Not only is Singapore known as one of the safest countries in the world, but it also boasts a dynamic and exciting business landscape that can’t help but attract global attention. With that being said, it’s no wonder why employees and individuals from around the world aspire to work in Singapore and take part in the booming economic activity.
To accommodate this high demand, the government offers the opportunity for individuals to acquire the Singapore Employment Pass (EP)—the primary work visa for foreign professionals aspiring to work in Singapore. Here’s everything you need to know about the Singapore employment pass!
What is a Singapore Employment Pass?
A Singapore employment pass is a work visa issued by the Ministry of Manpower that allows the holder to live and work in Singapore as an employee. This pass is often sponsored by a Singaporean company and must be filled by the employer, or an authorized corporate service provider with an Employment Agency license. The initial employment pass issued will be valid for up to two years, with subsequent renewals being valid for up to three years.
Singapore Employment Pass Eligibility
In order to work in Singapore, the following Singapore work pass eligibility criteria must be met:
- The employment pass is only for foreign professionals, managers, and executives that already have a job offer in Singapore. This is crucial, as the employer will be responsible for submitting an application on behalf of the applicant.
- The applicant must have a monthly salary of at least SGD 5000, with this minimum increasing progressively depending on the applicant’s age. Candidates in the financial services sector will need to secure higher salaries, which start at SGD 5,500. These minimum values are subject to increase in the following years.
- The applicant will also need to pass the Complementarity Assessment Framework, unless exempted.
What are the Documents Required for Singapore Employment Pass?
Here are the documents that must be submitted on behalf of the applicant:
- Personal particulars page of the applicant’s passport. If the applicant’s name on the passport is different from that on their other documents, then an explanation letter and supporting documents will also be required.
- The company’s latest business profile or information registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)
- The candidate’s educational certificates
- The candidate’s written consent expressing his or her permission for the company to apply on his or her behalf
- Any additional documents that may be required for certain professions
For documents that aren’t in English, a copy of the original document must be provided, along with an English translation. Both copies should be condensed into one file. The translation may be done by a qualified service provider.
Applicants that fall under any of the following professions will also need to get supporting documents from the respective professional bodies:
- Dentist: Singapore Dental Council
- Diagnostic Radiographer: Allied Health Professions Council
- Doctor: Singapore Medical Council
- Emergency Medical Technician: Unit for Prehospital Emergency Care
- Football Player or Coach: Sport Singapore
- Lawyer: Legal Services Regulatory Authority
- Nurse: Singapore Nursing Board
- Occupational Therapist: Allied Health Professions Council
- Paramedic: Unit for Prehospital Emergency Care
- Pharmacist: Singapore Pharmacy Council
- Physiotherapist: Allied Health Professions Council
- Radiation Therapist: Allied Health Professions Council
- Speech Therapist: Allied Health Professions Council
- TCM Practitioner: Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board
For employees working in food establishments, simply scan the QR code of the foodshop license issued by the Singapore Food Agency and submit a copy of the online page along with the application. It’s also worth noting that additional requirements may also be needed to substantiate the application, such as proof that the declared salary will be paid.
How to Apply for Employment Pass
Application Submission
Here’s how to apply for an employment pass in Singapore:
- After securing written approval from the candidate, the employer must ask the candidate to fill in the application form.
- Once the applicant has sent the filled application form to the employer, the employer will have to submit the application, along with the required documents, to the Employment Pass eService portal.
- After submitting the application, the employer will have to pay the SGD 105 application fee by GIRO, Visa, Mastercard, or Amex.
The processing time will typically take around 10 business days. You can check on the status of the employment pass online:
- If the application is still being processed after 10 days, then check your email for any additional information or documents requested. This may delay the approval of your application, but you can easily submit any further documents on the Employment Pass eService portal as well.
- If the employment pass application has been approved, then print the in-principle approval (IPA) letter and send the pass holder’s copy to the candidate. This is a single-entry visa that will allow the candidate to enter Singapore within 6 months of the letter’s receipt, and the applicant will need to have his or her copy upon arrival in Singapore.
