Employment Pass Application Services in Singapore
Licensed Singapore Employment Agency | Employment Pass Application Assistance
WORKPASS PTE LTD provides professional Employment Pass (EP) application services in Singapore for employers hiring eligible foreign professionals, managers, executives and specialists.
We assist employers throughout the Employment Pass application process, including eligibility assessment, salary assessment, COMPASS assessment, document preparation, MyCareersFuture job advertisement where required, MOM submission, application monitoring, In-Principle Approval (IPA), pass issuance, renewal and appeal support.
As a licensed Singapore employment agency, we provide practical guidance based on the candidate’s salary, job role, qualifications, experience and the employer’s company profile.
Employment Pass Application Fee
- Complimentary EP assessment before engagement
- Review of the candidate’s basic profile and employment details
- Preliminary assessment of EP eligibility and application requirements
- Inclusive of MOM Employment Pass application fee of S$105 and issuance fee of S$225
- Inclusive of S$30 Multiple Journey Visa (MJV), if applicable
- Posting of 14-day job advertisement, if required under MOM requirements
- Advising on education qualification verification
- Preparation and online filing of the Employment Pass application
- Monitoring and tracking of the EP application status while under processing
- Liaising with MOM officer, if required
- Responding to MOM requests for additional information, if any
- Arranging EP issuance upon In-Principle Approval (IPA)
- Arranging EP card registration and appointment, where required
- Coordinating EP card delivery after registration
- Filing an appeal in case of rejection
Trusted Employment Pass Application Support
We assist employers with Employment Pass applications by preparing accurate supporting documents, reviewing eligibility requirements, assessing COMPASS criteria, and managing the application from submission through approval and issuance.
Singapore Employment Pass (EP) Guide (2026)
This comprehensive guide explains the Singapore Employment Pass (EP), including eligibility requirements, qualifying salary, COMPASS framework, qualification verification, employer requirements, application procedures, renewal, appeal process, and frequently asked questions based on the latest Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requirements.
Employment Pass Singapore – Key Facts 2026
| Requirement | Current 2026 information |
|---|---|
| Who is it for? | Foreign professionals, managers, executives and specialists |
| Who applies? | Singapore employer or appointed employment agent |
| Minimum qualifying salary | From $5,600/month |
| Financial Services minimum | From $6,200/month |
| Salary increases with age | Yes |
| Highest current standard benchmark | Up to $10,700/month at age 45 and above for non-financial sectors |
| Financial Services at age 45+ | Up to $11,800/month |
| COMPASS | Generally required |
| COMPASS passing score | 40 points |
| COMPASS exemption salary | $22,500/month or above |
| Foreign worker quota | No |
| Foreign worker levy | No |
| MyCareersFuture advertisement | Generally required unless exempted |
| Advertisement period | At least 14 consecutive days |
| Application fee | $105 |
| Issuance fee | $225 |
| Multiple Journey Visa | $30, if applicable |
| Processing time | Within 10 business days for most applications |
| First EP validity | Up to 2 years |
| Renewal validity | Up to 3 years |
The Employment Pass qualifying salary is benchmarked against the top one-third of local PMET salaries and increases progressively with age. Financial Services has a higher qualifying salary.
What Is an Employment Pass in Singapore?
The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) is a work pass for eligible foreign professionals, managers, executives and specialists who have a job offer from a Singapore employer.
Unlike the S Pass and Work Permit, an Employment Pass is not subject to a foreign worker quota or monthly foreign worker levy.
However, meeting the minimum salary requirement does not automatically guarantee approval.
MOM assesses the application based on the candidate’s salary, role, qualifications, COMPASS assessment where applicable, employer profile and other relevant information.
Employment Pass Eligibility Requirements
Both the employer and candidate must satisfy the prevailing MOM requirements.
Important factors include:
- Fixed monthly salary
- Candidate’s age
- Job title and job scope
- Professional experience
- Educational qualifications
- COMPASS score
- Employer’s business activity
- Company profile
- Local PMET workforce
- Workforce diversity
- Fair Consideration Framework requirements
- Supporting documents
Meeting the minimum EP qualifying salary alone does not guarantee approval.
Each Employment Pass application is assessed based on the overall circumstances of the candidate and employer.
