Employment Pass (EP)
An Employment Pass or EP is a type of work visa issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower that allows foreign working professionals to live and work in Singapore, as well as travel in and out of the country without having to apply for entry visas.
Key Facts about the Employment Pass
Applicants must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$5,000* (*from Sept 2022 onwards), depending on their sector
Applicants must have an employment offer in Singapore
Applicants must work in a managerial, executive or specialized job
Applicants should hold appropriate academic qualifications (a university degree, or professional qualifications)
Applications typically take around three weeks to process
You can appeal if your application is rejected
Each Employment Pass application is reviewed on its merits. There is not necessarily a ‘golden formula’ to a successful application, although over time trends emerge around what makes a successful application. At C-Suite Workpass, we have an excellent track record of approvals and rescuing rejected applications. Leverage on our deep knowledge and experience working with MOM to enhance your EP approval. Get in touch with us today
Possessing an EP now helps in applying for Singapore Permanent Residence (PR) in the future.
Talk to an expertcontact usWho can Apply?
All foreign professionals managerial, executive or specialised job positions with the acceptable qualifications (i.e. recognised university degrees, professional qualifications or specialized skills) and experience may apply for an EP. A strong professional employment history and high salary may compensate for lack of education.
What are the Expected Remuneration Levels
to be Required?
The required remuneration level should commensurate with the applicant’s qualifications and work experience.
All
*except financial services
SGD4,500
*Increases progressively with age, up to SGD8,400 for candidates in mid-40s
SGD5,000
*increases progressively with age, up to SGD10,500 for candidates in mid-40s
Financial Services
SGD5,000
*Increases progressively with age, up to SGD9,300 for candidates in mid-40s
SGD5,500
*increases progressively with age, up to SGD11,400 for candidates in mid-40s
Source https://www.mom.gov.sg/
The above revised qualifying salary will apply to new applications from 1 September 2022 and renewals from 1 September 2023.
What are the Expected Remuneration Levels to be Required?
The required remuneration level should commensurate with the applicant’s qualifications and work experience.
All
*except financial services
SGD4,500
*Increases progressively with age, up to SGD8,400 for candidates in mid-40s
SGD5,000
*increases progressively with age, up to SGD10,500 for candidates in mid-40s
Financial Services
SGD5,000
*Increases progressively with age, up to SGD9,300 for candidates in mid-40s
SGD5,500
*increases progressively with age, up to SGD11,400 for candidates in mid-40s
Source https://www.mom.gov.sg/
The above revised qualifying salary will apply to new applications from 1 September 2022 and renewals from 1 September 2023.
How long can the EP be Granted?
Initial application can be granted for 1 to 2 years while subsequent renewals can be granted for up to 3 years, subject to the discretion of the MOM.
Costs for Employment Pass (EP)
and Related Passes
Employment Pass Application
Dependant’s Pass Application
Long Term Visit Pass Application
The above fees include:
Pre-Application Assessment
Government Fees
SGD2,860
SGD1,360 per Dependant
SGD1,360 per Applicant
Multiple Entry Visa
Up to 3 Free Appeal
Employment Pass Application
SGD2,860
Dependant’s Pass Application
SGD1,360 per Dependant
Long Term Visit Pass Application
SGD1,360 per Applicant
Pre-Application Assessment
Government Fees
Multiple Entry Visa
Up to 3 Free Appeal
What does the Process Look Like?
Before you embark on the Application Process, it may be beneficial to understand the 5 critical factors in a successful Employment Pass application
Complete the Self-Assessment Tool
This is to determine the minimum remuneration required by MOM, given the qualifications and experience of the Candidate.
Complete Employment Pass Application Form
Please note that the Form must be endorsed by the employing Singapore company
Upload Supporting Documents
Passport Copy (with at least 7 months validity)
Highest Education Graduation Certificates (i.e. Diploma, Bachelor or Master’s Degree)
Resume
References/testimonials from previous employers
Employment Offer duly signed
Additional information required:
If the Candidate’s graduation institution is not found on MOM’s institution list:
- Verification Proof Certificate from either Dataflow or Risk Management Intelligence (RMI) for Diploma and above qualifications.
Graduates from India:
- Complete set of transcripts or mark sheets.
Graduates from China:
- Verification Proof Certificate from either China Higher Education Student Information and Career Center (CHSI) or Dataflow or Risk Management Intelligence (RMI) AND;
Verification Proof Certificate from either China Academic Degrees & Graduate Education Information (CDGDC), for Bachelor Degree and above.
