Singapore Employment Pass
Singapore SGP
Last verified 2025-01-01Official source
The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) is the primary work visa for foreign professionals, managers, and executives seeking employment in Singapore. Applicants must be sponsored by a Singapore-registered employer and meet minimum salary thresholds that vary by age and industry. The EP is renewable and, after a period of continuous work and residency, provides a practical pathway to Singapore permanent residency.
Program Details
- Category
- Skilled Worker
- Processing Time
- 1 months
- Application Fee
- $110
- Minimum Income
- $3,700/yr
- Minimum Investment
- N/A
- Family Included
- Dependant's Pass for spouse and children under 21 if earning SGD $6,000+/month; Long-Term Visit Pass for lower earners.
- Path to PR
- Yes — 2 years
- Path to Citizenship
- Yes — 8 years
- Physical Presence
- Must work and reside in Singapore; continuous physical presence expected. Extended absences may affect PR eligibility.
- Dual Citizenship
- Not allowed
- Tax Impact
- Employment Pass holders are Singapore tax residents if they work 183+ days in a calendar year. Singapore taxes only Singapore-sourced income for most residents.
- Renewal Cost
- $110
Minimum monthly salary of SGD $5,000 for most sectors (~$3,700 USD); SGD $5,600 (~$4,100 USD) for financial services sector. Higher salary thresholds apply for older, more experienced candidates.
Key Requirements
- ✓Valid job offer from a Singapore-registered employer
- ✓Monthly salary of at least SGD $5,000 (higher for older or financial services workers)
- ✓Acceptable educational qualifications or professional experience
- ✓Employer must apply on behalf of the candidate via the MOM portal
- ✓Pass the Fair Consideration Framework requirements (employer must advertise on MyCareersFuture first)
- ✓No criminal or immigration violations
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