IMMIGRATION / EMPLOYMENT PASS
Employment Pass (EP) Application in Singapore
The Employment Pass is Singapore’s primary work visa for foreign professionals, managers, and executives. With minimum salaries starting at $5,600/month and a mandatory points-based COMPASS assessment, getting it right the first time matters.
We handle the strategy, the paperwork, and the submission. so you focus on the role, not the red tape.
New Application
From $1,500
Renewal
From $800
We handle the strategy, the paperwork, and the submission. so you focus on the role, not the red tape.
COMPASS pre-assessment included
Full application preparation & submission
MOM-registered Employment Agency
High first-time approval rate
What’s included in our Employment Pass service
PRE-APPLICATION
APPLICATION
POST-APPROVAL
IF THINGS DON’T GO TO PLAN
Government fees (MOM application fee of $105 and issuance fee of $225) are additional and payable directly to MOM.
How it works
Assess
We run a full COMPASS simulation and eligibility check. You know your chances before you spend a dollar.
Prepare
We handle the MyCareersFuture posting, compile all documents, and prepare the complete application.
Submit
We submit to MOM and track your application status. If MOM has queries, we respond on your behalf.
Receive
We collect the IPA, coordinate pass issuance, and help with Dependant’s Pass applications if needed.
Pricing
SELECT SERVICES
Employment Pass —
New Application
From $1,500
Employment Pass — Renewal
From $800
COMPASS Pre-Assessment (standalone)
$500
COMPASS Pre-Assessment (with full application)
Complimentary
Appeal (rejected application)
From $1,500
EP Cancellation
From $300
EP Transfer (change of employer)
From $1,200
Employment Pass eligibility requirements
Salary
Minimum fixed monthly salary of $5,600 (or $6,200 for financial services sector). This is the base — the threshold increases progressively with age. A candidate in their mid-40s may need $10,700–$11,800 or more.
Qualifications
A degree from a recognised university or institution. MOM maintains an internal list of recognised institutions. Candidates without formal qualifications may still qualify with strong specialist skills and higher salary, but the bar is significantly higher.
Compass
Since September 2023, most EP applications must score at least 40 points across four foundational criteria:
C1: Salary (benchmarked against sector norms)
C2: Qualifications (institution quality)
C3: Diversity (nationality concentration within the firm)
C4: Support for local employment (local share of PMETs in the firm)
Bonus criteria:
C5: Skills Bonus — occupation on the Shortage Occupation List
C6: Strategic Economic Priorities Bonus — endorsed by a government agency
Each criterion scores 0, 10, or 20 points. Minimum 40 points required.
COMPASS-exempt: Applications with fixed monthly salary of $22,500 or above are generally exempt.
C1: Salary (benchmarked against sector norms)
C2: Qualifications (institution quality)
C3: Diversity (nationality concentration within the firm)
C4: Support for local employment (local share of PMETs in the firm)
Bonus criteria:
C5: Skills Bonus — occupation on the Shortage Occupation List
C6: Strategic Economic Priorities Bonus — endorsed by a government agency
Each criterion scores 0, 10, or 20 points. Minimum 40 points required.
COMPASS-exempt: Applications with fixed monthly salary of $22,500 or above are generally exempt.
Fair Consideration
The position must be advertised on MyCareersFuture for at least 14 days before an EP application can be submitted (exemptions apply for certain small companies and intra-corporate transferees).
Employer
The applying company must be registered in Singapore. The employer (or appointed employment agent like Bluebox) submits the application — not the candidate.
Everything you need to know about the Employment Pass
How COMPASS actually works — and how to improve your score
COMPASS is not a pass/fail test on any single criterion. It’s a points-based framework where strengths in one area can compensate for weaknesses in another.
Each of the four foundational criteria (C1–C4) scores 0, 10, or 20 points. You need 40 points total to pass.
If your salary is strong but your qualifications are from a lesser-known institution, a high C1 score can offset a low C2. If your company has good local hiring practices (high C4), it can compensate for nationality concentration issues (C3).
The two bonus criteria — C5 (Skills Bonus) and C6 (Strategic Economic Priorities) — are particularly powerful because they can rescue an application that would otherwise fail on the foundational criteria alone. If the role is on MOM’s Shortage Occupation List, that’s 20 bonus points.
This is exactly why a pre-assessment matters. We simulate your exact COMPASS score across all six criteria before you submit — and advise on how to improve it if needed.
Each of the four foundational criteria (C1–C4) scores 0, 10, or 20 points. You need 40 points total to pass.
If your salary is strong but your qualifications are from a lesser-known institution, a high C1 score can offset a low C2. If your company has good local hiring practices (high C4), it can compensate for nationality concentration issues (C3).
The two bonus criteria — C5 (Skills Bonus) and C6 (Strategic Economic Priorities) — are particularly powerful because they can rescue an application that would otherwise fail on the foundational criteria alone. If the role is on MOM’s Shortage Occupation List, that’s 20 bonus points.
This is exactly why a pre-assessment matters. We simulate your exact COMPASS score across all six criteria before you submit — and advise on how to improve it if needed.
