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Singapore Work Pass Applications

Work pass application advisory for employers and professionals — from Employment Pass and S Pass to ONE Pass, Tech.Pass and PEP.

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Overview

Applying for a Singapore Work Pass

Singapore is a global business hub that attracts talent from around the world. Whether you are an employer hiring foreign professionals or a company relocating key staff, choosing the right Singapore work pass is an important first step.

Employment Pass, S Pass, ONE Pass, Tech.Pass and PEP applications each come with different salary benchmarks, eligibility rules, COMPASS requirements and MOM review considerations. E&H provides end-to-end work pass application support, from pass category assessment to document preparation and MOM submission.

Key Benefits of Working in Singapore

01Access to Asia's leading financial hub
02Competitive tax rates for professionals
03World-class infrastructure and connectivity
04Pathway to Permanent Residence
05Safe and family-friendly environment
06Diverse, multicultural workforce

Start your application with confidence

Get a personalised roadmap for your case from E&H’s specialists.

Pass Categories

Types of Work Passes in Singapore

Open each pass type below to view detailed eligibility and criteria.

Employment Pass (EP)

For foreign professionals earning at least $5,000/month with acceptable qualifications.

Who It's For

Foreign professionals, managers, executives, and specialists seeking employment in Singapore.

Eligibility

  • Minimum fixed monthly salary of $5,000 (higher for older, more experienced candidates)
  • Acceptable qualifications from a recognised institution
  • Must pass the COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) points-based assessment
  • Job offer from a Singapore-registered company

Key Criteria

  • Salary benchmarked against local PMET salaries
  • Qualifications and relevant professional experience
  • Company's hiring track record and diversity profile
  • Contribution to Singapore's economic development

S Pass

For mid-level skilled workers earning at least $3,150/month.

Who It's For

Mid-level skilled workers in technical, clerical, or specialised roles.

Eligibility

  • Minimum fixed monthly salary of $3,150 (higher for older candidates)
  • Relevant qualifications (degree, diploma, or technical certificates)
  • At least 1 year of relevant work experience
  • Employer must meet S Pass quota and pay monthly levies

Key Criteria

  • Salary relative to the industry median
  • Employer's S Pass quota availability (max 10–18% of workforce depending on sector)
  • Relevant qualifications and work experience
  • Monthly levy payable by employer

ONE Pass

For top talent earning at least $30,000/month with outstanding achievements.

Who It's For

Individuals at the pinnacle of their field — business leaders, world-class researchers, elite athletes, and top creatives.

Eligibility

  • Fixed monthly salary of at least $30,000 (or equivalent) in the past year
  • OR outstanding achievements in arts & culture, sports, science & technology, or academia & research
  • Applicants not meeting salary criteria must demonstrate exceptional accomplishments

Key Criteria

  • Earned or will earn $30,000+/month from a Singapore-based company
  • Leadership in top multinational or high-growth enterprise
  • Internationally recognised achievements or awards
  • Valid for 5 years; allows concurrent employment with multiple companies

Tech.Pass

For established tech entrepreneurs, leaders, or technical experts.

Who It's For

Experienced tech professionals looking to start or operate a tech company in Singapore, or contribute to Singapore's tech ecosystem.

Eligibility

  • At least 5 years of experience in a leading role in a tech company
  • OR at least 5 years of experience leading development of a tech product with significant user base or revenue
  • OR active ownership/shareholding in a tech company valued at US$500M+ or with US$30M+ funding
  • Minimum fixed monthly salary of $20,000 in the last 1 year

Key Criteria

  • Track record in building or scaling tech products/companies
  • Portfolio of patents, research publications, or notable tech contributions
  • Mentorship, investment, or advisory roles in the tech ecosystem
  • Valid for 2 years; allows concurrent employment or starting a business

Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)

For high-earning EP holders or overseas professionals not tied to a single employer.

Who It's For

High-earning existing EP holders or overseas foreign professionals seeking greater job flexibility in Singapore.

Eligibility

  • Existing EP holders earning a fixed monthly salary of at least $12,000
  • OR overseas professionals earning at least $18,000/month in the last 6 months
  • Must not have held a PEP before
  • Valid for 3 years (non-renewable)

Key Criteria

  • Not tied to a specific employer — allows job transitions without reapplication
  • Cannot be unemployed for more than 6 consecutive months
  • Cannot start or run a business in Singapore
  • Must earn at least $144,000/year while on the PEP
Why It Matters

Navigating Singapore Work Pass Compliance Right the First Time Matters

Hiring foreign talent in Singapore comes with regulatory obligations. From COMPASS scoring to quota management, salary benchmarks and fair hiring requirements, employers need a work pass application process that is both compliant and commercially practical.

