Are you looking to work in Singapore? Do you know how to apply for an employment pass in Singapore? The Asian tigers have been on the rise for decades, economy-wise. Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore continue to thrive in modern times as centers of culture, commerce, and technological innovation.
As such, it is no surprise that immigrants from across the globe are flocking to these countries, seeking to begin a new life and take advantage of the opportunities there.
Singapore is an exciting country whose economic growth over the last few decades has been nothing short of remarkable. As a high-income country with a per capita income of $61,000, (as of 2022), it is no surprise that it is highly favored by individuals and businesses seeking commercial opportunities.
Such a high level of commercial growth means that employment levels are high. If you’re seeking a work permit in Singapore, you can apply for an employment pass.
An employment pass is a type of work visa or permit that allows foreigners in professional and management positions to work in Singapore. A work visa is an essential requirement for all foreigners looking to get work in Singapore and an employment pass is a great option.
As the international community continues to grow and companies begin to expand their reach into new territories, there is the need for work visas or employment passes to allow for the easy operation of these businesses in Singapore. A number of requirements must be met before one can get an employment pass in Singapore.
Keep reading for more information about applying for and getting an employment pass in Singapore.
How do I qualify for an employment pass in Singapore
In Singapore, only eligible candidates can get an employment pass. There are some eligibility criteria for an employment pass in Singapore:
- Applicant must already have a job in Singapore
- Applicants must hold a professional, managerial, or executive position.
- Applicants must have standard credentials like a skill certificate, university degree, or any other professional qualifications.
- Applicants must earn a specified salary (of more than $5,000) based on the local PMET workforce by age.
You can qualify for an employment pass in Singapore if you meet all of the above-listed criteria.
What Documents Are Required To Apply For An Employment Pass?
The documents needed to apply for an employment pass in Singapore include the following:
- The data page of the applicant’s passport or any other document for personal identification
- Applicant’s resume or CV, preferably in the English Language
- A university degree and proof of experience, where available
6 Steps To File Your Employment Pass Application
Here are six simple steps for filing your employment pass application:
1. Send in your application
The first step is to fill out the application form and submit it alongside the required documents for processing an employment pass. The application can be submitted online via the MOM portal.
In general, MOM will take up to 3 weeks for their review of the EP application and additional information might be requested if required.
2. Receive your approval letter
If your employment pass application is approved, you will be issued an IPA (In-Principal Approval) letter, after which the applicant has only six months to arrive in Singapore and request the employment pass.
3. Request for your employment pass
You are given six months from your approval to request for your employment pass from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore. This is done by submitting all required documents required for the employment pass. The pass will be issued immediately after the necessary documents are submitted.
However, it is important to note that your employment pass card will be withheld until fingerprints and photographs are provided for proof of identity.
4. Get your notification letter
After the request has been made to the MOM and the necessary proof of identity details have been provided, you will receive your notification letter, which gives you the liberty to work in Singapore and travel in and out of the country. If you skipped submitting your fingerprints and photographs, it would be indicated in your notification letter. The notification letter is only valid for one month.
5. Submit a photograph and register your fingerprints
If you haven’t done this already, you’ll be required to do so, but if you have already, you can skip this step. However, applications older than five years require a new submission of fingerprints and photographs.
6. Get your employment pass card
Once all the steps above are complete, you can get your employment pass card within 1-2 weeks. MOM will deliver the physical card to the company’s registered address.
How Long Will It Take to Process an Employment Pass In Singapore
Getting an employment pass can take as fast as four weeks or as long as eight weeks, depending on the application or any additional requests from MOM.
How do I know if my employment pass has been approved, and how do I get it?
You can keep track of your application for your employment pass by keeping tabs on your application. Here are some simple steps for checking your application:
- Open the application portal and click on the check work pass and application status
- Input your pin and your identity number either from your passport, birth certificate, or any other identification document
Collecting your employment pass would require you to visit the Ministry of Manpower to request for your employment pass after your company or agent has received the notification letter from the Ministry of Manpower.
How can we help?
At Premia TNC, we can help you apply for various visas in Singapore, such as the Employment pass and Dependant’s pass. We’re also working with our partner on the Global Investors Program, which involves helping global investors to get permits both for work and residential use in Singapore.
Our experts at Premia TNC are dedicated to easing the process of settling for business owners and other individuals seeking to invest in Singapore’s fertile commercial landscape.
Contact us today.
