The Employment Pass (EP) is a work visa for skilled professionals to work in Singapore. The EP is administered by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
To qualify for an EP, applicants must meet certain criteria, including:
- A monthly salary of at least S$3600.
- A university degree or equivalent professional qualification.
- At least two years of relevant work experience.
- A job offer from a Singapore-based employer.
The EP is valid for a period of one to two years. It can be renewed indefinitely, provided the applicant continues to meet the qualifying criteria.
The list of Standard Occupation Employment Pass (SEP) occupations is a list of occupations that are in high demand in Singapore. Employers can use this list to determine if they need to apply for an EP for a foreign worker.
The SEP list is reviewed regularly by the MOM to ensure that it remains relevant to the needs of the Singapore economy. The current SEP list was published in January 2020 and is valid until 2022.
There are 20 occupations on the current SEP list. These occupations are:
- Accountants
- Actuaries
- Architects
- Biomedical scientists
- Chemists
- Civil engineers
- Computer scientists and software engineers
- Data analysts
- Economists
- Financial analysts
- Graphic designers
- Healthcare professionals
- Industrial engineers
- Information technology professionals
- Lawyers
- Mechanical engineers
- Operations research analysts
- Pharmacists
- Physicists
- Statisticians
The SEP list is not exhaustive. There may be other occupations that are in high demand in Singapore that are not on the list. Employers should contact the MOM to determine if they need to apply for an EP for a foreign worker for an occupation that is not on the SEP list.
The EP is an important tool for Singaporean employers to hire skilled foreign workers. The SEP list helps employers to identify occupations that are in high demand in Singapore.
There are many benefits to applying for an Employment Pass in Singapore. These benefits include:
- The ability to work in Singapore for a period of one to two years.
- The ability to renew the EP indefinitely, provided the applicant continues to meet the qualifying criteria.
- The ability to bring family members to Singapore.
- The ability to access Singapore’s healthcare and education systems.
- The ability to contribute to the Singapore economy.
To apply for an Employment Pass, applicants must submit the following documents to the MOM:
- A completed EP application form.
- A copy of their passport.
- A copy of their highest educational qualification.
- A copy of their work experience certificate.
- A job offer letter from a Singapore-based employer.
- A medical report.
- A payment of the EP application fee.
The MOM will review the application and make a decision within four to six weeks.
Here are some tips for applying for an Employment Pass:
- Make sure that you meet all of the qualifying criteria.
- Submit a complete and accurate application form.
- Include all of the required supporting documents.
- Pay the application fee.
- Be prepared to attend an interview with the MOM.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Employment Pass:
-
What is the minimum salary requirement for an Employment Pass?
The minimum salary requirement for an Employment Pass is S$3600 per month. -
How long is an Employment Pass valid for?
An Employment Pass is valid for a period of one to two years. It can be renewed indefinitely, provided the applicant continues to meet the qualifying criteria. -
Can I bring my family members to Singapore on an Employment Pass?
Yes, you can bring your family members to Singapore on an Employment Pass. Your family members will need to apply for a Dependent’s Pass. -
How much does it cost to apply for an Employment Pass?
The cost of applying for an Employment Pass is S$100. -
How long does it take to process an Employment Pass application?
The MOM will review the application and make a decision within four to six weeks. -
What should I do if my Employment Pass application is rejected?
If your Employment Pass application is rejected, you can appeal the decision to the MOM.
