Employment Pass (EP) Application in Singapore
Singapore’s Employment Pass is the primary work visa for foreign professionals, managers, and executives who want to work in Singapore. Whether you are hiring overseas talent or relocating to Singapore for a new role, the EP application process requires careful preparation — especially under the newer COMPASS framework.
Assembly Works guides employers and applicants through every step of the EP application, from eligibility assessment to MOM submission and pass issuance.
What Is a Singapore Employment Pass?
The Employment Pass (EP) is a work visa issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) that allows foreign professionals to work in Singapore. It is designed for candidates in managerial, executive, or specialised roles who meet minimum salary and qualification requirements.
An EP is typically valid for up to 2 years on first issuance, and up to 3 years upon renewal. EP holders can also apply for Dependant Passes for their immediate family members.
Key features of the Employment Pass:
- No foreign worker quota or levy — unlike the S Pass and Work Permit
- Allows the holder to travel freely in and out of Singapore
- Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) for long-term residents
- EP holders’ spouses may apply for a Dependant Pass and Letter of Consent (LOC) to work in Singapore
EP Salary Requirements
To qualify for an Employment Pass, candidates must earn a minimum fixed monthly salary. MOM updates these thresholds periodically.
Minimum qualifying salary (as of 2025):
| Candidate Profile | Minimum Fixed Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| General sectors | S$5,600 |
| Financial services sector | S$6,200 |
| Older, more experienced candidates | Progressively higher (salary must match experience level) |
The qualifying salary is based on fixed monthly salary — this excludes variable components such as bonuses, overtime pay, commissions, and allowances (housing, transport, food).
MOM expects salary to be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience. A candidate with 10 years of experience will be expected to earn significantly more than the minimum threshold.
The COMPASS Framework — How EP Applications Are Assessed
Since September 2023, all new EP applications (except those earning S$22,500 or more per month) are assessed under the Complementarity Assessment (COMPASS) framework. COMPASS is a points-based system that evaluates both the individual candidate and the employer.
How COMPASS scoring works:
COMPASS uses four foundational criteria, each scored as follows:
| Criterion | What It Measures | Points |
|---|---|---|
| C1 — Salary | Candidate’s salary relative to local PMET salaries in the same sector | 0, 10, or 20 |
| C2 — Qualifications | Candidate’s educational qualifications from recognised institutions | 0, 10, or 20 |
| C3 — Diversity | Share of the candidate’s nationality among the firm’s PMETs | 0, 10, or 20 |
| C4 — Support for Local Employment | Firm’s share of local PMETs relative to industry peers | 0, 10, or 20 |
To pass COMPASS, a candidate needs at least 40 points out of a possible 80 (across the four criteria).
There are also two bonus criteria that can add 10 points each:
- Bonus A — Skills Bonus: The role is on MOM’s Shortage Occupation List (SOL)
- Bonus B — Strategic Economic Priorities Bonus: The employer participates in approved government partnership programmes (e.g., with EDB, EnterpriseSG)
COMPASS exemptions: Candidates earning S$22,500 or more per month are exempt from COMPASS assessment. Short-term EP holders (1 month or less) are also exempt.
EP Eligibility Requirements
Candidate requirements:
- Have a job offer from a Singapore-registered company
- Work in a managerial, executive, or specialised role
- Earn at least the minimum qualifying salary (S$5,600, or S$6,200 for financial services)
- Hold acceptable qualifications — typically a degree from a recognised university, although strong professional experience or specialist skills may be considered
- Pass the COMPASS assessment (unless exempt)
Employer requirements:
- The company must be registered in Singapore
- The company must have a valid EP eService (formerly EP Online) account with MOM
- Fair hiring practices — the employer must advertise the position on MyCareersFuture for at least 14 days before applying for an EP (unless exempt under certain conditions, such as companies with fewer than 10 employees or roles paying S$22,500+ per month)
EP Application Process — Step by Step
Step 1: Job Advertising on MyCareersFuture (if required)
Employers must post the job on MyCareersFuture.gov.sg for at least 14 consecutive days and fairly consider all local applicants before filing an EP application. Exemptions apply for small companies (fewer than 10 employees) and high-salary positions (S$22,500+/month).
Step 2: Document Preparation
We gather and verify all required documents, including the candidate’s educational certificates, passport, employment contract, company registration details, and COMPASS self-assessment.
Step 3: Submission to MOM via EP eService (formerly EP Online)
Assembly Works submits the EP application through MOM’s EP eService (formerly EP Online) portal on behalf of the employer. We ensure the application is complete and consistent to avoid delays or rejections.
Step 4: MOM Processing
MOM typically processes EP applications within 3 to 8 weeks. During this period, MOM may request additional documents or clarification.
Step 5: In-Principle Approval (IPA)
Once approved, MOM issues an In-Principle Approval letter. The candidate can use the IPA letter to enter Singapore (if overseas) and must complete the formalities within a specified timeframe.
Step 6: Pass Issuance
After the candidate arrives in Singapore, we complete the pass issuance process — including medical examination (if required), photo registration, and collection of the EP card.
EP Application Timeline
| Stage | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| MyCareersFuture job posting | 14 days (if required) |
| Document preparation | 3–5 working days |
| MOM processing | 3–8 weeks |
| IPA validity (for candidate entry) | 6 months |
| Pass issuance after arrival | 1–2 weeks |
Total timeline from engagement to EP card in hand: approximately 6–12 weeks, depending on the complexity of the application and MOM’s processing load.
Why Choose Assembly Works for Your EP Application?
MOM-Registered Employment Agency (EA Licence No. 22C1133)
Assembly Works holds a valid MOM employment agency licence, authorising us to handle work pass applications on behalf of employers and candidates.
End-to-End Support
From eligibility assessment and COMPASS evaluation through to document preparation, MOM submission, and pass issuance — we handle every step so you can focus on your business.
Transparent Process
We keep you informed at every stage with regular status updates. No guesswork, no surprises.
High Approval Rates
Our thorough pre-screening and preparation process helps avoid common rejection reasons such as insufficient salary justification, weak COMPASS scores, or incomplete documentation.
Trusted by 700+ Companies
SMEs, startups, MNCs, and entrepreneurs across Singapore trust Assembly Works with their corporate and immigration needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Employment Pass Applications
MOM charges an application fee of S$105 per application, plus issuance fees upon approval. Professional service fees for EP applications vary based on complexity. Contact Assembly Works for a quote tailored to your situation.
While a recognised degree is the standard qualification pathway, MOM does consider candidates with strong professional experience, specialist skills, or professional certifications. However, these applications are assessed more stringently, and a higher salary typically strengthens the case.
If MOM rejects the application, we review the rejection reasons, advise on whether an appeal is viable, and prepare the appeal submission with additional supporting documents. Common rejection reasons include insufficient salary, weak COMPASS score, or concerns about the employer’s hiring practices.
Yes. EP holders earning at least S$6,000 per month can apply for Dependant Passes for their spouse and children. EP holders earning S$12,000 or more per month can also sponsor their parents on a Long-Term Visit Pass.
EP renewals should be submitted 6 months before the pass expires. MOM typically processes renewals within 3 to 8 weeks. From September 2024, all EP renewals are also assessed under the COMPASS framework.
The Employment Pass is for professionals earning at least S$5,600/month with degree-level qualifications. The S Pass is for mid-skilled workers earning at least S$3,300/month. S Pass holders are subject to a foreign worker quota and levy, while EP holders are not.
Ready to Apply for an Employment Pass?
Let Assembly Works handle your EP application from start to finish. Contact us for a free eligibility assessment.