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Types of Singapore Work Pass For Foreigners
Singapore has a relatively open immigration policy towards foreign talent. Ensuring the inflow of skilled foreign professionals will help sustain a resilient and vibrant Singapore economy. There are various types of Singapore work visas starting from work permits for the lower-skilled laborers, to P1 and P2 category Employment Passes to attract niche professionals with good credentials in both education and work experience. Singapore has enforced a merit-based immigration system that attracts the best and brightest talent from around the globe to complement its resident work force.
Rikvin has been providing professional immigration services since 1998.
You can leave your concerns to rest and trust our specialists to provide a thorough assessment of all factors of your application and ensure that it meets the current standards of review.
Our reliable guidance and high success rate come with years of experience and continually staying abreast with Singapore’s immigration regulatory updates.
In the event that your work pass or renewal application is rejected by the authority, our specialists will establish a firm appeal in defence of your position.
Rikvin is committed to putting your best case forward in every application or appeal.
Employment Pass
The Employment Pass (EP) is designed for foreign professionals who have been offered employment by companies operating in Singapore. A foreign entrepreneur who has incorporated a Singapore private limited company is also eligible for an EP so as to run operations in Singapore. All foreign professional employees, managers and owners/directors of Singapore companies who are not Singapore residents are also eligible for EP.
Entrepreneur Pass
The Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) is a Singapore work visa designed for foreign entrepreneurs who may lack the appropriate educational or specialist skills qualifications, but have either proven track records of successful business ventures or possess innovative business ideas that have good economic prospects.
S Pass
The S Pass is designed for mid-level skilled foreign workers employed by companies operating in Singapore. The application is assessed based on a point system with consideration for each of the following factors: salary, education qualifications, skills, job type and work experience. The number of S Pass holders a Singapore company can employ is capped at a sub-quota of 25% of the company’s total workforce.
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
The Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) application is not tied to an employer as it is granted based on the applicant’s individual merits. The PEP holder can switch employers without affecting the status of his PEP, and has up to 6 months in between jobs to stay in Singapore to seek employment opportunities.
All PEP holders may apply for Dependant’s Pass and/or Long-Term Visit Pass for their family members.
Miscellaneous Work Pass
Foreigners working in Singapore on short-term assignments of up to 60 days are required to obtain a Miscellaneous Work Pass (MWS). The MWS has replaced the Professional Visit Pass.
The following groups require a MWS:
Foreigners involved in activities directly related to the organisation or conduction of seminars, conferences, workshops, gathering or talks concerning religion, race or community, or politics.
Foreign religious personnel giving talks relating directly or indirectly to any religion.
Foreign journalists, reporters or any accompanying crew member not sponsored by any Singapore Government agency.
Training Employment Pass
Training Employment Pass (TEP) is required for foreigners who are on practical training attachments for professional, managerial, executive or specialist jobs in Singapore.
Multiple-Journey Business Visa
Multiple-Journey Business Visa facilitates the frequent entry of business executives from visa-requiring countries into Singapore. This will benefit foreign investors or business people who visit Singapore frequently to attend to the business or investment needs.
Multiple visits, each lasting up to 30 days, are allowed during the validity period of the visa (1, 2 or 5 years) depending on the prevailing guidelines by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore.
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Singapore Employment Pass
The Employment Pass (EP) is the main type of Singapore work visa issued to foreign professionals, managerial personnel (managing directors, general managers, CEOs), executives or specialists who wish to work in Singapore.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) allows foreign professionals to apply for a Singapore Employment Pass after they have incorporated their Singapore company to enable them to live and work in Singapore. The EP neither falls under any quota system nor is there a monthly levy charge for EP.
Rikvin has been providing professional immigration services since 1998.
You can leave your concerns to rest and trust our specialists to provide a thorough assessment of all factors of your application and ensure that it meets the current standards of review.
Our reliable guidance and high success rate come with years of experience and continually staying abreast with Singapore’s immigration regulatory updates.
In the event that your work pass or renewal application is rejected by the authority, our specialists will establish a firm appeal in defence of your position.
Rikvin is committed to putting your best case forward in every application or appeal.
You may apply for a Singapore Employment Pass (EP) , if:
You are a foreign entrepreneur, professional or managing director of a Singapore company and wish to relocate to Singapore to manage your company operations;
You are a locally-incorporated Singapore company and need to hire foreign employees;
You have an employment offer from a prospective Singapore employer. In this case, you will need the company to expedite the EP application on your behalf.
