Introduction to Employment Pass
For foreign professionals, managers and executives with job offers in Singapore who meet the eligibility criteria.
Application Time
- 3 weeks if application is filed online
- 8 weeks if application is filed manually
Length of Stay
- up to 2 years - first-time candidate
- up to 3 years - renewals
Minimum Salary
S$4,500 per month (older candidates need higher salaries to qualify)
For a work pass with no salary requirement click here.
Any nationality can apply for an Employment Pass ('EP').
You can apply for an EP if you:
- Have a job offer in Singapore.
- Work in a managerial, executive or specialised job.
- Earn a fixed monthly salary of at least $4,500 (older candidates need higher salaries to qualify).
- Earn a fixed monthly salary of at least $5,000 (older candidates need higher salaries to qualify) for candidates in the financial services sector.
- Have acceptable qualifications, usually a
- good university degree; or
- professional qualifications; or
- specialised skills.
TKLow can assist you and your employer with the application procedure by following the below steps required by the Ministry of Manpower:
- Get a written consent for employment from the candidate.
- Fill up the application and upload the required documents.
- Pay the application fee.
- Check application status.
- get the in-principle approval (IPA) letter (it usually takes 3 weeks).
You must be in Singapore when we request for the pass to be issued.
To get the pass issued TKlow will:
- Make the request and submit the supporting documents.
- Provide a home or office address where you can receive the card.
- Nominate up to 3 authorised recipients to receive the card, and provide their NRIC, FIN or passport number, mobile numbers, and email address.
- Pay the fees.
- When the pass is issued, deliver you the notification letter.
The notification letter:
- Allows you to start work and travel in and out of Singapore while waiting for the pass card.
- States if you need to register to have fingerprints and photo taken.
- Is valid for 1 month from the date of issue (it can be extended depending on travel plans).
In order to apply for the employment pass we will request from you the following documents:
- Passport copy
- If your name on the passport differs from that on other documents, please also upload an explanation letter and supporting documents (e.g. deed poll)
- Short Term Visit Pass or immigration pass
- Details concerning your residential address in Singapore
- A local address where the card can be delivered
- Contact details of at least one authorised recipient to receive an SMS or email on the delivery details
- The employer Company’s latest business profile or instant information registered with ACRA.
We may also need to submit copies of these documents:
- Disembarkation / Embarkation card (immigration white card)
- Completed medical examination form or health declaration form
- Completed declaration form attached with the in-principle approval letter. The form should be signed by authorised human resource personnel, or any person holding at least a managerial position in the company.
The Employment Pass is usually issued within 6 months from the in-principal approval.
When to renew your EP?
- You can apply to renew an Employment Pass up to 6 months before the pass expires. You must apply before the expiry date.
- For Employment Pass (sponsorship): you can start applying to renew when you get the renewal forms by post, 3 months before the pass expires. Your application need to reach us at least 2 months before the pass expires.
Who can renew your EP?
- Your employer or appointment employment agent ('EA')
What is the duration of renewed pass?
- Up to 3 years.
- Please note that the duration of the renewed pass is not affected by the length of validity of your passport.
How long does it take?
- 3 weeks for most cases
- Renew by post (for EP sponsorship cases only): within 8 weeks
Taking care of the whole immigration process from start to finish.
Pre-application advice on available types of work / residency visas in Singapore and requirements for a successful application
Filing and tracking the status of applications
Arranging for issuance of EP / DP cards upon in-principle approval
Translation of notarisation documents, or translation of other documents as needed
Handling renewal of work and related passes