Foreigners intending to work in Singapore must hold a valid pass (commonly known as a work pass) before starting work. If an employer wishes to hire a foreigner to work in Singapore, they must also ensure that the employee holds a valid work pass. For high-end foreign talent with professional skills and knowledge, the available types of Singapore work visas include the Employment Pass (EP), a special pass for entrepreneurs (EntrePass), the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP), and the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass).
For entrepreneurs looking to establish their own business in Singapore, the Employment Pass (EP) and EntrePass are two options to consider. In this article, we will guide you through which pass is more suitable, whether you meet the eligibility criteria, and how to apply.
Table of Contents
Employment Pass (EP)
| Pass Overview: | The EP is a work pass designed for foreign professionals (management, executives, or specialized high-level positions) in Singapore. It is typically issued to experienced professionals, managers, executives, or project specialists. |
| Validity: | Typically, an Employment Pass is first approved for a period of 2 years and can be renewed for 3 years before its expiry. |
| Advantages: | 1. An EP can be obtained through employment or by applying as a self-employed individual.
2. The EP application is not subject to a company’s “quota” and does not require payment of the “Foreign Worker Levy”. 3. Holding an EP also makes one eligible to apply for Singapore Permanent Residency. |
| Who Can Apply: | Must be applied for by an employer or an employment agent. |
| Application Requirements: |
Salary: From S$5,600 per month (from S$6,200 per month for applicants in the financial sector), with the minimum qualifying salary increasing with age and varying by sector. For EPs expiring on or after September 1, 2024, renewals must not only meet the minimum EP qualifying salary but also score at least 40 points on the COMPASS framework. |
| Education: | Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Older applicants who do not meet the educational requirements must have a higher salary and corresponding work experience and quality. |
| Quota: | There is no official quota requirement. Each application is reviewed by the authorities based on the credentials of the hiring company and the applicant. |
| Dependant Visas: | Dependant’s Pass (DP): Applicants earning a salary of S$6,000 or more can apply for a Dependant’s Pass for their family members. Those earning S$12,000 or more can apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for their parents. |
| PR Eligibility: | Can apply directly. Can also include family members in the application. |
Related Articles:
Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass)
| Pass Overview: | The EntrePass is a pass for entrepreneurs who wish to start a business in Singapore. Upon approval, the applicant must establish and operate a company in Singapore. |
| Validity: | The initial pass is valid for 1 year, with subsequent renewals valid for 2 years. |
| Advantages: | Provides the flexibility to start and operate a business in Singapore. Eligible family members can obtain passes. There is no Foreign Worker Levy and no quota restrictions. Holders are eligible to apply for Singapore Permanent Residency. |
| Who Can Apply: | The applicant can apply on their own. |
| Application Requirements:
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Additionally, there are requirements for the applicant’s innovative project, and you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
Private Limited Company Registration Requirements:
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| Education: | No specific educational requirements. However, the applicant must have relevant work or business experience, or an innovative business plan. |
| Dependant Visas: | Dependant’s Pass (DP): After meeting certain conditions, you can apply for a Dependant’s Pass for your spouse and children under 21. |
| PR Eligibility: | Can apply directly. Can also include family members in the application. |
Comparison: EntrePass vs. Employment Pass (EP)
| EntrePass | Employment Pass (EP) | |
| Submitting the Application | The EntrePass does not require you to incorporate your Singapore company before submitting the application (unless you choose to do so, in which case you will need a locally resident director until your EntrePass is approved). | The Employment Pass application requires you to first incorporate your Singapore company and then apply for the EP under the name of your incorporated company (the newly incorporated Singapore company must be at least 6 months old and active). |
| MOM Assessment Criteria | Approval depends mainly on the nature of the business, capital investment amount, applicant’s nationality, potential contribution to Singapore’s employment and economy, and past work experience. | Approval depends mainly on the applicant’s fixed salary (over S$5,600), position/title, educational qualifications, skills, and past work experience. |
| MOM Processing Time | The estimated processing time is 8 weeks or longer. | If applying online: processing is generally completed or an update is provided within 10 working days. |
Based on our past experience, the approval rate for the EP is higher than that for the EntrePass, and the threshold is relatively lower. However, this requires you to incorporate your Singapore company before your EP is approved and before you arrive in Singapore. To incorporate a company before obtaining an Employment Pass, you need to appoint a locally resident director (as you are not in Singapore at the time of incorporation, you are not eligible to act as one). If you have this need, you can contact our professionals for a solution.
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