Are you planning to work in Singapore and wondering how to get an Employment Pass? Here is a comprehensive FAQ guide to help you understand the process and requirements for obtaining an Employment Pass, as well as information about the other work passes available in Singapore, such as the S-Pass, Entrepreneur Pass, Personalized Employment Pass, and Tech Pass.
What is an Employment Pass?
An Employment Pass (EP) is a work pass issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore that allows foreign professionals, managers, and executives to work in Singapore for a local employer. The EP is valid for up to two years, and can be renewed for up to five years if the employee meets the eligibility criteria.
Who is eligible for an Employment Pass?
To be eligible for an Employment Pass, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Have a job offer from a local employer in Singapore
- Have a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 5,000 (for applicants with a degree), or SGD 5,500 (for applicants working in banking and finance)
- Have relevant qualifications, such as a degree or professional qualification
- Possess relevant experience in their field of expertise
In addition, the MOM will also consider other factors such as the applicant’s age, salary, and qualifications when determining their eligibility for an Employment Pass.
What is the process for applying for an Employment Pass?
The process for applying for an Employment Pass involves the following steps:
- The local employer submits an application for the Employment Pass online through the MOM’s EP Online portal.
- The MOM will review the application and assess the applicant’s eligibility based on the criteria mentioned above.
- If the applicant is eligible, the MOM will issue an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, which is valid for six months.
- The applicant can then use the IPA letter to apply for a visa and enter Singapore.
- Once the applicant has entered Singapore, the local employer can apply for the Employment Pass through the MOM’s EP Online portal, using the IPA letter as a reference.
- The MOM will review the application and, if approved, will issue the Employment Pass, which the applicant can collect from the MOM’s office.
What are the other work passes available in Singapore?
In addition to the Employment Pass, there are several other work passes available in Singapore, each of which has its own eligibility criteria and application process. These include:
- S-Pass: The S-Pass is a mid-level work pass for foreign professionals, technical staff, and skilled workers who earn a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 2,300. The S-Pass is valid for up to two years, and can be renewed for up to five years if the employee continues to meet the eligibility criteria.
- Entrepreneur Pass: The Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) is a work pass for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start and operate a business in Singapore. To be eligible for an EntrePass, the applicant must have a business plan that has been endorsed by a recognized business incubator or accelerator, and must meet other criteria such as having a minimum amount of paid-up capital and having relevant qualifications and experience. The EntrePass is valid for up to one year, and can be renewed for up to five years if the business continues to meet the eligibility criteria.
- Personalized Employment Pass: The Personalized Employment Pass (PEP) is a special type of Employment Pass that is tailored to the individual’s qualifications, experience, and salary. The PEP is available to foreign professionals who earn a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 12,000, and is valid for up to three years