Employment Pass Salary Requirements 2026
For Employment Pass applications submitted in 2026, the current minimum qualifying salary starts at:
All sectors except Financial Services
- From $5,600/month
The qualifying salary increases progressively with age and reaches up to $10,700/month for candidates aged 45 and above.
Financial Services
- From $6,200/month
The qualifying salary increases progressively with age and reaches up to $11,800/month for candidates aged 45 and above.
The salary must be a fixed monthly salary, and the required amount depends on the candidate’s age and sector.
Important
The EP qualifying salary is different from the COMPASS C1 salary benchmark.
A candidate must first meet the applicable EP qualifying salary. The application must then satisfy COMPASS unless the candidate is exempt.
MOM’s COMPASS salary benchmarks are updated annually.
Employment Pass Salary Changes From 1 January 2027
Employers planning future EP applications should also note the next scheduled salary increase.
For new EP applications from 1 January 2027:
| Sector | Current 2026 | From 1 Jan 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| All sectors except Financial Services | From $5,600 | From $6,000 |
| Financial Services | From $6,200 | From $6,600 |
The qualifying salary will continue to increase progressively with age.
For candidates aged 45 and above, the 2027 qualifying salary will reach up to:
- $11,500 for sectors excluding Financial Services
- $12,700 for Financial Services
The 2027 salary changes also apply to EP renewals for passes expiring from 1 January 2028.
What Is COMPASS for Employment Pass?
The Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) is a points-based assessment framework used for most Employment Pass applications.
A candidate generally needs to obtain at least 40 points to pass COMPASS unless the application is exempt.
COMPASS assesses both the candidate and the employer across four core criteria:
- C1 – Salary
- C2 – Qualifications
- C3 – Workforce Diversity
- C4 – Local Employment Support
Additional bonus points may be available under:
- C5 – Skills Bonus
- C6 – Strategic Economic Priorities Bonus
The candidate’s salary, qualifications and the employer’s workforce profile therefore need to be considered together.
COMPASS C1 – Salary
C1 assesses the candidate’s fixed monthly salary against the applicable salary benchmark for the employer’s sector.
The current C1 scoring is:
- 90th percentile and above: 20 points
- 65th to below 90th percentile: 10 points
- Below 65th percentile: 0 points
The C1 benchmark is different from the minimum EP qualifying salary.
A candidate must first meet the EP qualifying salary before COMPASS can be considered.
COMPASS C2 – Qualifications
C2 assesses the candidate’s qualifications.
Depending on the qualification and institution, a candidate may receive:
- 20 points for recognised qualifications from top-tier institutions
- 10 points for recognised degree-equivalent qualifications or eligible professional qualifications
- 0 points where the qualification does not meet the applicable COMPASS requirements
Not every degree, diploma or private education qualification automatically receives COMPASS points.
For qualifications from private education institutions, the awarding institution and qualification may need to meet MOM’s recognition requirements.
Professional qualifications may also be considered where they are recognised by the relevant industry and endorsed by the applicable sector agency.
COMPASS C3 – Workforce Diversity
C3 considers the candidate’s nationality in relation to the employer’s existing PMET workforce.
The purpose is to encourage a diverse workforce and prevent excessive concentration of a single nationality within an employer’s PMET workforce.
For smaller companies with fewer than 25 PMETs, MOM applies the relevant default treatment for C3 and C4.
For larger employers, the applicable COMPASS benchmarks determine the points awarded.
COMPASS C4 – Local Employment Support
C4 assesses the employer’s local PMET workforce compared with other employers in the same sector.
The criterion recognises employers that maintain a strong local professional workforce.
The applicable score depends on the employer’s workforce profile and MOM’s current COMPASS benchmarks.
COMPASS C5 – Skills Bonus
Additional COMPASS points may be available if the candidate is employed in an eligible occupation under MOM’s Shortage Occupation List (SOL).
The occupation and job duties must meet the applicable SOL requirements.
Employers should not assume that a job title alone qualifies for the Skills Bonus. MOM considers the applicable occupation and job duties.
COMPASS C6 – Strategic Economic Priorities Bonus
Employers participating in eligible strategic economic programmes may qualify for the Strategic Economic Priorities Bonus.
Where applicable, the employer and candidate must meet the relevant requirements before bonus points can be awarded.
