Singapore Employment Pass

Foreign entrepreneurs who wish to establish their company and reside in Singapore have two options to choose from: Employment pass and EntrePass. Each one has its own advantage in terms of ease of approval, processing period and mandatory requirements.

  1. Employment Pass  
  2. Foreign Entrepreneurs can also apply for Entrepass Visa, Singapore version of Entrepreneurs visa. Read more on Singapore Entrepass Visa

Foreign Entrepreneurs, professionals, managing directors and shareholders of Singaporean companies who wish to work in Singapore may apply for an Employment Pass.

Singapore Immigration allows foreigners to apply for an Employment Pass after they have incorporated their Singapore Company, to enable them to live and work in Singapore. The Singapore Employment Pass comes with a valid stay visa for up to two years. The application can be submitted on-line and due to this the outcome of the application from the Ministry of Manpower is obtained within a shorter period of time and the probability for approval is higher than an EntrePass application.

Employment pass applicants are assessed based on their education level, age, declared income and company position.

Your company will need a local Nominee Director until your Employment Pass is approved, which Rikvin can provide.  Order now

Comparison: Singapore Entrepass versus Singapore Employment Pass

Employment Pass types

P Pass/Q Pass


There are three categories of Employment Pass: P1, P2 and Q Pass. The P Pass is for foreigners seeking professional, managerial or executive and specialist jobs.
  • P1 Pass – for applicants earning a fixed monthly salary of more than $7,000.
  • P2 Pass – for applicants earning a fixed monthly salary of more than $3,500 and up to $7,000 and he/she possesses recognised qualifications.
  • Q Pass – for applicants earning a fixed monthly salary of more than $2,500 and possessing recognised qualifications, degrees, experience or specialist skills.

Compensatory factors such as skills and years of experience may be taken into consideration for Q1 applications.

Snap Shot: Singapore Employment Pass Eligibility Summary Table

Pass Type Factor One Factor Two Factor Three
P1

Fixed monthly salary

> $7,000
Professional, Managerial, Management,
Executive,
Specialist jobs
  
P2

Fixed monthly salary

> $3,500
Professional,
Managerial, Management
Executive,
Specialist jobs
and recognised
qualifications
Q1

Fixed monthly salary

> $2,500
and recognised
qualifications

In lieu of recognised qualifications, compensatory factors such as skills and years of experience may be taken into consideration (a minimum of five years relevant work experience is recommended)

 

If your basic monthly salary is below $2,500 but you have an acceptable university degree or diploma from a recognised educational institution in Singapore, you may also apply for the Employment Pass. All Employment Pass holder may apply for Dependant's Passes for a spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old.

      

Singapore Employment Pass FAQs

If I am an Employment Pass holder, can my spouse work in Singapore?

If you hold an Employment Pass, your spouse is eligible to apply for a Dependant Pass and thereafter to obtain consent from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to work in Singapore.

Who is eligible to apply for an Employment Pass?

Any foreigner may apply for an Employment Pass to be employed or to do business in Singapore if they have acceptable tertiary/professional qualifications or a basic salary per month above $2500.00.

How long does the Employment pass approval takes?

Singapore Government is fairly efficient, provided all information required is given upon submission of your employment pass application; approval should take between 2 to 15 working days. 

Click here for Singapore Company Registration Setup + Employment pass

Would you like to order your Singapore Company Setup and Employment pass today?

You can incorporate your Singapore Company and apply for your Employment Pass by using our online order form now. Should you need any assistance, Please call us at +65 6438 8887 or mobile +65 9850 2083.