Singapore Employment Pass

Your Complete Guide to Singapore Employment Pass in 2026

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.

For companies planning incorporate a company in Singapore, securing the right work pass for foreign directors or key employees is a critical step in operational setup and regulatory compliance. Whether you’re hiring international talent or applying for the pass yourself, understanding the latest updates, eligibility criteria, and application steps is  essential to ensure a smooth and successful approval process.

 

What is the Eligibility Criteria for an 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 the COMPASS Framework (stage 2) ?

Implemented in 2025, the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) evaluates EP applications in Singapore based on a points-based system. Applicants must score at least 40 out of 80 possible points across six criteria:

 

• C1 – Salary: Compared to local PMET wages 
• C2 – Qualifications: Recognised educational credentials from MOM’s updated institution list 
• C3 – Diversity: Contribution to nationality diversity in the company’s workforce
• C4 – Support for Local Employment: Company’s ratio of local PMET hires vs. industry peers
• C5 – Skills Bonus: Role listed on the updated Shortage Occupation List (SOL)
• C6 – Strategic Economic Priorities Bonus: Employer participates in eligible government economic programs

Candidates earning S$22,500/month or more are exempt from COMPASS entirely

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What is the Application Process for an Employment Pass in Singapore?

Here’s the step-by-step guide to apply for an employment pass in 2026:

• Step 1: Submitting the Application Through the myMOM Portal
  The process begins with the employer or an authorised employment agent filing the EP application through Singapore’s myMOM Portal, the official digital gateway for all work pass submissions. The application must include supporting documents such as the candidate’s educational certificates, employment contract, and company details. A non-refundable administrative fee of SGD 105 applies at this stage. MOM typically processes applications within three weeks, though complex cases may take longer.

• Step 2: Receiving the In-Principle Approval (IPA) Letter
  A successful application results in the issuance of an In-Principle Approval letter, a document that carries significant practical weight. Valid for six months from the date of issue, the IPA functions as a pre-approved single-entry visa, permitting the candidate to travel to Singapore to complete the pass formalities. It also specifies whether a medical examination is required upon arrival. Candidates should review the IPA carefully before departure, as it governs the conditions of their entry.

• Step 3: Arriving in Singapore and Meeting Entry Requirements
  Upon arrival, the candidate must present the IPA letter to the immigration officer at the port of entry. Candidates should ensure that overseas vaccination records are updated in Singapore’s National Immunisation Registry before departure, in line with current health entry requirements. Any medical examination stipulated in the IPA must be completed promptly after arrival. Delays in fulfilling these requirements can affect the timeline for pass issuance.

• Step 4: Completing Pass Issuance Formalities
  Within six months of the IPA’s issuance, the employer or employment agent must log in to the myMOM Portal, submit the required documentation, and pay the pass issuance fee of SGD 225, payable via GIRO, Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. Once MOM processes the submission, both the employer and the candidate receive a notification letter by email. This letter, valid for one month, authorises the candidate to begin employment and to travel in and out of Singapore while the physical pass card is being prepared.

• Step 5: Biometric Registration and Delivery of the EP Card
  Candidates whose notification letters indicate a biometric requirement must schedule an appointment at the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC) and complete fingerprint and photograph registration within two weeks of pass issuance. The original passport, appointment letter, and notification letter are mandatory for the appointment. The EP card is subsequently delivered to the registered address within five working days. MOM issues an SMS or email notification at least one working day before delivery. In the event of two unsuccessful delivery attempts, the card may be collected at the EPSC without a prior appointment after three working days.

What is the Process of Renewing Your Employment Pass in 2026?

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 the 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 the issuance of a Work Pass upon in-principle approval
• Filing of a 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 (2026 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 (2026)

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:

• Singapore’s Employment Pass System Operates Under Strict Scrutiny
  The Ministry of Manpower enforces one of the most methodical foreign worker evaluation frameworks in Southeast Asia, leaving little room for procedural ambiguity. Professionals and corporations entering this process without precise preparation consistently find themselves on the wrong side of a rejection notice.

• Falling Below the Minimum Salary Threshold Remains the Leading Disqualifier
  The Ministry applies the Complementarity Assessment Framework, known as COMPASS, which scores applicants on a points-based system that rewards competitive compensation packages. Candidates whose offered salaries trail the median wages of local peers in equivalent roles face near-certain rejection under this framework.

• Unverifiable or Substandard Educational Qualifications Trigger Immediate Risks
  Singapore’s authorities cross-reference declared academic credentials against an established list of recognised institutions, and degrees from universities that fall outside that register carry a substantial risk of disqualification. Fraudulent or misrepresented qualifications represent one of the most consequential grounds for rejection and can result in permanent bans from future applications.

• Employer Credibility and Business Viability Factor Heavily Into Each Decision
  The Ministry of Manpower scrutinises the sponsoring employer with equal rigour and a track record of compliance with local labour laws. Companies that have historically under-hired Singaporean nationals, carry regulatory infractions, or demonstrate insufficient operational substance raise significant concerns during the adjudication process. A well-qualified candidate attached to a financially unstable or non-compliant employer faces a materially diminished prospect of approval.

💡 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 exclude out-of-pocket expenses or reimbursement fees such as translation fee, issuance processing fee, any other fees payable to MOM, 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