EP Application Requirements You Must Know

Relocating to Singapore for a professional career is an exciting prospect, but it hinges on securing the necessary work visa, primarily the Employment Pass (EP). Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has established a multi-layered framework to ensure that EP holders are high-quality professionals who complement the local workforce.

Here are the essential requirements and criteria you need to be fully aware of before initiating an EP application.

1. Foundational Eligibility Criteria (The Non-Negotiables)

Before diving into the points-based system, every EP applicant must satisfy these basic, but critical, requirements:

A. Job Offer from a Singapore-Registered Company

• You must have a concrete job offer from a company that is legally registered and operating in Singapore.
• The role must be a managerial, executive, or specialist position. The EP is not for skilled or semi-skilled manual labor roles.

B. Minimum Qualifying Salary

The minimum fixed monthly salary is the first hurdle and is subject to regular review by MOM. * General Sector: The minimum qualifying salary starts at S\$5,600 per month for younger applicants (e.g., age 23) and increases progressively with age and experience, reaching up to approximately S\$10,700 for applicants aged 45 and above. * Financial Services Sector: Due to the nature of the industry, applicants in the financial services sector must meet a higher minimum of S\$6,200 per month, which also increases progressively with age. * Self-Assessment Tool (SAT): The employer or prospective employee should use MOM's online SAT to get a clear indication of the required qualifying salary for a specific age and sector.

C. Acceptable Qualifications

The candidate must possess acceptable academic or professional qualifications relevant to the job role. This typically includes: * A degree from a reputable university. * Professional qualifications (e.g., CPA, CFA, specialized certifications). * Specialist skills with a proven track record of relevant professional experience, particularly for older applicants or those with non-traditional educational backgrounds.

2. The Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS)

For new EP applications, and for renewals of passes expiring from a certain date onwards, candidates must pass the two-stage eligibility process: meeting the qualifying salary (Stage 1) and passing the COMPASS points-based system (Stage 2).

COMPASS ensures a holistic evaluation of both the individual candidate and the hiring company. You need a minimum of 40 points to pass. Points are awarded across four foundational criteria (C1 to C4) and two bonus criteria (C5 and C6).

Key Takeaway: If you score 0 points on a foundational criterion, you must compensate by scoring 20 points on another criterion or by securing bonus points to reach the 40-point threshold.

Exemptions from COMPASS

A candidate is exempted from COMPASS if they meet any of these conditions: 1. Earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S\$22,500. 2. Are applying as an Overseas Intra-Corporate Transferee under the World Trade Organisation General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) or an applicable Free Trade Agreement (FTA). 3. Are filling a role for a short-term assignment of one month or less.

3. Mandatory Documents for Application

Accurate and complete documentation is crucial to prevent delays or rejection. The employer or appointed agent typically submits the application online.

Documents from the Candidate:

• Copy of the candidate's passport personal particulars page.
• Latest resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing educational and employment history.
• Copies of educational certificates (e.g., degree, diploma, professional certifications).
• Verification Proof for the educational qualifications, which must be from acceptable sources such as a background screening company or the awarding institution's verification portal.
• Any supporting documents (e.g., testimonials, past employment references).
• Written consent from the candidate for the employer/agent to apply on their behalf.

Documents from the Employer (Company):

• Company’s latest business profile or instant information from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
• Detailed job description and salary details for the role.
• Proof of the company's financial ability to pay the candidate's salary (may be requested by MOM).

Important Note: All documents that are not in English must be officially translated into English by a professional translation service.

4. Pre-Application Employer Requirements (Fair Consideration Framework)

Before an EP application can be submitted, the hiring company generally has an obligation under the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) to demonstrate that they have fairly considered local jobseekers.

• The company must advertise the job on the national job portal, MyCareersFuture, for at least 14 calendar days before submitting the EP application.

Exemptions from FCF Advertising:

The company may be exempt from the FCF advertising requirement if: * The company has fewer than 10 employees. * The fixed monthly salary for the role is S\$20,000 or more. * The role is an Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT) under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or GATS. * The role is for a short-term assignment of one month or less.

5. Post-Approval and Pass Issuance

If the application is successful, MOM will issue an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, which is typically valid for six months. The candidate must be in Singapore to complete the final steps:

1. Medical Examination: Complete a medical exam if requested in the IPA letter.
2. Pass Issuance: The employer/agent requests the pass to be issued online, paying the issuance fee.
3. Registration: The candidate may be required to register their fingerprints and take a photo at the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC).
4. Card Collection: The EP card will be delivered to the specified local address.

Summary of Key Requirements

To ensure a smooth and successful EP application, focus on these critical elements:

The Employment Pass application process is a structured evaluation of your professional merit and the employer's commitment to a diverse and local-supported workforce. Thorough preparation and meeting every checkpoint are your best strategies for a positive outcome.