Whether you're a multinational relocating key staff or an SME hiring your first foreign employee, E&H provides end-to-end advisory tailored to your company's needs.
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Common Challenges Employers Face

COMPASS & Fair Consideration Framework: Employers must demonstrate fair hiring practices and meet COMPASS benchmarks on salary, qualifications, diversity, and local workforce support — non-compliance leads to application rejection.
Quota & Levy Management: S Pass and Work Permit holders are subject to dependency ratio ceilings and monthly levies. Exceeding quotas or miscalculating levies can block new hires entirely.
Multi-Pass Workforce Strategy: Companies with diverse talent needs must navigate multiple pass types simultaneously. Choosing the wrong category delays onboarding and increases costs.
Regulatory Updates & Policy Shifts: MOM regularly updates salary thresholds, COMPASS criteria, and sector-specific rules. Staying compliant requires constant vigilance and expert guidance.
E&H
Why E&H

Why Choose E&H Immigration Consultancy?

Whether you're an employer or an individual, your work pass application deserves a strategic, tailored approach. Here's what sets us apart.

25+ Years of Collective Experience

Our seasoned team brings decades of hands-on immigration expertise, having successfully guided thousands through the application process.

Unmatched Professionalism

From the first consultation to the final outcome, every interaction is handled with the utmost care, accuracy, and respect for your time.

Full Transparency

We give you an honest assessment of your chances upfront — no hidden fees, no inflated promises. You'll always know exactly where you stand.

Personalised Attention

Every application we handle is unique. We take the time to understand your background and craft a strategy tailored specifically to you.

Thorough & Meticulous

We invest weeks building a compelling case with multiple rounds of document review, ensuring nothing is left to chance before submission.

End-to-End Support

From eligibility assessment through to post-approval obligations, our team stays by your side at every milestone of your journey.

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E&H Immigration Consultancy

E&H Immigration Consultancy has built its reputation on trust, results, and genuine care for every client. With over 1,000+ applications submitted and a 4.8-star Google rating, we are one of Singapore's most trusted immigration agencies.

Real Clients. Real Results.

What Our Clients Say

4.8· 100+ Google Reviews

E&H guided us through every step of our PR application. Their attention to detail and personalised approach made all the difference — we got approved on the first try!

A

Amanda T.

2 months ago

Incredibly professional and thorough. They knew exactly how to position my profile and the result was a successful PR approval. Highly recommend.

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James L.

4 months ago

The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about our outcome. Worth every cent — our application was approved faster than expected.

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1 month ago

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common Work Pass Questions, Answered

What is the difference between an Employment Pass (EP) and an S Pass?
  • The Employment Pass (EP) is for professionals, managers, executives and specialists earning at least S$5,600/month (S$6,200 in financial services). It requires passing the COMPASS points framework unless the salary exceeds S$22,500/month.
  • The S Pass is for skilled mid-level technical workers earning at least S$3,300/month (S$3,800 in financial services). It is subject to employer quota limits and a monthly levy.
  • In general, the EP is considered a stronger foundation for a future PR application.
Learn more
What is the COMPASS framework for Employment Pass applications?
  • COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) is a points-based system introduced in September 2023 for all new EP applications.
  • Applicants must score at least 40 points across five criteria: salary relative to local peers, qualifications, diversity contribution, support for local employment, and strategic economic priorities.
  • Candidates earning S$22,500/month or more are exempt from COMPASS scoring.
Learn more
What is the Overseas Networks and Expertise (ONE) Pass?
  • The ONE Pass is a five-year work pass for top global talent earning at least S$30,000/month, or those with outstanding achievements in arts, culture, sports, science, or academia.
  • It allows the holder to work for multiple employers simultaneously and permits their spouse to work in Singapore without a separate work pass.
  • Applications are assessed holistically by MOM and do not follow a fixed points system.
Learn more
How long does the Employment Pass application process usually take?

MOM states that online EP applications are typically processed or updated within 10 business days. Cases needing additional review — borderline COMPASS scores, qualifications requiring verification, or employer compliance questions — can take longer. Once approved, the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter is valid for 6 months, within which the candidate must enter Singapore and complete issuance.

Learn more
Can my family join me in Singapore if I have an Employment Pass?

Yes, subject to salary thresholds. EP holders earning at least S$6,000/month can sponsor their spouse and unmarried children under 21 for a Dependant's Pass. Those earning below this amount may have options through the Long-Term Visit Pass route, assessed by ICA on a case-by-case basis.

Learn more
Can you help if an Employment Pass application is rejected?

Yes. We handle EP rejections for both employers and individual applicants — working through the likely MOM concerns, assessing what can be strengthened, and preparing a more carefully built resubmission. It is worth getting advice promptly after a rejection, when the available options are clearest.

Learn more
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