Employment Pass (EP)

Why Singapore?

Singapore's work-pass framework is filtered through the COMPASS points system, layered on top of minimum salary floors that increase each September. The Employment Pass is the flagship route for professionals; the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass targets top earners and specialists; EntrePass and Tech.Pass cover founders and elite tech talent. Permanent residency is discretionary, granted through the Ministry of Manpower's PTS scheme or a talent-based route.

How the immigration system works

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) administers all work passes and PR. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) handles visit passes, Long-Term Visit Passes and citizenship. Employers typically apply for passes on behalf of workers. Personal income tax tops out at 24% and there is no capital gains tax.

Who Singapore is best for

Skilled professionals earning SGD 5,600+/month (higher for financial services)
Senior specialists and top earners (SGD 30,000+/month) via ONE Pass
Founders raising capital or running venture-backed startups (EntrePass)
Elite technology talent (Tech.Pass)
Family members of pass holders (Dependant's Pass, LTVP)

Visa pathways

6 pathways into Singapore

Each pathway has its own eligibility, documents, processing time and cost. Tap any pathway to read its full deep-dive guide.

work

Medium

The main work pass for foreign professionals earning at least SGD 5,600/month and scoring 40+ on the COMPASS points system.

3–8 weeks

SGD 105 (application) + SGD 225 (issuance)

5 docs

Read full guide

Tools for this pathway

Application builder Readiness Risk Timeline

work

Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)

Hard

5-year self-sponsored pass for top talent earning SGD 30,000+/month or with outstanding achievements in arts, science, tech or academia.

Tools for this pathway

Application builder Readiness Risk Timeline

business

EntrePass

Hard

Work pass for foreign entrepreneurs starting or operating a venture-backed, innovative or IP-holding company in Singapore.

Tools for this pathway

Application builder Readiness Risk Timeline

work

Tech.Pass

Hard

2-year self-sponsored pass for elite tech founders, leaders and experts, letting holders start companies, work, mentor and invest freely.

Tools for this pathway

Application builder Readiness Risk Timeline

study

Student Pass

Easy

Study pass for international students at MOE-registered institutions, with limited part-time work for eligible universities.

4–6 weeks

SGD 90 (application) + SGD 60 (issuance)

4 docs

Read full guide

Tools for this pathway

Application builder Readiness Risk Timeline

family

Dependant's Pass (DP) and Long-Term Visit Pass

Easy

Family reunification passes for spouses and children of EP, S Pass, ONE Pass and PR holders.

3–8 weeks

SGD 105 + SGD 225 per pass

3 docs

Read full guide

Tools for this pathway

Application builder Readiness Risk Timeline

Real-world examples

If this sounds like you…

Malaysian mechanical engineer moving to Jurong

Salary of SGD 6,500/month with a recognised degree comfortably meets EP + COMPASS. Same-language market and MRT proximity keep relocation costs low.

→ Employment Pass

Indian tech lead earning SGD 32,000/month

Direct ONE Pass candidate — 5 years of Singapore-employer-agnostic residency and freedom to work across companies, mentor and invest.

→ ONE Pass

Indonesian finance professional (senior associate)

Financial services floor is SGD 6,200/month — meeting it plus a good CFA / MBA gives strong COMPASS points on qualifications and salary.

→ Employment Pass (Financial)

Tools for your Singapore application

Built to save weeks of preparation

Intelligence

Eligibility checker

Match your profile to the best Singapore pathway in 60 seconds.

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Cost calculator

Government fees, biometrics, medicals and settlement funds for Singapore.

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Country comparison

Compare Singapore side-by-side with other top destinations.

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Immigration roadmap

Month-by-month plan from intake to landing in Singapore.

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Visa refusal analyzer

Paste a refusal letter — get grounds and remediation steps.

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Latest articles

Guides, comparisons and policy updates for Singapore.

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Application assistance

Application builder

Country-specific form, fees and explanation letters for Singapore.

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Document checklist

Singapore-specific checklist you can print or download.

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Cover letter generator

Embassy-ready cover letter for your Singapore application.

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SOP builder

Structured statements for study, work and PR applications.

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Readiness checker

0–100 score with prioritised actions before you submit.

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Risk analyzer

Surface refusal risk factors and how to mitigate each one.

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Document review

AI review of your CV, SOP or cover letter for completeness.

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Interview prep

AI-generated mock interview tailored to Singapore consular practice.

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Timeline planner

Week-by-week preparation plan tied to your submission date.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Singapore

What is the Employment Pass?

Singapore's main work pass for foreign professionals earning at least SGD 5,600/month (SGD 6,200 in financial services) and scoring 40+ on the COMPASS points system. Employers apply for it and it is renewable in 2–3 year blocks.

Can I obtain permanent residence in Singapore?

Yes. Most PR is granted through the Professionals/Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers (PTS) scheme after time on an EP or S Pass. Approval is discretionary and typically takes 6–12 months to assess.

How does COMPASS scoring work?

COMPASS awards up to 20 points each for salary, qualifications, workforce diversity and local employment support. Bonus points are available for shortage occupations and strategic investments. You need 40 to qualify.

Can my spouse work on a Dependant's Pass?

No. As of May 2021, spouses on a DP need their own EP, S Pass or Work Permit to work — the previous Letter of Consent was scrapped.

How much tax will I pay?

Personal income tax is progressive up to 24% for residents. There is no capital gains tax and dividends are tax-exempt for residents.

Do I need a job offer for the ONE Pass?

No. The ONE Pass is self-sponsored — you can work for multiple employers or start your own company for 5 years.

How long until Singapore citizenship?

Typically 2+ years as a PR before you can apply, with citizenship granted at MOM/ICA discretion. Singapore does not recognise dual citizenship, so applicants must renounce their previous nationality.

Official government resources