Employment Pass Eligibility Requirements
Singapore Employment Passes are carefully assessed by the Ministry of Manpower by taking into consideration a number of factors such as the applicant’s qualifications, working experience, job profile, economic contribution, employer’s track record and the value add of the applicant to the Singapore workforce.
To be considered for an Employment Pass, you must have a fixed monthly salary of at least S$3,000 and possess one or more of the following:
Acceptable educational qualifications e.g diploma or degree
Professional qualifications
Specialist skills
Work related experience
The Ministry of Manpower evaluates each application based on the individual’s merits. Other factors that are also considered include:
Salary of applicant
Age of applicant
Role & responsibilities
Reputation of the company
Company’s paid-up capital
Applicant’s citizenship
Employer’s track record
Having a recognised educational qualification does not guarantee a successful EP application as the applicant also needs 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 an EP if he possesses other compensating qualities.
Pass Types
There are three categories of Employment Pass: P1, P2 and Q1 Pass.
The P Passes are for foreigners seeking managerial, executive or specialist jobs.
P1 Pass – for applicants earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$8,000.
P2 Pass – for applicants earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$4,500 and possessing recognised qualifications.
Q1 Pass – for applicants earning a fixed monthly salary of at least $3,000 and possessing recognised qualifications.
Employment Pass Eligibility Summary Table
Pass Type
Factor One
Factor Two
Factor Three
P1
Fixed monthly salary
> S$8,000
Professional, Managerial, Executive, Specialist jobs
P2
Fixed monthly salary
> S$4,500
Professional, Managerial, Executive, Specialist jobs
Recognised qualifications
Q1
Fixed monthly salary
> S$3,000
Recognised qualifications
In lieu of recognised qualifications, MOM may also consider compensatory factors such as skills and years of experience (MOM recommends a minimum of five years relevant work experience)
Important Note:
With effect from 1 st January 2012 the qualifying salary requirements for the EP has been increased.
1. WEF 1 January 2012, the EP salary threshold was raised to S$8,000, S$4,500 and S$3,000 for the P1, P2 and Q1 pass respectively, while the S pass salary threshold remained at S$2,000. For existing EP and S pass holders whose passes expired on or after 1 January 2012, and are affected by these changes, MOM will grant a one-off renewal of up to 2 years per the earlier thresholds.
2. Pass holders who have applied/who apply for renewal before/after 1 January 2012 are treated equally and given the same one-off renewal. Subsequent renewal applications will be assessed based on the prevailing work pass criteria.
Passes for Family Members
All Employment Pass holders can apply for Dependant Pass and/or Long-Term Social Visit Pass for their family members.
Dependant Pass
Both P and Q1 Pass holders can apply for Dependant Pass for their:
Spouse
Unmarried children under 21 years of age
If you are an Employment Pass or an EntrePass holder, your spouse is eligible to work in Singapore as a Dependant Pass holder. However, your prospective employer is required to apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) with Ministry of Manpower. (Note: Not eligible for S Pass holders)
Long-Term Social Visit Pass
P Pass holders may also apply for Long-Term SocialVisit 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
EP Holder
Dependant Pass
Long-Term Social 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. This way, you will also learn of your application outcome sooner. The process consists of the following steps:
Obtaining 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.
Submission of application online. It takes Ministry of Manpower between 1-15 working days to process the application.
Upon receiving the In-principle Approval (IPA) notification, we will make arrangement for the collection of your EP.
Documents Required for Employment Pass
Rikvin requires the following documents for submission of Employment Pass application in Singapore:
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 may get a medical examination done in your own country through an established clinic/hospital or in Singapore. Most clinics in Singapore 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
Singapore 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 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 as per their request, if any. Please note that it may take three weeks or more to process an appeal, depending on the complexity of the case.
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
The Ministry of Manpower will mail an Employment Pass Renewal Form to your employer’s address two months before your EP expires. You should submit the renewal application at least 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 six 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 two years before applying for permanent residence.
Important Information About Personalised Employment Pass:
For existing EP holders and overseas professionals that meets certain criteria, Singapore has introduced a new type of employment pass named Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) that is not tied to any employer. For more details, please refer to Singapore Personalised Employment Pass page.
Foreign entrepreneurs and corporations,who wish to form a Singapore company are required to appoint a professional firm to act on their behalf. The employment pass application can only be submitted to the relevant authorities once the company has been incorporated.
