Singapore Employment Pass

Your Complete Guide to Singapore Employment Pass in 2025

Ready to launch your professional journey in Singapore in 2025? The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) remains a key visa option for skilled foreign professionals, managers, and executives seeking to work in one of Asia’s most dynamic economies. Designed to attract global talent, the EP opens doors to career growth in a city celebrated for its innovation, business-friendly policies, and high quality of life.

Whether you’re hiring international talent or applying for the pass yourself, understanding the latest updates, eligibility criteria, and application steps is crucial. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about the Singapore Employment Pass in 2025, ensuring a smooth, informed entry into this world-class business hub.

 

What is the Eligibility Criteria for Employment Pass in Singapore?

• Minimum Salary: As of January 1, 2025, the minimum qualifying salary for EP applicants is SGD 5,600 for general sectors and SGD 6,200 for the financial services sector. For candidates in their mid-40s, the threshold increases to SGD 10,700 and SGD 11,800 respectively.
• Educational Qualifications: Applicants must hold a recognized degree or professional qualification.
• Work Experience: Relevant work experience is essential, with a preference for candidates possessing specialized skills.

 

What is COMPASS Framework (stage 2) ?

Implemented in 2025, the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) evaluates EP applications in Singapore based on:

• Salary: Competitive remuneration compared to local standards.
• Qualifications: Recognized educational credentials.
• Diversity: Contribution to workforce diversity.
• Support for Local Employment: Commitment to hiring local talent.
• Skills Bonus: Possession of in-demand skills listed in the Shortage Occupation List.
• Strategic Economic Priorities Bonus: Alignment with Singapore’s economic priorities.

 

What is the Application Process for Employment Pass in Singapore?

Applying for an EP in Singapore involves several steps:

1. Submit an Application
   Employers or employment agents must submit the EP application via the EP eService portal, including necessary documents and a fee. Processing time is typically within 10 business days.
2. In-Principle Approval (IPA)
   If approved, an IPA letter is issued, valid for six months. The IPA serves as a pre-approved single-entry visa for the candidate to enter Singapore. It also states whether the candidate needs to undergo a medical examination after arrival.
3. Prepare for Arrival in Singapore
   Before departing, the candidate should:
   • Print their IPA letter.
   • Ensure compliance with the latest travel requirements.

   Upon arrival, the candidate must:

   • Present the IPA letter to the immigration officer.
   • Complete any required medical examinations.
4. Get the Pass IssuedWithin six months of IPA issuance of EP in Singapore, the employer or employment agent must:
   1. Log in to the EP eService and provide required information and documents and pay the required fee.
   2. Once the pass is issued, both the candidate and employer will receive a notification letter by email. This letter is valid for one month and allows the candidate to start work and travel in and out of Singapore while awaiting the pass card.
      
5. Register Fingerprints and Photo (If Required)
   If indicated in the notification letter, the candidate must:
   • Make an appointment to visit the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC).
     
   • Complete registration within two weeks after the pass is issued.
     
   • Bring the original passport, appointment letter, and notification letter to the appointment.
6. Receive the EP Card
   The EP card will be delivered to the provided address within five working days after fingerprint and photo registration or document verification.

 

What is the process of Renewing Your Employment Pass in 2025?

If you wish to retain a foreign professional in your organization beyond their current Employment Pass (EP) validity, you must submit a renewal application before the pass expires. As of 1 September 2024, all EP renewals must comply with the COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) criteria, making it essential to plan ahead and ensure your candidate meets the new requirements.

Key Information on EP Renewal:

• When to Apply:
  You can apply for an EP renewal up to 6 months before the pass expires. However, it is critical to submit your application before the current pass expires to avoid any disruption in employment.
  
  • For EP (Sponsorship cases): Applications can be submitted up to 3 months before expiry.
    
• Who Can Apply:
  Only the employer or an appointed employment agent (EA) is authorized to submit the renewal application.
• Renewal Validity:
  A renewed EP can be granted for up to 3 years, subject to approval and the candidate’s eligibility under COMPASS.

 

How 3E’s Singapore Employment Agency can Assist you?

