Singapore stands as a global hub for business and innovation, attracting top talent from around the world. Its strategic location, stable political climate, and pro-business policies make it an ideal destination for professionals seeking to advance their careers. A key pathway for foreign professionals to work in Singapore is the Employment Pass (EP).
Navigating the EP application process can seem complex, with specific criteria and documentation requirements. This guide is designed to demystify the process, offering a clear, step-by-step overview for both applicants and employers. By understanding the requirements, assessment framework, and necessary preparations, you can significantly improve your chances of a successful application.
What is a Singapore Employment Pass?
The Employment Pass (EP) is a work visa issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to foreign professionals, managers, and executives. Unlike other work passes that have specific quotas or levies, the EP is designed for qualified individuals who can contribute to Singapore’s economy and workforce.
To be eligible for an EP, candidates must have acceptable qualifications, relevant professional experience, and a job offer in Singapore that commands a qualifying salary. The pass is typically valid for one to two years for first-time applicants and can be renewed for up to three years. EP holders can also apply for passes for certain family members to join them in Singapore, making it a popular choice for those looking to relocate long-term.
How are EP Applications Assessed?
In 2023, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) introduced the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) to create a more transparent and holistic evaluation system for EP applications. COMPASS assesses applications based on a combination of individual and firm-related attributes, ensuring that EP holders are not only highly qualified but also contribute to a diverse and strong local workforce.
Every EP application must pass COMPASS by scoring at least 40 points. These points are awarded across four foundational criteria and two bonus criteria.
Foundational Criteria (Individual and Firm-Related)
There are four foundational criteria, with two focusing on the individual applicant and two on the hiring firm.
C1: Salary (Individual Attribute)
This criterion compares the applicant’s proposed fixed monthly salary to the salaries of local professionals in the same sector and age group.
- Exceeds Expectations (20 points): Salary is at or above the 90th percentile of local PMET wages.
- Meets Expectations (10 points): Salary is between the 65th and 90th percentile.
- Needs Improvement (0 points): Salary is below the 65th percentile.
C2: Qualifications (Individual Attribute)
Points are awarded based on the applicant’s educational qualifications.
- Exceeds Expectations (20 points): The applicant holds a degree-equivalent qualification from a “top-tier institution.” MOM maintains a list of these institutions, which includes the top 100 universities based on international rankings and other highly-regarded schools in Asia.
- Meets Expectations (10 points): The applicant holds a degree-equivalent qualification.
- Needs Improvement (0 points): The applicant does not have a degree-equivalent qualification. Experience can sometimes substitute for formal education, but this is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
C3: Diversity (Firm-Related Attribute)
This criterion evaluates the share of the applicant’s nationality among the firm’s PMET employees. A higher score is given to firms with a more diverse workforce.
- Exceeds Expectations (20 points): The share of the applicant’s nationality is less than 5% of the firm’s PMETs.
- Meets Expectations (10 points): The share is between 5% and 25%.
- Needs Improvement (0 points): The share is 25% or higher.
For small firms with fewer than 25 PMETs, the application automatically scores 10 points on this criterion.
C4: Support for Local Employment (Firm-Related Attribute)
This assesses the firm’s commitment to hiring local PMETs compared to other firms in the same sector.
- Exceeds Expectations (20 points): The firm’s share of local PMETs is at or above the 50th percentile for its industry.
- Meets Expectations (10 points): The share is between the 20th and 50th percentile.
- Needs Improvement (0 points): The share is below the 20th percentile.
Small firms with fewer than 25 PMETs also score 10 points by default on this criterion.
Bonus Criteria
Applicants can earn additional points through two bonus criteria, which recognize contributions to strategic areas of Singapore’s economy.
C5: Skills Bonus (Shortage Occupation List)
If the applicant’s role is on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL), the application receives a bonus of 20 points. The SOL identifies specific jobs requiring specialized skills that are in short supply in the local workforce, such as AI specialists, cybersecurity experts, and certain healthcare professionals.
