Singapore
Immigration       

Who's It For?
‍The Employment Pass (EP) is the top-tier work pass that can be issued to foreign professionals seeking to work in Singapore. It's specifically designed for highly skilled professionals and business people of all nationalities who plan to work or do business in Singapore.

‍Key Aspects of the Singapore Employment Pass
All EP applications must be sponsored by a local employer.
Foreign individuals cannot apply for an EP until they have secured employment with a willing employer.
Only the employer or a licensed agency can submit the applications.
The current qualifying salary benchmark (SGD4,500 per month - typically for fresh graduates) has increased over time.
For more experienced professionals, senior executives, and mature foreign applicants, the salary requirements are higher and vary according to age and experience.
The initial approval period is usually 2 years, but it can be renewed before expiry, subject to certain conditions.
The salary threshold for sponsoring dependents is SGD6,000 per month for immediate family members and SGD10,000 per month for parents.
There are no quota restrictions for EP applications, and no levy is payable.
However, employers with more than 10 employees must advertise the job vacancy for 28 days on the government job portal, mycareerfuture, before any EP application can begin.
EP Holders can be shareholders, partners, and directors of local companies that employ them.
The EP is non-transferable. If EP holders want to change employers during their term of employment, a new application must be submitted by the new employer according to the approval rules in place at the time.
EP holders can apply for Permanent Residency after working for a number of years.

‍Foreigners Without Job Offers Can't Apply
‍The employer is responsible for adhering to all the latest government advisory and guidelines. For instance, upon arrival, successful applicants may need to complete a quarantine period, undergo a swab test to receive health clearance before proceeding with pass activation and starting work.More information is available at the Ministry of Manpower website.

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‍FAQ
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What is a Singapore Employment Pass (EP)?
‍A Singapore Employment Pass (EP) is a work visa that allows foreign professionals and business owners to work in beautiful Singapore. Remember that an employer needs to sponsor all applications for an Employment Pass. So, if you're a foreign job seeker, this is an important point to note before you approach an employment pass application agency to process your application.
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‍Who is eligible to apply for a Singapore Employment Pass?
‍If you're a foreigner with a job offer from a registered Singapore company and your salary meets the minimum requirements (adjusted for age), then you can apply! Do note that since 1 September 2023, employers also need to consider if they're eligible to hire foreigners on an Employment Pass based on the new COMPASS framework. This framework takes into account the diversity of foreign nationals currently employed and the proportion of local employees in the company.

‍What documents are required for the Singapore Employment Pass application?
‍To begin the process, you'll typically need your passport copy, verified educational certificate, and employment contract. The employer will also need to provide an authorization letter, an ACRA business profile, and data regarding the job posting results.

‍How long does the Singapore Employment Pass application process take?
‍The application and assessment process usually takes between 3 to 4 weeks from the point of submission. But before each application, some employers may need to post a job advertisement at My Careers Future for 14 days to provide an opportunity for local job seekers. If the applicant's education qualification needs to be submitted for consideration, an external accredited agency must verify it, which can take an additional 2 to 3 weeks.

What happens if the Employment Pass application is rejected?
Don't worry! Our service includes the appeal process too. We'll analyse why your application was rejected and work with you to draft an appeal letter arguing why your application should be reconsidered. We might ask you to provide more details and documentation about your business and hiring plan, including the candidate's background.

Can a business owner and foreign director of a Singapore incorporated company apply for a Singapore Employment Pass (EP)?
‍Absolutely! A foreign director can apply for a Singapore Employment Pass if they need to work or manage their company in Singapore. However, not all foreigners or businesses can be approved, so we recommend discussing the likelihood of approval with a work pass specialist before incorporating the company.

Can a foreigner holding a Singapore Employment Pass (EP) be registered as directors in other Singapore incorporated companies?
In general, an EP holder can't work or become director of more than one local company in Singapore. But, if there's a valid reason, the EP holder can apply for an exemption or a Letter of Consent (LOC) from Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM). MOM recognises that secondary directorship positions in related companies, like subsidiaries, can be critical to the EP holder's job role. So, EP holders may be allowed to take up such secondary director roles through a LOC. Even if the secondary directorship position is in an unrelated company, MOM may still grant the LOC if it's relevant to the EP holder’s primary occupation.

Why should we engage your Singapore Employment Pass application service?
‍Choosing the right consultant for your application is crucial to maximising your chances of success. Our partner is licensed by the Singapore Ministry of Manpower, and been helping people since 2003. Our team of expert consultants are well-versed in the latest rules and criteria for approval.

Do you provide support for Singapore Employment Pass renewal application process?
Yes, we're here to help! We can support you in renewing the Employment Pass for your existing employees. You can start the renewal application process 6 months before expiry, and we encourage you to start as early as possible.

How do we engage your service for Singapore Employment Pass application?
Just get in touch with us for a free, no-obligation discussion and assessment before deciding to engage our professional service. Once you've decided to work with us, we'll give you a list of required documents and a quotation for our fee for your acceptance and confirmation.

Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) – What's It All About?
‍The Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass is a standalone visa that doesn't require you to be employed or have a sponsor. You're free to pursue various career and business opportunities over the 5-year duration of the pass, and there's no need to reapply even if you change employers. To qualify, you need to be earning a minimum of SGD30,000 per month.

‍Highlights of the Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass‍

• No job offer or employer is needed to apply for this pass.
• It’s different from the traditional Employment Pass as it doesn't require sponsorship.
• The pass lasts for 5 years and it can be extended for another 5 years, subject to certain conditions.
• The spouse of the pass holder is eligible for a Dependent Pass, and can also apply for a Letter of Consent to work.
• Children residing in Singapore can apply for a Dependent Pass and have the opportunity to study in Singapore’s international schools.

Who Can Apply For The ONE Pass?
The Singapore Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) is a self-sponsored work visa. It allows successful applicants to explore various career and business opportunities over a 5-year period without needing to reapply when changing jobs:

• The applicant must be working or planning to work for a well-established company with a minimum monthly salary of SGD30,000. For a company to be considered well-established, it should have a market capitalization or valuation of at least US$500 million or an annual revenue of at least US$200 million.
• You'll need to submit documents in English proving your current income, background of your current employer, and your educational qualifications.
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FAQ

‍Who can apply?
‍This pass is specifically crafted for proficient individuals in business, arts, or sports from abroad who are currently earning a minimum of SGD30,000.00.

‍How long is the pass valid, and is renewal possible?
‍The validity of this pass spans five years, with the possibility of extending it for another five years, given certain conditions are met.

‍Do I need to be sponsored by an employer?
‍There's no need for employer sponsorship for this pass as it's self-sponsored. Moreover, pass holders have the liberty to be employed by multiple employers at the same time.
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Who Can Apply?
‍The Singapore Personalised Employment Pass is a special category work pass for foreign professionals seeking jobs in Singapore. It's self-sponsored, meaning applicants don't need a job offer or employer sponsorship to apply.

The Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is granted once to each individual and is valid for 3 years. It cannot be renewed. The criteria for approval are stringent, aimed at highly skilled and well-paid foreign professionals.

‍Key Features of the Singapore Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
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• The PEP is valid for 3 years and cannot be renewed. Before expiry, PEP holders must secure another type of work pass, like the Employment Pass.
• PEP holders cannot start a business in Singapore.
• PEP holders must be employed continuously during the validity period and notify the Ministry of Manpower whenever they change employers. If employment is not secured within 6 months of leaving a job, the PEP will be cancelled, and the holder must leave Singapore.
• PEP holders are not restricted to a single employer and can switch employers and industries.
• PEP holders can sponsor their legal spouse and children under 21 years for dependent passes and other family members for long-term visit passes.
• PEP holders are appealing to employers, who sometimes hesitate to hire foreigners due to the intricate work pass approval process.
• PEP holders are independent, so employers don't have to worry about securing work pass approval.
• This unique work pass has a high salary threshold: SGD 22,500.00 for new applicants and those upgrading from an Employment Pass.

Who's Eligible?

• Salary: For executives working overseas, your last monthly salary must be at least SGD 22,500. If you're an Employment Pass holder, you can upgrade to the PEP if your monthly income is at least SGD 22,500.
• Applicants must hold a degree from a recognised educational institution.
• Applicants must showcase a strong employment history and provide evidence of 3-5 years of professional experience in the relevant field. The skills offered by the applicant must be in demand in Singapore's growing sectors.
• Successful applicants can be unemployed for up to 6 months but must earn a minimum of SGD 270,000 annually.

Guide to Applying for a Personalised Employment Pass
A Personalised Employment Pass is a self-sponsored pass, which means you don't need an existing job or employer to apply.
Although you can apply on your own, engaging a work pass specialist can streamline the process. They can accurately fill out the necessary application form for you, without needing any consent from your current employer.

The following supporting documents are required:
a) A copy of your passport
b) A copy of your highest educational certificate
c) Evidence of your current qualifying salary via payslips and bank statements

The application process usually takes around 8 to 12 weeks.
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FAQ
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‍Who is eligible for this pass?
‍This pass is designed for highly qualified foreign professionals earning an equivalent of at least SGD22,500.00.

‍What is the validity period of this pass, and can it be renewed?This pass is valid for 3 years and cannot be renewed.

‍Is an employer sponsor necessary?
‍There is no need for an employer sponsor since this is a self-sponsored pass. However, pass holders must work for at least 6 months a year and cannot earn less than SGD270,000 within a calendar year.

Who Is It For?
Singapore Entrepreneur Pass (also known in brief by MOM as EntrePass) is a special and unique form of work visa aimed at attracting highly talented and skilled foreign individuals with an entrepreneurial background and track records to start an innovative, scalable and high value business in Singapore.

