Complete Guide to Employment Pass Renewal in Singapore: Process, Requirements, and Key Updates

The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) renewal is a crucial step for foreign professionals who want to continue working legally in Singapore. While the renewal process may appear simple, it demands strict attention to documentation, MOM compliance, and proper submission timelines to avoid potential delays or rejection. Typically, the renewal is managed by either the employer or an authorized employment agent, who ensures that every document is accurately submitted on time. Any missed step in the renewal process can cause disruptions to employment status and create unnecessary complications for both the employer and the EP holder.

Our Thoughts on Employment Pass Renewal

Renewing an Employment Pass in Singapore is not just a routine administrative process — it’s an essential part of maintaining professional stability and legal employment. Given Singapore’s reputation for a robust regulatory system, renewing an EP requires more than simply submitting a request to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Both the employer and the EP holder must present the required supporting documents that prove ongoing eligibility and financial stability of the company.
This process is particularly significant for entrepreneurs or business owners who hold an EP under their own registered company. Since they have direct control over their company’s financials and management, these individuals must ensure that the business remains active, well-capitalized, and compliant with tax and corporate regulations. This allows them to not only maintain their EP but also operate confidently in Singapore’s business-friendly environment.
For EP holders tied to an employer, early communication with the company is key. Employers must be prepared to provide supporting documentation such as financial records, revenue statements, and salary payment proofs. In cases where professionals seek more independence, one strategic option is to incorporate a private limited company in Singapore and apply for an EP under that entity. Once approved, they can contract back with their current employer. This structure gives greater control over employment terms while minimizing administrative responsibility for the company.
Since September 2023, all EP renewals are evaluated under the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). This point-based system measures applications across several criteria — including qualifications, salary, diversity, and firm support for local employment — ensuring that every foreign professional adds genuine value to Singapore’s workforce. Understanding COMPASS and aligning company records with its criteria is now essential for a successful EP renewal.

When Can I Renew My Employment Pass and Dependant Pass

You can apply to renew your Employment Pass (EP) as early as six months before its expiry. It’s strongly recommended to start early to prevent issues caused by MOM backlogs or requests for additional information.
Many applicants wonder whether renewing early shortens the pass’s validity period — the answer is no. The renewed pass’s validity starts only after the current one expires, so there is no loss of time or validity.
For professionals with dependants, Dependant Pass (DP) renewals follow a slightly different procedure. DP renewals can only be submitted after the EP renewal has been approved. MOM recommends submitting DP renewals at least one month before expiry to allow sufficient processing time.
If the EP renewal is still under review, MOM may issue a temporary one-month extension to help dependants maintain valid residency while awaiting the final EP decision. Planning ahead ensures that dependants avoid any legal or residency interruptions.

Documents Required for Employment Pass Renewal

To renew an EP in Singapore, the Ministry of Manpower may request several supporting documents to confirm that the company remains financially stable, operational, and compliant. Regardless of business size or tenure, companies must demonstrate active business activity. Failure to do so can result in rejection. Below are the core documents required for a successful EP renewal in Singapore:

1. Proof of Salary Payments

MOM checks whether the EP holder is paid the salary declared during the original application. Required documents include:

• The latest three months’ payslips
• Personal bank statements showing salary credits
• The company’s corporate bank statements reflecting salary disbursements

These records confirm that the company has been paying the EP holder regularly and directly. Any inconsistency between declared salary and actual payment may trigger further investigation or renewal rejection.

2. Proof of Personal Income Tax Compliance

The EP holder must provide the latest Notice of Assessment from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). This proves that the applicant has declared actual salary income and paid income tax accordingly.
The declared amount must match the MOM records. Discrepancies between tax filings and EP salary data may delay or impact approval.

3. Proof of Company Tax Compliance

The employing company must also submit its IRAS Notice of Assessment, confirming that all corporate taxes have been filed. This can be downloaded from the IRAS MyTax Portal.
Companies with poor tax compliance or overdue filings face difficulty renewing EPs for their staff.

4. Proof of Physical Business Presence in Singapore

MOM requires assurance that the company operates physically in Singapore. Evidence includes:

• A valid office tenancy agreement
• Recent office photographs showing business operations

A legitimate business location demonstrates long-term commitment and operational credibility.

