The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) is a type of work visa designed for highly educated and skilled talents—PMETs (Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians)—to work in Singapore. The Employment Pass is ideal for international students and professional talents coming to work in Singapore.
Key Takeaways
- Who submits: only the employer or an authorised employment agency (EA) can file the EP application online — candidates cannot apply on their own.
- Core documents: passport bio page, the company’s ACRA profile, and verified qualification proof (a verification report is required under COMPASS; for Chinese credentials, use the CHSI online verification report of the degree or graduation certificate — not the enrolment report).
- Fees: S$105 to apply; S$225 to issue the pass after approval; add S$30 if a multiple-journey visa is needed.
- Timeline: online applications are processed or updated within about 10 working days; overseas employers without a Singapore-registered entity apply through a local sponsor (about 6 weeks).
- Rejection is not the end: you can file a targeted appeal within 3 months — MOM data shows 85% of appeals are decided within 6 weeks.
Table of Contents
Who Can Apply for a Singapore Employment Pass (EP)?
Employees of Singaporean companies who meet the minimum salary threshold and the COMPASS evaluation criteria, or entrepreneurs with overseas companies, can apply for an EP.
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What Documents Are Required to Apply for a Singapore Employment Pass?
- The personal particulars page of the applicant’s passport. If the name on the applicant’s passport differs from that on other documents, please provide valid written proof and supporting documents (e.g., a deed poll).
- The company’s latest business profile or up-to-date information registered with ACRA.
- Verification Proof Requirement: With the implementation of COMPASS, diplomas and qualifications declared to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) must be accompanied by verification proof. Employers must ensure the applicant’s educational qualifications are authentic and awarded by accredited institutions.
For example, CHSI (China Higher-education Student Information and Career Center) can provide online verification reports for higher education qualification certificates.
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- Required Documents and Requirements for Chinese Citizens Applying for a Singapore Visa – Xinhua Le Consulting Services
- The Most Complete Singapore Immigration Guide and Essential Information
Professionals such as healthcare professionals, lawyers, football players, or coaches also need supporting documents from their respective professional bodies.
| Profession | Professional Body |
| Dentist | Singapore Dental Council |
| Diagnostic Radiographer | Allied Health Professions Council |
| Doctor | Singapore Medical Council |
| Emergency Medical Technician | Unit for Prehospital Emergency Care |
| Football Player or Coach | Sport Singapore |
| Lawyer | Legal Services Regulatory Authority |
| Nurse | Singapore Nursing Board |
| Occupational Therapist | Allied Health Professions Council |
| Paramedic | Unit for Prehospital Emergency Care |
| Pharmacist | Singapore Pharmacy Council |
| Physiotherapist | Allied Health Professions Council |
| Radiation Therapist | Allied Health Professions Council |
| Speech-Language Therapist | Allied Health Professions Council |
| Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner | Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board |
Employees of food establishments need to provide a copy of the online page accessible via the QR code on the food shop licence issued by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA). The page should show the validity period of the food shop licence.
Note: For non-English documents, the original document and the English translation must be combined into a single file for uploading. The translation can be provided by a translation service provider.
What is the Application Process for a Singapore Employment Pass?
Employers or employment agencies (EAs) can submit applications online using the Employment Pass (EP) eService on the myMOM portal. The EP eService covers initial applications, renewals, appeals, issuance, cancellation, withdrawal, or replacement of work passes (for all passes except the Work Permit). Pass holders can also use the EP eService to update their passport and contact details.
Singapore Employment Pass (EP) Application Process
- Submit written consent from the applicant to apply for the Employment Pass. The applicant does not need to be in Singapore at the time of application; written consent is sufficient. (For companies not registered in Singapore: The applicant needs to find a local sponsor to submit the application. Processing time: within 6 weeks for most cases. It may take longer depending on individual circumstances.)
- The employer or employment agency (EA) fills out and submits the application form and required documents online.
- Pay the application fee of S$105 online via GIRO, Visa, Mastercard, or Amex. (Before submitting, ensure the company’s turnover information for the past 3 years is updated.)
- Employment Pass processing time: Processed or updated within 10 working days. The status of the pass can be checked online after 10 working days. If there is no result, check emails for requests for additional documents.
- If the EP is approved, a copy of the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter can be sent to the applicant. The IPA serves as a single-entry visa for the applicant to enter Singapore with pre-approved status. The applicant must enter Singapore and get the EP issued within 6 months of receiving the IPA.
- Applicants who receive the IPA letter will be notified if they need to undergo a medical examination upon arrival in Singapore.
- The applicant should print the IPA letter before departing for Singapore. Present the IPA Letter to the immigration officer upon entry. Complete all required medical examinations after arrival.
Necessary Steps to Get the EP Issued After Arriving in Singapore
The applicant must complete the following steps after arriving in Singapore to get the pass issued:
- Log in to the EP eService and provide the necessary documents;
- Pay S$225 via GIRO, Visa, Mastercard, or Amex, plus S$30 for a multiple-journey visa;
- Once the EP is issued, both the applicant and the company will receive a notification letter via email. The notification letter is valid for 1 month from the date of issue;
- Register fingerprints and photo.
Documents to be provided by the applicant include:
- Applicant’s passport details
- Applicant’s Singapore contact details
- Applicant’s current Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) or immigration pass details
- Applicant’s residential address in Singapore
- A residential or office address in Singapore for card delivery
- Details of up to 3 authorized recipients to receive the card (recipient’s mobile number and NRIC number, FIN, or passport number)
- The page of the applicant’s passport showing the date of arrival in Singapore
- Completed medical examination form or medical declaration form
- Completed declaration form (attached to the IPA Letter). It must be signed by an authorized HR personnel or employee in a managerial position from the company.
- Check the notification letter to see if the applicant needs to register fingerprints and a photo.
- The applicant must complete the registration within 2 weeks after the pass is issued.
- For registration, the company must book an appointment for the applicant at the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC). For the appointment, the applicant should bring their original passport, appointment letter, and notification letter.
Official Sources & References
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM) · Apply for an Employment Pass
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM) · Documents required for Employment Pass
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM) · Appeal against a rejected Employment Pass application
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM) · Key facts on Employment Pass
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM) · Consider all candidates fairly
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM) · Eligibility for Employment Pass
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM) · Self-Assessment Tool (SAT)
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