The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) is the primary work visa for foreign professionals, managers, and executives working in Singapore. It’s employer-sponsored and is the most common pathway for international professionals — covering roles from software engineers and financial analysts to senior management and specialists. Since September 2023, EP applications are assessed through the COMPASS framework (Complementarity Assessment Framework), a points-based system that evaluates both the individual and the employer.
Not sure if the EP is right for you? Take our 2-minute Singapore Visa Match quiz to see all Singapore immigration routes you qualify for.
Overview
The EP is Singapore’s equivalent of the US H-1B or UK Skilled Worker visa. It’s issued for an initial period of up to 2 years (first-time applicants) and can be renewed for up to 3 years. The EP grants you the legal right to work for your sponsoring employer, and after several years, you can apply for Singapore Permanent Residence.
Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum salary: SGD $5,600/month for most sectors. Financial services sector: SGD $6,200/month. Older, more experienced candidates require higher salaries (salary benchmarks increase with age).
- Qualifications: Recognized degree from a reputable university, or relevant professional qualifications and experience.
- COMPASS assessment: Must score at least 40 points across four criteria (see below). Exemptions apply for salaries above SGD $22,500/month or ONE Pass holders.
- Employer must be registered in Singapore.
COMPASS Framework (Points System)
Each criterion scores 0, 10, or 20 points. You need at least 40 total:
- C1 — Salary: Compared to local PMET salaries in the same sector. Above 90th percentile = 20 points; 65th-90th = 10; below 65th = 0.
- C2 — Qualifications: Top-tier university = 20 points; degree-equivalent = 10; no recognized qualification = 0.
- C3 — Diversity (company nationality mix): If the applicant’s nationality is underrepresented at the company = 20 points; fairly represented = 10; overrepresented = 0.
- C4 — Support for local employment: Company’s share of local PMETs vs. industry peers. Above average = 20; average = 10; below = 0.
- Bonus points: Skills shortage occupation (+20), strategic economic priorities (+10).
Application Process
- Employer applies through MOM’s EP Online system.
- MOM evaluates the application (salary, qualifications, COMPASS score).
- In-Principle Approval (IPA): Issued within 3-8 weeks if approved.
- Candidate enters Singapore on the IPA letter.
- Complete fingerprinting and photo at MOM.
- EP card issued.
Costs and Fees
- Application fee: SGD $105
- Issuance fee: SGD $225
- Multiple journey visa (if needed): SGD $30
- Medical exam: Typically not required for EP
Total: approximately SGD $360. The employer typically pays all fees.
Timeline
- Processing: 3-8 weeks (can be longer for complex cases)
- Initial validity: Up to 2 years
- Renewal: Up to 3 years per renewal
Key Benefits
- Work in one of Asia’s most dynamic economies
- Low personal income tax: Top rate of 22% (effective rates much lower for most professionals)
- Dependant’s Pass: Spouse and children (if salary ≥ SGD $6,000/month)
- Long-Term Visit Pass: Parents and in-laws (if salary ≥ SGD $12,000/month)
- Path to PR: EP holders can apply for Singapore Permanent Residence, typically after 6-12 months of employment
Tips
- Salary is the single most important factor. A higher salary improves both your EP approval chances and your COMPASS score. Negotiate aggressively.
- University ranking matters for COMPASS. Degrees from globally top-ranked universities score more points. If your university isn’t well-known, compensate with salary and experience.
- Company diversity helps. If your nationality is underrepresented at the company, you score higher on COMPASS C3. This benefits applicants from less common nationalities.
- Apply for PR early. Start the PR application after 6-12 months of EP employment. Having an EP is one of the strongest foundations for PR approval.