5. Proof of Ongoing Business Activities

To assess financial health and sustainability, MOM requires evidence of business performance. Employers must prepare:

• Recent corporate bank statements with transaction activity
• Invoices and receipts proving client payments
• Financial statements or management accounts showing revenue
• Contracts or Letters of Intent (LOI) demonstrating active business deals

These records validate that the company can continue supporting foreign professionals under the EP scheme.
By ensuring every required document is accurate and up-to-date, employers can drastically reduce delays and maximize approval chances for their EP renewal.

Employment Benefits in Singapore for EP Holders

Singapore’s employment environment promotes both productivity and work-life balance. Under the Employment Act, all employees — including foreigners — enjoy protections and benefits such as:

• Paid annual and medical leave
• Public holidays and overtime compensation (where applicable)
• Access to company health insurance schemes
• Flexible work arrangements and performance bonuses

While Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions are not applicable for EP holders, understanding how CPF applies to Singaporean and PR colleagues helps international professionals manage expectations and compensation structures effectively.

Timeline and Process for Employment Pass Renewal

The processing time for EP renewals in Singapore depends on MOM’s workload and whether additional verification is needed.
Typically, renewals submitted online via myMOM Portal take 1–3 weeks. However, if MOM requests further documentation, processing may extend to 6 weeks or longer.

To ensure a smooth process:

1. Retrieve and review the renewal draft early.
2. Confirm all company and personal details are current.
3. The employer or employment agent submits the renewal online.
4. MOM reviews the application and may request clarifications.
5. Submit all additional documents within the 2-week deadline to avoid rejection.

Late or incomplete responses are the most common causes of renewal denials.

Challenges in EP Renewal: What’s New Under MOM’s Framework

Renewing or applying for an EP in Singapore has become more challenging under updated MOM frameworks.
The Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) mandates that companies advertise local job vacancies on the MyCareersFuture portal for at least 14 days to prioritize local talent before hiring foreigners.
In addition, the COMPASS framework, introduced in 2023, assigns each application a score out of 40 points. To qualify, candidates must meet the minimum passing score across factors like salary, experience, qualifications, and contribution to workforce diversity.
Mismatched job roles, weak company profiles, or poor compliance records can all reduce approval chances. Hence, companies must proactively manage HR documentation, maintain diversity, and ensure that every EP renewal aligns with MOM’s goals for a balanced workforce.

Post-Approval Steps After MOM Approves Your EP Renewal

Once the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) approves your Employment Pass (EP) renewal, a few final actions are needed before you can keep working legally in Singapore. Approval means MOM has verified your documents and confirmed your eligibility under the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS).

1. Receive the In-Principle Approval (IPA) Letter

MOM issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter through the myMOM Portal or to your authorized employment agent. The IPA confirms the renewal period, medical-check requirements, and card-collection details. Print and review the document carefully to ensure that your personal data and validity dates are correct.

2. Schedule a Medical Examination (if required)

Some EP holders must complete a medical check-up to verify continued fitness for work.

• Exams are done at MOM-approved clinics.
• Reports are valid for three months from issue.
• Upload results online or let your employer submit them via the portal.

MOM decides case-by-case; if your last exam was long ago or you changed roles, you may be asked for new results.

3. Pay the EP Issuance Fee

The employer pays SGD 225 for renewal plus SGD 30 for card issuance through myMOM Portal or EP Online. Keep the payment receipt—MOM may request it during audits.

4. Collect the New Card

Book an appointment at the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC) once payment is confirmed. Bring:

• Passport and old EP card
• Appointment letter
• Authorization form (if someone collects on your behalf)

Biometric data will be updated, and the new card is usually ready within four to five working days. The old card becomes invalid automatically after collection.

Validity of Renewed Employment Pass

Typical validity periods:

• First renewal: up to 3 years (depending on employer profile)
• Subsequent renewals: up to 3 years again

In some cases, MOM grants only 1-year renewals when it wants to monitor company compliance or assess financial stability. Determining factors include:

• Employer’s financial health and paid-up capital
• The applicant’s salary level and job scope
• Consistent compliance with COMPASS criteria
• Company’s track record in developing local talent

Stable records and transparent payroll filings often lead to longer validity.

