Employment Pass (EP) — full application walkthrough — Eligibility and requirements checklist
The Employment Pass (EP) is Singapore's main work pass for foreign professionals, managers and executives, granted on qualifying salary and the COMPASS points framework. This full application walkthrough covers the eligibility, requirements, process and costs of the employment pass in 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.
Who this is for
The Employment Pass suits foreign professionals, managers and executives taking up skilled roles in Singapore, and the employers who sponsor them.
What the Employment Pass is and who qualifies
The Employment Pass is for foreign professionals in managerial, executive or specialised roles who meet the qualifying salary and pass the COMPASS points system. It is issued by the Ministry of Manpower to a specific employer for a specific role.
Candidates are assessed on salary benchmarked to local professionals by age and sector, and on COMPASS, which scores salary, qualifications, and the diversity and local-employment profile of the hiring firm.
For a closely related perspective, see our guide on Medical Insurance & Primary Care Plan (PCP) for Work Pass Holders in Singapore (2026).
Eligibility: qualifying salary and COMPASS
Applicants must meet the prevailing EP qualifying salary, which rises with age, and score at least the required COMPASS points unless exempt. The framework is administered under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990, and the details are published on the MOM website.
Higher salaries can exempt an application from the full COMPASS assessment, while firms with a strong local workforce mix score better on the complementarity criteria.
You may also find our related article on The “Overseas Networks & Expertise” (ONE) Pass: 2 Years Later useful.
Requirements and the application process
The employer submits the application through EP Online with the candidate's passport details, educational credentials and job information, and for many roles must first advertise on MyCareersFuture. Once approved, an in-principle approval is issued, and the pass is issued after the candidate arrives and completes formalities including biometrics.
Supporting documents typically include verified qualifications, and MOM may request additional information during assessment.
Cost and timeline benchmarks for 2026
Online EP applications are typically processed within about 10 working days, with more complex cases taking longer. From application to a pass in hand, allow around 3 to 6 weeks including travel and issuance formalities.
Government fees include the application and issuance fees per pass, and professional handling fees commonly run S$800 to S$2,500 per application depending on complexity.
Common mistakes and gotchas
The most common error is applying below the qualifying salary for the candidate's age, which leads to rejection. Another is neglecting the MyCareersFuture advertising requirement where it applies.
Employers also underestimate COMPASS: a role that meets salary alone may still fall short on points, so the firm-level scores should be checked before an offer.
Step-by-step process
- Confirm the candidate meets the qualifying salary for their age and check COMPASS.
- Advertise the role on MyCareersFuture where required.
- Submit the application through EP Online with passport, qualification and job details.
- Respond to any MOM requests and obtain the in-principle approval.
- Complete issuance on arrival, including biometrics, to receive the pass.
Employment Pass at a glance
- Governing framework: Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990; COMPASS
- Typical timeline: Processing about 10 working days; pass in hand 3-6 weeks
- Indicative cost (2026): Professional fees S$800-S$2,500 per application
Related guides
Across the Raffles group of sites, see How to Move to Singapore as a High Net Worth Individual: All Pathways 2026 and our guide on Medical Insurance & Primary Care Plan (PCP) for Work Pass Holders in Singapore (2026) for further reading.
Official references
FAQs
Who is eligible for an Employment Pass?
Foreign professionals, managers and executives who meet the prevailing qualifying salary for their age and pass the COMPASS points framework, sponsored by a Singapore employer.
How long does an EP application take?
Online applications are typically processed within about 10 working days, with the full process to a pass in hand usually taking 3 to 6 weeks.
What is COMPASS?
COMPASS is the points-based framework that assesses EP applications on salary, qualifications, and the hiring firm's diversity and local-employment profile.
Does an EP application require job advertising?
For many roles the employer must first advertise on MyCareersFuture, subject to firm-size and role exemptions.
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.