Applying for an Employment Pass in Singapore is essential for hiring foreign professionals. This pass allows top talent to work in Singapore, so it’s a key part of any business looking to tap into global talent. Knowing how to navigate the process will help you get the skills you need faster.
In this article we will go through the requirements and steps to apply for an Employment Pass. Knowing this will save you time and make the process smoother. Plus we’ll share how employers and employment agents fit into the picture.
Read on to find out about the validity and renewal of the Employment Pass and what else you may need for your foreign talent.
Key Takeaways
Steps to apply for an Employment Pass
Roles of employers and employment agents
How to comply and renew the Employment Pass
Understanding Employment Pass
The Employment Pass allows foreign professionals to work in Singapore. It has different eligibility criteria from the S Pass. Know the differences to apply successfully.
Employment Pass Overview
The Employment Pass is for foreign professionals with specialized skills or in managerial or executive roles. This pass is for roles that require high expertise. Employers or appointed employment agent can apply. Use the Self-Assessment Tool online to check if your candidate qualifies.
There are no quotas or levies for Employment Pass holders. Income tax applies. An Employment Pass holder can bring in eligible family members. Renewal and cancellation are straightforward and appeals can be made for rejected applications.
Employment Pass vs S Pass
The Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass serve different purposes and have different criteria. The Employment Pass is for higher level positions, often requires degree or professional qualifications. The minimum monthly salary for EP is higher than for S Pass.
The S Pass is for mid-skilled workers in technical roles. It has a lower salary threshold and often requires diploma or equivalent qualifications. Unlike EP, the S Pass is subject to quotas and levies based on the employer’s industry and number of S Pass holders.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for an Employment Pass, the candidate must:
Minimum Salary: SGD 5,000 (but higher for older and more experienced candidates)
Qualifications: Recognized degree or acceptable qualifications
Relevant Experience: Significant experience in the field
Job Offer: Candidate must have a job offer from a Singapore company
Employers must verify all details before applying to ensure eligibility and approval.
For more information on the application process for Employment Pass visit the Ministry of Manpower website.
Employment Pass Application Requirements
To apply for an Employment Pass, you need to provide specific documents and proof of eligibility. These documents will verify your qualifications and eligibility for the position you are applying for.
General Documents
When applying for Employment Pass, gather all the general documents. First, provide a passport that is valid for at least 6 months. Include passport-sized photo as per guidelines.
A job offer from a Singapore company must be included. Also ensure your resume or CV highlights your work experience and qualifications. Submit copies of educational certificates and professional certifications to prove your eligibility for the role. For more steps and details, visit the Ministry of Manpower website.
Additional and Supporting Documents
Besides the main documents, you must provide additional documents to support your application. Verification proof for academic qualifications like post-secondary diplomas or degrees is required. Include transcripts or certificates verified by recognized authorities.
Employers may require proof of relevant work experience especially for specialized roles. Provide letters from previous employers detailing your job scope.
If you have professional skills or additional qualifications, submit relevant certificates. For the full list of supporting documents, visit the Ministry of Manpower’s requirements page. These documents will ensure your application meets all the criteria for processing and approval.
Application Process
Applying for Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore involves several stages from online submission to receiving the pass. Each stage requires specific actions and documents to be followed and completed.
Online Application Submission
To start the application, you need to use the EP eService provided by Ministry of Manpower (MOM). First, register an account on MyMOM portal. Have all the documents ready including candidate’s passport particulars page, educational certificates and company’s latest ACRA business profile.
You will also need to get written consent from the candidate. Follow the instructions on MyMOM portal to upload all the required documents electronically. This online application saves time and ensures all the information is accurate.
Processing Time and In-Principle Approval
After you submit the application, the processing time takes about 10 working days. During this period, MOM will review the documents and information provided. Please check the status of your application regularly using the Employment Pass status check tool.
Once approved, you will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. This letter is an important document that allows the candidate to enter Singapore and start preparing for the role. The IPA letter is valid for 6 months from the date of issue.
Issuance of the Employment Pass
With the IPA letter in hand, the next step is to book an appointment at Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC) for document verification and biometric registration. Bring original documents including candidate’s passport and IPA letter to the appointment.