• Assistance in completing the Singapore employment self assessment tools with MOM
• Pre-application information and advice on Work Pass
• Filing of Work Pass application
• Tracking Work Pass application status while under processing
• Liaise with Direct MOM officer in charge when necessary by 3E’s Singapore employment agency
• Responding to MOM’s request for additional information as necessary
• Arranging for issuance of Work Pass upon in-principle approval
• Filing of maximum of 2 appeals within 3 months from the date of rejection as per MOM’s guideline in case of rejection of Work Pass application

 

Passes for Family Members of Employment Pass Holders (2025 Update)

Family Member	Pass Type	Minimum Fixed Monthly Salary of EP Holder	Eligibility Criteria
Legally married spouse	Dependant Pass (DP)	SGD 6,000	EP holder must earn at least SGD 6,000/month
Unmarried children under 21 years	Dependant Pass (DP)	SGD 6,000	Including those legally adopted
Common-law spouse	Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)	SGD 12,000	Documentary proof of common-law relationship required
Unmarried stepchildren under 21	Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)	SGD 12,000	Legal documents verifying guardianship or custody required
Parents of EP holder	Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)	SGD 18,000	Higher threshold reflects greater financial responsibility

🔎 Note: Meeting the salary threshold does not guarantee pass approval. Applications are assessed individually by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

 

Common Reasons for Employment Pass Application Rejection (2025)

Getting rejected for an Employment Pass can be frustrating, especially when your plans to work or hire in Singapore are time-sensitive. Understanding why applications get rejected can help you avoid costly mistakes. Here are the most common reasons:

1. Failure to Meet the COMPASS Score
   As of 2024, all new EP applications are evaluated under the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). Not meeting the minimum required points across salary, qualifications, diversity, and support for local employment can result in rejection. 
2. Insufficient Salary Based on Role & Experience
   Applications that fail to meet the sector-specific minimum qualifying salary, especially for older or more experienced candidates, are often turned down. 
3. Inadequate Academic Qualifications
   If the candidate’s qualifications come from unaccredited institutions or don’t align with the job role, it may weaken the application. 
4. Employer’s Business Profile or Financials
   Startups or businesses with unclear hiring justification, low local headcount, or weak financial standing may face rejections due to perceived lack of stability or need for foreign talent. 
5. Incomplete or Inaccurate Documentation
   Missing information, inconsistent job descriptions, or errors in submission can trigger an automatic rejection from MOM. 
6. Lack of Local Job Advertising via MyCareersFuture
   Employers must show fair consideration by advertising the job to locals for at least 14 days, unless exempt under specific conditions.

💡 Tip: Before applying, ensure you do a pre-application review or consult an expert to improve your approval chances.

 

How 3E Accounting Can Assist with Your EP Application

With constant updates to Singapore’s immigration policies, getting an Employment Pass approved requires more than just submitting forms. 3E Accounting is your trusted partner in ensuring a smooth, compliant, and successful application process

 

Package Fee for Singapore Employment Pass Application

Packages Available	Fee (SGD)
Employment Pass application (including appeal process) ***	$1,000 (W/GST $1,090)
Dependent Pass application for spouse / children	$500 (W/GST $545)
Long Term Visit Pass application for parents / step children	$500 (W/GST $545)
Renewal of Employment Pass ***	$650 (W/GST $708.50)
Update changes with MOM (for each transaction)	$100 (W/GST $109)
EP eService account registration and/or revenue updating for nominee director clients (mandatory to update as stipulated by the Ministry of Manpower prior to work pass application)	$300 (W/GST $327)

* The fee quoted above are excluding out-of-pocket expenses or reimbursement fees such as translation fee, issuance processing fee, any other fees payable to MOM and etc.
** An additional fee of $200 (W/GST $219) will apply if you need our assistance to collect the pass on your behalf at 3E’s office. (Please take note that the pass must be sent by courier to a Singapore address).
*** This fee is for our existing clients or clients who engage the EP renewal service as a package with our other services

 

Related Guides:

Singapore Company Incorporation Services

Comparison of Work Passes – EntrePass vs Employment Pass

ACRA Singapore – Registrar of Companies

Human Resource & Payroll Services

Registered Address Services in Singapore 

If you are starting a business or moving to Singapore for work, we can make the Employment Pass application process simple and efficient. we have processed over 1200 successful work passes in the past and we can make sure the entire process is smooth, compliant, and MOM-approved.

Frequently Asked Questions