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Guide to Singapore Employment Pass

2023-12-13
The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) stands as a pivotal entry point for professionals and entrepreneurs seeking to contribute to Singapore's dynamic business environment.

This article serves as a comprehensive guide for Kaizen’s existing clients or potential clients to insights into the intricacies of the Singapore Employment Pass, including eligibility criteria, encompassing eligibility criteria, the application process, and other essential details.

  1. Key Changes in the Employment Pass Eligibility Framework

    Effective from 1 September 2023, the Ministry of Manpower of Singapore (MOM) has implemented a two-stage eligibility framework, adding a points-based Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). This framework enhances the evaluation process for EP applicants, applicable to new applications and renewals from 1 September 2024.

  2. Definition of Employment Pass

    The Employment Pass, issued by the Ministry of Manpower in Singapore, serves as a work visa for foreign professionals, managers, executives, specialists, and entrepreneurs. This pass allows individuals to work and reside in Singapore for a specified period, typically one to two years, renewable based on employment conditions.

  3. Eligibility Criteria for the Employment Pass

    (a)
    		 The applicant must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD5,000, with variations based on age. This amount increases progressively in line with the applicant’s age;
    (b)
    		 The applicant must score a passing score of 40 points for COMPASS, a points-based assessment considering various factors such as educational qualifications, work experience, and salary;
    (c)
    		 The applicant’s educational qualifications with verification proof and relevant professional experience form key considerations for MOM. A tertiary degree from a reputable university and relevant professional experience is important. Applicants should be educationally qualified with qualifications from reputable institutions. In some cases, the strong professional employment history and good salary may compensate for lack of good education;
    (d)
    		 There is no official quota system. Each application is individually reviewed based on the credentials of the employing company and the applicant.;

    (e)
    		 The applicant must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with WHO EUL vaccines including booster shots. Otherwise, the applicant needs to undergo a medical review with a Singapore-registered doctor to determine if they can be medically exempted from vaccination;
    (f)
    		 Before applying for an EP, the employer should advertise the job on Singapore Job Bank for at least 14 days. The company can be exempted from advertising requirements if meet any of the requirements:
    (i) Company with fewer than 10 employees;
    (ii) The fixed monthly salary of applicant is SGD22,500 and above;
    (iii) The role is short-term;
    (iv) The role is to be filled by a local transferee; or
    (v) The role is to be filled by an overseas intra-corporate transferee.

  4. Elements of the COMPASS

    The COMPASS considers individual and firm-related components, divided into foundational and bonus criteria. This approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation, giving due consideration to roles on the shortage list and employers contributing significantly to innovation or international activities.

    INDIVIDUAL ATTRIBUTES

    FIRM-RELATED ATTRIBUTES

    Foundational Criteria

    C1

    SALARY

    C3

    DIVERSITY

    -  Based on sector salary benchmarks by age, and compared to local professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMET).

    -  Based on applicant’s nationality among the firm’s PMET, diverse mix of nationalities is encouraged.

    -  Your application scores 10 points by default if your firm employs fewer than 25 PMET employees.

    ≥ 90%

    20

    < 5%

    20

    65% to 90%

    10

    5 % to 25%

    10

    < 65%

    0

    ≥ 25%

    0

    C2

    QUALIFICATIONS

    C4

    SUPPORT FOR LOCAL EMPLOYMENT

    -  Based on applicant’s education qualifications, supported with the verification proof from professional background screening companies.

    -  Based on the percentage of local PMETs within the sector.

    -  Your application scores 10 points by default if your firm employs fewer than 25 PMET employees.

    Top-tier institution

    20

    ≥ 50%

    20

    Degree-equivalent qualification

    10

    20% to 50%

    10

    No degree-equivalent qualification

    0

    < 20%

    0

    Bonus

    Criteria

    C5

    SKILLS BONUS

    C6

    STRATEGIC ECONOMIC PRIORITIES BONUS

    -  For applicants with occupation listed in the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) that require highly specialized skills. (Reduced to +10 if share of candidate’s nationality among firm’s PMETs is one-third or higher.)

    +20

    -  For the firm intends to have partnership with Government on ambitious investment, innovation, internationalisation, or workforce transformation activities.

    +10


  5. Exemption from COMPASS

    The applicant’s EP application is exempted from COMPASS if they fulfil any of these conditions:

    (a)
    		 Earning a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD22,500;
    (b)
    		 Applying as an overseas intra-corporate transferee under the World Trade Organisation’s General Agreement on Trade in Services or any applicable Free Trade Agreement which Singapore is a part of; or
    (c)
    		 Filling a role on a short-term basis, i.e. one month or less.

The changes in the Employment Pass application scoring framework highlight a commitment to a more robust vetting process. The MOM prioritize applications within the same age group and industry category, placing emphasis on higher monthly salaries, superior academic backgrounds, and a diverse employee structure that aligns with local employment needs.

Kaizen provides professional services for Employment Pass applications. Our experienced team navigates the intricacies of the exemption criteria, ensuring that your application aligns seamlessly with the latest regulations. Trust Kaizen for a smooth and successful Employment Pass journey in Singapore.

All the information and requirement are revised periodically and may be subject to change from time to time by the Singapore government authorities without prior notice. Please consult with Kaizen Consultants for more information.

Kaizen specializes in the areas of company formation and registration, tax filing and planning, audit and assurance, merger and acquisition, intellectual property, human resources management, visa and immigration services and many others. Through our own offices and the network of professional firms that we built up, Kaizen is capable of providing above mentioned services in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Mainland China, Singapore, Malaysia, UK, USA, Italy, Germany, Australia and many other jurisdictions.

See also：
Singapore Employment Pass Application Procedures and Fees

Disclaimer

All information in this article is only for the purpose of information sharing, instead of professional suggestion. Kaizen will not assume any responsibility for loss or damage.

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