Who Is Exempt From COMPASS?
Certain Employment Pass applications are exempt from COMPASS.
Examples include candidates who:
- Earn a fixed monthly salary of $22,500 or above
- Are applying as an eligible Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT)
- Are filling a role for 1 month or less
Candidates who are exempt from COMPASS must still meet the other applicable Employment Pass requirements.
MyCareersFuture Job Advertisement for Employment Pass
Most employers must advertise the position on MyCareersFuture before submitting an Employment Pass application.
The advertisement generally must remain open for at least:
14 consecutive days
The employer must also fairly consider applicants during the advertising period.
The job advertisement should accurately reflect:
- Job title
- Job description
- Job requirements
- Salary range
- Number of vacancies
- Hiring employer
The job advertised must match the Employment Pass application.
The advertised salary must also be clear and specific, and the maximum salary in the range cannot exceed twice the minimum salary.
Employment Pass Job Advertisement Exemptions
An employer may be exempt from the MyCareersFuture advertising requirement if the applicable exemption conditions are met.
Current examples include:
- Company has fewer than 10 employees
- Fixed monthly salary for the vacancy is $22,500 or above
- Role is short-term, 1 month or less
- Role is filled by an eligible local transferee
- Certain eligible overseas intra-corporate transferee situations
Even where the advertising requirement does not apply, employers must still practise fair hiring.
WORKPASS Assistance
Where a MyCareersFuture advertisement is required, WORKPASS can assist employers with the 14-day job advertisement process as part of our Employment Pass application support.
Employment Pass Qualification Verification
Where qualification points are claimed under COMPASS, MOM may require verification of the candidate’s academic or professional qualifications.
This may include:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- PhD
- Recognised professional qualifications
The qualification must be genuine and meet the applicable MOM recognition requirements.
For qualifications from private education institutions, the awarding institution and qualification may need to satisfy international recognition or relevant sector-agency requirements.
WORKPASS can review the candidate’s certificates before submission and advise whether qualification verification may be required.
Employment Pass Documents Required
The exact documents depend on the candidate and employer.
Common documents include:
Candidate Documents
- Passport biodata page
- Educational certificates
- Qualification verification report, where applicable
- Resume or employment history
- Professional licences, where applicable
- Professional certificates, where applicable
- Employment details
- Proposed job title
- Job description
- Fixed monthly salary
Employer Documents
- ACRA business profile
- Company business information
- Company turnover information, where required
- Workforce information
- Supporting company documents requested by MOM
- MyCareersFuture advertisement information, where applicable
Documents not in English should generally be accompanied by appropriate English translations.
Employment Pass Application Process
Step 1 – Candidate and Employer Assessment
We review:
- Candidate age
- Fixed monthly salary
- Sector
- Job title
- Job scope
- Qualifications
- Professional experience
- COMPASS
- Employer profile
- Local PMET workforce
- Workforce diversity
This assessment helps identify potential issues before submission.
Step 2 – MyCareersFuture Advertisement
Where required, the employer must advertise the vacancy on MyCareersFuture for at least 14 consecutive days.
WORKPASS can assist with the job advertisement where required.
Step 3 – Document Preparation
We review the candidate’s passport, certificates, employment information and company documents for consistency and completeness.
Step 4 – Qualification Verification
Where applicable, qualification verification is arranged or supporting verification documents are prepared.
Step 5 – Employment Pass Application
The employer or appointed employment agent submits the application through MOM’s Employment Pass eService.
The candidate does not need to be physically in Singapore when the EP application is submitted.
Step 6 – MOM Assessment
MOM may assess:
- Salary
- Job role
- Qualifications
- COMPASS
- Employer profile
- Workforce information
- Supporting documents
MOM may request additional information or documents.
Step 7 – In-Principle Approval
If the application is approved, MOM issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter.
The IPA contains important instructions for the employer and candidate before the Employment Pass is issued.
Step 8 – Employment Pass Issuance
After the candidate is in Singapore, the employer or appointed employment agent can proceed with pass issuance.
The issuance fee is S$225, plus S$30 for the Multiple Journey Visa if applicable.
Step 9 – Card Registration
Where required, the candidate will need to complete fingerprint and photograph registration.
The candidate can also set up the digital work pass through the SGWorkPass app.
