Work Passes & Immigration

Common questions about work passes & immigration in Singapore, answered by the team at E&H Corporate Services.

What types of work passes are available in Singapore?There are various types of work passes in Singapore, including Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, Work Permit, EntrePass, Personalised Employment Pass (PEP), and Letter of Consent (LOC).How do I determine which work pass is suitable for me or my employees?The type of work pass required depends on the individual's qualifications, job type, and salary. Employment Passes are for professionals, managers, and executives, while S Passes are for mid-skilled technical staff. Work Permits are for semi-skilled or unskilled workers in various industries.How can I apply for a work pass in Singapore?A service provider like Excellence Singapore can submit an application online through the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website. Some passes, like the EntrePass, require additional documents such as a business plan.Can you help with Employment Pass or S Pass applications?Yes. We manage end-to-end work pass applications, renewals, and appeals for the Employment Pass, EntrePass, S Pass, and Dependant Passes — including COMPASS assessment and salary benchmarking before you apply.How long does it take to process a work pass application?The processing time varies depending on the type of work pass and the complexity of the application. On average, it can take anywhere between 1 to 8 weeks.How long is a work pass valid for?Work pass validity varies depending on the type of pass and individual circumstances. Generally, work passes are valid for 1 to 2 years and can be renewed.What is an Employment Pass (EP) and am I eligible?The Employment Pass is Singapore's work pass for foreign professionals, managers and executives. Eligibility requires a job offer from a Singapore employer, a qualifying salary (at least S$5,000 from 2025, higher for older applicants), and acceptable qualifications — plus passing the COMPASS points framework.What are the EP eligibility requirements?You need: a confirmed job in Singapore, minimum salary of S$5,000 (S$5,600 from Jan 2026) — higher for more experienced applicants — acceptable qualifications (degree or professional certification), and a COMPASS score of at least 40 points.What is the EP minimum salary in 2026 and 2027?2026: S$5,600/month (most sectors) / S$6,200/month (financial services). From 1 Jan 2027: S$6,000/month (most sectors) / S$6,600/month (financial services).When can I apply for an EP?Your employer (or an appointed employment agency) can apply for your EP via MOM's website once you have accepted a job offer. You can also apply before entering Singapore; an In-Principle Approval lets you enter to finalise the pass.What is the EP application processing time?Typically 3-8 weeks for standard applications. COMPASS applications and qualification verification may extend the timeline to 8-12 weeks.Is there a quota on the number of EP applications a company can make?No. The Employment Pass has no quota — unlike S Pass and Work Permit, which are subject to quota and levy. Companies may hire as many EP holders as justified, subject to each applicant passing COMPASS.What are my chances of obtaining an EP?Chances depend on your salary, qualifications, age and the COMPASS score — including your firm's diversity, support for local employment, and whether your role is on the Shortage Occupation List. A strong profile with a legitimate job offer has good approval odds.What happens if I lose my job while on an EP?Your EP is tied to your employer. If you are retrenched, MOM grants a grace period (typically 30 days, or 90 days in some schemes) to find a new job; otherwise you must leave Singapore or convert to another pass.Can a company sponsor an EP for a director?Yes. A Singapore company can sponsor an EP for its director. The director must meet all EP eligibility requirements including salary and COMPASS.Can an EP holder be a director and shareholder of a company?Yes, the government allows an EP holder to be a director of a company.Can EP holders bring in their dependants?Yes. EP holders earning at least S$6,000 can sponsor Dependant's Passes for their spouse and children; those earning at least S$12,000 can sponsor Long-Term Visit Passes for common-law partners, parents or step-children.Can EP holders and their families apply for PR?Yes. EP holders (and S Pass holders) can apply for Singapore Permanent Residence under the Professionals/Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers (PTS) scheme, and successful PRs can sponsor eligible family members.Who is exempt from COMPASS?Earning S$22,500+/month. Overseas intra-corporate transferees. Short-term roles (1 month or less).What counts as 'Local PMET Support' to boost my company's COMPASS score?Local PMET Support measures your company's share of local professionals, managers, executives, and technicians relative to your sector. 