The Employment Pass (EP) is Singapore’s work pass for foreign professionals, and it is the usual first step toward settling here, and later toward Singapore PR. This guide covers everything in one place for 2026: who qualifies, the documents you need, how to apply, how long it takes, the fees, validity, and what happens next.
Quick answer: To get an Employment Pass, a candidate needs a job offer from a Singapore employer, a salary meeting the minimum (from S$5,600, or S$6,200 in financial services, rising with age), acceptable qualifications, and a passing COMPASS score of at least 40 points. The employer applies online through the myMOM Portal. Processing is usually within about 10 business days for a Singapore-registered company, or up to 8 weeks for an overseas one. The fee is S$105 to apply and S$225 to issue.
What is the Employment Pass?
The EP is for foreign professionals, managers, and executives in skilled jobs. It is employer-sponsored, tied to a specific job and company, and sits at the top of Singapore’s work-pass ladder, above the S Pass and Work Permit. For how they compare, see our guide on the Employment Pass and S Pass.
Eligibility at a glance
Two things decide EP eligibility: salary and COMPASS.
| Requirement | Detail |
| Minimum salary | From S$5,600/month (S$6,200 financial services), rising with age to S$10,700 (S$11,800 financial) at 45+ |
| COMPASS score | At least 40 points across salary, qualifications, and firm-level factors |
| Qualifications | A good university degree, ideally from a well-regarded institution |
| Job offer | From a registered Singapore employer who sponsors the pass |
Candidates earning S$22,500 a month or more are exempt from COMPASS. For the full breakdown of the criteria, see our guide on Employment Pass eligibility.
Documents you need
| From the applicant | From the employer |
| Passport biodata page | Company’s business profile (ACRA) |
| Educational certificates and transcripts | The job offer and role details |
| Recent CV | Supporting business documents where requested |
| Professional qualifications, if any |
Non-English documents need an official English translation.
How to apply
The employer applies online; the candidate does not apply directly.
| Step | What happens |
| 1 | Employer logs in to the myMOM Portal |
| 2 | Completes the EP application with the candidate’s and firm’s details |
| 3 | Uploads supporting documents |
| 4 | Pays the S$105 application fee |
| 5 | MOM assesses against salary and COMPASS |
| 6 | On approval, an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter is issued |
| 7 | The candidate enters Singapore, completes formalities, and the pass is issued |
EP application processing time
This is the question most applicants ask. The timelines:
| Situation | Typical processing time |
| Singapore-registered company (online) | MOM aims to update within about 10 business days |
| Overseas company without a Singapore entity | Up to 8 weeks |
In practice, straightforward applications from established local employers are often decided within a couple of weeks, while complex cases, extra checks, or a weaker employer profile can take longer. The timeline depends on the employer’s profile, the completeness of documents, and whether MOM needs further review. There are no detailed progress updates in between.
After approval, the IPA letter is valid for a limited window during which the candidate must enter Singapore and complete issuance.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
| Application | S$105 per EP |
| Issuance | S$225 per pass |
| Multiple Journey Visa (optional) | S$30 |
Figures are current 2026 amounts and can change; confirm with MOM.
Validity and renewal
| Pass | Validity |
| First-time EP | Up to 2 years |
| Renewal | Up to 3 years |
| Eligible experienced professionals in shortage skills | Up to 5 years |
Renewal is not automatic. At renewal, the salary must still meet the (higher, age-adjusted) threshold, and COMPASS applies. Note that updated COMPASS rules apply to renewals from mid-2026.
Bringing your family
EP holders who earn enough can bring family:
- Dependant’s Pass for a legal spouse and unmarried children under 21, if you earn at least S$6,000 a month.
- Long-Term Visit Pass for parents, if you earn at least S$12,000 a month, or for common-law spouses and stepchildren.
See our guides on the Dependant Pass vs LTVP.
Changing jobs while on an EP
An EP is tied to your employer, so if you change jobs, your new employer must apply for a fresh EP. You should not start with the new employer until the new pass is approved. A job change can also affect your COMPASS position, since firm-level factors differ between companies.
If your EP is refused
EPs are refused most often for a salary below the threshold, a COMPASS score under 40 (frequently due to firm-level factors), or qualification issues. Employers can appeal, usually by addressing the specific gap, such as raising the salary or strengthening the case. A refusal is not always final if the underlying issue can be fixed.
The EP as a path to PR
For many professionals, the EP is the first step toward Permanent Residence. EP holders are among the strongest PR candidates and apply under the PTS scheme, usually after two to three years. See our guides on Employment Pass to PR and the benefits of Singapore PR.
How First Immigration can help
EP rules have tightened, and firm-level COMPASS factors are easy to miss. First Immigration helps you:
- Check a candidate against the salary and COMPASS requirements.
- Prepare a clean, complete application to avoid delays.
- Handle renewals, family passes, and appeals.
- Plan the longer path from EP to PR.
Explore our Employment Pass service, or speak to our consultants through the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an Employment Pass application take?
MOM aims to update online applications from Singapore-registered companies within about 10 business days. Applications from overseas companies without a Singapore entity can take up to 8 weeks, and complex cases longer.
How much does an Employment Pass cost?
S$105 to apply and S$225 to issue per pass, plus an optional S$30 for a Multiple Journey Visa.
What is the minimum salary for an EP?
From S$5,600 a month for younger candidates (S$6,200 in financial services), rising with age to S$10,700 or S$11,800 at 45 and above.
How long is an Employment Pass valid?
Up to two years for first-time holders and up to three years on renewal. Some experienced professionals in shortage skills can get up to five years.
Who applies for the EP, the employee or employer?
The employer applies online through the myMOM Portal. The candidate does not apply directly.
Can I bring my family on an EP?
Yes, if you earn enough. A Dependant’s Pass covers a spouse and children under 21 if you earn at least S$6,000, and an LTVP covers parents if you earn at least S$12,000.
Can I change jobs on an EP?
Yes, but your new employer must apply for a new EP, and you should not start until it is approved.
Can an EP holder apply for PR?
Yes. The EP is the strongest foundation for a PR application under the PTS scheme, usually after two to three years of employment.
What happens if my EP is refused?
Refusals are usually for salary, COMPASS, or qualification issues. Employers can appeal by addressing the specific gap, so a refusal is not always final.
