Overview

Employment Pass (EP) is the main type of Singapore work visa issued to foreign professional employees, managers, and owners/directors of Singapore companies. There is no quota system constricting the number of Employment Passes that can be issued to a company.

Employment Pass is normally issued for 1-2 years at a time and renewable thereafter. An EP visa enables one to work and live in Singapore and travel in and out of the country freely without having to apply for Singapore entry visas.

Possessing an EP allows one to apply for PR in Singapore.

See also - Singapore Permanent Visa

Requirements

To be considered for an Employment Pass, the foreign professional must have a fixed monthly salary of at least S$3,000 and possess one or more of the following:

• Generally, a recognized Diploma/Degree qualification from a reputed university is expected.
• Professional qualifications
• Specialist skills
• Work related experience

The Ministry of Manpower evaluates each applicant on the basis of individual merit. Other factors which also play a very important role are:

• Salary of the applicant
• Age of the applicant
• Roles & responsibilities
• Reputation of the company
• Company paid up capital
• Applicant's current citizenship

Having a recognized educational qualification does not guarantee a successful EP application as the applicant is also required to satisfy other criteria such as relevant work experience and/or professional skills.                

Similarly, an applicant who does not possess a recognized educational qualification may not necessarily be rejected for EP if he or she possesses other compensating factors.

Procedure and Timeline

We submit all Employment Pass applications electronically to Ministry of Manpower as the application process is short, and subsequently you will also learn of your application outcome sooner. The process consists of the following steps:

• To obtain authorization code you have to submit an online application for new incorporated company. Upon submission, it takes about 7-14 days for Ministry of Manpower to send the authorization code.

• With the online submission of the application, it takes the Ministry of Manpower between 1-15 working days to process the application.

• After receiving the In-principle Approval notification, we will make arrangement for the collection of your EP.

Documents

We will need the following documents for submission of Employment Pass visa application in Singapore:

•     Resume or CV stating your educational and employment history
•     Copies of educational certificates and past employment testimonials
•     A copy of the personal particulars page of your passport
•     Photograph of the applicant

    * Any documents that are not in English must be translated into English by an official translation service.

Pass Types

There are three categories of Employment Pass: P1, P2 and Q1 Pass.   
The P Pass is for the foreigners who are seeking managerial, executive or specialist jobs.

• P1 Pass - for applicants earning a fixed monthly salary of more than or equal to S$8,000.

• P2 Pass - for applicants earning a fixed monthly salary of more than or equal to S$4,500 and up to S$8,000, and he or she possesses recognized qualifications.

• Q1 Pass - for applicants earning a fixed monthly salary of more than or equal to S$3,000 and he or she possesses recognized qualifications.

Passes for Family Members

All Employment Pass holders can apply for Dependent Pass and/or Long-Term Visit Pass for their family members.

Dependent Pass

Both P and Q1 Pass holders can apply for Dependent's Pass for their:

•    Spouse
•    Unmarried children under 21 years of age

Long-Term Visit Pass

P Pass holders can also apply for Long-Term Visit Pass for their:   

•     Common law spouse
•     Unmarried daughters above 21 years of age
•     Handicapped children
•     Step-children
•     Parents/parents-in-law

A Snap Shot

Once the application is approved, the Ministry of Manpower will issue an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter via email. The IPA letter must be produced after the collection of the EP at the Work Pass Division at Ministry of Manpower. An IPA letter is valid for six months from the date of notification of approval.

To collect your EP you will be required to present:

•     A copy of the IPA letter
•     Recently taken passport size photograph
•     Original passport with the entry embarkation cards
•     Medical exam report* (if the In-Principle Approval states that you require one)
•     Any other documents that are requested in the approval letter

* You can get a medical examination done in your own country through an established clinic/hospital or in Singapore. Most clinics in Singapore can provide medical examination and report within a day

Entry Visa into Singapore

If you are from abroad and require an entry visa to Singapore, your IPA letter will include a single journey entry visa. After your arrival in Singapore, we will make an appointment with the  Ministry of Manpower on your behalf for finger prints. Having completed the procedures, your pass will be ready in 4 working days.
You may collect the pass at Ministry of Manpower personally or authorize someone else to collect it on your behalf.

Employment Pass Validity

The validity period of an EP varies for :

•     First-time applicants - up to two years
•     Employment Pass renewals - up to three years

Rejection of Employment Pass Application

In case your Employment Pass application is rejected by the MOM, we will investigate why your application has been rejected. Based on the reasons provided by MOM, we will submit an appeal that will address the issues mentioned by MOM and also include additional documents, if any, requested by them. MOM will take a minimum three weeks or more to review your appeal.

Change of Employer

Employment Pass holders must apply for a new Pass whenever they change employers. There is no need to cancel the existing pass prior to application for a new pass. Ministry of Manpower evaluates each application for a new pass based on the applicant's qualifications, work experience, and employer credentials. A new pass will be issued once the old pass is cancelled.

Renewal of Employment Pass

Ministry of Manpower will mail an Employment Pass Renewal Form to your employer's address two months before your EP expired. You should submit the renewal application four weeks prior to the expiration of your EP. Once approved, the new pass is ready to be picked up at the Ministry of Manpower and your employer will receive a letter of notification.