20 points for 50th percentile or above; 10 points for 20th–49th percentile; 0 points below 20th percentile.What is the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) for 2026?Agritech, Fintech, Green Economy, Healthcare, ICT, Maritime, Semiconductor. Roles like AI scientist, cloud specialist, cybersecurity architect, data scientist, software developer, and registered nurse are on the list.How does the MOM Verification of Qualifications affect EP timelines?MOM's third-party verification process adds 2–4 weeks to EP processing times. Qualifications must be verified through MOM-accredited sources before the application can proceed.Can I apply for an EP without a job offer?No. An employer must apply on your behalf through the myMOM Portal. However, if you incorporate your own company, your company can apply for your EP.What is the difference between a normal EP and a self-employed EP?Singapore has no separate \"self-employed EP\" visa category — the term informally describes incorporating your own company first and having that company sponsor your EP application. The assessment criteria (salary threshold, qualifications, COMPASS points, genuine business operations) are the same and are set by MOM. The Employment Pass (EP) is Singapore's main work pass for professionals, applied for by a Singapore-registered employer on behalf of the candidate. What agents in the Chinese market call a \"self-employed EP\" (自雇EP) is not a distinct visa type: it simply means you incorporate a Singapore company first, and that company — as your employer — sponsors your EP application. MOM assesses such applications under the same framework as any EP: the prevailing qualifying salary, the COMPASS points system, your qualifications and experience, and importantly whether the company has genuine business substance (real activity, reasonable capitalisation, a credible business plan). Applications from newly incorporated shell companies with no real operations face obvious scrutiny. For current salary thresholds and criteria, rely on MOM's official website rather than agent marketing materials.What is the difference between EP and S Pass?EP is for professionals and managers with higher salary requirements. S Pass is for mid-skilled workers with lower salary requirements and quota restrictions.What is the difference between Employment Pass and EntrePass?Employment pass is for salaried employees while Entrepass is for business owners.What is an S Pass?The S Pass is Singapore's work pass for mid-skilled foreign workers — technicians, associate professionals. It requires a minimum salary (S$3,150 from 2025), is subject to a quota (depend on sector) and monthly levy, and is issued for up to 2 years.What are the S Pass eligibility requirements?Candidates need a job offer, minimum salary of S$3,150 (rising), relevant qualifications or work experience, and the employer must have S Pass quota available and pay the levy (S$450–S$550 per month).What is the S Pass minimum salary in 2026 and 2027?2026: S$3,300/month (most sectors) / S$3,800/month (financial services). From 1 Jan 2027: S$3,600/month (most sectors) / S$4,000/month (financial services).What is the S Pass quota?Services: 10% quota, S$650 levy. Construction/Manufacturing/Marine/Process: 15% quota, S$650 levy.How to check S Pass status?Applicants and employers can check the status of an S Pass application via MOM's website (or the EP Online portal) using the application reference number and the applicant's details.What happens if my S Pass application is rejected?You can appeal within 3 months. Only the employer can submit the appeal through myMOM Portal. MOM states most appeals are processed within 6 weeks.Can S Pass holders start or manage a business in Singapore?No. S Pass holders cannot run their own business or be self-employed — the pass is tied to a single employer. To start a business, you would need an EntrePass, ONE Pass, PR or citizenship.What is the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)?The PEP is a personalised work pass not tied to a single employer. It offers job flexibility within Singapore. Eligibility: overseas-based applicants earning at least S$22,500/month, or EP holders earning at least S$12,000/month (S$18,000 for those with a top-tier institution qualification).Who is eligible for the PEP?You qualify if you are an EP holder earning at least S$12,000/month (or S$18,000 with a top-tier university degree), or a foreign professional overseas earning at least S$22,500/month. The PEP lasts 3 years and is non-renewable.What is the minimum salary a PEP holder needs to earn annually?PEP holders must earn a fixed salary of at least S$144,000 per year (S$12,000/month) during the PEP's validity, and this was revised over time by MOM.What are the privileges of PEP holders?PEP holders enjoy dependants’ privileges very much like EP holders. They may relocate immediate family members (legally married spouse and children under 21 years) and parents via the Dependant’s Pass and LTVP respectively. See our Immigration Services on how to apply for a Personalised Employment Pass . Interested in our Singapore Personalised Employment Pass services? Contact us now! Related Reads: Frequently Asked Questions on Personalised Employment Pass Infographics on Personalised Employment Pass 4 Things You Need to Know Before Applying for the Personalised Employment Pass Eliminate the stress from your Singapore work pass applications Engage us for immigration, recruitment, and work visa services and liaise with a dedicated specialist who will attend to every step of your application thoroughly. Appoint Us What happens after 3 years of having a PEP?The PEP is valid for 3 years and cannot be renewed. After it expires, you must convert to an employer-tied pass (e.g. EP) or leave Singapore, unless you qualify for PR.What happens if a PEP holder does not find a job for more than 6 months?A PEP holder who is unemployed for more than 6 consecutive months loses the pass. You must find employment or leave Singapore within that window.Does a PEP holder need approval from MOM when switching jobs?No — the PEP's key benefit is job flexibility. You can switch employers within Singapore without new MOM approval, but you must notify MOM of the change.Can a PEP holder start their own business in Singapore?Yes. PEP holders may start and run their own business in Singapore as self-employed persons, and can act as directors of local companies, since the PEP is not tied to an employer.What