Overview
The Employment Pass (EP) is Singapore's work visa for foreign professionals employed by a Singapore-registered company. It's the most common route for expats moving to Singapore on a company relocation package or a direct hire.
Your employer applies on your behalf — you can't apply for an EP independently. The process runs entirely through MOM's EP Online portal, and most applications are assessed within 3 weeks.
One important change since 2023: All new EP applications (and renewals from September 2024) are assessed using the COMPASS framework — a points-based system that considers both your individual profile and your employer's hiring practices. If your employer hasn't applied for an EP under COMPASS yet, they may need to familiarise themselves with the new requirements.
Eligibility & salary thresholds
To qualify for an EP you must meet a minimum salary threshold, which varies by age and sector. As of 2026, the thresholds are:
COMPASS scoring explained
COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) is the points-based system MOM uses to assess EP applications. You need at least 40 points to pass. Points are scored across four individual criteria and two employer-level criteria.
Each criterion is scored 0, 10, or 20 points depending on whether you fall below, at, or above the benchmark. Understanding this helps your employer frame the application correctly.
Your salary compared to the local PMET (Professional, Managerial, Executive, Technical) population at the same age. Above the 50th percentile scores 10; above the 90th scores 20. Below scores 0.
Degree from a top-ranked university or institution scores 20. Degree from a good but non-top-ranked institution scores 10. Non-degree qualifications score 0 on this criterion.
Your employer's nationality diversity among their EP and S Pass holders. If your nationality is already over-represented in your employer's workforce, this scores 0. Under-represented scores 20.
The ratio of local employees (Singapore citizens and PRs) to EP/S Pass holders at your employer. Higher ratios of local hiring score higher. Firms with low local workforce ratios score 0.
Bonus points if the role is on MOM's shortage occupation list — skills where Singapore has a genuine local talent gap. Your employer's HR will know if your role qualifies.
Bonus points if your employer is in a strategic sector designated by EDB or MAS, such as advanced manufacturing, sustainability, or digital. Automatically applied if eligible.
How to apply
Your employer (or their HR team/appointed agent) submits the application via MOM's EP Online portal. You don't submit it yourself — but you'll need to provide documents and information to your employer for them to complete the application.
Timeline — what to expect
The IPA letter — your most important document
The In-Principle Approval letter is the document you'll rely on for your first 2–3 weeks in Singapore, before your physical EP card arrives. Understanding exactly what it does and doesn't allow prevents a lot of frustration during the early days.
Renewal vs applying for a fresh EP
EPs are initially granted for 1–2 years, and can be renewed for up to 3 years at a time. From September 2024, all renewals are also assessed under COMPASS — so the same points criteria apply.
Renewal with the same employer is generally straightforward if your circumstances haven't changed significantly. Your employer initiates the renewal via EP Online, ideally 6 weeks before expiry. Don't leave it to the last minute — processing times can stretch during busy periods.
Changing employers means applying for a fresh EP, not a renewal. Your new employer submits a new application under their own COMPASS profile. This is a common point of confusion — your EP is tied to your employer, not to you personally. The moment you leave one employer, that EP is cancelled and your new employer must apply fresh.
Between jobs — if you're between employers in Singapore, you're technically here without a valid work pass. Most expats handle this by negotiating start dates carefully so there's no gap. If a gap is unavoidable, your previous employer should cancel your EP promptly so you can convert to a Short-Term Visit Pass while your new application is processed.
Bringing your family — Dependent Pass
If you're earning S$6,000/month or more, you can bring your spouse and unmarried children under 21 to Singapore on Dependent Passes. You apply for their DPs at the same time as your EP — MOM processes them together, and they're approved when your EP is approved.
Your spouse can work in Singapore on a Dependent Pass without needing their own work pass, via a Letter of Consent (LOC). The LOC is applied for by their employer — it's a simpler and faster process than a full EP application. Note the LOC is tied to the specific employer, so if your spouse changes jobs, a new LOC is needed.
Children over 21 do not qualify for a Dependent Pass. They would need their own Long-Term Visit Pass or Student Pass if studying in Singapore.
Moving, Managed — From IPA Letter to Settled In
EP approved. Now the clock starts — bank account, condo search, move-in logistics, utilities, and school applications all at once. Moving, Managed coordinates your entire arrival so nothing falls through the cracks.