Work Passes

S Pass / Employment Pass / Personalised Employment Pass / Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass Singapore

Singapore provides a range of work passes and permits for foreign individuals seeking employment opportunities in the country. Each pass has distinct eligibility criteria, and it’s essential to determine which one aligns best with your circumstances to meet employment regulations.

Immigration Lab offers expert assistance throughout the application process for three types of work passes: S Pass, Employment Pass, Personalised Employment Pass, and Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass.

These are temporary permits that enable foreign individuals to work in Singapore. Those holding these work passes and aiming to establish long-term roots in Singapore can progress to the next stage: applying for Singapore Permanent Residency (PR).

All applications for these work passes are handled by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

For specific details on the work pass that interests you, please proceed directly to the relevant section:

• S Pass Application
• Employment Pass Application (EP)
• Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
• Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE)

S Pass Application

The S Pass caters to foreign employees with intermediate-level skills, such as associate professionals or technicians, possessing qualifications like a degree, diploma, or technical certificate. Typical sectors where S Pass holders are employed include manufacturing, construction, and various service industries.

Eligibility

• To have a job offer from a Singapore-based employer
• Earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$3,000 (as of 2022)
• The minimum fixed monthly salary for foreigners in financial services is S$3,500 (as of 2022)
• Proper educational qualification
• Relevant work experience

The responsibility for applying for the S Pass on behalf of the foreign employee lies with the Singapore-based employer or an approved employment agency. They are tasked with managing all paperwork and submitting the application.

Employers are subject to quotas dictating the number of S Pass holders they can hire, along with a monthly levy requirement for these employees. As per the current regulations set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the maximum number of S Pass holders a company can employ is restricted to:

• 10% of the company’s total workforce in the services sector.
• 15% in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, and process industries.

*Employers can calculate your foreign employee quota or check their company’s available quota through the Work Permit Online portal.\

S Pass Application: Step-by-Step Process

01

You will need to provide your employer with a letter of consent, affirming your agreement to work for them and granting them authorization to apply for the S Pass on your behalf.

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Your employer will then proceed to complete the online S Pass application form available on the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) website, ensuring that all necessary documents are attached.

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A processing fee of S$105 must be paid by your employer.

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Typically, it takes three to four weeks for MOM to process the S Pass application. Upon approval, your employer will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter.

The IPA letter serves several purposes in Singapore:

• It functions as a single-entry visa, permitting your entry into Singapore.
• It indicates whether you are required to undergo a medical examination in Singapore.
• It includes a checklist of documents necessary for your employer to apply for the issuance of the S Pass.

You will have a 60-day window from the issuance of the IPA letter to be in Singapore, complete any required medical check-ups, and collect your S Pass.

Documents Required For S Pass Application:

Your employer must ensure they have obtained the following documents prior to submitting your S Pass application:

• Completed S Pass Application Form
• Letter of consent
• Photocopies of the following:
  • Details page of your passport
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • Diplomas and other educational certifications
• Photocopy of your marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Letter of Support or registration from a relevant registration agency, accreditation agency, or professional body (specific requirements vary based on your profession)

S Pass Application Issuance Process

• Step 1: Upon your arrival in Singapore, your employer will access Employment Pass Online (EP Online) to initiate the application for your S Pass
• Step 2:Your employer will be required to furnish the following documents:
  • Details of medical insurance and work injury compensation insurance (for employees engaged in manual labor).
  • Information regarding your Short-Term Visit Pass or Immigration Pass.
  • Correspondence address for the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to send your S Pass card.
  • Embarkation/Disembarkation card.
  • Medical examination form (if necessary).
• Step 3: Submission of the S Pass fee amounting to S$100
• Step 4: Once the pass is issued:
  • Grants you entry to and departure from Singapore during the interim period before receiving your S Pass.
  • Specifies the necessity to register your fingerprints and photograph (if this is your first application for an S Pass or if five years have elapsed since your last registration).

Employment Pass (EP) Application

The Employment Pass (EP) is designed for professionals holding high-level qualifications, such as a reputable university degree or specialized skills, and are typically employed in managerial, executive, or specialized roles.