The timeline of forming companies in Singapore is fully computerized and as a result, the actual formation of the entity can be accomplished within three hours, if all documents are in place. Time may vary if you are not physically present in Singapore to sign on the documents. To form a Singapore company and secure your Employment Pass, please refer here for more information Singapore Company Registration + Employment pass application.
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Call: +65 6438 8887
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Singapore Entrepreneur Pass (commonly known as EntrePass) Scheme
The EntrePass is designed to facilitate the entry and stay of entrepreneurs who are ready to start a new business and be actively involved in the operation of the company in Singapore. The EntrePass, with an initial validity period of one year, will be issued upon the approval of a sound business proposal. The EntrePass also allows the immediate family members to live in Singapore while the business develops. With the EntrePass, an entrepreneur may leave and re-enter Singapore frequently with ease. It is renewable for as long as the business remains viable.
EntrePass Eligibility Requirements
EntrePass applicants will be assessed on the credibility of their proposed Business Plan, which should include the objective or nature of the business, products or services to be offered; marketing strategies, development plans and milestones, projected sales turnover, intended amount of investment and staffing plan.
As of 28 Sept 2008, the EntrePass visa requirements have been changed to cater to genuine entrepreneurs intending to do business in Singapore. With these new changes, EntrePass applicants will be assessed on their economic strengths based on contributions they can make in terms of total business spending including their ability to employ local staff.
The new conditions and requirements are as follows:
The Company must not be registered for more than six months at the point of application
Own 30%-100% of shareholding in the company
Have relevant experience and track record in creating and managing a business successfully
Provide S$50,000 or more in paid-up capital for the new company
Submit a 10-page business plan detailing business goals and objectives. Renewal of EntrePass is contingent on achieving goals and objectives outlined in the business plan
Business Plan Requirements
One of the key requirements for the application of an EntrePass is a 10-page comprehensive business plan that outlines the goals and objectives of the proposed business venture. The business idea must be entrepreneurial in nature. Coffee shops, hawker stalls, massage parlours, karaoke lounges and employment agencies are not considered entrepreneurial businesses, and therefore are not applicable for an EntrePass application.
The business plan must also include a strategy to meet the requirements stipulated by the Ministry of Manpower demonstrating that your business venture, within a 1-year period, will meet the employment requirements of a minimum number of Singaporean or local staff, and a Total Business Spending (TBS) as follows:
P1 Pass – 8 local employees; TBS S$300,000
P2 Pass – 4 local employees; TBS S$150,000
Q1 Pass – 2 local employees; TBS S$100,000
Subsequent renewals of the EntrePass are contingent on meeting these requirements and on achieving the goals and objectives in the business plan. It is, therefore, extremely crucial to have a well drafted business plan.
Pass issued
Criteria for renewal
Number of years approved
P1
- Company to employ at least eight local employees*; AND
- Company to demonstrate TBS** of S$300,000 over the past 12 months.
Two years if Net Assert Value is positive
One year if Net Asset Value is negative
P2
- Company to employ at least four local employees*; AND
- Company to demonstrate TBS** of S$150,000 over the past 12 months.
Two years if Net Assert Value is positive
One year if Net Asset Value is negative
Q1
- Company to employ at least two local employees*; AND
- Company to demonstrate TBS** of S$100,000 over the past 12 months.
One year
Approved for one year for 1st renewal only; companies must upgrade to P by second renewal
* The employees need to possess at least NTC2/NITEC or vocational qualifications obtained after at least two years of full-time studies.
** Total Business Spending (TBS) = [Total Operating Expenses – (Royalties/Franchise Fees/Know How Fees to Overseas Companies + Work Subcontracted to Overseas Companies + Remuneration to Applicant & Immediate Family)]
Most entrepreneurs can obtain an EntrePass work visa easily. The approval of the EntrePass rests largely on the business plan including the business idea, the strategies to develop the business and to meet the requirements of a Total Business Spending as well as job creation for Singaporean employees. The business idea must be entrepreneurial in nature. Coffee shops, hawker stalls, massage parlours, karaoke lounges and employment agencies are not considered entrepreneurial businesses, and therefore not applicable for an EntrePass application.
Other important factors are the amount of paid-up capital invested in the business venture (minimum S$50,000 for EntrePass applicants), current citizenship, track record in developing business ventures, and educational background.
