Singapore In-house Services
Singapore general overview
Employment Pass
Foreign Professionals, Managers, Executives, or Technician (“PMET”) can work in Singapore by obtaining an Employment Pass (“EP”) or S Pass. EP applicants must possess recognized qualifications, preferably a bachelor’s degree and experience candidates must demonstrate higher salaries. The minimum qualifying salary for EP varies based on sector, with a minimum of S$5,000 for most sectors, and a higher minimum of $5,000 for financial services.
EP candidates must meet a two-stage framework to qualify for EP applications. The first stage requires the candidate to earn a salary that meets the EP qualifying benchmark, while the second stage involves passing the point-base Complementarity Assessment Framework (“COMPASS”). COMPASS evaluates EP applications based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including both individual and firm-related attributes, which consist of both foundational and bonus criteria:
The foundation criteria are:
Candidate salary
Candidate qualification
Firm diversity of workforce
Support for local employment
Two bonus criteria are:
Candidate Skill Bonus (shortage occupation list)
Strategic Economic Priorities for partnership with government on ambitious innovation or internationalization activities
Applications earn points for meeting or exceeding the expectations for each attributes. A minimum of 40 points is required to pass the COMPASS assessment.
If a candidate meets any of the following conditions, they will be exempted from undergoing the COMPASS assessment:
If they earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500
If they are applying as an overseas intra-corporate transferee under the World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade in Services, or under and applicable Free Trade Agreement that Singapore is a party to.
If they are filling a short-term role, which is defined as one that lasts for one month or less.
Intra-Corporate Transferee
In order to apply for an Employment Pass as an Intra Corporate Transferee (ICT), candidates are required to meet the criteria specified by the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) or any relevant Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to which Singapore is a party. Candidates must work in the overseas related company as a Manager, Executive, or Specialist for at least one year before being posted to the branch, affiliate, or subsidiary in Singapore.
ICT candidates may seek a Dependent Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass for their family members provided they meet the specific FTA requirements and fulfill the current eligibility criteria. The maximum allowable duration for an Employment Pass (EP) under the WTO is up to 5 years. If there is an applicable Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the maximum duration will align with the relevant FTA provisions. Generally, candidates utilizing the ICT route won’t be eligible to obtain other types of passes for future employment in Singapore after the expiration or termination of their current work pass.
S-Pass
S Pass is a work visa designed for mid-skilled foreign employees. To qualify for S Pass, candidate must possess a degree, diploma or technical certificates, and older candidates will require a higher salary to qualify. Employers are limited by a quota and are required to pay worker levy for each S Pass holder they employ.
The qualifying salary for S Pass applications based on sector, with a minimum of S$3,150, and for financial sector is S$3,650. The qualifying salary for S Pass will increase gradually for those in mid-40s, reaching S$4,650 for all sections; S$5,650 for financial services sector.
Fair Consideration Framework
In addition to fulfilling the framework, employers must continue to meet the job advertising requirement under the Fair Consideration Framework (“FCP”) before submitting a new EP or S Pass application.
Fair Consideration Framework (“FCF”) in Singapore mandates that employer should not discriminate against candidates based on non-job-related attributes such as age, gender, nationality, or race. Employers must advertise the job vacancy on the national job portal, MyCareersFuture, for at least 14 consecutive days before submitting an Employment Pass or S Pass application. However, some employers are exempted from the job advertisement requirements if they meet any of the following conditions:
Company has fewer than 10 employees.
Candidate earns a fixed monthly salary is S$22,500 and above.
The role is short-term, not more than 1 month.
The role is to be filled by an overseas Intra-Corporate Transferee. The candidate must be in one of these roles i.e., Manager, Executive or Specialist for at least 1 year before being posted to the branch, affiliate, or subsidiary in Singapore.
Application Process
Before initiating any application, it is essential to conduct an assessment. Applications for both Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass are submitted through the MyMOM Portal. The necessary documentation and information for the application include:
Passport’s bio-data page.
Educational certificate.
Proof of qualifications verification by approved screening companies.
Employment particulars, including salary and job title.
Details of MyCareersFuture Advertising (if it is deemed necessary).
The average processing time is 3 weeks from the date of submission of the application, this may be extended if the MOM requires additional documents. The processing time and outcome of the application are at the MOM’s discretion. This information is provided for general guidance only.
Personalized Employment Pass
The Personalized Employment Pass is for high-earning Employment Pass holders and foreign professionals residing overseas. To be eligible, candidates must have an annual income of at least S$270,000. The Personalized Employment Pass offers great flexibility from not being tied to a specific employer, and the ability to work in various sectors. However, it’s important to note that the PEP does not exempt individuals from adhering to registration requirements for certain professions like medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, architecture, law, and so on.
Furthermore, PEP holders are not required to reapply for a new pass when changing job. Instead, they only need to inform the relevant authorities. They are also permitted to remain in Singapore for a continuous period of up to 6 months without current employment as they search for new job opportunities. The Personalized Employment Pass is valid for a duration of 3 years and is not renewable.
Training Employment Pass
Training Employment Pass enables foreign individuals to engage in practical training for professional, managerial, executive, or specialist positions in Singapore. For foreign students, the training in Singapore should be an integral component of their academic program. They must either be enrolled in an accredited educational institution listed on the Ministry of Manpower’s website or receive a consistent monthly salary of no less than S$3,000. For trainees from foreign offices or subsidiaries, a consistent monthly salary of at least S$3,000 is a prerequisite for eligibility. Training Employment Pass is valid for a duration of 3 months and is not renewable. Additionally, individuals who have previously held a Training Employment Pass for a particular type of training cannot apply for another one for the same type of training.
Dependent Pass
Family members of Employment Pass, Personalized Employment Pass, and S Pass holders are eligible to apply for a dependent Pass. To be eligible for a Dependent Pass, the primary pass holder (Employment Pass, or S Pass) must have a minimum monthly salary of S$6,000. It's important to note that Dependent Pass holders are not allowed to work in Singapore and must apply for a work visa if they intend to seek employment within the country.
Business Travelers
Business travelers may need to obtain an entry visa based on their nationality. Upon arrival in Singapore, they will be issued a Short-Term Visit Pass by Immigration Checkpoint Authority. While in Singapore, business travelers are permitted to participate in company meetings, attend corporate retreats, and meet with business partners. However, they are not allowed to engage in any employment or conduct business-related activities or occupations in Singapore.
Singapore Permanent Resident
Individual who holds an Employment Pass or S Pass in Singapore may be eligible to apply for permanent residency. The Immigration Checkpoint Authority will take various factors into consideration when assessing the applicant’s ability to contribute to Singapore and integrate into society, including economic contribution, qualification, family profile, and length of residency. The goal is to determine the applicant’s commitment to Singapore and their potential to make significant contributions to the country.
Immigration Consultations
We offer individual clients hourly consultations in all areas of business and investment-based immigration. For more information, please contact our office at 415-805-3900.