is an EntrePass?The EntrePass is Singapore's work pass for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start and operate a new business in Singapore. It is for innovative, scalable ventures — not for routine businesses like coffee shops or consultancies.What are the eligibility requirements for EntrePass?You need a viable business idea that is innovative and scalable, and you must have raised funding from a recognised source, hold relevant IP, or have strong business networks. The business must be registered within 6 months of approval.Will I automatically get an EntrePass if I start a Singapore company?No. Incorporating a company in Singapore does not grant you the right to live or work here. You must separately apply for and be approved for an EntrePass (or hold another valid pass).What types of business do not qualify for EntrePass?Routine businesses without innovation or scalability — coffee shops, hawker stalls, food courts, taxi operations, and similar low-value activities — do not qualify for EntrePass.What are the documents required for EntrePass application?You need: a detailed business plan, your CV and qualifications, funding proof or IP details, passport and educational certificates, and business registration documents (once incorporated).How long does it take to process an EntrePass application?The processing time varies depending on the type of work pass and the complexity of the application. On average, it can take anywhere between 1 to 8 weeks.How long is the EntrePass valid for?Work pass validity varies depending on the type of pass and individual circumstances. Generally, work passes are valid for 1 to 2 years and can be renewed.Do I need to be a shareholder to apply for EntrePass?Yes — EntrePass applicants must hold at least 30% shareholding in the company they intend to run in Singapore.Can EntrePass holders get Dependant's Passes for their family?Yes. EntrePass holders can sponsor Dependant's Passes for their spouse and children, and Long-Term Visit Passes for eligible family members, subject to MOM conditions.Can EntrePass holders apply for PR?Yes. EP holders can apply for Singapore Permanent Residence after working in Singapore for 6-12 months. PR applications are assessed by ICA on a case-by-case basis.What is the Dependant's Pass (DP)?The Dependant's Pass is issued to the spouse and unmarried children (under 21) of EP, S Pass, EntrePass, ONE Pass, Tech Pass and PEP holders who earn above the income threshold (S$6,000 for EP holders).Can my dependant work in Singapore?A Dependant's Pass holder can work in Singapore only with a Letter of Consent (LOC) obtained by an employer, or by starting a business with an LOC — both subject to MOM approval and criteria.What is a Letter of Consent (LOC) and who needs it?An LOC allows DP or LTVP holders to work or run a business in Singapore. The employer or the pass holder applies via MOM; an LOC is employer-specific (except for LOC holders who run their own business).What are the requirements to apply for a LOC?For DP holders: the employer applies via MOM, the job must meet salary guidelines, and the DP must be valid. For business owners: the DP holder must own at least 30% of a registered Singapore company and meet MOM's business criteria.Can Dependant's Pass holders with a LOC own and run a business?Yes — DP holders who own at least 30% of a registered Singapore company can apply for an LOC to run their own business, provided the business meets MOM's requirements.What is a Pre-Approved Letter of Consent (PLOC) for LTVP holders?The PLOC is a Letter of Consent granted to eligible Long-Term Visit Pass holders (spouses of Singapore citizens) that pre-approves them for employment with any employer, with no separate LOC application needed per job change.What is the Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP)?The LTVP allows eligible family members — spouses, children, or parents of Singapore citizens, PRs, or EP/ONE Pass holders — to stay in Singapore long-term. LTVP+ offers longer validity and additional benefits for spouses of citizens.Can LTVP holders start a business in Singapore?Yes — LTVP holders can start a business in Singapore, and may apply for a Letter of Consent to work in or run their own company. As with other pass holders, they can be directors and shareholders.What is a Student Pass and can holders start a business?The Student Pass allows foreign students to study at approved Singapore institutions. Student Pass holders cannot start or run a business or work without MOM approval (some internship and part-time work is permitted under rules).What is the ONE Pass?Services: 10% quota, S$650 levy. Construction/Manufacturing/Marine/Process: 15% quota, S$650 levy.What are the salary and documentation requirements for the ONE Pass?The ONE Pass requires a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 (or exceptional achievement in arts, sports, academia, or business), plus documentation of your achievements and employer details. It is valid for 5 years and allows multiple employers.Can ONE Pass holders be directors or shareholders?Yes. ONE Pass holders can be directors and shareholders of Singapore companies, run multiple businesses, and switch employers freely — one of the pass's key flexibilities.What is the Tech Pass and who is eligible?The Tech Pass (Tech.Pass) is a pass for established tech entrepreneurs, leaders and technical experts. Eligibility: a fixed monthly salary of at least S$10,000 (last 1 year) or S$20,000+ in annual taxable income, plus significant tech track record or leadership experience.What is the Work Holiday Pass?The Work Holiday Pass is for young students and graduates from certain countries. It allows them to work in Singapore for up to 6 