Pass Types
There are three categories of Singapore Employment Pass:
P1 Pass
P2 Pass
Q1 Pass
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 Pass for their:
Spouse
Unmarried children under 21 years of age
If you are an Employment or an EntrePass pass holder, your spouse is eligible to work in Singapore as a dependant pass holder. However, the prospective employer is required to apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) with the Ministry of Manpower. (Note: Not eligible for S pass Holders)
Long-Term Visit Pass
P Pass holders can also apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass for their:
Common law spouse
Unmarried daughters above 21 years of age
Handicapped children
Step-children
Parents/parents-in-law
Q Pass holders are not eligible for the application of a Long-Term Visit Pass for their immediate family members.
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
The Ministry of Manpower generally takes four to six weeks to process an application, since the requirements for an EntrePass application are more stringent compared to those for an Employment Pass. If there is further clarification required by the Ministry of Manpower it may extent the approval period.
Documents Required for EntrePass Application
The following documents are required for all EntrePass applications:
Once the application is approved, the Ministry of Manpower will issue an Approval-In-Principle (AIP) letter. Upon the receipt of an AIP, you have not yet registered a company with Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority of Singapore, you must do so within 30 days.
Upon submission of a printout of a new company registration and proof of paid-up capital (minimum of S$50,000) injected into the new business, the Ministry of Manpower will issue the final approval letter, the so-called In-Principle-Approval (IPA) letter . With the IPA, you have six months to relocate to Singapore to start operating your new company.
To collect your EntrePass you will be required to present
A copy of the IPA letter
Passport size photo
Original passport with the disembarkation card
Medical exam report* (if required as stated in the In-Principle Approval letter)
Any other documents that are requested for in the IPA
* You may 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 for collection in 4 working days.
You may collect the pass at Ministry of Manpower personally or authorize Rikvin to collect it on your behalf.
EntrePass Validity
The validity period of an EntrePass varies for:
First-time applicants – Up to 2 years
EntrePass renewals – Contingent on meeting the requirements of the Total Business Spending and employment of local workers.
Renewal of EntrePass
Renewals of the EntrePass are contingent on meeting the requirements stipulated by the Ministry of Manpower demonstrating that your business venture, within a 1-year period, will meet the employment requirements of a minimum number of Singaporean or local staff, and a Total Business Spending (TBS) as shown in the table below:
EntrePass Renewal Eligibility Summary
Pass Type
Criteria for Renewal
Number of Years Approved
P1
- Company to employ at least eight local employees; AND
- Company to demonstrate TBS** of S$300,000 over the past 12 months.
Two years if Net Assert Value is positive
One year if Net Asset Value is negative
P2
- Company to employ at least four local employee; AND
- Company to demonstrate TBS** of S$150,000 over the past 12 months.
Two years if Net Assert Value is positive
One year if Net Asset Value is negative
Q1
- Company to employ at least two local employees; AND
- Company to demonstrate TBS** of S$100,000 over the past 12 months.
Approved for one year for 1st renewal only; companies must upgrade to P by second renewal
* The employees need to possess at least NTC2/NITEC or vocational qualifications obtained after at least two years of full-time studies.
** Total Business Spending (TBS) = [Total Operating Expenses – (Royalties/Franchise Fees/Know How Fees to Overseas Companies + Work Subcontracted to Overseas Companies + Remuneration to Applicant & Immediate Family)
The EntrePass renewal form will be sent to the employer about three months before the pass expiry date. The renewal form must be submitted with the following documents at least two months before the pass expires.
Documents Required for Renewal of EntrePass
These documents are required for EntrePass renewal application:
Latest audited accounts;
Central Provident Fund statements of applicable employees;
Highest educational certificates of employees;
Tenancy agreement; and
Company registration information Profile from ACRA the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority.
The following optional documents can be submitted in support of the renewal application:
Corporate bank statements for the past three months;
Referral letters from customers; and
Recent invoices issued/contracts awarded.
Renewal Criteria before 28 Sept 2009
EntrePass holders who applied for the EntrePass before 28 September 2009, and have not opted to be assessed under the latest EntrePass renewal criteria, will be assessed on the following criteria for renewals:
A. First Renewal
The business is in commercial operations and/or company has secured third party funding; and
The business venture is conducting business based on the original business plan.
B. Subsequent Renewals
Evidence of turnover/sales activities;
Employment creation (above and beyond main applicant);
Corporate taxes paid for at least one of the last three years; and
The business venture is conducting business based on its original business plan.
