Employment Pass (EP) — full application walkthrough — Costs and fees breakdown
The Employment Pass is Singapore’s main work pass for foreign professionals, managers and executives earning above a minimum qualifying salary and passing the COMPASS points framework. This walkthrough explains eligibility, the application steps, the costs in Singapore dollars and the timeline as at June 2026.
Little Big Employment Agency (EA Licence 19C9790) works with a panel of corporate and employment law firms; this article is general information, not legal advice.
What the Employment Pass is
The Employment Pass is issued by the Ministry of Manpower to foreign professionals holding a job offer from a Singapore employer at or above the qualifying salary, who also satisfy the COMPASS points-based assessment. The Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990 establishes the framework under which work passes are granted and the conditions employers must observe. The pass is employer-sponsored and tied to the specific role.
Who the Employment Pass is for
It suits degree-qualified professionals, managers and executives, and is the default route for most foreign hires above the qualifying salary. Lower-salaried or sub-degree roles are usually routed to the S Pass or work permit instead. Employers weighing the options should read our Employment Pass vs S Pass vs EntrePass comparison. Foreign founders setting up the sponsoring entity should first review Singapore Pte Ltd registration for foreigners.
Eligibility, qualifying salary and COMPASS
As at 2026, the Employment Pass qualifying salary starts at S$5,600 a month for most sectors and rises to S$6,200 for the financial services sector, increasing with age. Older and more senior candidates need a higher salary to qualify. Applicants must also score at least 40 points under COMPASS, which assesses salary, qualifications, employer diversity and local-employment support, with bonus points for skills-in-demand roles. Confirm the current thresholds with MOM, as they are reviewed periodically.
Employment Pass costs and timeline
Indicative figures as at June 2026: the MOM application fee is S$105 and the issuance fee is S$225, with a multiple-journey visa at S$30 where required. Employment agency or advisory support typically runs S$800 to S$2,500 per application. There is no foreign-worker levy on Employment Pass holders, unlike the S Pass and work permit. Most applications are processed within 3 to 8 weeks; complex cases or those requiring appeals take longer. Pass validity is up to two years for a first issuance and up to three years on renewal.
Step-by-step application process
Confirm the role meets the qualifying salary and self-assess against COMPASS. Prepare supporting documents: educational certificates, the candidate’s passport details and the employer’s business profile. Submit the application through MOM’s EP Online portal. Await the in-principle approval, then complete issuance formalities, including any medical examination and the candidate’s arrival. Register fingerprints and collect the card. Model the all-in employer cost using our total cost of hiring foreign professionals guide before you commit.
Common mistakes and gotchas
The most common errors are offering a salary that meets the floor but fails COMPASS once age is factored in, weak company-diversity or local-support scores, and incomplete qualification verification. Employers sometimes overlook the fair-consideration job-advertising expectations. Where a candidate is rejected, a considered appeal with stronger evidence is often more effective than re-submitting unchanged.
Related guides
See Employment Pass vs S Pass vs EntrePass, the total cost model for hiring foreign professionals, and Singapore Pte Ltd registration for foreigners for the sponsoring entity.
Authoritative references: the Ministry of Manpower publishes Employment Pass criteria and COMPASS rules, and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority handles entry and residency formalities.
FAQs
What is the Employment Pass qualifying salary in 2026?
From S$5,600 a month for most sectors and S$6,200 for financial services, rising with the candidate’s age. Confirm the current figure with MOM.
What is COMPASS?
A points framework requiring at least 40 points, assessing salary, qualifications, employer nationality diversity and local-employment support, with bonus points for skills-in-demand roles.
How much does an Employment Pass cost?
MOM fees are S$105 at application and S$225 on issuance; advisory support is typically S$800 to S$2,500. There is no levy on EP holders.
How long does approval take?
Most applications are processed within 3 to 8 weeks, with complex cases and appeals taking longer.
Need help with this? Call, SMS or WhatsApp +65 8501 7133, or email [email protected]. Little Big Employment Agency (EA Licence 19C9790) works with a panel of corporate and employment law firms; this article is general information, not legal advice.