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EP — Employment Pass (EP)
SingaporeSingapore•Asia
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EP — Employment Pass (EP)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks

Estimated Cost

SGD $360

Stay Duration

2 to 3 years

2 yr initial · extendable to 3 · Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
Singapore flag

Living in Singapore

Cost of Living
30% more than United States
Avg SalarySGD 64,000
Quality of Life
148/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Employer-sponsored work pass for foreign professionals in Singapore meeting MOM's salary and COMPASS thresholds.

The Employment Pass is Singapore's primary work visa for foreign professionals, managers, executives, and technicians with a job offer from a Singapore-registered employer. Issued by the Ministry of Manpower, candidates must earn at least SGD 5,600 a month, rising with age to SGD 10,700 by mid-40s.

Employers file via EP eService for around SGD 360 (SGD 105 application plus SGD 225 issuance), processed in 10 business days; overseas firms without a Singapore office sponsor through a local agent and take up to 6 weeks. The pass runs up to 2 years initially and 3 years on renewal, supports family via Dependant's Pass, and offers a PR pathway. Candidates must also score 40 on COMPASS.

This visa is ideal for foreign PMETs with a Singapore job offer who meet the salary and COMPASS thresholds and want a renewable work pass with a PR pathway.

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Cost Breakdown

Application FeeSGD $105
Issuance FeeSGD $225
Multiple Journey Visa FeeSGD $30
TotalSGD $360

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant2 years
Extendable up to3 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Permanent Residency (PR)
Singapore flagSingapore

Permanent Residency (PR)

ValidityVaries (Indefinite status unless revoked)
Processing6 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Valid job offer from a Singapore-registered company

Minimum qualifying salary of SGD 5,600/month (varies by age and sector)

Must score at least 40 points on the COMPASS framework

Educational qualifications verified by an MOM-approved screening provider

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

67,200 SGD/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Passport personal particulars page

Company's latest business profile registered with ACRA

Educational certificates

Written consent from the candidate

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Clear pathway to Permanent Residence after qualifying period of employment
  • No quota or foreign-worker levy applies to Employment Pass holders
  • Full family sponsorship via Dependant's Pass for spouse and children under 21
  • Up to 2 years initial validity, renewable for up to 3 years (5 years for shortage-skill tech roles)
  • Online application typically processed within 10 business days
  • Pre-approved single-entry visa via IPA letter, valid 6 months to enter Singapore
  • Card-based payment accepted (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) — no mandatory GIRO setup

Worth Knowing

  • Minimum fixed monthly salary of SGD 5,600, rising with age to SGD 10,700 by mid-40s (higher in financial services)
  • Must score at least 40 points on the COMPASS framework unless exempted
  • Employer must advertise the role on MyCareersFuture under the Fair Consideration Framework first
  • Educational qualifications must be verified by an MOM-approved source before points are awarded
  • From 1 Jan 2027 the qualifying salary rises to SGD 6,000 (SGD 6,600 in financial services)
  • Failure to meet the EP qualifying salary disqualifies the candidate regardless of COMPASS score
  • Unverified or non-degree-equivalent qualifications cannot earn C2 COMPASS points
  • No valid job offer from a Singapore-registered or sponsoring employer

Application Process

1

FCF Job Advertising

2

Credential Verification

3

Submission via EP eService

4

IPA Issuance

5

Pass Issuance

6

Biometrics Registration

7

Card Delivery

Application Forms

Go to application portal
EP eService ApplicationFill online
MOM Candidate FormFill online
EP Sponsorship Application FormOptionalFill online
Interbank GIRO FormOptionalFill online

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