Key Features of Singapore Entrepreneur Pass (Entrepass)

• There is no minimum salary requirements for the Singapore Entrepreneur Pass or Entrepass Pass visa holder.
• While it is relevant, there is no emphasis on educational requirement of applicant.
• Have obtained funding and support from or collaboration with government agencies such as IMDA, A*STAR, Enterprise Singapore or Institutes of Higher Learning.
• You need not setup the local company until the pass has been approved in-principle.

Singapore Entrepreneur Pass
Eligibility Criteria and Requirements:
To qualify for Singapore Entrepreneur Pass, applicants must have an exceptional skill coupled with an entrepreneurial background and strong industry/business networks as demonstrated by some of the following:‍

• You have been or are being incubated by an internationally renowned incubator or accelerator
• You have strong industry networks and business contacts that are related to your proposed business.
• You have received recognition by a national body, recognised media publication or credible industry organisation for your professional, business or entrepreneurial achievements and track record.
• As a founder, you must hold at least 30% shares of your new company.
• You are willing to invest a substantial amount of money in a local company and have a track record in one of the following:
  a) Investing in and driving the growth of high value and highly-scalable businesses.
  b) Substantial experience (minimum 8 years) as a senior management professional or executive in a large corporation.
• Your area of expertise must be related to your proposed business.
• You have outstanding achievements or have received international recognitions/awards in your area of technical or domain expertise.
• You have exceptional technical or domain expertise in an area related to your proposed business.
• The entrepreneur applicant must submit a 10-page business plan. The business plan must contain ideas about the product and services offered, operational, financial and marketing plans and manpower projections for the next 3 years. The proposed business must add value for the Singapore economy, innovative, and show great promise for growth including boosting employment of local talent and professionals
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FAQ
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Who is this for?
The Singapore Entrepreneur Pass is targeted at foreign business owners / entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas and businesses that are backed by venture capitalist. In most cases, support from relevant government agencies is also a pre-requisite.

How Long is the Pass valid and can it be renewed?
This pass is initially valid for 1 year and it’s renewable subject to the new business meeting certain conditions including business spending and hiring of local staff.

Do you require an employer sponsor?
The company of the approved business typically sponsor the business owner as the director of his own company. There is no minimum salary requirement.

Who is the S Pass for?
The S Pass work permit in Singapore caters to mid-level skilled individuals from foreign countries. It offers Singaporean companies the opportunity to hire foreign technicians or skilled workers, as long as they earn a minimum salary of SGD 3,000. It's crucial that these foreign workers possess relevant skills and experience that would be beneficial to the company's operations. The S Pass is typically employed when suitable local candidates for these roles are unavailable.The S Pass bridges the gap between the lower-level work permit targeted at blue-collar workers and the high-level Employment Pass (EP) intended for highly skilled and educated professional staff.

Key Aspects of the S Pass Work Permit

• The applicant's employer should initiate and sponsor the application.
• This work pass category's availability depends on the sponsoring employer's quota and the settlement of monthly levies. The quota refers to the mandatory number of local employees a company must hire before they can sponsor a certain number of foreigners for the S Pass. Both the quota and levies undergo regular review as part of the government's broader strategies to manage the growing foreign workforce in Singapore.
• The starting salary for an S Pass application stands at SGD 3,000 per month.
• Applicants with a wealth of experience and skills may need to meet a higher salary requirement.
• The pass is usually granted for up to 2 years, after which it can be renewed subject to prevailing criteria.
• Employers have the option to sponsor the spouse and children of S Pass holders as dependent pass holders, as long as the S Pass holder earns at least SGD 6,000 per month.
• It's mandatory for employers to offer medical insurance and settle monthly levies for each S Pass holder.

S Pass Eligibility and Requirements
If you're an employer looking to hire via S Pass, you can engage an application agency, provided you adhere to the following criteria:‍

• Salary: The usual salary threshold starts at SGD3,000.00 per month, but this should align with the applicant's age, qualifications, and experience, as per local market salaries. A higher salary threshold applies to older or more experienced applicants to ensure fairness.
• Education: Applicants need to provide relevant trade certificates, diplomas, or other educational qualifications (in English) to support their application.
• Work Experience: Successful candidates should have relevant skills and sufficient work experience in the job they're applying for, along with an appropriate salary.

Employers should keep accurate records of the Central Provident Fund (CPF), a statutory pension fund contribution for all local employees. They should also regularly check the eligibility quota and S Pass application status.

The S Pass in Singapore is a work pass for mid-level skilled foreigners, sponsored by their employer.

Employers and applicants can check the S Pass application status at this link.
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FAQ
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Who is this for?
This pass is aimed at mid-skilled and supervisory level foreigners earning at least SGD3,000.00 per month. The minimum salary requirements vary depending on the applicant's age and job role.

What is the validity of this pass, and can it be renewed?
This pass is valid for 2 years and can be renewed subject to quota availability and meeting the renewal conditions.

Is an employer sponsor needed?
Yes. Each application requires an employer sponsor. The employer must hire a certain number of local employees before a quota becomes available. Employers also need to pay a monthly levy. They can engage licensed agencies that offer S Pass Application Service.