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Renewal of Employment Pass
Current rules: checked 7 September 2026
This article was originally published on 2023-06-30. The update below supersedes the original pass requirements and salary figures.
Employment Pass
Current EP salaries start at S$5,600 monthly, or S$6,200 in financial services, and increase with age. COMPASS requires 40 points unless exempted. New applications from 1 January 2027 use S$6,000 or S$6,600, with the new scale applying to renewals of passes expiring from 1 January 2028. EPs have no foreign worker quota or levy. Read the current guide.
Sources: the linked current guides cite the relevant Ministry of Manpower eligibility and application pages.
Original article, retained for historical reference
Historical content: The original text below is not current application guidance. Use the dated update above.
To ensure that a pass holder can continue working for your company, you can apply to renew their Employment Pass, provided you still meet the criteria set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Starting from 1st September 2023, the criteria for older and more experienced EP candidates have been revised. For instance, an EP applicant in their mid-40s will need to earn a new minimum qualifying salary of either $5,000 for all sectors or $5,500 for the Financial Sector.
The implementation of the new salary requirement for EP renewals will take effect from 1st September 2024, in order to minimize the impact on businesses.
When to Renew:
You can initiate the renewal process up to 6 months before the pass’s expiration date. However, it is crucial to renew before the expiry date itself.
For Employment Pass (sponsorship) cases, you can begin applying for renewal three months prior to the pass’s expiration date, once you receive the renewal forms by post. Your application should reach MOM at least two months before the pass expires.
Who Can Renew:
The renewal process can be carried out by the employer or an appointed Employment Agent (EA).
Duration of the Renewed Pass:
The renewed pass can be valid for up to 3 years. The duration of the renewed pass is independent of the validity period of your passport.
Processing Time:
If you choose to renew using EP Online, the processing time is typically within 3 weeks for most cases. However, for EP sponsorship cases renewed by post, the processing time is approximately 8 weeks for most cases.
Notes / Remarks:
Renewals are not guaranteed, as applications will be assessed against the current eligibility criteria. It is advisable to apply for renewal well in advance. Renewing early does not result in the loss of the remaining days in the current pass. The duration of the renewed pass will commence upon the expiration of the current pass.
For Employment Pass (sponsorship) holders, you must utilize the renewal forms specifically designated for this purpose. In the event that you miss the renewal deadline, you will need to apply for a new pass.
If you have any company-related queries, you may email us at [email protected]. When in doubt, seek legal advice or consult an experienced licensed Employment Agency with the Ministry of Manpower.
Yours Sincerely,
The editorial team at Singapore Employment Agency
For more useful articles and videos, visit the Singapore Employment Agency resource page.
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Little Big Employment Agency Pte Ltd is a licensed Employment Agency with the Ministry of Manpower with license number 19C9790.
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