Renewing Dependant and Long-Term Visit Passes

If your spouse or children reside in Singapore under a Dependant Pass (DP) or Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), renew their passes right after your EP is renewed.

Steps:

1. Submit DP/LTVP renewal forms via EP Online.
2. Attach updated passport and address details plus the new EP approval.
3. Pay renewal fees (about SGD 105 per dependant).

Processing usually takes two to three weeks. Dependants may need new fingerprints at the EPSC if their passes are reissued.

Common Mistakes During Renewal

Avoid these to prevent processing delays:

1. Incomplete Submissions – Leaving out payslips, tax statements, or tenancy proof stalls the file.
2. Data Mismatch – Salary figures must align with IRAS tax filings and bank credits.
3. Late Applications – Apply at least six weeks before expiry.
4. Ignoring MOM Requests – Replies to MOM’s follow-up queries must reach within 14 days.
5. Non-Compliance with COMPASS – Employers must maintain fair hiring and salary competitiveness to retain eligibility.

Correcting these in advance ensures smooth renewal and minimizes the risk of rejections.

If Your Renewal Is Rejected

A rejection does not end your eligibility immediately. MOM allows appeals within three months.

Action plan:

• Read the rejection letter carefully and note MOM’s remarks.
• Gather new evidence such as revised salary offers or improved company financials.
• Write a cover letter explaining how you’ve addressed the stated gaps.
• Submit the appeal through myMOM Portal before the appeal window closes.

Processing of appeals takes about three to six weeks. During this period you may continue working only if your existing EP remains valid. If the pass expires, your employer must request a Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) so you can stay while awaiting the final decision.
When an appeal is denied again, employment must cease immediately, and you must exit Singapore before the STVP expires. Some professionals later re-enter through other work-pass options such as the Tech.Pass, EntrePass, or ONE Pass, depending on their expertise and income level.

Practical Tips for a Hassle-Free EP Renewal

• Start Early: Initiate the renewal process six months before expiry to leave time for corrections.
• Keep Records Consistent: Ensure payroll, tax filings, and employment contracts reflect identical figures.
• Stay Updated on COMPASS: Review MOM’s latest scoring matrix; meeting or exceeding benchmarks boosts approval chances.
• Maintain Good Corporate Standing: Employers should settle CPF and tax obligations promptly to preserve credibility.
• Monitor Communication: Check MOM email notifications and myMOM Portal weekly until renewal completes.

Digital Transformation and MOM Automation

Singapore’s employment-pass infrastructure is increasingly digital-first. The myMOM Portal now automates verification using national databases such as IRAS (for tax) and ACRA (for corporate filings). This integration reduces manual document uploads but demands that all business and salary data remain accurate in official systems.

Employers benefit from:

• Real-time renewal tracking
• Integrated e-payments and e-receipts
• Instant status updates via email and SMS
• Reduced physical paperwork

For foreign talent, this means faster turnaround and fewer in-person appointments, aligning with Singapore’s Smart Nation vision.

Long-Term Planning After EP Renewal

A renewed EP is more than a legal permit—it positions you for future stability. Professionals who maintain good records can later explore:

• Permanent Residency (PR) after staying two years with consistent income.
• Dependant Pass upgrades for family employment eligibility.
• Transition to Tech.Pass or ONE Pass for senior professionals seeking broader flexibility.

Keeping your employment compliant today strengthens your case for long-term residency tomorrow.

Conclusion

Renewing an Employment Pass in Singapore is a straightforward process when approached systematically. By preparing documentation early, maintaining financial transparency, and complying with MOM standards, both employers and employees safeguard uninterrupted work authorization.
Singapore continues to refine its immigration ecosystem through frameworks like COMPASS and the Fair Consideration Framework, ensuring a balanced inflow of skilled global talent while supporting local workforce development.
For professionals, an on-time, compliant renewal is not just an administrative requirement—it is a mark of trustworthiness and career continuity in one of Asia’s most dynamic economies.
Staying proactive, organized, and informed guarantees a smooth renewal journey and a stronger foothold in Singapore’s thriving professional landscape.