Issuance of the Pass
The candidate will need to be in Singapore in order to receive the employment pass, and this can only be done within 6 months of the in-principle approval. To get the employment pass issued, you will need to have the following requirements:
- The applicant’s passport details
- The applicant’s Singapore contact details
- The applicant’s current Short-Term Visit Pass or immigration pass details
- The applicant’s Singapore residential address
- The Singapore residential or office address that will receive the applicant’s card
- The details (i.e., contact number, NRIC number, FIN, or passport number) of up to 3 authorized recipients of the card
The following may also be requested in PDF format:
- The applicant’s passport page, which shows the date of his or her arrival in Singapore
- The applicant’s completed medical examination form or medical declaration form
- The applicant’s completed declaration form is attached to the IPA letter. The employer’s declaration of the form should be signed by an authorized HR personnel, or an employee holding at least a managerial position.
Here are the steps to get the employment pass issued:
- Log in to the Employment Pass eService portal and provide the required information and documents.
- Pay the SGD 225 pass fee with Giro, Visa, Mastercard, or Amex. You may also pay an additional SGD 30 for a Multiple Journey Visa
- Once the pass has been issued, both the candidate and the employer will receive a notification letter by email. This letter will be valid for one month from the date of issue and will allow the candidate to start working and traveling in and out of Singapore while waiting for the pass card. In the letter, you’ll also see if registration of fingerprints and photo is required.
Fingerprint and Photo Registration (Optional)
If your letter requires the applicant to register fingerprints and photo, then this should be done within 2 weeks after the pass is issued. Here are the steps:
- The employer should schedule an appointment for the candidate at the Employment Pass Services Centre.
- On the day of the appointment, the candidate should bring his or her original passport, appointment letter, and notification letter.
Card Delivery
Within 5 working days after the fingerprint and photo registration or document verification, the card will be delivered to the address specified on the application form. The authorized recipients listed on the application will be notified at least 1 working day before the delivery of the card, but the employer can also check the card delivery details on the Employment Pass eServices portal.
If the card delivery fails after 2 attempts, the candidate or authorized person may collect the card at the Employment Pass Services Centre after 3 working days. While an appointment won’t be required, the following documents should be presented by the candidate during collection:
- The candidate’s passport
- The candidate’s notification letter
On the other hand, any authorized person may present the following documents instead:
- Authorization letter from employer
- NRIC or passport for identity verification
Timeline for Singapore Employment Pass Application
Here’s a general breakdown of the timeline for an employment pass application:
- Application Submission: 10 days
- Issuance of the Pass: Immediate processing
- Fingerprint and Photo Registration: Will depend on schedule, if applicable
- Card Delivery: 5 working days
How to Appeal Against a Rejected Application
You can appeal against a rejected employment pass application within 3 months, so long as you can address the reasons for rejection. This can be found in the Employment Pass eService portal’s rejection advisory, which will let you see the reasons for rejection and what you can do next. The Ministry of Manpower recommends using the self-assessment tool to get an idea of whether you have a chance of overturning the initial decision.
Here’s how you can appeal against a rejected application:
- The employer must make an appeal through the Employment Pass eService online portal. Keep in mind that any application or inquiry made by the candidate will not be entertained. You may also receive an email from the Ministry of Manpower requesting for additional documents, which you can then submit through this form.
- After submitting an appeal, you can regularly check the online portal for the status of your appeal. While there’s no set timeframe for when your appeal will be viewed, 85% of appeals are processed within 6 weeks.
- If the appeal has been accepted, then you must print out the outcome letter.
Conclusion
The Singapore Employment Pass stands as a valuable opportunity for foreign professionals seeking employment in Singapore's dynamic landscape.
A thorough understanding of the EP requirements, application procedures, and timelines is important for foreign professionals seeking opportunities in Singapore and the companies interested in hiring them. Proper preparation will help streamline the process, minimize errors, and increase the chances of a successful application!