All EntrePass holders are encouraged to renew their passes under the latest EntrePass renewal criteria in order to be assessed for upgrade to a higher pass e.g. from Q1 to P2 EntrePass.
Please note that once you have successfully opted to be assessed under the latest EntrePass renewal criteria, you will no longer be eligible for assessment under the old criteria.
EntrePass holders who have not upgraded their passes can only apply for Dependant Passes for their spouses and unmarried or legally adopted children under 21 years of age. EntrePass holders who have their passes upgraded can also apply for Long Term Visit Passes for their common law spouse, unmarried daughters and handicapped children above 21 years of age, step-children and parents/parents-in-law in addition to the Dependant Passes.
Processing Time
It will take at least five weeks to process a renewal application. Processing time might take slightly longer during peak periods or when additional information is required from the various economic agencies. The outcome of the application will be sent to the EntrePass holder.
Rejection of Application
In the event that your EntrePass 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 where applicable. MOM will take a minimum of three weeks or more to review your appeal.
Why Hire Rikvin
As of September 28, 2009, the new eligibility requirements for application of EntrePasses have become more stringent. The application process has, thus, become more complex. Unless, you have the necessary time and experience, it is advisable that you engage a professional firm to assist you with the application.
At Rikvin, we have been helping clients with incorporations of their businesses and work pass applications since 1998. Our team of experts is highly experienced and we can process your application and provide appropriate guidance so that you may avoid all the unnecessary frustration and pitfalls. We have business plan writers on staff to help create a good business plan, which is a crucial factor in the application process of your EntrePass.
As we assist you through the process, we will conduct all follow-ups and liaise with each authority on your behalf. Even in the rare event that your application is rejected, we will thoroughly review why your application was rejected so that we can file an appeal. The comprehensive services we provide can help you simplify this lengthy and complex procedure, and consequently help to maximize your chances of getting an EntrePass.
Permanent Residence Eligibility
EntrePass holders of P1, P2 and Q status are eligible to apply for Permanent Residence. There is a designated waiting period of six months since one of the assessing criteria is to have a minimum of six months pay slips, and preferably an IRAS tax assessment can be provided.
Obtain Your Singapore Personalised Employment Pass through Rikvin
Singapore Personalised Employment Pass, also known as PEP Singapore is the perfect visa if you are a foreigner seeking employment in Singapore but do not want to be engaged contractually to any specific employer for a time period up to five (5) years.
PEP Singapore is granted by Ministry of Manpower (MOM) based on the individual’s merits and professional accomplishments. It does not require the pass holder to have been already engaged by an employer in Singapore. However, note that upon collection of the visa, a new PEP holder has only a maximum of 6 months to seek employment in Singapore. Failure to secure an employment beyond the grace period will result in the Singapore work visa being revoked.
PEP Eligibility Requirements
You are eligible to apply for the PEP as long as you meet any of the following requirements:
Overseas Applicant earning a minimum salary of S$8,000 per month (last drawn salary should not be older than 6 months at the time of application).
A former P1 category Employment Pass holder who resides overseas (likewise, please note that you should not be unemployed for more than a continuous period of six months at the point of application).
A current P1 category Employment Pass holder.
A current P2 category Employment Pass holder with at least two years of working experience under the P2 category and has earned a fixed salary of at least S$ 34,000 in the preceding year.
A current Q1 category Employment Pass holder with at least five years of working experience under the Q1 category and has earned a fixed salary of at least S$ 34,000 in the preceding year.
A foreign graduate from institutions of higher learning in Singapore with at least two years of working experience on a P or Q1 category Employment Pass (please take note that your annual income should be a minimum of S$34,000).
Note: PEP pass holders are not allowed to start their own company in Singapore.
Visa Passes for Family Members
All PEP holders can apply for Dependant’s Pass and/or Long-Term Visit Pass for their family members.
Dependant’s Pass
A P Pass holder can apply for Dependant’s Pass for his/her:
Spouse
Unmarried children under 21 years of age
If you are an employment or an EntrePass pass Holder, your spouse is eligible to work in Singapore as a dependant pass holder. However, your prospective employer is required to apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) with Ministry of Manpower. (Note: Not eligible for S pass Holder)
Long-Term Visit Pass
A P Pass holder can also apply for Long-Term Visit Pass for their:
Common-law spouse
Unmarried children above 21 years of age
Stepchildren
Handicapped children
Parents/parents-in-law
Procedure and Timeline
Rikvin can submit all PEP applications online or manually to Ministry of Manpower.