Upon successful completion of these steps, MOM will issue the Employment Pass. You will receive a notification letter stating that the pass is issued. The actual EP card will be mailed to the Singapore address you provided during the application. Ensure all the information provided is correct to avoid any delay in receiving the pass.
Employment Pass Validity and Renewal
Employment Pass in Singapore is required for foreign professionals working in Singapore. Knowing the validity period and the renewal process will help you to ensure continuous employment.
Validity Period
The Singapore Employment Pass is issued for 1 to 2 years depending on employer’s qualifications and job nature. The pass duration determines how long you can work in Singapore without needing to apply for renewal or another type of work permit.
Employment Pass can be renewed so professionals can extend their stay. The initial validity period also affects the timing of your PR application. Knowing the expiration date is important to avoid overstaying which can lead to legal problems.
Renewal Application
You should start the renewal application 6 months before your current pass expires. For those with Employment Pass (Sponsorship), you can start the renewal application 3 months before the expiration date. This gives room for any delay or additional requirements.
Your employer or employment agent (EA) will handle the renewal. Make sure all the documents and information are updated and accurate to avoid any disruption. Failure to renew on time will result to lapse of your legal work status in Singapore and affect your employment and immigration status.
For more information and to check work pass status, visit Ministry of Manpower website.
Employer’s Role and Responsibilities
Employers who want to apply for Employment Pass for their employees must meet certain criteria, comply with regulatory requirements and adhere to the quota and levy system set by Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore.
Criteria for Employers
As an employer, you must ensure your company is a Singapore registered company with valid Unique Entity Number (UEN). Your company’s business activities and applicant’s job role must meet MOM’s requirements.
You must prove the need to hire foreign talent. This means providing accurate company information and job nature, showing that the role cannot be filled by local worker. Your company must also have a good track record of compliance with Singapore’s employment laws.
Employer's Regulatory Obligations
Employers have a legal requirement to ensure fair hiring practices. Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) requires you to consider all employment pass candidates fairly, without bias of age, sex, nationality or race.
You must fill up the application accurately with complete and correct information. You must also obtain written consent from the candidate before applying for Employment Pass. You must monitor the application status and respond promptly to MOM’s requests.
Quota and Foreign Worker Levy
Employers must comply with the quota and levy requirements. These rules govern the number of foreign workers versus local workers. But for Employment Pass, there is no quota and levy unlike other work passes such as S Pass.
However, you must not over-rely on foreign labour. The system encourages balance by requiring businesses to invest in local talent. Compliance with these rules is important to avoid penalties and to ensure business runs within legal boundaries.
The Role of Employment Agents
To use an employment agent, you must first appoint one. The agent needs written consent from both employer and candidate. This will ensure all parties are aware of the agent’s role and terms of appointment.
Once appointed, the employment agent will help collect and prepare the documents for Employment Pass application. They will also manage the submission process through CorpPass, the access management tool used to interact with government agencies.
Agents will use the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) to check if the candidate meets the eligibility requirements. This tool is important to determine if the candidate’s qualifications meet the Employment
Pass criteria. By ensuring all information is accurate and complete, employment agents will reduce the chances of application rejection and delays.
Medical Examination and Health Insurance
When applying for Employment Pass, you must be aware of the medical examination requirements and health insurance guidelines. Employers have specific responsibilities on both.
Pre-employment Medical Check-Ups
Before your Employment Pass can be issued, you or your employer must arrange for a medical examination. This examination is to ensure you are fit for work and free from certain infectious diseases. It will screen for tuberculosis, HIV, syphilis and malaria. MOM requires this examination to issue Work Permit so it is an important step for your Employment Pass application.
The examination takes about 30-45 minutes. You must bring your In-Principle Approval Form and Medical Form to the appointment. These documents are required to complete the examination and for the clinic to send the results to your employer promptly.
Insurance Requirements
Employment Pass holders are not required by MOM to have medical insurance. Employers can choose to provide it as part of the employment contract but it is not mandatory. This gives employers and employees the flexibility to decide on the best health insurance option. Employers may ask you to get your own insurance if they don’t offer one.
Work Permit and S Pass holders must have medical insurance provided by their employers. This shows the different requirements depending on the type of work pass. It’s best to discuss health insurance options with your employer to ensure you have enough coverage during your stay in the country.
