Last updated: 2026-09-26
Do employers need to advertise a job before applying for an Employment Pass?
For most new Employment Pass applications, yes. Under the Fair Consideration Framework, the employer (who is the applicant, not the candidate) must advertise the role on MyCareersFuture for at least 14 consecutive days and fairly consider Singaporean applicants before filing. The advertisement must match the job title, duties and salary in the EP application.
Sources & related reading
Related reading
Official source
Who is exempt from advertising
MOM exempts some cases from the advertising requirement: companies with fewer than 10 employees, jobs paying a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500, short-term roles of one month or less, and intra-corporate transferees. These look similar to the COMPASS exemptions but are separate rules, so check each one on its own terms.
Mistakes that trigger questions from MOM
The two most common are filing before the 14-day window has ended, often under pressure to hire quickly, and advertising a job that does not match the application. A different title, narrower duties or a lower advertised salary can make MOM doubt that the role was genuinely open to local candidates. Keep records showing that local applications were reviewed.
Related questions
- What are the COMPASS bonus criteria, and how many points can they add?
- What is the COMPASS framework for Employment Pass applications?
- What are the basic eligibility requirements for an Employment Pass (EP)?
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