Singapore remains one of the world\u2019s strongest business hubs, attracting highly skilled professionals from around the globe. With its low taxes, excellent infrastructure, and stable economy, Singapore is a top destination for professionals seeking high-level jobs. The Employment Pass (EP) is the primary work visa for foreign executives, managers, and skilled specialists.<\/p>\n
This guide explains everything about the Singapore Employment Pass (EP) 2025, including eligibility, salary requirements, COMPASS scoring, documents, fees, and FAQs.<\/p>\n
The Employment Pass (EP) is a work visa for foreign PMETs (Professionals, Managers, Executives, Technicians). It allows holders to live and work legally in Singapore and enjoy benefits such as: Job Offer from a Registered Singapore Employer<\/b><\/strong> Minimum Salary Requirement<\/b><\/strong> Relevant Qualifications or Experience<\/b><\/strong> COMPASS Score Requirement<\/b><\/strong> Clean Background The \u00a0Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) uses a transparent 40-point scoring system.<\/p>\n Applicants must pass 20 points from the 4 foundational criteria.<\/p>\n Foundational Criteria (0\u00a0to 20 points each)<\/p>\n C1: Salary Benchmark<\/strong> C2: Qualifications<\/strong> C3: Diversity<\/strong> C4: Local Employment Support<\/strong> Bonus Criteria (+10 points each)<\/p>\n C5: Skills Bonus: Shortage Occupation List (SOL)<\/strong> C6: Strategic Economic Priorities Bonus<\/strong> Applicant Documents<\/b><\/strong> Employer Documents<\/b><\/strong> Processing usually takes 3 to 8 weeks, depending on verification requirements.<\/p>\n Step-by-Step Application Process<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n Step 1: Employer posts the job for 14 days on MyCareersFuture To bring family, the EP holder must earn SGD 6,000 per month Cost of Living for EP Holders<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n – Salary below benchmark 1. Can I apply for an EP myself? 2. Does EP require a degree? 3. How long is EP valid? 4. Does EP lead to PR? 5. Can I bring my family? 6. What is the minimum salary? 7. Why was my EP rejected? 8. What is COMPASS? The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) remains one of Asia\u2019s most respected professional work permits. With transparent processes, structured COMPASS scoring, and a strong economy, Singapore continues to attract global talent. Understanding the salary requirements, documents, and scoring criteria greatly improves approval chances.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Singapore remains one of the world\u2019s strongest business hubs, attracting highly skilled professionals from around the globe. With…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-1064","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-work-visa"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/schoolpursuit.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1064","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/schoolpursuit.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/schoolpursuit.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/schoolpursuit.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/schoolpursuit.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1064"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/schoolpursuit.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1064\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1412,"href":"https:\/\/schoolpursuit.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1064\/revisions\/1412"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/schoolpursuit.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1064"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/schoolpursuit.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1064"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/schoolpursuit.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1064"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\n– Bringing dependants
\n– Renewing the pass as long as employment continues
\n– Applying for Permanent Residency (PR) eventually
\n<\/b><\/p>\nEligibility Requirements (2025)<\/b><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
\nCompanies must follow fair hiring rules and justify the need for a foreign professional.<\/p>\n
\nUpdated for 2025:
\n– General sectors: SGD 5,600\u00a0per month
\n– Financial sector: SGD 6,200\u00a0per month
\nHigher salaries are required for older\u00a0or more experienced applicants.<\/p>\n
\nA recognized degree or strong industry experience is acceptable.<\/p>\n
\nApplicants must score\u00a020 points or more\u00a0using Singapore\u2019s COMPASS framework.<\/p>\n
\nNo criminal history or immigration violation.<\/p>\nUnderstanding the COMPASS System<\/b><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
\nCompares applicant salary to industry standards.<\/p>\n
\nDegrees, diplomas, accredited university ranking, and professional certifications.<\/p>\n
\nRewards companies hiring from diverse national backgrounds.<\/p>\n
\nEvaluates the company\u2019s commitment to hiring locals.<\/p>\n
\nExtra points if the applicant\u2019s role is listed on Singapore\u2019s shortage list (e.g., AI, software development, biotech).<\/p>\n
\nFor employers contributing to innovation, R&D, digitalization, etc.
\n<\/b><\/p>\nDocuments Required<\/b><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
\n– Passport copy
\n– Degree certificates & transcripts
\n– CV showing full career history
\n– Passport photo
\n– Work references
\n– Professional certificates (if applicable)<\/p>\n
\n<\/b><\/strong>– ACRA business registration
\n– Job posting proof for 14 days (FCF compliance)
\n– Company profile
\n– Salary declaration
\n– Justification for hiring the foreign candidate<\/p>\nFees<\/b><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
\n\n
\n Stage<\/b><\/strong><\/td>\n Fee<\/b><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n EP Application<\/td>\n SGD 105<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Pass Issuance<\/td>\n SGD 225<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Multiple-Journey Visa (if required)<\/td>\n SGD 30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Processing Time<\/b><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nStep 2:\u00a0Employer submits EP application online
\nStep 3:\u00a0MOM evaluates using COMPASS
\nStep 4: Approval letter (IPA) issued if successful
\nStep 5:\u00a0Applicant enters Singapore using IPA
\nStep 6:\u00a0Attend EP card registration appointment
\nStep 7: Receive the EP card delivered in 4 to 7 days
\n<\/b><\/p>\nBringing Family Members<\/b><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
\nDependants allowed:
\n– Spouse (Dependant Pass)
\n– Children (Dependant Pass)
\n– Parents (Long-Term Visit Pass, requires SGD 12,000+ salary)<\/p>\n\n\n
\n Expense<\/b><\/strong><\/td>\n Estimated Monthly Cost (SGD)<\/b><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Rent (Room)<\/td>\n 900 \u2013 1,500<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Rent (1-BR Apartment)<\/td>\n 2,500 \u2013 3,500<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Food<\/td>\n 400 \u2013 800<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Transport<\/td>\n 120 \u2013 200<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Utilities<\/td>\n 120 \u2013 200<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Common Reasons for EP Rejection<\/b><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
\n– Low COMPASS score
\n– Unrecognized qualification
\n– Employer does not comply with hiring rules
\n– Incomplete documents
\n<\/b><\/p>\nFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)<\/b><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
\nNo. Only employers can apply.<\/p>\n
\nA degree helps, but strong experience can substitute.<\/p>\n
\n1\u00a0to 2 years, renewable.<\/p>\n
\nIt helps, but does not guarantee PR.<\/p>\n
\nYes, with a salary of SGD 6,000 or above.<\/p>\n
\nSGD 5,600 (standard sectors), SGD 6,200 (financial sector).<\/p>\n
\nMost common reasons: low salary, poor employer record, or insufficient COMPASS points.<\/p>\n
\nA transparent points system that evaluates both applicant and employer criteria.
\n<\/b><\/p>\nConclusion<\/b><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n