What are the requirement to obtain Employment Pass in Singapore?

If you have been deployed by your company to Singapore for work, there are be a number of work passes that you may qualify for, among which, is the Singapore Employment Pass (EP). For Singapore, 2019 was a good year with employment growth, low retrenchments and increasing income.

However the outlook for 2020 has become uncertain not least due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) key challenges are to prevent large-scale job losses, prevent a scaling back or reversal of wage increases, and prepare Singapore businesses and workers for jobs of the future when the world reopens for business post-pandemic.

What is an Employment Pass?

An Employment Pass or EP is a Singapore work visa issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower to foreign professional employees, managers, and owners or directors of Singaporean companies. This work visa allows you to live and work in Singapore, as well as travel in and out of the country without having to apply for entry visas.

An Employment Pass is usually valid for 1-2 years and can be renewed after. Possessing an EP also makes it easier for you to apply for permanent residence (PR) in Singapore.

Key facts about Employment Pass

A company or appointed employment pass agent needs to apply on behalf of the EP candidate.
The candidate must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$3,600 per month, with more experienced candidates requiring a higher salary. For example, for managerial positions, a salary of at least S$6,000 per month would be suggested.
First-time candidates can receive an EP that is valid for up to 2 years.
Renewals can be valid up to 3 years.
Eligible EP holders can bring family members into Singapore on a Dependant Pass or Long Term Visit Pass.

Salary & Eligibility Requirements For Employment Pass (Individual)

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has tightened its requirements for Employment pass applicants. To be approved by MOM, candidates must meet the following qualifications:

All nationalities can apply for an EP
The foreign professional must have a job offer in Singapore
The position must be for a managerial, executive or specialist role
The candidate must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$3,600 per month. This applies to candidates who are new graduates of reputable universities. More experienced candidates are required to have commensurately higher salaries.
Candidates must have acceptable qualifications, usually a good university degree, professional qualifications or specialised skills.

Note: From 1 May 2020, the minimum qualifying salary will be raised from $3,600 to $3,900 for new applications. The salary criteria for older, more experienced candidates will also be raised in tandem. The new salary criteria will apply to renewal applications from 1 May 2021.

Company influences eligibility

In addition to the candidate’s qualifications, MOM will also evaluate the company applying for the EP. In examining a company’s contributions to the Singapore economy and workforce, MOM will consider the following:

How the company can affect the candidate’s chances
What portion of the company’s staff is Singaporean compared to the industry average?
Has the company shown a commitment to hiring and developing Singaporean talent?
To what extent does the company contribute to the Singapore economy and society?

Required Documents for individual

To apply for an Employment pass, MOM requires copies of the following documents:

The personal particulars page of the candidate’s passport
The company’s latest business profile or instant information registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)
The candidate’s educational certificates, e.g. degree certificate
Written consent from the candidate allowing the company or employment agent to apply on his or her behalf
Additional documents that MOM may request

Requirement to advertise the position

As a part of the Fair Consideration Framework in Singapore, companies must first advertise the vacant position on the Jobs Bank for at least 14 days before applying for an Employment pass.

Singapore companies are not required to post on the job board under the following conditions:
The company has 25 or fewer employees.
The position pays a fixed monthly salary of S$12,000 per month and above.
The job is to be filled by an intra-corporate transferee (i.e. those holding senior positions in the company or have an advanced level of expertise).
The job is necessary for no longer than one month.

What documents do I need to apply for an Employment Pass?

An EP Application Form 8, duly endorsed by the employing Singapore company
A copy of your latest resume and relevant educational certificates
References/testimonials from previous employers
A passport-size photograph of yourself, taken within the past three months
A copy of the personal particulars page of your passport
A copy of the business profile of the employing Singapore company
A detailed description of your job duties
A detailed description of the activities and/or products of the employing Singapore company

Beside the eight documents described above, you may have to supply additional supporting documents as needed. You will also need to have any non-English documents officially translated into English.

How do I know if my Employment Pass has been approved, and how do I collect it?

When your Employment Pass application is approved, MOM will send an In-Principle-Approval (IPA) letter to the employing Singapore company’s address. The IPA letter is valid for 6 months from the date it is issued.

To collect your pass, you will need to come to Singapore and present a copy of the IPA letter, your passport, and any other documents that may be requested in the IPA letter. A one-time entry visa will be issued to you to enter Singapore and collect your Employment Pass.

Your IPA letter may require you to go through a medical test and produce the report when you collect visa. You may opt to do the medical test in an established clinic or hospital in your home country, or when you arrive in Singapore.

If you applied for Dependent’s Passes and/or Long-Term Visit Passes for your family, you can collect these at the same time.

Do note that all EP applications are not considered final until you have received an In-Principle-Approval of your application. Please do not make any prior relocation plans.

How do I renew my Employment Pass?

An Employment Pass renewal form will be sent to your employer’s registered address three (3) months before your EP expires. The renewal application should be completed and submitted to MOM at least four weeks before your EP expires.

If your renewal application is approved, your employer will receive an approval letter. You will need to visit the MOM office to collect your new EP.