Find out who and how can apply for a work permit valid in Singapore.
3 February 2014
| Last updated on 28 June 2017
Employment Pass - Before you apply
About the Pass
The Employment Pass is a work pass for foreign professionals working in managerial, executive or specialised jobs.
Who is eligible
Foreigners who are interested to work and has a job offer in Singapore may apply for an Employment Pass (EP). To qualify for one of these EP, the applicants must meet these basic requirements:
P1 Employment Pass:
- Fixed monthly salary = $8,000
- Possesses acceptable qualifications
P2 Employment Pass
- Fixed monthly salary = $4,500
- Possesses acceptable qualifications
Q1 Employment Pass
- Young graduates from good institutions could qualify if they earn at least $3,300
- Older applicants would have to command higher salaries to qualify, commensurate with the work experience and quality they are expected to bring
Information for foreign job-seekers
Foreign job-seekers may refer to our Strategic and Skills-in-Demand List which compile jobs expected to be high in demand in Singapore over the next few years.
Self-Assessment Tool
Employers are encouraged to use the online Self-Assessment Tool to check if the applicant meets the requirements. This tool gives you a preliminary indication of whether the applicant qualifies.
This assessment does not guarantee the actual outcome of the application as it needs to be subjected to further checks (e.g. immigration and fraud checks).
Click here for the self assessement tool
This assessment does not guarantee the actual outcome of the application as it needs to be subjected to further checks (e.g. immigration and fraud checks).
Note to employers
Food-stall licensees operating in hawker centres, coffee shops and food courts are not allowed to employ foreign workers on Employment Passes. Such operations are considered small scale and can be manned by owners or family members.
Who can submit
The employer or the appointed agent may submit the Employment Pass application.
Note to overseas employers
If the applicant’s employer is based overseas and does not have a registered office in Singapore, another Singapore registered company can act as the sponsor and submit the application on behalf. Find out how you can apply.
