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Overview: Singapore Employment Pass (EP) Work Pass Category 

The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) is the primary work visa for foreign professionals employed in managerial, executive, or specialised roles in Singapore. Unlike blue collar and mid skills work pass categories namely work permit or S Pass, employers are not required to meet local hiring quotas, making the EP a preferred option for companies seeking international specialised talent.

To safeguard fair employment practices, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) enforces strict eligibility criterion for both employers and applicants.

COMPASS Framework: Key Eligibility Criteria 

Introduced on 1 September 2023, the Complementarity Assessment Framework 

(COMPASS) provides a more transparent, points-based system for Singapore Employment Pass approval criteria. 

Applicants must score at least 40 points across four core criteria: 

·         Salary level

·         Academic qualifications

·         Workforce diversity

·         Support for local employment 

Alternatively, candidates may qualify under bonus criteria, with concessions available for start-ups and small firms with fewer than 25 employees. 

Mandatory Job Advertising Requirement 

Employers with 10 or more employees must advertise their open positions on the government managed job portal known as my career future for a minimum of 14 days before submitting a Singapore Employment Pass application.

This requirement ensures that local talent and professionals are fairly considered before the role is offered to a foreign candidate.

Singapore Employment Pass Sponsorship for Overseas Employers 

This is an option for overseas companies without a Singapore entity. Typically, their local business partners can act as the sponsoring company.

The approval assessment would depend on the:

·         business relationship between the overseas and local entity

·         commercial necessity of the applicant’s presence in Singapore

·         project scope and duration

A well-documented sponsorship justification can significantly improve approval outcomes.

Related Work Pass Categories

Other than the typical Singapore Employment Pass, there are three (3) other related bespoke work visas for highly skilled foreign professionals and business owners or entrepreneurs. Each of these work pass category is aimed at different talent profile.

Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) 

The Personalised Employment Pass Singapore (PEP) is designed for high-earning professionals with a monthly salary of at least SGD 22,500. 

Key benefits include: 

·         No employer sponsorship is required.

·         Freedom to change employers without re-applying.

·         Up to six months stay in Singapore to secure employment

However, the Ministry of Manpower would need to be notified for change of employer.

The PEP is issued once for up to three years and is non-renewable. Additional conditions include the restriction that PEP holders are not allowed operate businesses or act as company directors.

Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass 

The Overseas Singapore Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE) is Singapore’s most flexible work visa.It was introduced to attract elite global talent to reside and contribute the Singapore’s economy and raise the number of high value jobs in Singapore. 

Key advantages: 

·         Work for multiple employers concurrently

·         Start and operate businesses in Singapore

·         No re-application required when changing employers

·         Five(5)-year validity period and renewal for another Five(5) years·          

Applicants must currently be earning or be offered a salary of at least SGD 30,000 per month, with exceptions for exceptional contributors in arts, science, academia, and technology. 

Entrepreneurial Pass (Entre Pass) 

The Entre Pass is intended for foreign entrepreneurs establishing businesses in Singapore.

However, not all entrepreneurs can qualify for such pass as the approval criteria is stringent on the type of businesses and foreign entrepreneurs’ background.

There is no minimum salary requirement, but approval criteria focuses on: 

·         A strong entrepreneurial track record

·         Innovative or venture-backed business models

·         Commitment to hiring and developing local talent

This pass is ideal for founders building scalable, high-growth companies. 

Choosing the Right Singapore Employment Pass 

Selecting the correct employment pass and prioritizing is critical for compliance, speed of approval, and long-term workforce planning. Employers and entrepreneurs are strongly advised to consult experienced HR or immigration professionals to assess eligibility and structure applications effectively. 

Comparison : Types Of Singapore Employment Pass

Need Help with Your Singapore Employment Pass Application? 

Professional guidance can reduce processing delays, minimise rejection risk, and ensure compliance with Singapore’s evolving work visa policies.