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Singapore Employment Pass
The Singapore Employment Pass, commonly known as EP, is a work pass for foreign professionals, managers, executives, specialists, and skilled employees who wish to work in Singapore.
For companies hiring foreign talent, the Employment Pass application process requires careful preparation. Employers should consider the candidate’s salary, qualifications, work experience, job role, COMPASS requirements, fair hiring requirements, supporting documents, and MOM application process.
This guide explains the key areas of Singapore Employment Pass applications and how proper support can help employers reduce delays and improve application readiness.
At a Glance: Singapore Employment Pass
Work pass for foreign professionals
Salary requirement review
COMPASS assessment
Fair hiring consideration
Application document support
MOM application guidance
Key Areas of Employment Pass Application
Understand the key requirements involved when applying for a Singapore Employment Pass.
What is an Employment Pass?
An Employment Pass allows eligible foreign professionals to work in Singapore.
The EP is commonly used for managerial, executive, specialist, and professional roles. Before applying, employers should check whether the candidate meets MOM’s eligibility requirements.
- Checking candidate eligibility
- Reviewing salary requirement
- Reviewing job role and experience
- Checking qualifications and supporting documents
- Considering COMPASS scoring requirements
- Preparing the EP application
- Submitting the application through MOM eService
- Issuing the pass after approval
Employment Pass Eligibility
EP eligibility depends on salary, job role, qualifications, experience, company profile, and MOM requirements.
Employers should use MOM’s Self-Assessment Tool before applying. If the tool shows that the candidate does not qualify, the application should not be submitted.
- Candidate’s fixed monthly salary
- Candidate’s qualifications
- Relevant work experience
- Job role and responsibilities
- Employer’s company profile
- COMPASS requirements
- Fair hiring considerations
- Supporting documents and verification
Employment Pass Salary Requirement
Employment Pass candidates need to meet the required fixed monthly salary threshold.
Employers should not look only at the minimum salary. The candidate’s salary should be appropriate for the job role, experience, seniority, and sector.
- Minimum qualifying salary
- Candidate’s age and experience
- Industry and sector
- Job seniority
- Fixed monthly salary
- Whether the salary supports COMPASS scoring
- Whether the salary is consistent with the role
COMPASS Framework
COMPASS is used to assess whether an EP candidate complements Singapore’s workforce.
EP candidates must first meet the qualifying salary and then pass COMPASS where applicable. COMPASS can be technical, so employers should review the candidate and company profile before submission.
- Salary benchmark
- Qualifications
- Diversity in the employer’s workforce
- Support for local employment
- Bonus criteria, where applicable
- Whether the candidate is exempted from COMPASS
Fair Consideration Framework
Employers must fairly consider local jobseekers before applying for an Employment Pass.
Employers are generally required to advertise the job opening on MyCareersFuture before applying for an Employment Pass, unless an exemption applies.
- Whether job advertising is required
- Whether the advertisement is properly published
- Whether the job advertisement is fair and non-discriminatory
- Whether applicants are considered fairly
- Whether an exemption applies
- Whether hiring records are properly maintained
Employment Pass Application Process
Employment Pass applications are submitted online by the employer or appointed employment agent.
Candidates do not need to be in Singapore when the employer submits the EP application. Most online applications are processed or given an update within 10 business days.
- Obtain written consent from the candidate
- Complete candidate information form
- Prepare required supporting documents
- Submit the EP application through MOM eService
- Monitor application status
- Receive in-principle approval, if approved
- Arrange pass issuance
- Set up the digital work pass
Why This Matters
Poor Employment Pass preparation can lead to application delays, rejection risk, hiring delays, document issues, and unnecessary work pass compliance stress.
- Eligibility not checked
- Salary requirement issues
- Weak job description
- Missing supporting documents
- COMPASS score issues
- Fair hiring requirement issues
- MOM clarification delays
- Work pass compliance stress
Need Help Managing
Company Compliance?
Frequently Asked Questions
A Singapore Employment Pass is a work pass for eligible foreign professionals, managers, executives, specialists, and skilled employees who are employed to work in Singapore.
The employer or an appointed employment agent usually applies for the Employment Pass. Candidates do not apply for the pass directly as individuals.
MOM states that Employment Pass candidates need to earn at least S$5,600 per month. The qualifying salary generally increases with age and may differ by sector.
COMPASS is the Complementarity Assessment Framework used for Employment Pass applications. It assesses areas such as salary, qualifications, diversity, support for local employment, and bonus criteria where applicable.
MOM states that online Employment Pass applications are usually processed or given an update within 10 business days. Some applications may take longer if additional checks or documents are required.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or tax advice.
Please seek for professional advice for your specification situation.
