a new EP application	Requires employer to reapply
Sectors	Tech, finance, healthcare, professional services	Manufacturing, construction, service industries

Employers hiring mid-level technical staff often opt for the S Pass, but high-skilled foreign professionals with specialized skills are better suited for the EP.

Employment Pass vs. Hong Kong’s Work Visa

Singapore’s EP competes with Hong Kong’s General Employment Policy (GEP) for foreign talent.

Feature	Singapore Employment Pass	Hong Kong GEP Work Visa
Processing Time	10 business days	4-8 weeks
Salary Criteria	SGD 5,600 minimum	No fixed salary requirement
Employer Tied?	Yes, needs employer sponsorship	Yes, needs employer sponsorship
PR Pathway	Can apply for PR after a few years	Can apply for permanent residency after 7 years

Singapore’s EP has clear salary guidelines and faster processing, making it attractive for professionals in finance, tech, and engineering.

Employment Pass vs. Malaysia’s Employment Pass

Feature	Singapore EP	Malaysia EP
Processing Time	10 business days	4-8 weeks
Salary Criteria	SGD 5,600 minimum	RM 3,000 minimum
Quota System	No quota	Sectors may have quotas
Tax Benefits	Low corporate tax rates	Lower cost of living

Malaysia’s EP is easier to obtain, but Singapore offers higher salaries, better job security, and stronger residency pathways.

Final Thoughts on Applying for an Employment Pass

Singapore’s Employment Pass remains the top work visa for skilled professionals in 2025. However, with stricter salary requirements and COMPASS scoring, applicants must be strategic and well-prepared.

If you need help with your Employment Pass application, speak with our experts today to ensure a hassle-free process.