If the sponsoring company is a new company:
- 3 months Bank Statements of the Company
- Major Sales Contract or Sales invoices
- Tenancy Agreement, if any
Employer’s Notice of Assessment (NOA) from IRAS
Company letter explaining the need to hire a foreigner over a local Singaporean or PR
Business Plan (Our team can guide you further if this is required)
If the Candidate is required to provide verification proof of his/her education certificate, please note that the verification agencies charge a fee of SGD200 to SGD350 for verification reports.
Non-English documents must be translated into English. We are happy to assist with translation service. The service fee applies.
Advertise in Jobs Bank for 28 days
This is to ensure that the employing company considers all (local) candidates fairly.
However, the employing company does not need to advertise if it meet any of the following requirements:
Your company has fewer than 10 employees.
The fixed monthly salary for the vacancy is $20,000 and above.
The role is short-term, i.e. not more than 1 month.
The role is to be filled by a local transferee, i.e. an existing employee from your company in Singapore transferring to another related branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in Singapore.
The role is to be filled by a candidate choosing to apply as an overseas intra-corporate transferee under the World Trade Organisation’s General Agreement on Trade in Services or an applicable Free Trade Agreement that Singapore is party to.
Await Approval
Processing time takes between 4-8 weeks.
Sign Quotation and Make Payment
The Company will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) Letter from MOM. The Candidate must be in Singapore before the EP can be issued. The IPA provides the candidate with Single Entry Visa (if nationality required) to enter Singapore.
We will make an online appointment with MOM for the Candidate to appear in person at the Employment Pass Centre to take photo and register his/her fingerprints. The EP will be delivered to a preferred address (Employer’s Address or Candidate’s Residential Address, if any) within 7 working days. The Candidate will be issued a temporary EP Letter which allows the Candidate to work and travel in or out of Singapore while waiting for the EP card.
What Happens if My EP Application is Rejected?
If your EP application is rejected, you or your employer have three months to appeal the decision. This typically involves offering clarifying information and documents to MOM. An appeal process can take at least three weeks.
We recommend using our professional service to review your application and scrutinise the reason for rejection. We are able to craft an appeal to highlight the suitability and attractiveness of the candidate. Check out Common Reasons for EP Rejections.
We are at Your Service
At C-Suite Workpass, we have an excellent track record of approvals and rescuing rejected applications. Leverage on our deep knowledge and experience working with MOM to enhance your EP approval. Get in touch with us today
Frequently Asked Questions
As a company shareholder can I apply for Employment Pass?
If your company is less than 6 months old:
- If you hold more than 30% shares, you will be required by MOM to apply for the Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) instead of the Employment Pass (EP).
- If you hold less than 30% shares, you can apply for the Employment Pass.
If your company has existed for more than 6 months:
- You can only apply for the Employment Pass.
Does our company require a resident director service if we are applying for Employment Pass?
A company is required by law to have at least one director who is ordinarily a resident in Singapore. Your Company may use our Nominee Director Service on a temporary basis until your Employment pass is approved. As an EP holder, you may be the resident director of your company.
Can I apply for Employment Pass prior to incorporating my company?
No. Your company must be incorporated first before you can apply for the Employment Pass. Alternatively, you may apply for an Entrepreneur’s Pass.
Do Singapore work visa holders need to contribute to CPF (social security fund)?
No. CPF contributions are required only for Singapore citizens and permanent residents.
What are my chances of success with Employment Pass application?
The success of an Employment Pass application depends on the credentials of the company and the credentials of the individual candidate. As part of our service, we assess the profiles of the employing company and your profile as the EP candidate, and advise you if there are any gaps to be filled in before applying for the EP to ensure absolute approval of the EP application.
How do I renew my Employment Pass?
You may submit for an Employment Pass renewal within three (3) months before your EP expires. Renewal processing time may take up to 4 weeks. Please note that MOM does not send any reminder letter to your employer nor you. As such, it is pertinent that you note down in your schedule of your EP Expiry date to avoid the inconveniences of EP lapse.
Please contact us if you need our service.
Contact us
Our team of experts is ready to assist you
8 Eu Tong Sen Street
#14-94 The Central
Singapore 059818
T: (65) 6227 7269
WA: (65) 6536 5227
E: contactus@beaufort.sg
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