Singapore’s work visa for professionals, managers, and executives
Employment Passes which are also known as “EP” or “Epass” are a type of Singapore work visa specifically designed for working professionals in a high level or highly skilled position. The Singapore Employment Pass comes in 3 form which are graded by the applicants qualifications. The basis of all these types of Employment Pass visas is dependant on salary, education, and work experience.
Benefits of Singapore Employment Pass
- Eligibility to apply for Singapore Permanent Residence
- Ability to sponsor family members for Dependant’s Pass
- Ability to support other dependants with Long Term Visit Pass (For P1 and P2 EP Only)
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Singapore’s Employment Pass Visa
Why apply for an Employment Pass?
The Singapore Employment Pass offers a path to Permanent Residency
We recommend the Singapore Employment Pass as the right pass for most professionals to apply for when entering Singapore. We even recommend that entrepreneurs who qualify should apply for an Employment Pass first before applying for an EntrePass in most situations. The Employment Pass qualifications are more focused on the individual applicants qualifications rather than the supporting company’s qualifications. Also the Singapore Employment Pass allows for the holder to bring their family with them to Singapore by being able to support Dependant’s Passes or Long Term visit Pass. Holders of Singapore’s Employment Pass are also eligible to apply for Singapore Permanent Residency, so the Singapore Employment Pass makes a good entry path to obtaining a PR status in Singapore. Learn more on Singapore Permanent Residence.
Requirements for an Employment Pass
Strategic skills in demand
Singapore’s preferential list of skills for work visa applicants
Singapore has a list of industries that have a shortage in the local residential work force, thus the need to employ foreign workers. Each industry has a specific skills set and list of qualifications for applicants to make sure the right skill-sets are fulfilled. Industries include manufacturing, construction, healthcare, financial, information, communication, digital media, tourism, and retail industries.
Employment Pass Application Requirements
Document requirements for applying for an Employment Pass in Singapore
The Singapore Employment Pass applicant must provide the following items in order to obtain an Employment Pass work visa
Employment Pass application form
- Fully completed including all detailed notations
- Must be signed by the applicant
- Must be stamped with the company stamp of the sponsoring company
- Must have a recently taken passport sized photo attached
Applicant’s full resume
- A copy of the applicants CV / or resume
- Detailed outline of the applicant’s work experience
Degrees, diplomas and other educational certificates
- Must be from recognised institutions
- Best if in a relevant field of study especially for applicants with lower salary
- Must be verifiable
Outline of position requirements at the Singapore company
- Applicant must meet the requirements of the position
- Preferably the applicant should have experience in a relevant field
Outline of products or services the Singapore company provides
- Overview of the products or services of the sponsoring company
Translation to English
- All of the above documentation must be provided in English
- If translated it must be officially translated by a reputable service
Other Singapore Work Visa Types to Consider
Singapore provides a variety of work visas, passes and permits for many different needs
While we usually recommend qualified foreigners wishing to live and work in Singapore to apply for an Employment Pass, there are several other Singapore work visa options
Singapore Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
- Self-supported Employment pass, does not require company support
- Minimum of $12,000 per month salary on Singapore-based income, or $18,000 per month for foreign-based income
- Ability to support Dependant’s Pass for family members
- Ability to support Long Term visit Pass for Parents, common-law spouse, handicapped adult children and step children considered a stepping stone towards obtaining a Singapore Permanent Residence
- Learn more about a Singapore Personalised Employment Pass.
Singapore Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass)
- Specific requirements on the applicants company must be met
- Applicant must be 30% shareholder or more of the sponsoring company
- Ability to support Dependant’s Pass for family members
- If P1 or P2 level you can support Long Term Visit Pass for other non-dependant pass qualifying family members
- Learn more about a Singapore Entrepreneur Pass.
Skilled Labour Pass (S Pass)
- Designed for mid-level skilled workers
- Singapore does impose a quota system on S Passes issued
- Requires a minimum salary of $2,200 per month
- Learn more about a Singapore Skilled Labour Pass.
Singapore Miscellaneous Work Pass
- For Short-term employment or activities only
- Typically issued for qualified individuals speaking or related activities at seminars, conferences, workshops, or gatherings
- Religious workers who plan to speak at a gathering
- Journalists, reporters, and their crew members
- Learn more about a Singapore Miscellaneous Work Pass.