Singapore Employment Pass (EP): All You Need To Know

The Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore is designed for foreign professionals, managers, executives, and specialists (PMETs) who wish to work in Singapore. 

Top 5 Job Roles of an Employment Pass Holder

The types of jobs eligible for an Employment Pass typically fall into a wide range of various professional and skilled categories, with specific requirements based on the applicant’s qualifications, experience, and salary. Here’s a breakdown of the types of jobs that are commonly eligible for an Employment Pass, in some of the most in-demand industries in Singapore:

IT and Technology Roles

• Software Developers and Engineers: Professionals involved in coding, software development, systems architecture, and IT project management.
• Data Scientists and Analysts: Experts in data mining, big data analytics, and machine learning who help organisations leverage data for business decisions.
• Cybersecurity Specialists: Professionals focusing on network security, data protection, and cybersecurity strategy.

Healthcare and Life Sciences Roles

• Doctors and Medical Specialists: Licensed medical practitioners, including general physicians, surgeons, and specialists like cardiologists or oncologists.
• Pharmacists and Biotechnologists: Professionals working in pharmaceutical companies, research labs, or in the development of new medical technologies.
• Healthcare Administrators: Managers overseeing hospital operations, patient care services, and healthcare facilities management.

Financial and Banking Roles

• Bankers and Financial Advisors: Professionals working in corporate banking, investment banking, private equity, and financial planning.
• Risk Management Specialists: Experts in managing financial risk, compliance, and regulatory issues within financial institutions.
• Actuaries and Statisticians: Professionals specialising in risk assessment, insurance modelling, and financial forecasting.

Specialised Technical Roles

• Aviation and Aerospace Engineers: Professionals involved in the design, development, and maintenance of aircraft and aerospace technology.
• Marine and Offshore Engineers: Engineers specialising in shipbuilding, offshore oil and gas, and marine technology.
• Environmental Engineers: Experts working on sustainability projects, waste management, and environmental impact assessments.

Consulting and Advisory Roles

• Management Consultants: Professionals advising businesses on strategy, operations, and organisational performance.
• IT Consultants: Experts in advising companies on IT infrastructure, software implementation, and technology strategy.
• HR Consultants: Specialists providing advice on recruitment, workforce planning, and human capital development.

EP Application Process

Typically, employers will apply for the Employment Pass (EP) on the candidate’s behalf. Employers that have multiple Work Passes to apply for at a given point of time, such as an MNC, may outsource this task by using the service of immigration agencies such as IASG for easier and faster handling. 

The whole EP application process usually takes around 3 weeks to process the application but may vary, depending on the profile of the company and/ or applicant. Documents needed for the application include educational certificates, passport details, job offer details, and employment history.

Benefits of the Employment Pass (EP)

Residency in Singapore

EP holders are allowed to live and work in Singapore for up to 2 years initially, with renewals available for up to 3 years each time. EP holders can bring their spouse, children, and parents through the Dependant’s Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass.

Career Opportunities

Working in Singapore may make one’s resume look good. Singapore is one of the top business hubs in the world, with about 7000 MNCs stationed in the country. Workers not only get to be exposed to Singapore’s unique Asian culture but also gain international professional experience. 

EP holders can also register a company, become a director, and run a business in Singapore.

Quality of Life

Apart from Singapore’s safety and security, EP holders and their dependents have access to Singapore’s excellent healthcare system and children of EP holders can attend local or international schools. Singapore’s retail and e-commerce markets are robust, ensuring all needs of its residents are met.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

After two years, EP holders are eligible to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in Singapore, providing a more stable and long-term stay option. Unlike EP, PR holders are not tied to their jobs, thus offering career flexibility. Other benefits for Singapore PR holders include access to subsidised public housing, education, and healthcare.

Travel Convenience

EP allows for multiple entries into Singapore, facilitating international travel for business or personal reasons.

No Quota System

Unlike Other Work Passes such as Work Permit and S Pass, there is no quota or levy system for the Employment Pass, providing more flexibility for employers.

Renewal and Cancellation

• Renewal: The EP can be renewed before it expires, provided the eligibility criteria are still met.
• Cancellation: The employer must cancel the EP if the employment ends. The pass holder can stay in Singapore for a short period after cancellation to settle personal affairs.

The Employment Pass offers numerous advantages for both employees and employers, making it a popular choice for foreign professionals seeking to advance their careers in Singapore.

Challenges in Getting an Employment Pass

Obtaining an Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore has become increasingly challenging due to several factors that reflect the country’s evolving economic and social landscape. The Singapore government has implemented stricter policies to ensure that the local workforce is prioritised and that foreign talent complements, rather than displaces, local talent. 

5 reasons Why It has Become More Difficult to Get an Employment Pass in Singapore

1. Rising Qualifying Criteria

• Increased Salary Requirements: The minimum qualifying salary for an EP has been raised multiple times in recent years. From 1 January 2025, new EP applications’ minimum salary will be increased to at least $5,600, and at least $6,200 for the financial services sector. This revised EP qualifying salary will also apply to the renewal of EPs that are expiring from 1 January 2026. This rise in salary thresholds ensures that only highly qualified and experienced foreign professionals are eligible. There are no updates about future increases but one can expect that EP qualifying salary might increase even further.