Employment Pass Processing Time
MOM currently states that Employment Pass applications are processed or given an update within 10 business days.
Some applications may take longer where MOM requires:
- Additional documents
- Qualification verification
- Further assessment
- Clarification from the employer
- Other supporting information
WORKPASS monitors the application and assists the employer in responding to MOM requests where required.
Employment Pass Validity
For a first-time Employment Pass application, the pass is generally issued for up to 2 years.
For subsequent renewals, the Employment Pass may be renewed for up to 3 years, subject to continued eligibility and MOM approval.
Eligible experienced tech professionals with skills in shortage may qualify for a longer Employment Pass duration of up to 5 years, subject to the applicable requirements.
Employment Pass Renewal
Employment Pass holders can generally renew their passes before expiry if the employer and candidate continue to meet MOM’s requirements.
Renewal assessment may include:
- Current salary
- Candidate’s role
- Employer profile
- COMPASS requirements
- Workforce profile
- Qualifications
- Supporting documents
Employers should review renewal requirements early, particularly where the candidate’s salary needs to meet a higher age-based qualifying salary.
Employment Pass Rejection and Appeal
An Employment Pass application may be rejected if MOM determines that the candidate or employer does not meet the applicable requirements.
If an application is rejected, the employer may consider submitting an appeal where appropriate.
WORKPASS can assist with:
- Reviewing the rejection reason
- Identifying potential issues
- Reviewing candidate qualifications
- Reviewing salary and job scope
- Reviewing employer information
- Preparing additional supporting documents
- Preparing the appeal
- Submitting the appeal to MOM
An appeal should address the actual reason for rejection and provide relevant supporting information. An appeal does not guarantee approval.
Employment Pass for Business Owners and Shareholders
A business owner or shareholder may apply for an Employment Pass if there is a employment position and the employer and candidate meet MOM’s requirements.
The application should clearly establish:
- The company’s business activity
- The candidate’s actual role
- Job responsibilities
- Salary
- Qualifications and experience
- Company operations
- Financial and business profile
- Local workforce information
The Employment Pass should not be treated simply as a way to obtain a work pass based on company ownership.
Each application is assessed by MOM on its individual merits.
Can a foreign company director apply for an Employment Pass?
Yes.
A foreigner who is a director of a Singapore-registered Private Limited Company can apply for an Employment Pass (EP), subject to meeting MOM’s eligibility requirements, including the qualifying salary and COMPASS requirements where applicable.
The proposed employment arrangement and company profile must support the application.
Does an Employment Pass Require a Foreign Worker Quota?
No.
Employment Pass applications are not subject to the foreign worker quota or monthly foreign worker levy that applies to S Pass and Work Permit holders.
However, Employment Pass applications are subject to MOM’s eligibility requirements and, in most cases, COMPASS.
Can an Employment Pass Holder Change Employers?
Yes.
If an EP holder changes employer, the new employer must submit a new Employment Pass application.
The candidate should only start working for the new employer after the appropriate work pass approval is obtained.
Can Employment Pass Holders Bring Their Family to Singapore?
Eligible Employment Pass holders can apply for family passes if they meet the applicable requirements.
An EP holder generally needs to earn at least $6,000 fixed monthly salary to sponsor eligible family members.
Eligible family members may include:
Dependant’s Pass
- Legally married spouse
- Unmarried children under 21 years old, including legally adopted children
Dependant Pass Application Services
Long-Term Visit Pass
- Common-law spouse
- Unmarried stepchildren under 21
- Unmarried handicapped children aged 21 and above
- Parents, where the EP holder earns at least $12,000 fixed monthly salary
Long Term Visit Pass Application Services
Each family member requires a separate application.
Employment Pass vs S Pass vs Work Permit
Employment Pass
For eligible:
- Professionals
- Managers
- Executives
- Specialists
The EP has higher salary requirements and is generally subject to COMPASS.
There is no foreign worker quota or levy.
S Pass
For eligible mid-skilled foreign employees who meet the applicable salary, quota and other requirements.
Work Permit
For eligible foreign workers in approved sectors and occupations, including:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Marine Shipyard
- Process
- Services
Why Choose WORKPASS PTE LTD?
WORKPASS PTE LTD is a licensed Singapore employment agency providing professional Employment Pass application assistance.