What salary do I actually need? (It’s more than the minimum)
The published minimum of $5,600/month (or $6,200 for financial services) is the floor for the youngest, entry-level candidates. In reality, MOM benchmarks the salary against sector-specific norms for the candidate’s age.
A 30-year-old candidate in the tech sector might need $7,000–$8,000 to score well on COMPASS C1. A 45-year-old in the same sector might need $10,700 or more.
The MOM Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) gives a rough indication, but it doesn’t tell you how your salary will score under COMPASS. We benchmark against actual sector data to give you a realistic picture.
Important: From January 2027, the base EP qualifying salary will increase to $6,000 ($6,600 for financial services). If you’re planning a hire for late 2026 or early 2027, factor this in.
A 30-year-old candidate in the tech sector might need $7,000–$8,000 to score well on COMPASS C1. A 45-year-old in the same sector might need $10,700 or more.
The MOM Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) gives a rough indication, but it doesn’t tell you how your salary will score under COMPASS. We benchmark against actual sector data to give you a realistic picture.
Important: From January 2027, the base EP qualifying salary will increase to $6,000 ($6,600 for financial services). If you’re planning a hire for late 2026 or early 2027, factor this in.
How long does the EP application take?
The MOM processing time for a straightforward EP application is typically 3 to 8 weeks from submission. However, the total timeline from engagement to pass issuance is usually 6 to 12 weeks, because the process includes:
1. Pre-assessment and COMPASS simulation: 3–5 business days
2. MyCareersFuture posting: 14 calendar days (mandatory)
3. Document preparation: 3–5 business days
4. MOM processing: 3–8 weeks
5. IPA collection and pass issuance: 1–2 weeks
Renewal applications are typically faster — usually 3 to 4 weeks — and can be submitted up to 6 months before the current pass expires.
1. Pre-assessment and COMPASS simulation: 3–5 business days
2. MyCareersFuture posting: 14 calendar days (mandatory)
3. Document preparation: 3–5 business days
4. MOM processing: 3–8 weeks
5. IPA collection and pass issuance: 1–2 weeks
Renewal applications are typically faster — usually 3 to 4 weeks — and can be submitted up to 6 months before the current pass expires.
What happens if my EP is rejected?
An EP rejection is not the end of the road. MOM allows appeals, and a well-prepared appeal with additional supporting evidence can overturn the initial decision.
Common reasons for rejection include:
— Salary below the benchmark for the candidate’s profile
— Low COMPASS score (particularly on firm-related criteria)
— Insufficient qualifications or unrecognised institution
— Fair Consideration Framework non-compliance
— Concerns about the employer’s hiring practices
When we handle an appeal, we analyse the rejection, identify the most likely failure points, and prepare a targeted response with additional documentation.
If an appeal is unlikely to succeed, we’ll tell you. We also advise on alternative options — such as restructuring the role, adjusting the salary, or exploring other pass types.
Common reasons for rejection include:
— Salary below the benchmark for the candidate’s profile
— Low COMPASS score (particularly on firm-related criteria)
— Insufficient qualifications or unrecognised institution
— Fair Consideration Framework non-compliance
— Concerns about the employer’s hiring practices
When we handle an appeal, we analyse the rejection, identify the most likely failure points, and prepare a targeted response with additional documentation.
If an appeal is unlikely to succeed, we’ll tell you. We also advise on alternative options — such as restructuring the role, adjusting the salary, or exploring other pass types.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for an EP without a Singapore company?
No. The EP must be sponsored by a Singapore-registered company. If you’re planning to start a business, you’ll need to incorporate first — or consider the EntrePass. We can help with both.
Can I be self-employed on an EP?
No. The EP is tied to a specific employer. Self-employed individuals or entrepreneurs should look at EntrePass or the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP).
What’s the difference between EP and S Pass?
The EP is for professionals earning at least $5,600/month with degree-level qualifications. The S Pass is for mid-skilled workers earning at least $3,300/month. Both require COMPASS, but the scoring benchmarks differ. The S Pass also carries a monthly levy and is subject to a quota.
Can my spouse and children come to Singapore?
If your EP salary is $6,000 or above, you can apply for a Dependant’s Pass (DP) for your spouse and unmarried children under 21. Your spouse can also apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) to work in Singapore.
Do I need to post on MyCareersFuture?
Yes — for at least 14 calendar days before the EP application is submitted. There are limited exemptions for companies with fewer than 10 employees, intra-corporate transferees, and roles paying $22,500/month or above.
How is the EP different from the PEP and ONE Pass?
The EP is tied to a specific employer. The PEP (minimum salary $22,500/month) allows you to switch employers without a new application. The ONE Pass (for top 5% earners or exceptional talent) offers even greater flexibility.
What is the EP validity period?
New EPs are issued for up to 2 years. Renewals can be for up to 3 years, depending on the applicant’s profile and the employer’s track record.
Can I apply for PR while on an EP?
Yes. EP holders are eligible to apply for Singapore Permanent Residency. Most successful PR applicants have held an EP for at least 2–3 years with stable employment.
You might also need
S Pass
For mid-skilled workers. From $1,200
Dependant’s Pass
Bring your family to Singapore. From $800
Permanent Residency
Make Singapore your permanent home. From $2,500
Incorporation
Need a SG company to sponsor an EP? From $300