• Stricter Qualification Standards: The government introduced the COMPASS framework, a point-based system, as the second step to qualify for an EP. A candidate needs to earn 40 points to pass. The government increasingly emphasises not just academic qualifications but also relevant work experience, skills, and the ability to contribute significantly to Singapore’s economy.

2. Local Workforce Prioritization

• Fair Consideration Framework (FCF): Employers are required to consider Singaporean candidates fairly for job vacancies before hiring foreigners. Companies must advertise job openings on the national job portal, MyCareersFuture, for at least 28 days before applying for an EP for a foreign candidate. This ensures that locals are given the first opportunity for job roles, making it harder for companies to justify hiring foreign workers.
• Focus on Local Talent Development: The Singapore government has been investing heavily in upskilling the local workforce through initiatives like SkillsFuture, which encourages continuous learning and upgrading of skills among Singaporeans. As a result, more locals are becoming qualified for high-skilled jobs, reducing the need for foreign talent.

3. Sectoral Tightening

• Sector-Specific Constraints: Certain sectors, particularly those with a large local workforce or those seen as strategic, face additional scrutiny when hiring foreign workers. For example, the financial services sector has higher salary thresholds and stricter hiring criteria, reflecting the government’s desire to develop local talent in key industries.
• Quotas and Levies: Although the EP does not have a strict quota system like the S Pass, there are still implicit quotas and levies in certain sectors that encourage the hiring of locals over foreigners. This is part of the broader strategy to maintain a balanced and sustainable foreign workforce in Singapore.

4. Government Policy Shifts

• Tightening of Immigration Policies: In response to public sentiment and the need to manage population growth, the Singapore government has gradually tightened immigration policies, including those related to EPs. This includes more rigorous scrutiny of applications and a focus on ensuring that foreign workers add substantial value to the economy.
• Focus on Complementarity: The government aims to ensure that foreign talent complements the local workforce rather than competes with it. This means that EP applicants must demonstrate unique skills, experience, or expertise that are not readily available in the local labour market.

5. Increased Scrutiny of Employers

• Company Compliance and Track Record: Companies applying for EPs on behalf of their employees are subject to increased scrutiny regarding their hiring practices, diversity of their workforce, and efforts to develop local talent. Companies that do not show a commitment to fair hiring practices or that overly rely on foreign talent may face difficulties in getting EP applications approved.
• Dependency Ratios: Although the EP does not have a formal dependency ratio, companies are encouraged to maintain a balanced ratio of local to foreign employees. Companies with a high proportion of foreign workers might face challenges in getting new EPs approved.

Mitigating EP Challenges

To mitigate the challenges of obtaining an Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore, both employers and applicants can take strategic steps to improve the chances of success. Some ideas below:

For EP Candidates

1. Focus on High-Demand Industries

If you work in industries with higher demand for specialised skills such as manufacturing and finance, consider negotiating a salary that reflects the industry standard. For example, in the financial sector, the salary threshold is higher than in other industries, and meeting this requirement is essential.

If you work in industries that are part of Singapore’s long-term economic strategy such as  technology, renewable energy, and healthcare, highlight how your expertise aligns with Singapore’s future needs.

2. Keep Skills Current

Stay updated with industry trends and obtain certifications or training in areas that are in high demand (e.g., data science, cybersecurity, fintech).

Applicants with unique skills that are not readily available in Singapore are more likely to get their EP approved. Focus on building expertise in niche areas like AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, or other high-demand sectors.

3. Leverage Global Experience

Highlight any international work experience, especially in roles that have a global impact or require specialised knowledge that the local workforce may lack.

For Employers

4. Ensure Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) Compliance

Ensure that your company complies with the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) by advertising the job role on the national job portal, MyCareersFuture, for at least 28 days before applying for an EP. This shows that efforts were made to hire a local candidate first.

Employers should document their recruitment process to demonstrate that they genuinely considered local candidates before opting for a foreign hire. Maintaining clear records of interviews, selection criteria, and why the foreign applicant is a better fit is crucial.

5. Become a Reputable Employer with a Strong Local-Employee Track Record

Employers with a good track record of hiring and developing local talent are more likely to have their EP applications approved. Companies that invest in local talent, provide training, and comply with MOM guidelines are seen favourably.

Also, companies that maintain a healthy balance of local and foreign workers will face fewer challenges. If an employer relies too heavily on foreign workers, this could raise concerns with MOM. Applying with companies that show a commitment to developing local talent can boost your chances.

6. Explore Alternative Work Passes

• ONE Pass: If you are a high-earning professional with substantial experience, consider applying for the ONE Pass, which offers more flexibility.
• Tech.Pass: For top-tier tech professionals with expertise in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or software engineering, the Tech.Pass offers a special route to work in Singapore’s tech sector.

By taking these steps, applicants and employers can significantly improve their chances of navigating the challenges of the Employment Pass application process in Singapore and successfully obtaining the necessary approvals.