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Vietnam The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) – often referred to as a Professional Employment Pass, is the primary work visa for foreign professionals, managers, and executives seeking to live and work in Singapore.
Work in Singapore with Confidence
Designed for highly skilled talent, Singapore Employment Pass (EP) remains one of the most sought-after immigration pathways for companies hiring globally competitive expertise.
At Crown Relocations Singapore, our Immigration Specialists provide end-to-end support to ensure your EP application meets strict regulatory requirements, including salary thresholds, the COMPASS framework, and Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) advertising obligations.
What is the Employment Pass (EP)?
The Employment Pass is a work visa issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for foreign professionals employed in managerial, executive, or specialist roles.
Key features:
- No quota requirements (unlike S Pass or Work Permits)
- Renewable pass (typically issued for 1–2 years)
- Eligibility to sponsor family members (Dependant’s Pass / Long-Term Visit Pass)
- Pathway to Permanent Residence (PR) in Singapore
Key Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for an Employment Pass in Singapore, both the candidate and the employing company MUST meet specific criteria:
Applicants must earn a minimum qualifying monthly salary, which varies based on sector and experience level.
- Fresh graduates: starting threshold (subject to annual revisions by MOM)
- Mid-career and senior professionals: higher salary expectations
- Financial services sector: higher benchmark compared to other industries
Tip: Salary is a key component of the COMPASS assessment and must align with market benchmarks. Candidates who do not meet stage 1 will not be eligible for an EP, regardless of the points they would have scored under COMPASS.
The Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) is a points-based system evaluating EP applicants across four foundational criteria:
- C1: Salary (benchmarked against local workforce)
- C2: Qualifications (recognised degrees or equivalent)
- C3: Diversity (nationality mix within the company)
- C4: Support for local employment (share of local employees)
Additional bonus points may apply for:
- C5: Skills in shortage occupations
- C6: Strategic economic contributions
Applicants must achieve at least 40 points to qualify.
Before applying for an EP, employers are generally required to:
- Advertise the role on MyCareersFuture.sg for at least 14 days
- Demonstrate fair consideration of local candidates
Exemptions may apply in specific cases (e.g., senior roles with high salaries).
Candidates should possess:
- A recognised university degree, professional qualification, or specialised skills
- Relevant work experience aligned with the job role
- If you need points from this criterion, you have to submit verification proof together with your candidate’s qualifications in your EP application.
Benefits of the Employment Pass
The Employment Pass offers flexibility and long-term opportunities for both employers and employees:
For Employers
- Access to global talent without quota restrictions
- Flexibility for senior roles who command higher salaries and qualifications
- Supports regional leadership and technical roles
- Enhances workforce diversity and innovation
For Employees
- Ability to live and work in Singapore – the global financial and technology business hub legally
- Competitive employment packages and benefits
- Gateway for regional opportunities across Asia-Pacific, ideal for professionals seeking global mobility
- Establish businesses in Singapore with full (100%) foreign ownership, supported by a low-tax regime, strong legal framework, and a politically stable environment
- Eligibility to bring family members (under Dependant Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass)
- Access to PR pathways over time
The EP application process requires careful documentation and compliance management:
Ensure compliance with FCF requirements and define the role appropriately.
We assess candidate eligibility against the COMPASS framework.
Submit the EP application to MOM with supporting documents:
- Passport details
- Academic certificates
- Employment contract
- Company information
Processing typically takes 1–3 weeks, depending on case complexity.
Upon approval, the candidate can enter Singapore (if overseas) and proceed with formalities.
Completion of:
- Medical examination (if required)
- Biometrics registration
Common Challenges and How We Solve Them
From our extensive experience handling EP applications in Singapore, common issues include:
- Insufficient COMPASS score
- Salary misalignment with market benchmarks
- Weak job advertisements under FCF
- Unclear job roles or business justification
- Education documents that are not properly authenticated
At Crown Relocations Singapore, we mitigate these risks through:
- Pre-assessment and eligibility scoring
- Salary benchmarking guidance
- Strategic job description drafting
- Full compliance with MOM regulations
- Management of authentication through an accredited MOM recognised service partner.
Why Engage Crown Relocations Singapore?
With deep expertise in Singapore immigration, we deliver a high-success, low-risk approach to Employment Pass applications.
Our Services Include:
EP eligibility assessment & advisory
COMPASS scoring analysis
Document preparation & submission
Liaison with MOM