Eligibility

• Possession of a job offer from a Singapore-based employer.
• Engagement in a managerial, executive, or specialized role.
• Receipt of a fixed monthly salary of at least S$5,000 (as of 2022).
• A minimum fixed monthly salary of S$5,500 for foreigners in the financial services sector (as of 2022).
• Relevant educational qualifications such as a degree, professional certifications, or specialized skills.
• Relevant work experience.

Employment Pass (EP) Application: Step-by-Step Process

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Your employer fills out the online EP application form from MyMOMPortal and attaches all documents required for the EP.

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A processing fee of S$105 must be paid by your employer.

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The processing time for EP applications typically ranges from three to eight weeks. Upon approval, your employer will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter.

The IPA letter serves various purposes in Singapore:

• Acts as a single-entry visa for entry into Singapore.
• Indicates if a medical check-up is required in Singapore.
• Includes a checklist of documents needed for your employer to apply for the issuance of the EP.

The IPA letter grants you six months to be in Singapore, complete any required medical checks (if necessary), and obtain your EP card.

Documents Required For EP Application:

Your employer must ensure they have obtained the following documents when submitting your Employment Pass application:

• Completely filled-out EP Application Form
• Photocopies of the following:
  • Details page of your passport
  • Diplomas and other educational certifications
• Letter of Support or registration from a relevant registration agency, accreditation agency, or professional body (requirements vary depending on your profession)

EP Application Issuance Process

• Step 1: Upon your arrival in Singapore, your employer visits the MOM website to request the issuance of the Employment Pass.
• Step 2: Your employer provides the following documents:
  • Details regarding your Short-Term Visit Pass or Immigration Pass.
  • Correspondence address for MOM to mail your Employment Pass card.
  • Embarkation/Disembarkation card.
• Step 3: Payment of the EP issuance fee of S$225 / S$255
• Step 4: Once MOM has issued the pass, your employer will receive a notification letter that:
  • Grants you entry to and exit from Singapore while waiting to receive your Employment Pass.
  • Indicates if you need to register your fingerprints and photograph.

Please note that older and more experienced applicants may require higher salaries to be eligible for both S Pass and EP applications.

MOM provides a self-assessment tool to determine your eligibility for an S Pass or EP application, whether for a new application or pass renewal. You’ll need to provide various details, such as:

• Employment Sector
• Fixed Monthly Salary

• Nationality/Citizenship
• Total Work Experience

• Relevant Work Experience
• Educational Qualifications

After completing the online form, you’ll receive an assessment result indicating your qualification based on the provided information.

*For employers, it’s essential to consider all candidates fairly under the Fair Consideration Framework before applying for an S Pass or EP. This involves advertising the job on MyCareersFuture and fairly consider all job applicants. Please refer to the job advertisement requirements outlined by MOM.

Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) Application

The Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) application caters to a specialized group of overseas foreign professionals or high-earning Employment Pass (EP) holders, offering a non-renewable pass with distinct advantages.

Possession of the PEP entails a significantly higher income requirement and is subject to stringent reviewing standards among all passes. If you seek a work pass that affords flexibility across employers, pursuing a Personalised Employment Pass application presents an ideal solution.

Moreover, this pass grants the freedom to switch jobs in Singapore without the need for re-application for an entry visa, provided there hasn’t been a period of unemployment exceeding six months.

Eligibility

• Overseas foreign professionals must have had a last drawn fixed monthly salary overseas of at least S$18,000 within the six months preceding the application.
• Existing EP holders must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$12,000.

Additional eligibility criteria include:

• Not engaging as a freelancer without a Singapore employer.
• Not having obtained an EP via a Sponsored scheme (for EP holders).
• Not holding sole shareholding partnership, proprietorship, or directorship in any Singapore-registered company.
• Profession not classified as journalist, editor, sub-editor, or producer.

To retain this pass, the following conditions apply:

• Ensure unemployment in Singapore does not exceed six months at any time; otherwise, the pass must be canceled.
• Maintain a fixed annual salary of at least S$144,000, irrespective of the employment duration within the calendar year.

