Sponsored work pass for professionals earning ≥ S$5,600/month. Now points-tested via the COMPASS framework. Path to PR after 2-3 years; among Asia's most efficient work-visa systems.
Official name: Employment Pass (EP)
Not legal or immigration advice
This page summarizes publicly available information from official immigration authorities. Visa rules change frequently and individual circumstances matter. Verify with the relevant consulate, embassy, or a licensed immigration attorney before applying.
$1,000–$3,500
10–21 days
24 months
Yes
The Employment Pass is Singapore's primary work permit for foreign professionals, managers, executives, and technical specialists. Issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the EP requires a job offer from a Singapore-registered employer at minimum monthly salary S$5,600 (S$6,200 for finance sector roles) — rising for older candidates and adjusted annually. Since 1 September 2023, applicants must also pass the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS): a 4-attribute, 40-point system scoring salary vs. sector benchmark, qualifications, employer diversity, and local hiring share. The EP is granted for up to 2 years on first issue, then 3 years on renewal. After 2-3 years on EP, holders can apply for Permanent Residence (PR); PR can lead to citizenship after a further 2-6 years. Spouses get a Dependant's Pass and can work freely with a Letter of Consent.
Government fee
$165
Lawyer / agent
$400–$1,500
All-in (incl. medical, translation, travel)
$1,000–$3,500
Minimum income/savings: ~$50,000/year. S$5,600/month general (~$50K/yr USD); S$6,200 financial services. Increases with applicant age — typically 80% higher at 45+.
Initial visa
24 months
Path to residency
2 years
Path to citizenship
6 years
EP holders staying ≥ 183 days are Singapore tax residents on Singapore-source income only. Singapore uses progressive 0–24% personal income tax (top rate 24% on income > S$1M, raised from 22% in YA2024). No capital gains tax. No tax on foreign-source income remitted to Singapore (subject to specified-foreign-income rules). See /tax/calculator/sg for a 2026 estimate. CPF (Central Provident Fund) does not apply to EP holders — only to citizens and PRs.
Triggering threshold: more than 183 days physical presence.