Get Your Employment Pass Approved, Hassle-Free.

The Employment Pass (EP) application is submitted to Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) by the hiring company or their appointed agent. The typical process involves: checking candidate eligibility using MOM’s Self-Assessment Tool (SAT), preparing required documents (company and candidate), submitting the online application via MOM’s EP Online portal, waiting for MOM’s outcome (usually 3–8 weeks), and if approved, completing formalities such as issuance, medical examination (if required), and pass collection.

The required documents usually include the candidate’s passport details page, education certificates and professional qualifications, employment contract or job offer letter, company business profile from ACRA, and past employment records or CV (if applicable). MOM may also request additional supporting documents on a case-by-case basis.

Processing time is generally 3 weeks for online applications, but it can extend up to 8 weeks or more if MOM requires additional checks, verification of documents, or if an appeal is filed after rejection.

As of 2025, the main criteria are: minimum fixed monthly salary of SGD 5,000 (increases with age, and higher benchmarks apply for the financial services sector — usually SGD 5,500), acceptable qualifications (recognized degree, diploma, or professional experience), and a valid job offer from a Singapore-registered company. From September 2023 onwards, MOM also applies the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS), which evaluates candidates based on salary, qualifications, diversity, and company support for local workforce.

Yes, companies can appeal within 3 months of rejection. The appeal must address the reasons given by MOM, such as insufficient salary, weak educational qualifications, or missing documents. Appeals typically take at least 3 weeks to process. It’s important to submit additional supporting information or evidence in the appeal to improve chances of success.

Employment Pass (EP): for professionals, managers, and executives, minimum salary SGD 5,000 (higher for older and financial sector applicants). S Pass: for mid-skilled workers, minimum salary SGD 3,150 (higher for older and financial services workers), quota and levy requirements apply. Work Permit: for semi-skilled or unskilled workers in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and services, subject to quotas and levies.

Yes. Only a Singapore-registered company can apply for an EP on behalf of a candidate. Individuals cannot apply directly. The company must have a valid business registration (ACRA profile) and an active CorpPass account to access MOM’s EP Online system.

MOM fees (as of 2025): application fee SGD 105 per pass, issuance fee SGD 225 per pass (upon approval), and Multiple Journey Visa (if required) SGD 30. Service fees charged by agencies (like ours) vary depending on the package (basic application, appeal support, or full HR advisory).

Yes. Foreign entrepreneurs who set up a company in Singapore can apply for an EP under their new entity, provided the company is registered with ACRA and meets MOM’s requirements. Alternatively, entrepreneurs may also apply under the EntrePass scheme, designed specifically for foreign founders of innovative businesses.

While companies can apply directly with MOM, agencies provide key advantages: eligibility check before application (reduces risk of rejection), document review & preparation to meet MOM’s standards, submission accuracy (avoiding errors that cause delays), application tracking & updates for faster communication, appeal support in case of rejection, and time savings so companies can focus on operations while experts handle compliance.