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The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) is a highly sought work visa amongst skilled foreign professional managers/executives and business owners looking to contribute their expertise or grow their business in this small but dynamic Asia Pacific business hub.
However, the approval process is constantly evolving to ensure it’s relevance and compatibility with the Singapore’s workforce. The most recent major change took effect from 1 September 2023 with the introduction of Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS).
This is the most commonly approved work pass catering to junior to senior level roles. This pass are also extended to business owners, artists, sportspeople, and other specialised professions, reflecting Singapore’s diverse professional and business landscape.
Typically 1 to 3 years but renewable.
Holders of Singapore Employment Pass can apply for Permanent Residency in Singapore after working for several years if they intend to build a long term career in Singapore.
A Work Visa for foreign professional employees or business owners to work in Singapore is called a Singapore Employment Pass.
All application for Employment Pass requires an Employer to sponsor the application. This is a crucial point for all foreign job seekers to take note of before approaching employment pass application agency to process any application.
All foreigners with a job offer from a registered Singapore company can apply provided the salary offered meets the minimum requirements at the point of application adjusted for age.
Since 1 September 2023, employers must also consider whether they are eligible to hire foreigners on Employment Pass based on a new COMPASS framework where diversity of foreign nationals currently employed and proportion of local employees in the company are taken into account in the assessment process.
In general, the applicant’s passport copy, verified educational certificate, and employment contract are required to begin the process.
The employer must also provide an authorization letter, ACRA business profile, and data regarding the job posting results.
The application and assessment process can take between 3 to 4 weeks from the point of submission. However, prior to each application, certain employers may be required to put up a job advertisement at MyCareersFuture for 14 days to provide an opportunity for local job seekers to apply for the job.
Since 1 September 2023, if the education qualification of the applicant is to be submitted for consideration, education verification via an external accredited agency is required. If this has not been done, it may take 2 to 3 weeks for this process to take place first.
Our professional service includes the appeal process too. We will analyse the reasons the application is rejected and work with you to frame up an appeal letter justifying why your application should be reconsidered.
In addressing the reasons for rejection, we may require you to elaborate and provide more information and documentation relating to your business and hiring plan including candidate background, etc.
Yes. A foreign director can apply for a Singapore Employment Pass if the business owner/director is required to work or manage his company in Singapore.
However, not all foreigners or businesses are eligible or can be approved. It is advisable that prior to the incorporation of the company, the prospective business owner/ foreign director discuss the likelihood of obtaining approval with a work pass specialist.
In general, EP holder cannot work or become director of more than one local company in Singapore. However, if there is a valid reason, the EP holder can apply for an exemption or a Letter of Consent ( LOC ) from the Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to be a director of another local company if the EP holder is eligible and meets the criteria.
MOM recognises that secondary directorship positions in related companies, e.g. subsidiary, may be critical to the EP holders job role. As such, EP holders may be allowed to take up such secondary director roles through a LOC.
If the secondary directorship position is in an unrelated company, e.g. fund entities, MOM may still grant the LOC if it is relevant to the EP holder’s primary occupation.
It is important to pick the right consultant to support your application to have the highest chance of success. Our firm is licensed by Singapore Ministry of Manpower and we have been established since 2003. Our team of expert consultants possess expert in-depth knowledge and insights on the latest rules and criteria for approval.
Yes, we provide support in renewing the Employment Pass of your existing employees.
The renewal application process can start 6 months prior to expiry and employers are encouraged to start the renewal process as early as possible.
You can contact us for a free no obligation discussion and assessment before you decide whether to engage our professional service. Once you have decide to engage our service, we will provide you with a list of documents required and our fee quotation for your acceptance and confirmation.
The following are preliminary list of forms/documents commonly required to start an EP application: However, depending on each case and circumstances, additional supporting documents such as tenancy agreement and financial standing may be requested during the application process.
Employment Pass holders earning a certain qualifying salary do have the privileges of bringing in family members to live with them.
Types of Family Passes
Applicants must satisfy the following prerequisites in order to be eligible to apply:
Remember, these eligibility criteria may change, so it’s essential to consult the most up-to-date information and seek expert guidance for your specific situation.
Securing Singapore Employment Pass for your foreign employees to work in Singapore has become increasingly more complex and time consuming as the SG government regularly update and introduce more criteria and requirements in the application and approval process. One way to navigate these challenges would be to work with a professional human resource firm with extensive experience and expertise to support your application.
Our professional team of Ministry of Manpower’s licensed personnel can add value and support your application with the following scope of services:
Our firm has been established since 2003 as a Licensed Ministry of Manpower human resource agency. We have an almost perfect track record in supporting our clients with seamless EP processing. Each client is managed and treated with a personalised approach by our experienced team of dedicated professional members.
Don’t take any chances, work with a professional human resource firm for a stress-free Singapore Employment Pass application process!
Alex Chong
Founder
Ryan Seah
Dave Maran
Kelvin Lee
Raji Nambiar