Whether you’re looking to work or relocate to Singapore, or renew your Singapore Employment Pass (EP), we’ve got you covered. From consultancy for your Employment Pass (EP) eligibility, advising against the current climate of the situation, to execution of Employment Pass applications, enjoy seamless transition with reliable service by trusted experts.
Employment Pass Eligibility Criteria (Non-COMPASS)
Until 31 August 2023, only these were the eligibility criteria to apply for the EP:
This was before the new Singapore Employment Pass COMPASS Scheme was introduced and effective on 1 September 2023.
Impact of New Singapore Employment Pass Compass Scheme
EP candidates must pass a points-based Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) starting on September 1, 2023. This is a new point-based system with four fundamental criteria used to evaluate your EP application. Applications receive points only if they satisfy or surpass the given criteria. Employers can choose top-notch foreign professionals through COMPASS, which also increases workforce diversity while retaining a strong Singaporean core.
Through the Employment Pass Compass Scheme, businesses are expected to benefit from better clarity and certainty for their manpower planning. A comprehensive collection of personal and business-related criteria is used by COMPASS to evaluate EP applications.
How does this change affect your future Singapore Employment Pass (EP) application or renewals?
The New COMPASS Employment Pass Eligibility Criteria
Starting the 1st of September 2023, this new points system will be applied towards new Employment Pass applicants. The same system will also begin to apply to renewal of EPs starting the 1st of September 2024. This system is divided into two stages.
Stage 1: Qualifying Salary
Below are the minimum salary requirements which are determined according to the age of the applicant:
Sectors excluding financial services
- The starting line is at the age of 23 with a qualifying salary of $5,000.
- This qualifying salary increases by $250 according to each subsequent age.
- At age 45 and above, the qualifying salary will be up to $10,500.
The financial services sector
- The starting line is at the age of 23 with a qualifying salary of $5,500.
- This amount increases according to age—at age 45 and above, it will be up to $11,500.
- See here for the detailed table on qualifying salary for each age on the Singaporean Ministry of Manpower website.
Stage 2: The COMPASS Scoring
COMPASS is a point-based system in which EP applicants must score at least 40 points to qualify. Here’s a breakdown of the points according to employer’s and applicant’s criteria:
Points for each criterion
20 points : Exceeds expectations
10 points : Meets expectations
0 points : Below expectations
Here’s a breakdown of the points according to employer’s and applicant’s criteria:
– Individual Attributes –
– Firm Related Attributes –
– Bonus Criteria –
Fail to hit 40 points based on individual or firm’s attributes? Here are bonus points awarded to applications that meet these conditions.
COMPASS Exemptions
Candidates do not need to go through COMPASS if any of these criteria are met:
- 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
For more information, visit the official COMPASS guidebook.
What is Required for Successful Employment Pass Applications?
The documents needed are mostly basic information of yourself as well as the employing Company. From 1 Sep 2023, educational qualifications (diploma-level and above) are required to be verified by the company for all Employment Pass applications in Singapore.
Timeline & Procedure for Singapore Employment Pass
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. Below are the typical steps taken for EP applications:
- Day 1) Review the client’s Employment pass application and advise on the additional documents that might be needed such as a Business Plan, Tenancy Agreement etc
- Day 3) Submit the Application to MOM and open the company’s bank account. The company’s bank account should have a capital of 12 months of the EP applicant’s declared salary.
- Day 20) MOM may approve or request for additional documents
- Day 30) Submit the document after communication with the MOM officer and working with client on the needed documents
Comparison between Traditional EP and EP Set Up by Company
At Paul Hype Page, we offer services for both traditional EP applications and EP set up by a company. Differences between these two approaches are illustrated below:
| Traditional EP Application | Company Set up With EP | |
|---|---|---|
| Additional steps | NA | Day 1) Register an account on our patented platform. Fill up our incorporation and/or employment pass form. Day 5) After compliance team approval, Incorporate the company with our nominee services. Learn more about our company incorporation services here. |
| Type of career growth | This path involves seeking career advancement within an existing company, which may require competing for available positions or changing jobs. | With this approach, you essentially become your own boss. Your growth is dependent on acquiring more clients, expanding your business, and hiring employees. |
| Amount of capital required | To meet the employer’s criteria, the company must maintain an amount in its bank account equal to the applicant’s annual salary.
For example, if the applicant earns $6,000 per month, the company needs to have $72,000 in its account |
When you choose to use our incorporation service, we have the capability to provide your company with financial support of up to $300,000.
This assistance is designed to significantly increase your chances of obtaining a higher approval rate for your Employment Pass (EP) application. |
| Influence of Downturns/ Economic Recession | In challenging economic times, such as a downturn, the traditional Employment Pass (EP) application process can pose a disadvantage as it may be more vulnerable to job loss due to the unfavourable economic conditions. | When opting for the Company Setup with EP approach, you have the advantage of owning your own company. This means there is no risk of losing your job during an economic downturn. Instead, your focus shifts towards how your company will navigate and adapt to the challenges posed by the economic recession. |
| Validity Period | The validity of this past for new candidates is up to 2 years, with option of renewals up to 3 years. Those in the tech or other fields in shortage may qualify for more than 5 years duration of the EP.
In certain situations, the Employment Pass (EP) may be canceled, and you may be issued a 30-day Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP). This STVP allows you a brief period to make the necessary arrangements to exit the country. |
This EP has 1 year validity and can be renewed before expiry |
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