months.What is the Training Employment Pass?The Training Employment Pass is for foreign trainees undergoing practical training in Singapore. It has specific salary and qualification requirements.What is an In-Principle Approval (IPA)?An IPA is a provisional approval letter from MOM indicating a work pass application is approved in principle, subject to final checks. It lets the applicant enter Singapore and complete formalities (medical, card collection) to activate the pass.What is a Letter of Invitation (LOI)?A Letter of Invitation is a document from a Singapore government agency or recognised entity inviting a foreign visitor to Singapore for official purposes; it is used in visa applications for citizens of countries requiring entry approval.What is the Foreign Workers Levy and why does Singapore have it?The foreign worker levy is a monthly fee employers pay for hiring S Pass and Work Permit holders. It acts as a pricing mechanism to moderate foreign manpower dependence and encourage hiring of locals, with levies varying by sector and dependency tier.Do employers need to adhere to the Dependency Ratio Ceiling?Yes. The Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC) caps the proportion of Work Permit and S Pass holders a company may hire relative to its local workforce. Exceeding the DRC requires a waiver and higher levies.Can a company apply for work visas for its employees?Yes. A Singapore-registered company can sponsor work passes (EP, S Pass, Work Permit) for its foreign employees via MOM, provided salary, quota and levy requirements are met.Can incorporating in Singapore help me get an Employment Pass?Yes. Incorporating a Singapore company and appointing yourself as a director is often the first step toward applying for an Employment Pass (EP) or EntrePass. An EP allows you to live and work in Singapore as a foreign professional - the minimum qualifying salary is (higher for financial services). Having a Singapore-incorporated company with substantive business activity significantly strengthens an EP application.Can I hire local employees in Singapore while managing my company remotely?Yes. Foreign business owners can hire local employees in Singapore while managing the company remotely, provided the company has a resident director, complies with employment law, and pays CPF and taxes correctly.What is Singapore's work permit?The Work Permit is for semi-skilled foreign workers in construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process, services and domestic sectors. It is employer-tied, subject to quota and levy, and has nationality restrictions.What is required when a work visa holder resigns from employment?The employer must cancel the work pass with MOM (and IR21 clearance for EP holders leaving Singapore or the job). The pass holder typically has a grace period to find new employment or leave the country.Can I work in Singapore on a Dependant's Pass?Yes, with a Letter of Consent (LOC). Dependent's Pass holders can work in Singapore if they obtain an LOC from MOM.Who can apply for Singapore Permanent Resident (PR)?You are eligible to apply for Singapore Permanent Resident if you are one of the following: - Spouse of a Singapore citizen (SC) or Singapore permanent resident (PR) Unmarried child aged below 21 born within the context of a legal marriage to, or have been legally adopted by, a SC or PR Aged parent of a SC Holder of an Employment Pass or S Pass Student studying in Singapore Foreign investor in Singapore What are the benefits of becoming a Singapore PR?Some benefits of being a Singapore PR include eligibility for public housing, access to subsidised healthcare, and greater freedom to change jobs without reapplying for a work pass. Our full guide to Singapore PR benefits and trade-offs covers what actually changes, including the honest downsides.What factors are considered when evaluating a PR application?Factors considered in a PR application include the applicant's economic contributions, family ties to Singapore citizens or PRs, qualifications, age, and duration of stay in Singapore. Each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis.How long does it take to process a PR application?The processing time varies depending on the type of work pass and the complexity of the application. On average, it can take anywhere between 1 to 8 weeks.Can I apply for PR through my company?PR is a personal application. However, your company's business activity and your employment record are important factors in the assessment.What is the Singapore citizenship application process?PR holders can apply for citizenship after 2 years of PR. The application is assessed by ICA based on integration, economic contribution, and family ties.What are the various schemes for foreigners who wish to migrate to Singapore?Key routes: work passes (EP, S Pass, ONE Pass, Tech Pass, EntrePass) leading to PR under the PTS scheme, the Global Investor Programme (GIP), family sponsorship (citizen/PR spouse), and the Foreign Arts, Sports or Science Talent schemes.Can a Singapore company hire foreign employees?Yes — a Singapore company can hire foreign employees under work passes, subject to the pass requirements: EP (no quota, COMPASS-based), S Pass (quota + levy), and Work Permit (quota + levy).Is it mandatory for a Singapore company to have employees in Singapore?No. A Singapore company can operate with no employees — e.g. a holding company or a founder-run business. Employment obligations (CPF, tax) only arise when staff are hired.Can EP holders work in Singapore on a Dependent's Pass?Yes, with a Letter of Consent (LOC). Dependent's Pass holders can work in Singapore if they obtain an LOC from MOM.

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