Personalised Employment Pass Application: Step-By-Step Process

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Initiate the PEP application online through the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) e-services portal or a designated agency.

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Remit the processing fee of S$105 via PayNow or telegraphic transfer (if PayNow is unavailable).

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Processing of the PEP application typically takes around eight weeks. Upon approval, an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter will be issued, granting you six months to enter Singapore and have the pass issued.

Documents Required For PEP Application:

• Fully completed PEP Application Form
• Passport details
• Salary documentation (for the preceding six months)
• Employment offer letter (if applicable)
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Latest income tax statement

Overseas Networks and Expertise (ONE) Pass Application

The ONE Pass application is tailored for top-tier professionals in business, arts and culture, sports, academia, and research, offering unique advantages unavailable with other passes.

The ONE Pass stands out from the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) as it allows pass holders to establish and operate multiple companies in Singapore. Valid for five years and renewable, this pass appeals to individuals seeking entrepreneurial flexibility.

Eligibility

• Maintain a consistent monthly salary of no less than S$30,000, or its equivalent in foreign currency, over the past year; or
• Anticipate a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 from a prospective employer situated in Singapore.
• Possess a minimum one-year employment history with an established company, either ongoing or planned, in Singapore.

* Note: The minimum fixed monthly salary of S$30,000 should be sourced from one employer.

Alternatively, foreign individuals with remarkable achievements in fields such as arts and culture, sports, academics, and research may qualify for the ONE Pass without satisfying the aforementioned criteria.

The ONE Pass application caters to foreign professionals who have demonstrated significant accomplishments in scientific or academic research, exhibiting a track record of notable outcomes from their research endeavors, which may encompass international acknowledgment of their leadership in scientific or academic realms.

For consideration under the outstanding achievement track pertaining to academia and research, applicants must furnish a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing their academic qualifications, professional background, achievements, and endorsements from a regional host research institution (such as Autonomous Universities or A*STAR).

Moreover, current work pass holders in Singapore may seek eligibility for the ONE Pass if they have accrued at least one year of employment in Singapore or can provide evidence of future employment with an established company.

The designated company must possess a market capitalization or valuation of no less than US$500 million or generate an annual revenue of at least US$200 million in Singapore.

ONE Pass Application: Step-By-Step Process

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Submit the ONE Pass application online via the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) portal.

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Remit the processing fee of S$105 using Credit Card (VISA, MasterCard, AMEX), NETS, or CashCard. Note: An additional fee of S$225 applies for card issuance.

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The processing period for the ONE Pass application typically lasts approximately four weeks. Upon approval, an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter is issued, granting you six months to enter Singapore and complete the pass issuance process.

Documents Required For ONE Pass Application:

Mandatory for all eligible applicants: Passport details page, along with specific documents tailored to each category of eligibility.

Please note: An explanatory letter and supporting documents may be required if there are discrepancies in the applicant’s name across documents.

A. Applicants with a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$30,000 in Singapore in the past year:

• 12 months’ consecutive monthly payslips
• Latest tax statements from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore
• Documentation supporting additional income sources (if applicable)

B. Applicants with a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$30,000 earned overseas in the past year:

• 12 months’ consecutive monthly payslips
• Employment verification from a background screening company
• Documentation supporting additional income sources (if applicable)
• Documentation indicating the latest company valuation, market capitalization, or annual revenue from specified sources (Pitchbook, Yahoo Finance, etc.)

C. Applicants anticipating a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$30,000 under a prospective employer in Singapore:

• Employment contract with a Singapore organization or letter of offer from a prospective employer
• Documentation indicating the prospective company’s valuation, market capitalization, or annual revenue from specified sources

D. Applicants with outstanding achievements in arts and culture, sports, or academia and research:

• Payslips from the latest month
• Documentation supporting additional income sources (if applicable)
• Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting key achievements
• For academia and research applicants: List of significant publications, patents, or technology disclosures in the past five years, along with a recommendation from a local host institution