Types of Work Passes & Singapore Employment Pass
Employment Pass
The Employment Pass is issued to professionals, managerial personnel (managing directors, general managers, CEOs), executives, or specialists who wish to work in Singapore. Employment Pass Singapore requires an employer sponsor before an application can be made directly by the employer or through an appointed employment agent on behalf of the employer.
Candidates without a job offer or those seeking jobs are not eligible to apply.
S Pass
This category of pass is suitable for semi-skilled or junior to mid level skilled professional foreigners who would not qualify for Singapore Employment Pass. There is a minimum qualifying salary for this types of Singapore work passes category. The qualifying salaries vary according the work experience and age of candidates. A quota is also imposed for each company as to how many S Pass holders they can employ.
DP
Dependent Pass(DP) is typically offered to children or spouses of employment pass or S Pass holders (if they qualify). Holders of this pass are allowed to work or start a business in Singapore subject to obtaining a letter of consent from the Ministry of Manpower. Only Employment Pass Singapore and S Pass holders earning in excess of SGD6,000 per month can sponsor and bring their dependents to live in Singapore.
Work Permit
Work Permit (WP) is issued to lower skilled blue collar workers who want to work in Singapore’s in-demand sectors and are from approved source countries. Employers need to provide a Banker’s Guarantee against disappearance for workers from non-traditional source countries such as India, China and Bangladesh while workers from traditional source countries such as Malaysia, Taiwan, South Korea and Macau are exempted from such requirement. The worker is only allowed to work for a direct employer and in the specified occupation.
There is no minimum qualifying salary for this types of Singapore work pass but employers must pay a monthly levy to the Singapore government which can be prohibitive.
Job Seekers cannot apply for work permit (Singapore Work Pass) as an Employer Sponsor is required for every application.
Personalised Employment Pass
Personalised Employment Pass a unique and the only self-sponsored work pass category available for foreigners to work in Singapore. There is no requirement during the application for the applicant to have a job or an employer to sponsor the application. Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is only issued once for each applicant and is valid for 3 years, and it is non-renewable. The requirements and approval criteria is strict and available mainly to highly talented, high income and uniquely skilled foreign professionals.
New Applicant or Existing Employment Pass holders must earn at least SGD22,500 per month to be eligible to apply.
Letter of Consent
Letter of Consent (LOC) allows eligible Dependant’s Pass or Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) holders to work in Singapore if they find a job in Singapore. There is no quota requirements or levy imposed on the employer and there is no qualifying criteria for the candidates.
Therefore, in an increasingly tight labour market, many employers do consider foreign candidates who are eligible to obtain a letter of consent / work permit (singapore work pass) favourably in the job application.
The main disadvantage of this work pass type is that it is tied to the validity of the Dependent Pass which in turn is dependent on the status of the employment pass singapore holders. This is less predictability for the employers for hiring such candidates as the working relationship may just cease anytime.
Entrepreneurial Pass
An Entrepreneurial Pass (also known in brief by MOM as EntrePass) is a special and unique form of work visa aimed at foreigners with exceptional talent and business acumen to establish and grow their business presence in Singapore.
The key purpose of this visa to attract highly talented and skilled foreign individuals with an entrepreneurial background and track records to start an innovative and scalable and high value business in Singapore.
FAQ
What is different between EP and S pass
The main difference between an Employment Pass (EP) and an S Pass lies in eligibility and skill levels:
- Employment Pass (EP): For professionals, managers, and executives earning at least SGD 4,500 per month, with higher educational qualifications or specialized skills.
- S Pass: For mid-skilled workers earning at least SGD 3,000 per month, typically in technical or operational roles.
Both passes have different salary thresholds, quotas, and requirements.
Who is eligible to apply for a Singapore Employment Pass?
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.
What documents are required for the Singapore Employment Pass application?
In general, the applicant’s passport copy, verified educational certificate, and employment contract are required to begin the process.
Additionally, to assess employment pass eligibility, the employer must provide an authorization letter, ACRA business profile, and data regarding the job posting results
How long does the Singapore Employment Pass application process take?
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.
What happens if the Employment Pass application is rejected?
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.
Can a business owner and foreign director of a Singapore incorporated company apply for a Singapore Employment Pass (EP)?
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.
Can a foreigner holding a Singapore Employment Pass (EP) be registered as directors in other Singapore incorporated companies other than the local company the EP holder is approved to work for?
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.
Why should we engage your Singapore Employment Pass application service?
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.
Do you provide support for Singapore Employment Pass renewal application process?
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.
How do we engage your service for Singapore Employment Pass application?
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.