Singapore Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) Guide

The Key Takeaways

Singapore’s Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) offers foreign professionals the flexibility to live and work in Singapore without being tied to a single employer. It is one of the most attractive work visas for senior executives and top talents seeking career mobility and long-term stability. It functions similarly to a self-sponsored Employment Pass. After employment ends, PEP holders can remain in Singapore for up to six months. 

The PEP is valid for three years and non-renewable. Hence, after three years, holders must decide whether to:

• Transition to an Employment Pass (EP)
• Apply for Permanent Residency (PR)
• Leave Singapore

In addition, the PEP is ideal for high-calibre foreign professionals and executives seeking flexibility in employment, freedom to change jobs, and a potential pathway to PR status.

Benefits of Holding a Singapore PEP

Having a PEP comes with various benefits. Below are some of the advantages provided.

1. Freedom to Change Employers

PEP holders enjoy the freedom to explore and pursue desired job opportunities. As you are not tied to any specific employer, you can switch jobs freely without cancelling your current pass or apply for new work passes. Simply notify the MOM by filing the PEP Notification Form within seven days of starting your new role.

2. Flexibility during Career Gaps

In contrast to other work visas, PEP holders do not need to secure a job first at the time of application. Once granted, the PEP allows you to stay in Singapore for up to six months while seeking employment. This flexibility benefits professionals transitioning between roles or relocating to Singapore for new prospects.

3. Family-Friendly Privileges

PEP holders qualify for dependants’ privileges. You can bring your spouse, your children (under 21 years), and your parents. However, you will need to apply for passes such as the Dependant’s Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass.

4. Pathway to Permanent Residency

Holding a PEP strengthens your profile when applying for Singapore Permanent Residency (PR) with a high chance of approval. Due to its professional standing and income requirements, you may be able to secure PR approval within a year and enjoy all the social benefits of a Singapore citizen.

Limitations of a Singapore Personalised Employment Pass

While the PEP offers many privileges, it comes with its own limitations.

• Validity: The pass is valid for three years and non-renewable. After three years, if you want to continue to stay and work in Singapore, you can only apply for one of the two alternative passes – an Employment Pass (EP) or a Permanent Resident (PR) visa.
• Employment requirement: You must secure employment within six months of leaving your previous job, Otherwise, the authorities will cancel your PEP and grant you a 30-day short-term visit pass instead.
• Salary threshold: Maintain a minimum annual fixed salary of SGD 270,000 per calendar year to maintain your PEP eligibility.
• Entrepreneurship restriction: You cannot own or operate a business registered with ACRA.
• One-time issuance: The PEP can only be issued once in your lifetime.

Eligibility Criteria for a Personalised Employment Pass

The PEP specifically targets top management and professionals, depending on the applicant’s previous monthly salary draws.

You Qualify If You Are:

• An existing Employment Pass holder earning a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 22,500.
• An overseas-based foreign professional earning a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 22,500 in the six months preceding your application.

You Do Not Qualify If You Are:

• A freelancer or self-employed person.
• An EP holder under a sponsorship scheme.
• A share-holding sole proprietor, partner, or director of a Singapore-registered company.
• A media professional such as a journalist, editor, sub-editor, or producer.

Meeting these criteria ensures that only qualified candidates receive the benefits and responsibilities that comes with the PEP.

Documents Required for a PEP Application

There are two different documents that your will need to prepare, depending on whether you are an existing Employment Pass (EP) holder or not.

All documents must be in English. If your documents are in other languages, it must be accompanied by official translations. In addition, you must complete the PEP Application Form with accurate and up-to-date details.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Confirm eligibility. Ensure you meet salary and role requirements.
2. Prepare documents. Gather your identification, income proof, and education certificates.
3. Submit online. Applications are filed through MOM’s official portal.
4. Pay the application fee. Use approved payment options listed by MOM.
5. Await processing. Most applications are reviewed within eight weeks.
6. Receive In-Principle Approval (IPA). This letter remains valid for six months.
7. Collect your PEP card. Visit the MOM Services Centre with your IPA letter and supporting documents.

By following these steps carefully, you can ensure a smooth and efficient application experience.

Processing Time and Validity

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) typically processed applications within eight weeks. However, incomplete submissions or missing translations may extend this timeline.

Once approved, the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter is valid for six months. You must collect your PEP within this period.

The PEP itself remains valid for three years from the date of issuance. Your dependants’ passes will mirror this validity as long as your PEP remains active.

How to Maintain My Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)?

All your employment information should be updated. This means that you will need to notify MOM through:

1. PEP Notification Form

• Report new employment details within seven days.
• Update your local contact and annual salary information.

2. Employment Pass Online Account (EPOL)

• Report lost or damaged PEP cards.
• Update your travel document details.
• Notify MOM of any change in residential address.

Maintaining accurate records ensures your continued eligibility and avoids administrative issues.

Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) Renewal

The PEP cannot be renewed once it expires.
If you wish to continue working in Singapore after the three-year validity period, you may:

• Apply for a new Employment Pass (EP) through your employer, or
• Submit a Permanent Residency (PR) application.

Once cancelled, the PEP cannot be issued again, so plan your next step well before expiry.

Differences Between Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) and Employment Pass (EP)

How Difficult Is It to Get a Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)?

The PEP is highly selective but not difficult to obtain for qualified professionals. If you gather all the necessary documents, meet the eligibility criteria, provide proof of education and salary, and do not hold an existing employment pass, applying for a PEP should go smoothly.

However, complications may arise during the PEP application process in certain circumstances. Common reasons for rejections include:

• Missing or inconsistent documentation
• Discrepancies in personal details
• Failure to meet salary requirements

How Can I Convert My PEP to Singapore Permanent Residency (PR)?

After residing in Singapore for at least six months, PEP holders may apply for Permanent Residency. Approval is determined by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) based on:

• Economic contribution and employment track record
• Family profile and integration into local society
• Educational and professional background
• Commitment to long-term residence in Singapore

There is no minimum stay requirement, but consistent employment and strong financial standing significantly enhance your chances.

If you are interested in pursuing PR, you can read our comprehensive guide on how to apply for Singapore PR for detailed information and instructions.

How to Appeal Against a PEP Rejection?

If your PEP application is rejected, you may appeal within three months.

Steps to appeal:

1. Review the MOM rejection letter carefully.
2. Identify the specific reasons for refusal.
3. Gather new or corrected documents that address these issues.
4. Submit your appeal through the official MOM portal.
5. Wait 8 to 10 weeks for the result.

If you are unsure why your application was rejected, seek professional assistance from an immigration consultancy to strengthen your appeal.