Singapore Employment Pass

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Singapore Employment Pass (EP)

The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) is the main kind of Singapore work visa meant for entrepreneurs, executives and skilled professionals 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. There is no official limit or quota for the Singapore Employment Pass.

You may apply for a Singapore Employment Pass (EP) , if:

• You are a foreign entrepreneur, executive 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  Singapore employer. In this case, your employer will expedite the EP application on your behalf.

Singapore Employment Pass Eligibility Requirements

Singapore Employment Pass Applications are carefully assessed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Factors such as a candidate’s potential economic contribution and the value add to the Singapore workforce as well as the hiring company’s track record are vital.

There are 3 categories of Singapore Employment Passes namely P1, P2 and Q1.

Under the Enhanced Employment Pass framework, you must fulfil or possess the following to be considered for an EP:

• Fixed monthly salary of at least S$3,000

  Fixed monthly salary

  Fixed monthly salary refers to the total regular monthly payments to an employee. The “fixed monthly salary” must be consistent month to month and must be paid to the employee monthly regardless of his performance.

  It does not include:

  • variable overtime, bonus or commission payments;
  • reimbursements or in-kind payments;
  • any sum paid to defray repercussions of special or hazardous nature of employment;
  • variable productivity incentive payments;
  • any pension contributions paid by the employer or employee; or
  • any gratuity payable on discharge or retirement.
• Acceptable qualifications (professional or educational)

  Acceptable educational qualifications

  Acceptable qualifications can include good degrees, professional qualifications or specialist skills.

  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 as MOM considers factors such as specialized skills and proven track record as well.

• Strategic and in-demand skills set
• Work related experience and scope of work

The table below summarizes the Employment Pass (EP) categories and eligibility requirements:

Employment Pass (EP)  Type	Work Visa Eligibility Requirements
P1	Fixed monthly salary: at least S$8,000 Possess acceptable qualifications
P2	Fixed monthly salary: at least S$4,500 Possess acceptable qualifications
Q1	Fixed monthly salary: at least S$3,000 for young graduates from good institutions. Older applicants have to command higher salaries commensurate with the work experience and quality they are expected to bring.

Important Note:

1. For existing EP 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 framework.

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.

Employment Pass Application Procedure, Timeline and Documents Required

Rikvin is duly licensed as a Singapore Employment Agency by the Ministry of Manpower. An employment agency in Singapore is defined as an entity that helps other companies with their recruitment and staffing needs, operating as a liaison between employers and potential employees. It could engage in the placement of local as well as foreign talents, from entry level positions to corporate management executives. This thus streamlines Rikvin’s capabilities as a one-stop business solutions provider, with expertise in forming companies in Singapore as well as the ability to source and place manpower.

Documents Required

Rikvin requires the following documents for submission of Singapore Employment Pass application:

• Resume or CV stating your educational and employment history (download Singapore Employment Pass Application form)
• 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.

Procedure and Timeline

Rikvin submits all Employment Pass (EP) applications electronically to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) so that you can learn of your application outcome sooner.

• It takes MOM between 1-15 working days to process the application.
• Upon receiving the In-principle Approval notification, we will make arrangements for the collection of your EP.
• The application for the employment pass can only be done once the company has been incorporated. It is not necessary to be physically present in Singapore while the application is being processed.

Approval and Collection of Singapore 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 Employment Pass (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.

Employment Pass Holders 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 of Employment Pass upon Approval

The validity of an EP varies and are as follows:

• First-time applicants – up to 2 years
• EP renewals – up to 3 years

Rejection of Singapore Employment Pass Application

In the event that your Singapore 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 for Work Pass holders

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 Singapore 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.

Employment Pass Holders – 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 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 in order for you to work. (Note: Not eligible for S Pass holders)

Long-Term Visit Pass

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

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

Employment Pass (EP) Type	Eligible for Dependant Pass	Eligible for Long-Term Visit Pass
P1, P2	Yes	Yes
Q1	Yes	No

Permanent Residence Options for Employment Pass Holders

Permanent Residence

P1, P2 and Q EP pass holders are eligible to apply for Permanent Residence through the Professional, Technical & Skilled Workers  (PTS) scheme. There is no designated waiting period but one of the documents required for PR application is six months of salary record. Hence it is advisable for P Pass holders 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.

Personalized Employment Pass

For existing Employment Pass (EP) holders and overseas professionals that meet certain criteria, Singapore has introduced a new type of EP named Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) that is not tied to any employer. For more details, please refer to Singapore Personalised Employment Pass page.

For more information on the Singapore Employment Pass, we recommend the  following pages as well:
Singapore Company Registration + Employment pass application  
Singapore Employment Pass guide.