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Foreigners that are planning to work as an employee in Singapore need to apply for an Employment Pass (EP). This pass allows foreign professionals, managers, and executives to work in the country legally and take up employment with a Singapore-based company or organization. If you are unfamiliar with the employment pass application​ process and its requirements, do not worry. In this article, we will cover all the essential details you need to know about the Singapore Employment Pass.

What is an Employment Pass?

The Employment Pass (EP) is a work visa from the Singapore government that allows foreign professionals, managers, and executives to work legally in the country. Its role is to facilitate the entry and employment of highly skilled foreign workers who can contribute to Singapore’s economy and workforce.

The Employment Pass is typically valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on the applicant’s qualifications and job scope. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) determines the validity period during the application process.

Eligibility for an Employment Pass

To be eligible for an Employment Pass in Singapore, there are two main stages that applicants need to meet:

Qualifying Salary Requirement (Stage 1)

The first stage involves meeting the qualifying salary requirement set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The minimum qualifying salary is based on various factors, such as age and sector.. As of 2025 Jan, the minimum qualifying salary for new employment pass application​s is:

• S$5,600 for applicants  at or under 23 years old in non-financial sectors
• S$6,200 for applicants at or under 23 years old in financial sectors

Understanding COMPASS (Stage 2)

The second stage involves meeting the requirements of the COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework), which evaluates the applicant’s qualifications, work experience, and contributions to Singapore’s economy and workforce. COMPASS assesses candidates based on four key criteria:

1. Salary: The applicant’s salary relative to the qualifying salary
2. Qualifications: The applicant’s educational qualifications and skillsets
3. Diversity: The applicant’s nationality contributes to the company’s diversity
4. Support for Local Employment: Local PMET workforce share relative to industry peers

Using the Self-Assessment Tool

The MOM provides a Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) on their website, which allows potential applicants to evaluate their eligibility for an Employment Pass based on the COMPASS criteria. The SAT provides a score based on the information of both the company and the applicant, indicating the likelihood of their application being approved.

It’s important to note that meeting the qualifying salary requirement and scoring well on the SAT does not guarantee approval for an Employment Pass. The MOM considers various factors, such as the applicant’s job role and background, the employer’s business activities and the availability of local talent.

Fair Consideration Requirement

In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria for an Employment Pass, employers in Singapore must comply with the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) when hiring foreign professionals. The FCF aims to ensure that Singaporean candidates are considered fairly for job opportunities.

Advertising Job Vacancies

Employers must advertise job vacancies on the national jobs portal, MyCareerFuture.sg, and consider all Singaporean applicants fairly before hiring Employment Pass holders. The advertisement must be open for at least 28 calendar days before the employer can proceed with an employment pass application​.

Demonstrating Fair Consideration for Local Candidates

Employers must maintain proper records to demonstrate that they have fairly considered Singaporean candidates for the role. This includes documenting the hiring process, such as the number of Singaporean applicants interviewed, the reasons for not selecting them, and the criteria used for selection.

Documents Required to Apply

Regardless of the applicant’s nationality or qualifications, certain documents are required when applying for an Employment Pass in Singapore. These include:

• Completed employment pass application​ form
• Passport-sized photograph of the applicant
• Valid passport copy (with a minimum of 6 months validity)
• Academic certificates (degrees, diplomas, etc.)
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Relevant work experience documents
• Salary details or pay slip (if applicable)
• Job description and employment contract

Industry-Specific Documents

Next, depending on the industry you are aiming to work in, additional documents may be required. Here are the common industry-specific documents:

1. For Tech Professionals:

   • Proof of relevant professional certifications (e.g., MCSE, CCNA, PMP, etc.)
   • Copies of technical training certificates or qualifications related to the job role
   • Evidence of proficiency in programming languages or software tools required for the position

2. For Healthcare Professionals

   • Medical degree, diploma, or certification from an accredited institution
   • Valid license or registration to practice in the relevant healthcare field (e.g., medical doctor, nurse, dentist, etc.)
   • Proof of professional memberships or affiliations with healthcare bodies or associations
   • Transcripts or detailed course outlines for medical education and training
   • Letters of good standing or verification of credentials from previous employers or licensing authorities
   • Continuing medical education (CME) or professional development records
   • Specialty certifications or fellowships (if applicable)

3. For Financial Services Professionals:

   • Certifications relevant to the specific job role, such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), or Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)
   • Licenses or registrations required by regulatory bodies like the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) for roles in banking, insurance, capital markets, or asset management
   • Proof of membership or affiliation with professional associations like the Singapore Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF) or the Singapore Fintech Association (SFA)
   • Records of continuing professional development (CPD) or training courses related to compliance, risk management, or industry regulations
   • Transcripts or certifications for finance-related degrees, diplomas, or postgraduate qualifications from accredited institutions
   • Evidence of relevant work experience in the financial services industry, such as employment references or recommendation letters

4. For Engineers

   • Professional engineering qualifications or degrees from accredited institutions (e.g., Bachelor’s or Master’s in Engineering)
   • Membership or registration with relevant professional engineering bodies or statutory boards (e.g., Board of Professional Engineers, Institution of Engineers Singapore)
   • Licenses or certifications required for specific engineering disciplines (e.g., Registered Professional Engineer, Registered Electrical Worker, etc.)
   • Transcripts or detailed course outlines for engineering education and training
   • Continuing professional development (CPD) records or evidence of ongoing technical training
   • Proof of relevant work experience in the engineering field, such as employment references or project portfolios

How to Apply for an Employment Pass

Step 1: Verify Eligibility. Ensure that the applicant meets the salary and educational qualifications. Use the Self-Assessment Tool on the MOM website to check if the applicant qualifies.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents. Gather all necessary documents, including academic certificates, resume, passport details, and job offer or contract. Ensure industry-specific documents are ready, such as certifications or licensing for tech, healthcare, or financial roles.

Step 3: Submit Application via EP Online Access the EP Online portal on the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website. Fill in the required application form with accurate personal, employment, and educational details. Upload the necessary supporting documents.

Step 4: Wait for MOM’s Assessment The application will be processed by MOM, which usually takes about 3 weeks. During this period, the applicant may be asked for additional information or documentation.

Step 5: Receive Approval Notification Once the Employment Pass is approved, the employer and employee will receive an in-principle approval (IPA) letter. This IPA is valid for 6 months and allows the employee to enter Singapore if they are currently overseas.

Step 6: Complete the Issuance Process The applicant must complete the formal issuance process, which includes medical check-ups and biometric data submission by appointment and on-site collection, if required.

Conclusion

Applying for an Employment Pass involves meeting salary and COMPASS criteria, preparing the necessary documents, and submitting the application through MOM portal. Employers must comply with fair hiring practices, and applicants should be aware of processing timelines and potential requirements. Understanding the process ensures a smoother experience for both employers and employees.

Looking to simplify your employment pass application​? Let SIG Global guide you through the process with ease and reliability. Visit us today and take the first step toward a hassle-free experience.