Singapore Employment Pass: Explained

Singapore is a flourishing business center due to its robust economy, competitive position and favorable business hub. It’s important for foreigners such as Professionals/Managers / Executives & Entrepreneurs to work or set up their own business in Singapore to know the Singapore Employment Pass(EP).

To obtain an Employment Pass in Singapore, candidates must meet certain criteria, including having a job offer from a Singaporean employer or demonstrating their eligibility as entrepreneurs planning to launch businesses in the country.

What is the Singapore Employment Pass (EP)?

The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) serves as a renewable work visa designed for foreign professionals, managers, executives, and other skilled individuals, allowing them to reside and work in Singapore.The Employment Pass is also available to Entrepreneurs who have incorporated a Company in Singapore. This permits the Entrepreneur to move to Singapore and run business operations in the country.

Would you like to explore the application process for an Employment Pass, whether you’re a working professional, foreign entrepreneur, or a business owner incorporated in Singapore? So let’s get started!

Requirements:

Requirements	Description
Job Offer by Singapore-Registered Company	Candidates must secure a job offer from a Singapore-registered company.
Job Role	Applicants are required to be employed in a managerial, executive, or specialized skills position
Academic Qualifications	Candidates are expected to hold suitable academic credentials pertinent to their specific job responsibilities
Minimum Monthly Salary	The monthly salary must align with the top one-third of PMET (Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians) incomes in Singapore, considering the applicant’s age. Minimum salary criteria are age-dependent and subject to revision. Increases progressively with age. Up to S$10,500 for applicants in their mid-40s all sectors except financial sector Up to S$11,500 for applicants in their mid-40s for financial sector

Documents Needed for Application:

Applicants must provide:

• Completed EP application form
• Valid passport
• Recent passport-sized photograph
• Educational certificates
• Verification proof from a background screening company
• Employment testimonials or reference letters
• Resume and relevant educational certificates
• Latest Company’s business profile
• Testimonials or references from previous employers
• Description of what the organization does, along with the responsibilities of the applicant

Application Process:

The application procedure for the Singapore Employment Pass (EP) can be concisely outlined as follows:

1. Determine eligibility: To qualify for the EP, applicants must meet certain criteria. These include having a job offer from a Singapore-registered company, holding a managerial, executive, or specialized skill position, possessing the necessary academic qualifications, and earning a salary that aligns with industry standards.
   
2. Prepare necessary documents: Applicants should gather all required documents, such as the completed EP application form, passport, educational certificates, and employment testimonials.
   
3. Engage an employment agent: Seeking assistance from an employment agent can be beneficial in navigating the EP application process. They can help with submitting the application to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and provide guidance on the required documents.
   
4. Await the In-Principle Approval (IPA): Once the application is submitted, applicants can expect to receive the IPA within approximately three weeks. The IPA is a letter from MOM granting permission to enter Singapore and work under the EP.
   
5. Record fingerprints and photos at the Employment Pass Service Centre (EPSC): After receiving the IPA, applicants must visit the EPSC to record their fingerprints and photos.
   
6. Receive the EP card: Typically, within five working days of recording fingerprints and photos at the EPSC, applicants will receive their EP card.

Checking Status & Validity:

To check the status of your EP application, you can use the MOM EP status check portal online. You will need to provide your date of birth and either your FIN or passport number. Alternatively, you can use the SG Work Pass app to check the validity of your EP by scanning the QR code on your EP card. Please note that the MOM EP status check portal is updated once daily, so it may take up to 24 hours for the latest information to appear.

If you have any inquiries about your EP application status or the validity of your EP, direct contact with MOM is recommended.

Rejected Applications:

When an EP application is rejected by MOM, the reasons for the rejection will be communicated. Employers have the option to appeal within three months by submitting an online appeal and providing additional evidence to support their case. It is crucial to thoroughly review the rejection reasons and address them in the appeal.

Employers should submit supplementary documents, such as proof of the employee’s skills and experience or a reference letter from a senior-level executive within the company.

MOM will carefully evaluate all appeals and make a decision accordingly. If the appeal is successful, the employer will be notified, and the candidate will be issued an EP. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the employer will be informed, and the candidate will need to depart from Singapore.

Conclusion:

Fastlane Group provides assistance to foreign companies incorporated in Singapore and facilitates the application process for Employment Passes (EPs) for both business owners and employees. Our commitment to delivering the highest quality service in the industry is supported by a team of experienced and highly skilled professionals. With comprehensive knowledge of the Singaporean business environment and expertise in EP applications, we are well-equipped to meet the needs of our clients. To get started, please contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation via phone or email.