C6: Strategic Economic Priorities (SEP) Bonus
Firms engaged in ambitious innovation or internationalization projects in partnership with specified government agencies (like the EDB or EnterpriseSG) can earn a 10-point bonus. This bonus supports companies that are actively contributing to Singapore’s economic growth and global competitiveness.
Exemptions from COMPASS
Certain EP application Singapore candidates are exempt from the COMPASS assessment. These include:
- Applicants earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500.
- Individuals applying as overseas intra-corporate transferees under specific trade agreements.
- Applicants filling a role on a short-term basis (one month or less).
These exemptions recognize high-earning professionals and facilitate short-term, specialized assignments that are crucial for business operations.
How to Apply for an Employment Pass
The EP application process is conducted online through the myMOM Portal. It involves several key steps that both the employer and the candidate must complete.
Step 1: Verify Candidate’s Qualifications
Before submitting an application, the employer must verify the candidate’s educational qualifications. If the candidate’s degree is from an institution in China, the verification must be done through official sources like the China Higher Education Student Information and Career Center (CHESICC). For qualifications from other countries, accredited background screening companies must be used. This verification ensures that the credentials presented are authentic and meet MOM’s standards.
Step 2: Advertise the Job on MyCareersFuture
Unless exempt, employers are required to advertise the job vacancy on the MyCareersFuture portal for at least 14 consecutive days. This requirement, part of the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF), ensures that local candidates are given fair consideration for the role.
Exemptions from the advertising requirement apply if:
- The company has fewer than 10 employees.
- The fixed monthly salary for the position is S$22,500 or more.
- The role is an overseas intra-corporate transferee.
- The position is a short-term role (one month or less).
Step 3: Submit the EP Application
Once the advertising period is complete and qualifications are verified, the employer or an authorized Employment Agency (EA) can submit the EP application via the myMOM Portal. The application fee is S$105.
The following documents are typically required:
- A copy of the candidate’s passport personal particulars page.
- The candidate’s educational certificates and transcripts.
- A detailed resume outlining the candidate’s work experience.
- Verification proof for educational qualifications.
- Any other documents specific to the role or industry.
Processing time is usually around 10 business days, but it can take longer if additional information is required.
Step 4: Issuance of In-Principle Approval (IPA)
If the application is successful, MOM will issue an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. The IPA allows the candidate to enter Singapore and begin work. It is typically valid for six months. The IPA will also specify if the candidate needs to undergo a medical examination.
Step 5: Medical Examination (If Required)
If the IPA letter requires a medical examination, the candidate must have it completed by a registered Singaporean doctor. The examination checks for general health and specific conditions like tuberculosis and HIV.
Step 6: Get the Pass Issued
Once the candidate is in Singapore and all conditions of the IPA are met, the employer can request the issuance of the Employment Pass through the myMOM Portal. The issuance fee is S$225.
Upon successful issuance, a notification letter is generated. This letter is important as it:
- Allows the candidate to travel in and out of Singapore while waiting for the EP card.
- States whether the candidate needs to register their photo and fingerprints.
- Is valid for one month from the date of issue.
Step 7: Register Biometrics and Receive the EP Card
First-time applicants and those whose last registration was more than five years ago must register their fingerprints and photo. An appointment must be made at the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC) within two weeks of pass issuance. The candidate must bring their passport, appointment letter, and notification letter to the appointment.
The EP card will be delivered to the specified address within five working days after the biometrics registration or document verification.
Your Pathway to Working in Singapore
Securing an Employment Pass is a significant step toward a professional career in one of Asia’s most dynamic cities. While the process is detailed, understanding the COMPASS framework and following the application steps carefully can lead to a successful outcome. By preparing thoroughly and ensuring all criteria are met, both employers and candidates can navigate the system with confidence.
If you find the process overwhelming or want to ensure your application has the best chance of success, consider engaging a professional immigration service. Their expertise can provide invaluable assistance, helping you manage the complexities and focus on what matters most—your future in Singapore.
