Which pass do you need?
Singapore's work pass system is more structured than most countries — each pass type has specific eligibility criteria, and which one applies to you depends on your employment situation, salary, and in some cases your professional profile.
Employment Pass (EP)
Most common
From S$5,000/month
For professionals employed by a Singapore company. The default pass for most expats. Assessed via the COMPASS framework since 2023.
Dependent Pass (DP)
For family
Tied to EP holder
For spouses and children (under 21) of EP holders earning S$6,000+/month. Allows family to live in Singapore. Work rights require a separate Letter of Consent.
EntrePass
Entrepreneurs
No salary minimum
For foreign entrepreneurs starting or owning a business in Singapore. More complex to apply for — requires a business plan and VC/IP/incubator credentials.
Personalised EP (PEP)
Senior professionals
From S$22,500/month
For high-earning professionals who want flexibility between jobs. Not tied to an employer — you can be between jobs for up to 6 months without losing your pass.
ONE Pass
Top talent
From S$30,000/month
Launched in 2023 for exceptional global talent in business, arts, sports, science, and academia. Allows working for multiple employers simultaneously.
Employment Pass (EP)
Main guide
The Employment Pass is the standard work visa for most foreign professionals in Singapore. If your employer is sponsoring you, this is almost certainly the pass you'll be applying for. Since September 2023, all new EP applications are assessed using the COMPASS framework — a points-based system that evaluates both you and your employer.
Complete guide
Singapore Employment Pass — how to apply in 2026
COMPASS scoring explained, eligibility criteria, what your employer needs to do, processing times, the IPA letter, and what you can and can't do while waiting for your EP card.
Full Guide
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Official source
MOM — Employment Pass overview
Official Ministry of Manpower page with current eligibility criteria, the COMPASS self-assessment tool, and the EP online application portal for employers.
Official
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Dependent Pass (DP)
2 resources
If you're bringing your spouse or children to Singapore, they'll need a Dependent Pass. You can apply for DPs at the same time as your EP — MOM processes them together. Your spouse can also apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) to work in Singapore once the DP is approved, without needing their own work pass.
Section in guide
Bringing your family — Dependent Pass explained
Eligibility thresholds (EP holder must earn S$6,000+/month), who qualifies, how to apply alongside your EP, and how your spouse can get work rights via a Letter of Consent.
Guide
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Official source
MOM — Dependent Pass
Official MOM page covering eligibility, who can be sponsored, application process, and how DP holders can apply for work rights.
Official
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Schools note: Children on Dependent Passes are eligible for international schools in Singapore. If schooling is a factor in your move, see the International Schools guide — places at popular schools fill quickly and some have waiting lists of 6–12 months.
EntrePass
1 resource
The EntrePass is designed for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start and operate a business in Singapore. Unlike the EP, there's no fixed salary minimum — but the bar is higher. MOM expects applicants to demonstrate genuine entrepreneurial track record: VC funding, registered IP, or acceptance into a recognised incubator or accelerator programme. A strong business plan alone is rarely sufficient.
⚠️ EntrePass has conditions. Unlike an EP, the EntrePass comes with ongoing business activity requirements — you must meet employment and spending targets or risk renewal being refused. Read the conditions carefully before applying.
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
1 resource
The PEP is one of Singapore's most flexible work passes — it's not tied to a specific employer, which means you can change jobs, take a sabbatical, or be between roles for up to 6 months without losing your immigration status. It's valid for 3 years and cannot be renewed, but you can apply for an EP or other pass before it expires.
To qualify you must either be an existing EP holder earning at least S$22,500/month, or a foreign professional who earned at least S$270,000 in the previous year. The PEP is particularly valuable for senior executives who anticipate changing employers during their time in Singapore.
Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)
1 resource
Launched in January 2023, the ONE Pass is Singapore's top-tier work pass for exceptional global talent. It's valid for 5 years (renewable), allows you to work for multiple employers simultaneously, and lets your spouse work in Singapore without a separate Letter of Consent.
The salary threshold is S$30,000/month — but MOM also considers exceptional achievement in arts, culture, sports, science, technology, and academia regardless of current salary. If you're a globally recognised figure in your field, it's worth exploring even if your income doesn't hit the threshold.
While you wait for your pass
Key tips
Once your EP is approved you'll receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter — this is your green light to enter Singapore and start work, but it's not your pass. Your physical blue EP card comes 2–3 weeks after you register in Singapore. This IPA period is one of the most confusing parts of the process for new arrivals.
What your IPA letter lets you do: Enter Singapore and start work immediately. Open a bank account at DBS (see the bank accounts guide — this is the most important thing to do first). Sign a tenancy agreement. Register your children at school.
⚠️ What your IPA letter does NOT let you do: Drive in Singapore (you need the physical EP card first). Some banks other than DBS may require the physical card rather than the IPA. Your IPA has an expiry date — you must enter Singapore before it expires, typically within 6 months of issue.
Don't delay opening your bank account. Your landlord will need a local bank account for rent payments, and most utilities require one too. DBS is the best first account for new arrivals because they explicitly accept IPA letters — see the full expat banking guide for step-by-step instructions.
Related topics
Pass approved — here's what to sort next.
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