Can a PEP holder start their own business in Singapore?
No. The Personalised Employment Pass is not targeted at business owners or
independent freelancers, which means that PEP holders are not eligible
to start their own business nor engage in any entrepreneurial activity
in Singapore. PEP holders cannot be employed by their own company; the
PEP pass is only meant for foreigners who are employed by a third-party
employer.
Can a PEP holder work for multiple employers at any point of time?
Yes, a PEP holder is allowed to work for multiple employers at any point of
time as long as he is not listed as Sole Proprietor/Partner/Director in
an ACRA-registered business/company and shareholder of that
business/company. However, both the employer and PEP holder need to
inform MOM whenever there are changes or updates in their employment
status by using the Notification Form. Please bear in mind that the PEP
holder should only engage in multiple employment if this does not
violate any of his employment contracts.
Does a PEP holder need to leave Singapore after the expiry of the validity period?
The PEP is issued for a three-year period and is non-renewable. Assuming
the PEP holder has not obtained Singapore Permanent Residence status,
they will have to apply for an Employment Pass in order to continue
working in Singapore after the expiry of the three-year period. If the
Employment Pass application is not successful, the PEP holder will not
be able to continue working in Singapore on expiry of the three-year
validity period.
Does a PEP holder need to obtain approval from MOM when switching jobs?
No. It is not mandatory for PEP holders to obtain approval from the
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) when switching jobs. However, it is important
to note that PEP holders still need to notify and update the MOM on
their current job status. The notification must be sent within seven
days of the change in employment by emailing a Notification Form to the
MOM. The pass holder’s current and previous employers are also required
to notify MOM by emailing the relevant Notification Form.
Can a PEP holder apply for Singapore Permanent Residence?
Yes. PEP holders can apply for Permanent Residence (PR) provided they are
employed at the point of making the PR application. It is not necessary
to wait until the PEP expires in order to apply for Singapore PR. Please
note that the PR application is subject to approval by the authorities.
What is the minimum salary that a PEP holder needs to earn annually in Singapore?
All PEP holders who were EP holders are required to earn a minimum annual fixed salary of SGD $144,000.
What will happen if I didn’t meet the $144,000 fixed annual salary?
If the salary requirement is not met, your PEP will be cancelled and you
will be issued a Short Term Visit Pass, which will allow you to remain
in Singapore. In the event you decide to work in Singapore again, your
prospective employer must apply for an Employment Pass for you.
Can I get a multiple entry visa for the PEP?
Yes. You can request for a multiple entry visa at the time of applying for
the PEP. A multiple entry visa allows you to freely enter and leave
Singapore during the validity period of your PEP.
What happens if I do not find a job for more than 6 months?
The PEP only allows you to stay up to a maximum period of 6 continuous
months without a job in Singapore. If you are unable to find suitable
employment within this 6-month period, your PEP will be cancelled.
Who will sponsor my PEP and the Dependant’s Pass for my spouse or children?
You will sponsor yourself and your dependents (spouse and children). No banker’s guarantee is required.
Why do I need to provide the details of a local contact person for my PEP application?
The MOM requires a local contact person (Singaporean citizen or PR, of at
least 21 years old) in the event of an emergency. Your local contact
person is not liable for your PEP application in any way.
