Employment Pass (EP) - Work Pass for Professional Employees & Entrepreneurs

Foreign Entrepreneurs, Professionals, Managing Directors, Shareholders of Singapore companies who wish to relocate to Singapore to run their company operations may apply for an Employment Pass (EP).

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) allows the foreigner to apply for an Employment Pass after they have incorporated their Singapore Company to enable them to live and work in Singapore. The EP does not fall under any quota system nor is there a monthly levy charge for EP.

Ministry of Manpower grants each EP with a validity of 1 or 2 years and it is renewable as long as the pass holder remains employed in the company. With an EP, you can travel in and out of Singapore with minimum hassle at the immigration checkpoint. It also gives you the benefit of applying for Permanent Residence status.

Employment Pass Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for an Employment Pass, you must have a fixed monthly salary of at least S$2,500 and possess one or more of the following:

  • Generally, a recognized Diploma/Degree qualification from a reputable university is expected.
  • Professional qualifications
  • Specialist skills
  • Work related experience

The Ministry of Manpower evaluates each applicant based on individual’s merits. Other factors which also play a very important role are:

  • Salary of applicant
  • Age of applicant
  • Roles & responsibility
  • Repute of the company
  • Company paid up capital
  • Applicant current citizenship

Having a recognised educational qualification does not guarantee a successful EP application as the applicant also need to satisfy other criteria such as relevant work experience and/or professional skills.

Similarly, an applicant who does not possess a recognized educational qualification may not necessarily be rejected for EP if he possesses other compensating factors.

Pass Types

There are three categories of Employment Pass: P1, P2 and Q1 Pass.

The P Pass is for foreigners seeking managerial, executive or specialist jobs.

  • P1 Pass – for applicants earning a fixed monthly salary of more than S$7,000.
  • P2 Pass – for applicants earning a fixed monthly salary of more than S$3,500 and up to S$7,000, and he/she possesses recognised qualifications.
  • Q1 Pass – for applicants earning a fixed monthly salary of more than S$2,500 and he/she possesses recognised qualifications.

Employment Pass Eligibility Summary Table

Pass Type Factor One Factor Two Factor Three
P1 Fixed monthly salary
> $7,000		 Professional, Managerial, Executive, Specialist jobs
P2 Fixed monthly salary
> $3,500		 Professional, Managerial, Executive, Specialist jobs Recognised qualifications
Q1 Fixed monthly salary
> $2,500		 Recognised qualifications In lieu of recognised qualifications, we may also consider compensatory factors such as skills and years of experience (we recommend a minimum of five years relevant work experience)

Passes for Family Members

All Employment Pass holders can apply for Dependant Pass and/or Long-Term Visit Pass for their family members.

Dependant Pass

Both P and Q1 Pass holders can apply for Dependant’s Pass for their:

  • Spouse
  • Unmarried children under 21 years of age

Long-Term Visit Pass

P Pass holders can also apply for Long-Term Visit Pass for their:

  • Common law spouse
  • Unmarried daughters above 21 years of age
  • Handicapped children
  • Step-children
  • Parents/parents-in-law

A Snap Shot

Pass Type Granted to
Employment Pass Holder		 Dependant Pass Long-Term Visit Pass
P Yes Yes
Q1 Yes No

Procedure and Timeline

Rikvin submits all Employment Pass applications electronically to Ministry of Manpower as the application process is shorter, and subsequently you will also learn of your application outcome sooner. The process consists of the following steps:

  1. Application to obtain authorization code to submit application online for newly incorporated company. Upon submission, it takes about 7-14 days for Ministry of Manpower to send the authorization code.
  2. Submission of application online. It takes Ministry of Manpower between 1-15 working days to process the application.
  3. Upon receiving the In-principle Approval notification, we will make arrangement for the collection of your EP.

Documents Required for Employment Pass

Rikvin will need the following documents for submission of Employment Pass visa application in Singapore:

  • Resume or CV stating your educational and employment history
  • Copies of educational certificates and past employment testimonials
  • A copy of the personal particulars page of your passport
  • Any documents that are not in English must be translated into English by an official translation service.

Approval and Collection of Employment Pass

Once the application is approved, the Ministry of Manpower will issue an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter via email. The IPA letter must be produced upon collection of the EP at the Work Pass Division at Ministry of Manpower. An IPA letter is valid for Six months from the date of notification of approval.

To collect your EP you will be required to present:

  • A copy of the IPA letter
  • Recently taken passport size photograph
  • Original passport with the entry embarkation cards
  • Medical exam report* (if the In-Principle Approval states that you require one)
  • Any other documents that are requested in the approval letter

* You can get a medical examination done in your own country through an established clinic/hospital or in Singapore. Most clinics in Singapore can provide medical examination and report within a day.

Entry Visa into Singapore

If you are overseas and require an entry visa to Singapore, your IPA letter will include a single journey entry visa. Upon your arrival in Singapore, we will make an appointment with Ministry of Manpower on your behalf for finger printing. Upon completing the procedures, your pass will be ready in 4 working days.

You may collect the pass at Ministry of Manpower personally or authorize Rikvin to collect it on your behalf.

Approval of Employment Pass Application

Employment Pass Validity

The validity period of an EP varies for:

  • First-time applicants – up to two years
  • Employment Pass renewals – up to three years

Rejection of Employment Pass Application

In the event that your Employment Pass application is rejected by the MOM, Rikvin will investigate why your application has been rejected. Based on the reasons provided by MOM, we will submit an appeal that will address the issues outlined by MOM and also include additional documents per their request, if any. MOM will take a minimum of three weeks or more to review your appeal.

Change of Employer

Employment Pass holders must apply for a new pass whenever they change employers. There is no need to cancel the existing pass prior to application for a new pass. Ministry of Manpower evaluates each application for a new pass based the applicant’s qualifications, work experience, and employer credentials. A new pass will be issued once the old pass is cancelled.

Renewal of Employment Pass

Ministry of Manpower will mail an Employment Pass Renewal Form to your employer’s address two months before your EP expired. You should submit the renewal application at four weeks prior to the expiration of your EP. Once approved, your employer will receive a letter of notification and the new pass is ready for pick up at the Ministry of Manpower.

Permanent Residence Eligibility

EP pass holders of P1, P2 and Q status are eligible to apply for Permanent Residence through Professional, Technical & Skilled Workers scheme. There is no designated waiting period but since one of the documents required is 6 months of salary record, hence it is advisable to wait for at least six months prior to application. It is, however, advisable for Q1 pass holders wait for at least 2 years before applying for permanent residence.

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