Additional Provisions for Foreign Talent
When applying for Employment Pass in Singapore, consider also the provisions for family members and potential PR pathway. These will affect your decision making.
Pass Types for Family Members
If your Employment Pass is approved, your family members may be eligible for accompanying passes. Dependant’s Pass is for legally married spouse and children below 21 years old. You must earn at least $6,000 to qualify for these passes.
Another option is Long-Term Visit Pass for common-law spouse, step-children and disabled children above 21 years. You must earn at least $12,000 to qualify. These passes allow your family to live in Singapore but have different conditions.
Your family’s accommodation and schooling will require some planning as housing and school registration can be competitive and challenging. Take note of the different travel requirements when planning trips as passes for family members may require additional documents.
Permanent Residency Considerations
For long term integration, you may want to explore PR pathway. PR status gives stability and additional benefits such as public housing and Central Provident Fund.
Most Employment Pass holders can apply for PR after working in Singapore for a long time. This is more secure and long term benefits than renewing work permits. The process involves assessment on job stability, income and potential contribution to Singapore society.
Getting PR also benefits your family members with longer stay and more privileges. But getting PR can be competitive so be prepared for a thorough application process, meeting the strict requirements of Singapore authorities.
Compliance and Review Process
When applying for Employment Pass in Singapore, you need to understand the review process and comply with local laws. This includes steps for appeal and maintaining proper documents and practices.
Appealing an Employment Pass Rejection
If your Employment Pass application is rejected, you can appeal. First, read the rejection notice carefully to understand the reasons for rejection. Appeal by providing additional information or documents to address the concerns. You must appeal within 3 months from the rejection date.
Write a detailed appeal letter explaining why you think the decision should be reversed. Include supporting documents that highlight the applicant’s qualifications and the job requirements. Engage with the relevant authorities to ensure all requirements are met. Keep track of appeal deadlines and required documents. Make sure all information provided is accurate and complete.
Maintaining Compliance with Local Laws
To comply with local laws, ensure all documents are up to date and accurate. Employers should use the Self-Assessment Tool provided by Ministry of Manpower to check the candidate’s eligibility before applying which helps to ensure the applicant meets the qualifying salary.
Update and review company policies regularly to comply with the laws. Keep accurate records of all Employment Pass holders and their employment status. Ensure they comply with the conditions of their pass such as not working in unauthorized roles and having valid health insurance.
Conduct internal audit to review compliance regularly. Failure to comply can lead to penalties or revocation of passes which affects both the employer and employee.
Business and Entrepreneur Considerations
When applying for passes in Singapore, there are specific criteria for entrepreneurs and business profiles. This section covers the important details for EntrePass and business profile.
EntrePass for Entrepreneurs
The EntrePass is for entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Singapore. To qualify, you must be a founder or one of the key personnel in a Singapore registered company. The company must be registered with ACRA within 6 months before applying.
Moreover, your business must meet specific innovation requirements such as holding intellectual property, collaborating with a research institute or having strong venture funding. This is to ensure only innovative and impactful businesses are supported. EntrePass does not require minimum salary but the business plan and potential is highly scrutinized.
Business Profile Requirements
For both Employment Pass and EntrePass, your business profile is important. A detailed profile includes company’s ACRA registration number, business activities, shareholders and directors. You must clearly state your role and contribution to the business.
A company must be established and operational to support immigration needs. Information such as revenue streams, target market and business strategy are important. For EntrePass, innovation and potential of the business is critical.
Make sure to keep your records up to date to make the application process smoother. Have all the required documents such as financial statements, business plans and shareholder agreements ready for submission.
Conclusion
Applying for Employment Pass requires you to know the process and requirements. Follow the steps above and you’re good to go.
To recap, you need to confirm your candidate’s eligibility using the Self-Assessment Tool, gather the documents and apply online or through an appointed agent.
Note: If you’re in the financial services sector, your candidate will need a higher fixed monthly salary to qualify. First time pass is up to 2 years and renewal is up to 3 years. For experienced tech professionals, 5 year pass might be available.
To renew an Employment Pass, apply at least 6 months before it expires. Both employer and employment agent like P Connect Services can renew the pass by following the guidelines.
Having successful Employment Pass applications bring in talent to your organization. Start your application now with confidence, you have all the information you need.
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