We assist employers with:
- EP eligibility assessment
- Salary assessment
- COMPASS assessment
- Qualification verification guidance
- MyCareersFuture advertisement assistance
- Document preparation
- MOM application submission
- Application monitoring
- MOM correspondence
- IPA assistance
- EP issuance
- Card registration guidance
- EP renewal
- EP appeal
We provide practical guidance based on the candidate and employer profile before submission.
Meeting the minimum salary requirement does not guarantee approval.
Our assessment focuses on the overall Employment Pass application, including the candidate’s salary, role, qualifications, experience, COMPASS position and employer profile.
Employment Pass Application FAQ
An Employment Pass is a Singapore work pass for eligible foreign professionals, managers, executives and specialists who meet MOM’s requirements.
For applications in 2026, the minimum qualifying salary starts from:
- $5,600/month for sectors other than Financial Services
- $6,200/month for Financial Services
The required salary increases progressively with age.
Yes.
From 1 January 2027, the EP qualifying salary will increase to:
- $6,000/month for sectors other than Financial Services
- $6,600/month for Financial Services
The salary continues to increase progressively with age.
Yes. Company directors may apply for an Employment Pass provided both the company and applicant satisfy the prevailing Ministry of Manpower (MOM) eligibility requirements. Each application is assessed based on factors such as salary, qualifications, business profile, and supporting documents.
COMPASS is MOM’s points-based framework for assessing most Employment Pass applications.
Candidates generally need 40 points to pass COMPASS unless the application is exempt.
A candidate generally needs at least 40 points.
The points come from C1 Salary, C2 Qualifications, C3 Workforce Diversity and C4 Local Employment Support, with additional bonus points potentially available under C5 and C6.
Processing usually takes around 10 working days, depending on MOM assessment and completeness of documents.
Common documents include passport details, employment contract, educational certificates, and company information.
The IPA letter is MOM’s pre-approval allowing the candidate to enter Singapore and proceed with Employment Pass issuance.
Yes. The IPA letter allows the candidate to enter Singapore for medical checks and pass issuance procedures.
No. Employment Pass applications are not subject to foreign worker quota or levy requirements.
Yes. Applicants are generally expected to hold a recognised degree or possess relevant professional experience suitable for the job role.
Potentially, depending on the overall application.
However, if the candidate does not obtain COMPASS points under C2 Qualifications, the employer must consider how the candidate can obtain sufficient COMPASS points through the other criteria and applicable bonus points.
The candidate must also meet the minimum EP qualifying salary.
Yes. Eligible EP holders may apply for Dependant’s Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass for family members, subject to MOM requirements.
Yes. A new Employment Pass application must be submitted by the new employer before the candidate can start work.
Yes. EP holders may apply for PR, but approval is subject to ICA assessment and eligibility criteria.
Typically up to 2 years for first-time applicants and up to 3 years for renewals, subject to MOM approval.
Employers may review MOM’s rejection reasons and reapply after addressing eligibility or documentation issues.
Employment Pass holders can work in most industries, provided the job meets MOM eligibility requirements.
A new application must be submitted if switching to another pass type, subject to MOM approval.
Generally, yes.
Most employers must advertise the vacancy on MyCareersFuture for at least 14 consecutive days before submitting the EP application, unless an applicable exemption applies.
Companies with fewer than 10 employees are currently exempt from the MyCareersFuture job advertising requirement.
However, the employer must still practise fair hiring.
Yes.
Candidates earning a fixed monthly salary of $22,500 or above are exempt from COMPASS.
The $22,500 threshold also provides an exemption from the MyCareersFuture advertising requirement.
The current MOM government fees are:
- $105 application fee
- $225 issuance fee
- $30 Multiple Journey Visa, if applicable
Professional service fees are separate.
Apply for an Employment Pass in Singapore
Planning to hire a foreign professional, manager, executive or specialist in Singapore?
WORKPASS PTE LTD provides professional Employment Pass application assistance, including eligibility assessment, salary assessment, COMPASS review, qualification verification guidance, MyCareersFuture advertisement assistance where required, MOM submission, application monitoring, IPA and issuance support.
Before proceeding, we recommend assessing the candidate’s salary, age, job role, qualifications, experience, COMPASS position and employer profile.