All-Visas
Employment Pass
work · Singapore
The Employment Pass (EP) is Singapore's central work visa for foreign professionals, executives and managers. The qualifying salary is age-tiered (from ~S$5,600/mo for the youngest applicants to ~S$10,700/mo at age 45+, higher in financial services) and applications must also pass the COMPASS points framework (minimum 40 points across salary, qualifications, diversity and local-employment criteria). There is no fixed mandatory degree — qualifications are scored within COMPASS, not gated. Salary thresholds rise again from 1 Jan 2027.
- Minimum stay / validity
- 2 years (renewable)
- Processing time
- 3-8 weeks
- Official source
- https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/employment-pass/eligibility
Requirements & criteria
- [Mandatory] Min salary S$5,600/mo (age ≤23)
- [Mandatory] Min salary S$8,200/mo (age ~35)
- [Mandatory] Min salary S$10,700/mo (age 45+)
- [Mandatory] Sponsoring employer in the country
- [Mandatory] Concrete job offer / employment contract
- [Mandatory] No criminal record
- [Bonus] COMPASS framework: at least 40 points
- [Bonus] Degree (scored in COMPASS, not mandatory)
- [Bonus] Relevant work experience strengthens COMPASS