Employment Pass Singapore
Apply for a Singapore Employment Pass with COMPASS scoring, salary benchmarking and full MOM submission handled for you whether you're an employer, a foreign professional, or a business owner sponsoring your own pass.
What Is an Employment Pass?
The Employment Pass (EP) is Singapore's work visa for foreign professionals in managerial, executive, and specialist roles. It is issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and applied for by a Singapore-registered company — not the individual.
This includes business owners. If you have incorporated a company in Singapore, that company can apply for your EP, even if you are the sole director. Your role must be managerial or executive, and you must meet MOM's eligibility criteria.
Who Is This For?
Business Owners with a Singapore Company
Your newly incorporated company sponsors your EP application. We assess whether your company structure and role qualify, then manage the submission.
Companies Hiring Foreign Professionals
We assess candidate eligibility, prepare the full application, and handle submission on your behalf.
Foreign Professionals
Your employer applies on your behalf. We work with both parties to keep the process clean and on track.
Requirements
Eligibility at a Glance
Three criteria apply to all applicants.
Criteria 1
Salary
Your fixed monthly salary must meet MOM's minimum threshold. For business owners, this salary must be paid by the company.
| Sector | From 1 Jan 2025 | From 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| General | S$5,600/month | S$6,000/month |
| Financial Services | S$6,200/month | S$6,600/month |
after aged 45 and above. Thresholds increase with age, up to S$10,700/month for applicants aged 45 and above. "Renewal applications from 2028 will follow the 2027 benchmarks.
Criteria 2
Qualifications
A recognised degree, professional qualification, or strong relevant experience in a specialist, managerial, or executive role. The job scope must match the company's business activities.
Criteria 3
COMPASS
Most applications go through COMPASS — MOM's points-based assessment. A minimum of 40 points is required across four criteria.
C1Salary relative to local PMET benchmarks in your sector and age group | C3Diversity of nationalities within your company |
C2Qualifications and institution ranking | C4Local employment support — your company’s track record of hiring locals |
For business owners: C3 and C4 are assessed at the company level. A newly incorporated company with limited hiring history may score lower here — something we factor into our upfront assessment. Bonus points apply if the role is on MOM's shortage occupation list. Some applicants are exempt from COMPASS entirely.
Preparation
Documents Required
We review everything before submission to avoid MOM queries slowing things down.
From the Company | From the Applicant |
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How It Works
The Application Process
The company — or an appointed agent — submits the application, not the individual.
1.Eligibility AssessmentIncluding COMPASS scoring and company structure review | 2.Document PreparationFull review and verification before MOM submission | 3.SubmissionVia EP Online using CorpPass on your behalf | 4.MOM ProcessingTypically 3–8 weeks. We handle any queries raised |
5.IPA IssuedIn-Principle Approval received from MOM | 6.Medical ExamIf required by MOM for the applicant | 7.Pass IssuanceFingerprint and photo registration at MOM | 8.EP Card ReceivedWithin 4–7 working days of registration |
Compliance
Your Obligations After Approval
The sponsoring company — whether it employs foreign staff or is the business owner's own entity — carries ongoing responsibilities.
— Pay the declared salary accurately and on time
— Notify MOM of changes to role, salary, location, or company structure
— Ensure the EP holder works in the declared role
— Maintain fair hiring practices under the Fair Consideration Framework
— Provide mandatory medical insurance (effective 2025)
— Keep employment records for at least two years
Business owners: if your company undergoes significant changes — new shareholders, revised business activity, or a change in your role — MOM must be notified. This directly affects your EP status.
Ongoing
Renewals
EP renewals open six months before expiry. MOM reassesses the application — COMPASS scoring, salary, and the company's compliance record all come into play. From 2028, updated salary thresholds apply to all renewal applications.
For business owners: MOM will also look at the company's continued activity and your ongoing role in the business at renewal. We recommend starting 3–4 months before expiry.
Exit
When Employment Ends
Offboarding has its own regulatory steps — missing them can lead to penalties.
— File IR21 tax clearance with IRAS
— Withhold all payments until IRAS clearance is issued
— Cancel the EP with MOM
— A 30-day Short-Term Visit Pass is typically issued upon cancellation
Business owners closing their company or stepping down: we can coordinate EP cancellation alongside your ACRA obligations for a clean exit.
Why HCCS
HC Consultancy is led by a corporate lawyer. When we handle your EP application, we are advising you on the legal, tax and compliance implications — not just processing paperwork.
We work with business owners applying through their own company and with established companies bringing in foreign talent. In both cases, our process is the same: a thorough upfront assessment, clean documentation, and active management through to approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for an EP through my own Singapore company?
Yes. Your incorporated company can sponsor your application if you hold a managerial or executive role and meet the salary and COMPASS requirements. We assess your company’s suitability before submitting.
What if the application is rejected?
MOM allows appeals. We review the reasons carefully and advise on the strongest grounds before resubmitting. For business owners, a rejection often points to how the company’s operations or the applicant’s role were described — which we can address in the appeal.
Is there a quota for EP holders?
MOM charges a S$105 application fee and a S$225 issuance fee, plus S$30 for a Multiple Journey Visa where required. There is no foreign-worker levy on Employment Pass holders. Professional fees for eligibility assessment and application handling are separate.
Can EP holders bring their family?
EP holders earning at least S$6,000/month can apply for a Dependant’s Pass for their spouse and children under 21. Long-Term Visit Passes are available for parents and other dependants.
What is the difference between an EP and an EntrePass?
Both serve foreign entrepreneurs. The EP is applied for by your Singapore company and suits business owners with an incorporated entity and a qualifying role. The EntrePass is for those starting a new business here and is assessed differently. We can advise which route fits your situation.
How much does an Employment Pass cost?
How long does an Employment Pass take to process?
Most complete online applications are processed within a few weeks; applications that require further review, or are filed manually for companies without a Singapore office, take longer — typically up to 8 weeks.
What is the COMPASS framework and how many points do I need?
COMPASS is MOM’s points-based assessment for Employment Pass applications. Most applicants need a minimum of 40 points across four foundational criteria plus two optional bonus criteria.
Am I exempt from COMPASS?
Yes, if your fixed monthly salary is S$22,500 or above, if you’re an intra-corporate transferee under an applicable trade agreement, or if the role is one month or less. Most other applicants are assessed under COMPASS.
How long is an Employment Pass valid for?
An Employment Pass is typically valid for up to 2 years on first issuance and up to 3 years on renewal, subject to MOM’s assessment at each stage.
What's the difference between an Employment Pass and a Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)?
The EP is tied to your sponsoring company; the PEP is not tied to a single employer and suits high-earning candidates who may change jobs while in Singapore.