Singapore Employment Pass

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.

Singapore Employment Pass2023-05-19T17:50:42+08:00

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?

Employment Pass Eligibility Criteria (Non-COMPASS)

Here are the eligibility criteria to apply for the EP till 31 August 2023:

Why people are moving to Singapore
  • Work in managerial, executive, and specialised job
  • At least a fixed minimum salary of S$5,000 per month
  • Generally, a recognized diploma or degree from a reputed university is expected
  • Professional qualifications, specialist skills, and work-related experience are also considered
Angela

For existing foreigners working in Singapore, it is possible to change jobs and transfer or apply for a new employment pass.

COMPASS Employment Pass Eligibility Criteria

For the new COMPASS framework starting 1 September 2023, 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:

OPENING THE DOORS TO SINGAPORE’S EMPLOYMENT PASS SPECIALIST

Trusted by many of our clients globally, our in-house MOM-licensed agent have 93% success rates when applying for Singapore Employment Passes. The benefits of appointing us are:

Paul Hype Page & Co. corporate service professionals

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.

Employing company to prepare:

Employing company to prepare
EP Application to prepare

EP Applicant to prepare:

TIMELINE & PROCEDURE FOR SINGAPORE EMPLOYMENT PASS

The estimated timeline for 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.

Traditional EP Application Company Set up With EP
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
Growth For growth, John will look for the next employer to work for.
2 to 3 months Employment Pass application

  • Day 1) Review client’s Employment pass application and advise on the additional documents that might be needed such as Business Plan, Tenancy Agreement and etc
  • Day 3) Submit Application to MOM and open company’s bank account. The company’s bank account should have capital of 12 months of the EP applicant’s declared salary.
  • Day 20) MOM may approve or request for additional documents
  • Day 30) Submit document after communication with MOM officer and working with client on the needed documents
  • Day 35 to 60 days) MOM will approve the application and once client secure employment pass, you are considered a local resident director. Hence, no longer needing the nominee director service
The company should have a minimum 12 months of the applicant’s salary in the company bank account.
E.g. 12 months of $6,000 is $72,000 capital required
If you engage with our incorporation service, we can fund the company with up to $300,000 to secure a higher approval rate.
Traditional EP Application in a Downturn Company Set up With EP
EP is cancelled and issued 30 days short term visit pass (STVP) to leave the country EP has 1 year validity and can renew before expiry

Singapore Employment Pass FAQs

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!

How can a foreigner register a company in Singapore with an Employment Pass?2022-07-16T12:22:19+08:00

The process for a foreigner to register a company in Singapore is similar to that of a local, with the exemption of the need to apply for an Employment Pass to physically be and work in Singapore.

You can read more about it here.

How to transfer ownership of your Singapore Employment Pass from your existing company?2022-07-02T11:40:02+08:00

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

What’s the difference between Singapore Employment Pass and Personalised Employment Pass?2022-07-02T11:41:51+08:00

The 2 differences between a Singapore Employment Pass (EP) and Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) are:

 

  • Singapore EP is applied under the company’s name while the PEP is applied under your own name
  • Singapore EP is renewal after expiry while the PEP is non-renewable after 3 years.
  • Singapore EP has a minimum salary requirement of S$5,000 (from Sep 2022 onwards) while the PEP has a minimum annual salary requirement of S$144,000 which estimates to a monthly salary of S$12,000.
How much does it cost to set up a company in Singapore as an expat?2022-07-02T11:38:16+08:00

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

What is the minimum salary for Singapore Employment Pass?2022-11-03T12:27:34+08:00

The current minimum qualifying salary is S$5,000 per month to apply for the Singapore Employment Pass.

Is IELTS required for Singapore Employment Pass?2022-11-03T12:26:49+08:00

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

How can a Singapore Employment Pass Holder Change Job?2022-11-03T12:26:09+08:00

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 that you should note when changing jobs:
• You cannot keep your existing Employment Pass while switching jobs. You must apply for a new Employment Pass.
• You cannot concurrently have 2 Employment Pass ID cards. To receive the new one, you need to cancel the old card.
• There is no need to cancel your current pass while the new EP application is being applied as it will not deter your new EP application.

We recommend that you wait for your In-Principal Approval (IPA) letter before resigning to ensure that you EP is approved. It takes roughly 100 days to change your job 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 completed, your current employer will assist to cancel the Employment Pass and issue you the Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) to remain 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

What’s the difference between a Dependant’s Pass (DP) and a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)?2022-11-03T12:20:13+08:00

The difference between a dependant’s pass (DP) and a long-term visit pass (LTVP) is the relationship between yourself and the individual.

For DP, it is applied for legally married spouse or unmarried children under 21 years old for those who hold a Singapore Employment Pass or S Pass.

Undecided or got questions

Got questions for Singapore employment pass?

Speak to our consultations today to gain clarity to your questions today.

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