Singapore highly values tertiary education and bachelor’s or post-graduate degrees when it comes to issuing Employment Passes.

Generally, applicants with a Bachelor’s degree typically have an easier time being processed and approved. Additionally, having multiple certifications or degrees coming from reputable institutions, especially from a Singapore institution would also increase the chance of a successful application.

Candidates without a tertiary degree may still apply for EP, provided he/she has an excellent employment history and high salary. Each application is evaluated based on its own merits.

MOM also assesses the profile of Sponsoring Company. Companies that have been in operation for several years often have an easier time getting the EPs approved than startups, as they are perceived to have the liquidity to support manpower costs.

Newer companies will have to demonstrate to the MOM that they are able to pay salaries by having a large amount of paid-up capital.

As a guide, business owners looking to incorporate a company in Singapore and obtain an EP are advised to have a minimum paid-up capital equivalent to 6 months’ salaries.

Please note the MOM may request for the Company’s Bank Statement as evidence of the paid-up capital.

Under the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF), a company must post an advertisement on Jobs Bank at least for 28 days before submitting EP application, to ensure that the Company considers all applicants fairly.

The job posting ID issued by Jobs Bank will be required in your EP application later.

What should your job advertisement include?

• Job title and job description
• Job requirements (qualification, skills and experience)
• Salary range

When filling out the ‘salary range’ section, the minimum amount should be the indicative amount as per the SAT while maximum salary should not be more than 1.5-2 times of the minimum salary.

Example:  SGD5,000 to SGD9,000

Is you company exempted from posting an ad on Jobs Bank? (expand upon clicking the title) 

• You have lesser than 10 employees in your company
• The position you are applying for is paying a fixed monthly salary of S$15,000 and above
• The job is to be filled by an intra-corporate transferee (ICTs)
• Statutory board employees or employees in the civil service
• Your period of employment in Singapore is not for more than one month

In addition to the 5 factors mentioned above, the following factors may be considered by MOM in assessing the EP application:

• Age of applicant
• Roles and responsibilities
• The reputation of the company
• Applicant’s current citizenship