Singapore Employment Pass Explained: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

Moving to a new country for work is a big step, and Singapore, with its bustling economy and vibrant culture, is a dream destination for many professionals. But before you can start your new life in the Lion City, you have to navigate the world of work passes.

The most common one for skilled professionals is the Employment Pass, or EP. The process can seem a bit overwhelming at first, with all the rules and acronyms, but don’t worry. This guide is here to break it all down for you, to help you understand exactly who qualifies and, more importantly, how you and your employer can get the application right.

What Exactly is an Employment Pass?

An Employment Pass, in simple terms, is a work visa for foreign professionals, managers, and executives. It’s designed to attract skilled talent who can contribute to Singapore’s economy, fill in skill gaps, and help the country stay competitive on the world stage. It’s different from other passes, like the S Pass, which is for mid-level skilled workers.

When a company wants to hire a professional from overseas to manage a team, lead a project, or fill a specialised role, the EP is the pass they’ll typically apply for. It is the most direct path for many who are looking to build a career here.

A key thing to remember about the EP is that it’s always tied to a specific job with a specific employer. You can’t just apply for one on your own and then look for a job; the application has to be initiated by your prospective employer, or by an employment agent they have appointed. This means a job offer is the very first step in your journey to getting the pass.

The Big Question: Who Actually Qualifies?

This is where things can get a little complex, but it is also the most crucial part of the process. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has a two-stage eligibility framework to assess every EP application. You have to pass both stages to be considered eligible.

Stage 1: The Salary Requirement

This is the first and most critical hurdle. You must have a job offer that meets or exceeds the minimum qualifying salary. This isn’t a fixed number for everyone; it’s a tiered system that depends on your age, as it is benchmarked against the top one-third of local professionals, managers, executives, and technicians (PMETs) salaries by age.

For new applications filed from January 1, 2025, the minimum qualifying salary for most sectors is $5,600. For the financial services sector, which has higher wage norms, that number is $6,200. These figures continue to increase progressively with age. For example, a candidate in their mid-40s will need a substantially higher salary to qualify. If your salary doesn’t meet this basic requirement, your application will not proceed, regardless of your other qualifications or how many points you might score on the next stage.

Stage 2: The COMPASS Framework

This is the newest and most comprehensive part of the assessment. Unless you’re exempted (for example, if you have a very high fixed monthly salary, or you’re an intra-corporate transferee on a short assignment), every EP application is evaluated under the Complementarity Assessment Framework, or COMPASS. It’s a transparent, points-based system that evaluates both you, the candidate, and your employer. You need to score a minimum of 40 points to get the pass.

The framework has four foundational criteria, with points given for each. Let’s break them down:

• C1: Salary: This goes beyond the minimum requirement. You get points based on how your salary compares to the salaries of local PMETs in your sector and age group. The higher your salary is relative to the local benchmark, the more points you get.
• C2: Qualifications: Points are awarded based on your educational background. If you have a degree from a top-tier global university or a Singapore Autonomous University, you’ll earn the most points. Other degree-equivalent qualifications will also give you a good score, but having a degree is not a mandatory requirement; you can still pass if you earn points elsewhere.
• C3: Diversity: This criterion looks at the nationality mix of the company’s PMET employees. You get points if your nationality is under-represented in the company, which encourages employers to maintain a diverse workforce. Small companies with fewer than 25 employees automatically get a fixed score here, so they’re not penalised for their size.
• C4: Support for Local Employment: This one is all about the employer. The company gets points based on how many local PMETs it employs relative to its sector. This is designed to reward companies that are committed to hiring and developing the local workforce. Just like with the diversity criterion, small companies also get a default score here.

In addition to these four criteria, there are two bonus criteria that can help you get the points you need:

• B1: Skills Bonus: If the job you’re applying for is on Singapore’s official Shortage Occupation List (SOL), you can get a significant bonus. This list highlights roles with specialised skills that are in high demand and short supply among the local workforce, for example, clinical psychologists, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts.
• B2: Strategic Economic Priorities Bonus: This bonus is for companies that are contributing to Singapore’s strategic economic priorities. If your employer is a part of a government program that supports innovation or other key national objectives, your application might get a boost.

The total points from the foundational criteria and any bonus points are then added up to see if you meet the 40-point passing mark.

The Application Process, From A to Z

So, you’ve checked all the boxes and you’re confident you qualify. Now, how does the application actually work? The process is very streamlined and is handled online through the MOM’s portal.

• Step 1: The Employer Submits the Application. Remember what I said earlier? It’s the employer’s responsibility, or that of their agent, to submit the application. They will need to advertise the job opening on Singapore’s national job portal, MyCareersFuture.sg, for at least 14 days to fairly consider all local candidates. Once they’ve done that, they can go ahead and submit your application online, which requires your explicit consent.
• Step 2: Document Preparation This is your part. You’ll need to provide your employer with all the necessary paperwork. This typically includes a clear scanned copy of your passport’s bio-data page, your academic certificates, and a detailed resume or CV. If your documents are not in English, you will also need to provide a certified English translation. Getting these documents ready and in order will help avoid any delays.
• Step 3: Waiting for the Outcome Once the application is submitted, you wait. The typical processing time is around ten business days, but it can be longer, especially if MOM needs to request additional information from your employer or if the case is more complex. Try not to worry too much during this period; if everything is in order, a positive outcome is likely.
• Step 4: The In-Principle Approval (IPA) Letter If your application is successful, MOM will issue an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. This letter is crucial; it serves as a pre-approved single-entry visa that allows you to come to Singapore to complete the final steps. The IPA letter is valid for six months, giving you plenty of time to pack up and make your move. It will also specify if you need to undergo a medical examination.
• Step 5: Finalizing the Pass in Singapore. Once you are in Singapore, the final steps are a breeze. Your employer or agent will log back into the MOM portal to issue the pass. You will need to provide a local residential address and may be required to get a medical check-up. Depending on the conditions on your IPA letter, you might also have to visit the MOM Services Centre to register your fingerprints and have your photo taken. After all these steps are completed, your physical Employment Pass card will be delivered to your address, and you’re officially good to go!

What About My Family?

If you plan to bring your family along, the Employment Pass has a provision for that too. As an EP holder, if you earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000, you are eligible to apply for a Dependant’s Pass (DP) for your spouse and unmarried children under 21.

The Dependant’s Pass application is typically submitted by your employer after your EP has been approved. 

Getting an Employment Pass in Singapore is a well-defined process, and it’s a testament to the country’s structured approach to attracting talent. While the requirements, especially the COMPASS framework, can seem complex, they are designed to be transparent and fair. By understanding who qualifies, what is needed, and how the application process works, you can approach your move to Singapore with confidence. So, prepare your documents, work closely with your future employer, and get ready for an exciting new chapter in your career.

Understanding the intricacies of the Employment Pass, from salary benchmarks to the COMPASS framework, is vital for a successful application. Avoid common pitfalls and unnecessary delays by working with professionals who know the system inside and out.

We provide clear, expert guidance to ensure your application meets every requirement. Secure your Employment Pass with confidence. Contact us at marketing@xignam.com today for a consultation and let us help you get qualified.