The process consists of the following steps:
Submission of application online for current EP holders. It takes Ministry of Manpower between 1-15 working days to process the application.
Manual submission for first time applicants. The approval process takes longer: approximately 3 to 4 weeks.
Upon receiving the In-principle Approval notification, we will make arrangement for the collection of your PEP.
Documents Required for Personalized Employment Pass Application
Rikvin will need the following documents for submission of PEP visa application in Singapore:
Copies of educational certificates and past employment testimonials
A copy of the personal particulars page of your passport
Appointment letter from the current employer
Copies of the last three months’ salary slip
*Any documents that are not in English must be translated into English by an official translation service.
Approval and Collection of Personalized 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 PEP 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 PEP 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.
Validity and Renewal of Personalized Employment Pass
Once issued, the PEP is valid for five (5) years and it is NOT renewable.
Rejection of Personalized Employment Pass Application
In the event that your PEP 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 as per their request, if any. MOM will take a minimum of three weeks or more to review your appeal.
Change of Employer
PEP holders do not need to 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. However, PEP holders are only allowed up to six months to seek new employers between job change.
Permanent Residence Eligibility
PEP pass holders 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 salray record of 6 months, it is advisable to wait for at least six months prior to making the application.
The S Pass is a Singapore work visa designed for mid-level skilled foreign workers employed by companies operating in Singapore. The application is assessed based on a point system with consideration for each of the following factors: salary, education qualifications, skills, job type and work experience. The number of S Pass holders a Singapore company can employ is capped at a sub-quota of 25% of the company’s total workforce.
Validity: It has a validity of 1 or 2 years and is renewable as long as the pass holder remains employed in the company, subject to the prevailing conditions imposed by the authority at the time of renewal.
Benefits: S Pass applicants whose fixed monthly salary is at least S$2,800 may apply for Dependant’s Pass and/or Long-Term Visit Pass for their family members.
Permanent Residence Eligibility: S pass holders are eligible to apply for Permanent Residence. There is no waiting period but it is advisable to wait for at least three years before applying for Permanent Residence.
Eligibility:
Fixed monthly salary of S$2,000 or above.
Possession of a degree, diploma, or technical/specialist qualifications.
Relevant work experience and skills.
Decision on all applications are subject to the discretion of the approving authority.
Foreigners undergoing practical training attachments for professional, managerial, executive or specialist jobs in Singapore are required to apply for a Singapore Training Employment Pass Visa.
Eligibility
Foreigners under the following categories may apply for the pass:
Undergraduates
The training attachment in Singapore must be part of the trainee’s degree programme from an acceptable educational institution; or
Intra-company trainees
Companies can bring employees from their foreign offices/subsidiaries, to Singapore for professional or executive training. Intra-company trainees should hold a degree or diploma.
To qualify for the Singapore Training Employment Pass, the applicant should:
Earn a fixed monthly salary of more than $2,500; and/or
Hold acceptable tertiary/professional qualifications.
Foreign students who are 17-30 years old and studying in the United States, the United Kindom, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Hong Kong can alternatively consider applying for the Work Holiday Programme.
Applicants who do not meet the above criteria may wish to apply for a Training Work Permit instead. The applicant will be assessed based on the prevailing criteria for the Training Work Permit and can be attached to a company in Singapore for up to six months.
Foreigners working in Singapore on short-term assignments of up to 60 days are required to obtain a Miscellaneous Work Pass (MWS). Professional Visit Pass has been replaced by MWS.
The following groups require a MWS
Foreigners involving in activities directly related to the organisation or conduct of any seminar, conference, workshop, gathering or talk concerning any religion, race or community, or political end.
Foreign religious worker giving talks relating directly or indirectly to any religion.
Foreign journalist, reporter or an accompanying crew member not sponsored by any Singapore Government agency.
Validity: Up to 2 months
Singapore Business Visa – Multiple Journey
Singapore Business Visa facilitates the frequent entry of business executives from visa-requiring countries into Singapore. This will benefit the foreign investors or business people who visit Singapore frequently to attend to the business or investment needs.
Multiple visits, each lasting up to 30 days, are allowed during the validity period of the visa which may be for 1, 2 or 5 years depending on the prevailing guidelines by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore.
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