Employment Pass (EP) Cancelled: How Long Can You Stay in Singapore?

For many, starting a new life in Singapore is a dream. For the “highly skilled, highly educated, and high-income” elite holding an Employment Pass (EP), this dream seems even closer. After working in Singapore for two years, EP holders can begin to apply for Permanent Residency (PR). Of course, this also depends on personal background, professional skills, social contributions, and settlement plans.

However, for those who give up this dream—whether voluntarily or out of necessity—does the cancellation of an Employment Pass (EP) mean they must leave Singapore?

Next, we will analyze this based on specific situations.

Reasons for Employment Pass Cancellation

Several main reasons for EP cancellation include:

(1) The job for which you came to Singapore on an EP is ending;

(2) You plan to resign from your current job and leave Singapore permanently;

(3) You have been laid off by your current employer and will be leaving Singapore permanently;

(4) You plan to switch jobs, resigning from your current position in Singapore to join a new company in Singapore;

(5) You plan to resign and start a business in Singapore;

(6) You have been laid off by your current employer and wish to find other work in Singapore;

(7) Your EP has been valid for two years.

Employment Pass Cancellation Process

Who Can Cancel an EP?

The employer or an authorized immigration agency can apply to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to initiate the cancellation of an EP, which can be done both online and offline. Once the application is initiated, MOM will automatically approve the cancellation of the Singapore EP.

When Can an EP be Cancelled?

Generally, an employer will initiate the cancellation of the Employment Pass within one week after the employee gives notice of resignation. The cancellation application can be submitted up to 14 days in advance. For example, if you wish to cancel your EP on January 15, you can submit the application starting from January 1. Individuals who become Singapore Permanent Residents do not need to cancel their EP; it will be cancelled automatically.

What Documents are Required to Cancel an EP?

• Original EP card
• Travel document of the EP holder
• Passport
• Cancellation application form

Steps to Take Before Employment Pass Cancellation

1. Ensure the EP holder is notified that the pass is about to be cancelled;
2. Apply for tax clearance from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). The employer is responsible for submitting the IR21 form for tax clearance and withholding all payments due to the employee for this purpose;
3. Settle all outstanding salaries;
4. Before booking a departure flight, please confirm with the airline if there are any boarding requirements;
5. Confirm entry requirements for your destination.

After your Employment Pass is cancelled, you will receive a confirmation letter and be issued a Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) valid for up to 90 days.

Both the pass holder and the applicant will receive the STVP via email. The pass holder needs to present the STVP and a valid passport to the immigration officer when leaving Singapore.

Please note: Once a Singapore EP is cancelled, all associated passes, such as the Dependant’s Pass (DP) and Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), will be automatically cancelled at the same time. Therefore, Dependant’s Pass (DP) holders can no longer stay in Singapore and will also receive a Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) valid for up to 90 days.

Once the EP is Cancelled:

• The EP holder cannot continue to work in Singapore, even while waiting to depart.
• Please cut the EP card in half and dispose of it to prevent misuse.

Consequences of Overstaying

If a pass holder remains in Singapore after the 90-day period, ensure you have a valid legal status throughout your stay. Otherwise, you will be fined for overstaying.

The following are also criminal offenses:

• A foreigner remaining in Singapore after their visa has expired
• An employer hiring a foreigner without a valid work pass

Actions to Take After Your Employment Pass is Cancelled

After the EP is cancelled, those planning to leave Singapore permanently must complete a checklist of items. If you wish to extend your stay in Singapore, you will need to renew your Singapore EP.

For Those Planning to Leave Singapore Permanently

You must return your work pass and all other related work passes to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) office or mail them to MOM within 7 days of the cancellation date.

The EP holder must complete any remaining procedures within the remaining 90 days, including:

• Settling rent and security deposit matters;
• Closing accounts with any utility providers;
• Closing bank accounts, related credit cards, and insurance policies held by the departing individual;
• Paying all outstanding bills before departure;
• Notifying schools or organizations in Singapore that family members or children are part of.

For Those Joining Another Company in Singapore

Since the EP is sponsored by the company, if an employee changes jobs, the original EP will be cancelled;

Individuals who have already left their previous company must apply for a new work visa within 90 days;

Individuals who have not yet left their previous company can ask their new employer to apply for a new EP for them. The current EP does not need to be cancelled until the new EP is approved.

For Those Planning to Continue Working and Living in Singapore After Being Laid Off

You can continue to look for a job within the 90-day period. If a new work pass is not obtained after 90 days, you must leave Singapore.

For Those Planning to Start a Business in Singapore After Resigning

It is advisable to prepare an application for a Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) in advance;

We recommend choosing a joint venture, as Personalised Employment Pass holders cannot hold a majority stake in any company registered with ACRA.

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