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Get Your Guide to Applying for an Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore
28/02/2023
To work in a managerial, executive, or specialized job in Singapore as a foreign national, you must apply for a Singapore Employment Pass (Employment Pass). The Employment Pass is open to nationals from any country, but you and your employer must meet specific requirements in addition to having a job offer in Singapore.
This blog post will provide insight into Employment Passes in Singapore.
What is an Employment Pass?
Foreign professionals who wish to work in Singapore need an Employment Pass (EP). This pass is required for foreign professionals in Singapore’s managerial, executive, or specialized jobs.
Who needs an Employment Pass?
In general, the following individuals are required to have an Employment Pass to work in Singapore:
- Foreign professionals who have been offered a job in Singapore, including managers, executives, and specialists employed by a Singapore company, earn a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 4,500.
- Entre Pass holders and business owners: Foreigners planning to start a business or invest in a Singapore company must apply for an Employment Pass to manage their operations.
- Company directors: Foreigners who serve as directors of Singapore companies may be eligible for an Employment Pass, depending on the company’s size, business activities, and the individual’s qualifications.
Which jobs do not require an Employment Pass?
It’s important to note that not all jobs in Singapore require an Employment Pass. Examples of such jobs include:
- domestic helpers,
- confinement nannies, and
- performing artists.
What are the requirements for an Employment Pass?
To be eligible for an Employment Pass, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
- A job offer from a Singapore employer: The applicant must have a job offer from a Singapore employer, and the employer must apply for the Employment Pass on the applicant’s behalf.
- Educational qualifications: The applicant must have a university degree, professional qualifications, or specialized skills.
- Relevant work experience: The applicant should have several years of relevant work experience.
- Satisfactory salary: The Employment Pass applicant must have a minimum monthly salary of SGD 4,500, although the minimum salary requirement may be higher for more experienced candidates.
- Age and health requirements: No specific age restrictions exist, but the applicant must be healthy.
- Clean background: The applicant must not have a criminal record and must be able to pass a background check.
It’s important to note that the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will evaluate each Employment Pass application on a case-by-case basis, and meeting these requirements does not guarantee approval of the Employment Pass. The MOM will also consider other factors, such as the company’s track record, the applicant’s work experience and skills, and the availability of local candidates for the job.
What is the process for applying for an Employment Pass?
The application process for applying for an Employment Pass is as follows:
- The applicant must send their employer a written letter of consent to apply for the Employment Pass on their behalf. This is needed to show that you agree to be employed.
- The employer applies for the Employment Pass through the online application tool; Employment Pass Online. They have to submit any required documents and pay the necessary processing fee.
- If the Pass is approved (approval takes approximately three weeks), your employer will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter.
- An IPA letter will be sent to the applicant. This letter can be used to enter Singapore as it contains a pre-approved, single-entry Singapore visa.
- Once in Singapore, the applicant’s employer submits another application via Employment Pass Online to get the Employment Pass issued.
- The employer must also enter an address where you can receive your Pass and other personal information about the applicant, such as your passport number, mobile number, and email address.
- The employer will receive a notification letter, which they give to the applicant. The notification letter:
- This letter allows the applicant to start working, leave, and enter Singapore until their Pass Card is issued.
- The applicant must register at the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC) within two weeks.
- After registration, the applicant will receive their Employment Pass Card, typically within four working days.
It is important to note that a Singapore Employment Agency can apply on your behalf and your employer.
Can you renew an Employment Pass?
An Employment Pass is valid for two years and may be renewed before its validity ends. After each renewal, the Employment Pass will remain valid for up to three years.
The renewal process for your Employment Pass can be done up to six months before its expiration date. To renew your Employment Pass, your employer must apply using the Employment Pass Online system.
If you originally applied through a sponsor, your sponsor must complete the Employment Pass renewal. Applications through a sponsor must be submitted to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) via SingPost at least two months before the expiration of your pass.
Can I Bring My Family Members to Singapore With an Employment Pass?
Holders of an Employment Pass can bring their family members to live with them in Singapore.
This can be done in two ways:
- Using an Employment Pass. An Employment Pass allows holders to bring their legally married spouse and children under 21 to Singapore.
- Using a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP). An LTVP is available to other close family members who are not eligible for the above.
Please note that your employer must apply to bring your family to Singapore. They can do this when applying for the applicant’s Employment Pass. It is also possible to do this after the applicant has received their Employment Pass.
How can Belaws help?
If you have a question about Employment Passes in Singapore, please speak directly with one of our experts.
You can also view our Singapore incorporation services here.
This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register a nominee for shares?
To register a nominee for shares, you must first obtain a Nominee Director and/or Nominee Shareholder Agreement. The agreement will outline the terms and conditions of the nominee arrangement, including the roles and responsibilities of the nominee.
Who is a nominee shareholder of a company?
A nominee shareholder is a person or entity that holds shares on behalf of another person or entity. The nominee shareholder is the legal owner of the shares, but the beneficial owner has the right to any dividends or other benefits that come with the shares.
What is nominee shareholding declaration?
A nominee shareholding declaration is a document that outlines the details of a nominee shareholder arrangement. It includes the names of the nominee and the beneficial owner, as well as the terms and conditions of the arrangement.
Is nominee shareholder legal?
Yes, nominee shareholding is legal, and is a common practice in Singapore and other jurisdictions. It is often used to protect the privacy of the beneficial owner or to facilitate investments in companies.
Why do we appoint nominee shareholders?
Nominee shareholders are appointed for various reasons, including to protect the privacy of the beneficial owner, to facilitate investments in companies, and to comply with legal or regulatory requirements.
What is the rule for nominee?
The rules for nominee arrangements vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific terms and conditions of the arrangement. Generally, the nominee must act in the best interests of the beneficial owner and follow any instructions given by the beneficial owner.
What happens if nominee is not registered?
If a nominee is not properly registered, the beneficial owner may not have legal ownership of the shares, and may not be entitled to any dividends or other benefits that come with the shares.
Who is the rightful owner legal heir or nominee?
The rightful owner of shares is typically the beneficial owner, rather than the nominee. However, the specific terms of the nominee arrangement may affect the rights of the beneficial owner.
Who is eligible for nominee?
The eligibility requirements for a nominee arrangement depend on the specific terms and conditions of the arrangement, as well as any legal or regulatory requirements that may apply. Typically, nominees are professional service providers such as lawyers or accountants.
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