Overview of Singapore Work Passes
Singapore has a tiered work pass system managed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Unlike many countries, there's no "work visa" per se—you need a work pass sponsored by a Singapore employer or company.
| Pass Type | Min Salary | Who It's For |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass (EP) | S$5,000+ | Professionals, managers, executives |
| S Pass | S$3,150+ | Mid-skilled workers |
| EntrePass | No minimum | Entrepreneurs starting businesses |
| Personalised EP (PEP) | S$22,500+ | High earners, not tied to employer |
| ONE Pass | S$30,000+ | Top talent in business, arts, sports, academia |
Employment Pass (EP)
The Employment Pass is the most common work pass for American professionals. It's for foreign professionals in managerial, executive, or specialized jobs.
Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum salary: S$5,000/month (S$5,500 for financial services)
- Salary by age: Higher minimums for older applicants (up to S$10,500 for 45+)
- Qualifications: Good university degree or professional qualifications
- Experience: Relevant work experience in your field
- Employer: Must be sponsored by a Singapore-registered company
COMPASS Framework (2023)
The Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) is a points-based system that EP applications must pass:
| Criteria | Points Available |
|---|---|
| Salary relative to sector | 0-20 points |
| Qualifications | 0-20 points |
| Diversity (nationality in company) | 0-20 points |
| Support for local employment | 0-20 points |
| Bonus: Skills shortage | Up to 20 points |
| Bonus: Strategic economic priorities | Up to 10 points |
Passing score: 40 points
💡 COMPASS Exemptions: Applicants earning S$22,500+/month or those on intra-corporate transfers are exempt from COMPASS scoring.
Application Process
- Employer submits application via EP Online portal
- MOM reviews (typically 3-8 weeks)
- If approved, In-Principle Approval (IPA) issued
- Enter Singapore on IPA letter
- Complete formalities and receive EP card
Validity
- First-time EP: Up to 2 years
- Renewals: Up to 3 years
- Tied to employer—change jobs = new EP application
EntrePass (Entrepreneur Pass)
For entrepreneurs who want to start and operate a business in Singapore. Unlike the EP, you're not employed by a company—you're starting one.
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet at least one of these criteria:
- Venture-backed: Funded by a government-recognized VC or angel investor
- Incubator-backed: Supported by a government-approved incubator/accelerator
- IP owner: Hold significant intellectual property
- Track record: Substantial business ownership or executive experience
- Research collaboration: Working with A*STAR or Singapore universities
Business Requirements
- Company must be registered with ACRA
- Company registration within 6 months of application
- Minimum paid-up capital: S$50,000 (or venture funding)
- You must hold at least 30% shareholding
EntrePass is selective. A simple e-commerce or lifestyle business likely won't qualify. MOM wants innovative, scalable ventures that create local jobs.
Renewal Requirements
At renewal (after 1-2 years), you must show business progress:
- Minimum S$100,000 in total business spending, OR
- Hired at least 1 local employee (Singaporean/PR)
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
A premium pass for high earners that provides flexibility not available with standard EP.
Requirements
- Overseas applicants: Fixed monthly salary of S$22,500+ in last 6 months
- Existing EP holders: Fixed monthly salary of S$22,500+ in Singapore
- Cannot be valid for more than 3 years from last EP
Key Benefits
- Not tied to a specific employer—can change jobs without new application
- Can stay up to 6 months between jobs while seeking new employment
- Validity: 3 years, non-renewable (must switch to EP or PR after)
💡 Cannot Start Business: Despite the flexibility, PEP holders cannot start or operate their own business in Singapore.
Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)
Singapore's premium talent visa, launched in 2023 to attract top global talent.
Eligibility
- Salary: Fixed monthly salary of S$30,000+ in last 1 year, OR
- Exceptional achievement: Outstanding in arts, sports, science, research, academia
Benefits
- 5-year validity
- Can work for multiple employers concurrently
- Can start and operate businesses
- Spouse can work on Letter of Consent (no separate pass needed)
💡 Most Flexible: ONE Pass is the most flexible work pass, combining employment flexibility with entrepreneurship rights.
Dependant's Pass & Long-Term Visit Pass
Dependant's Pass (DP)
For immediate family members of EP, EntrePass, S Pass, or PEP holders:
- Eligible: Legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21
- Salary requirement: Main pass holder must earn S$6,000+/month
- Working: DP holders need Letter of Consent (LOC) to work
Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
For:
- Common-law spouse (where legally recognized)
- Step-children
- Parents (main pass holder must earn S$12,000+/month)
Singapore does not recognize same-sex marriages for immigration purposes. Same-sex partners must apply for LTVP, which requires the main pass holder to earn S$6,000+/month. Approval is discretionary.
Short-Term Entry (No Work)
Visa-Free Entry for US Citizens
- US citizens can enter visa-free for up to 90 days
- Extension possible for up to 90 additional days
- Cannot work on tourist entry
- Business meetings, conferences, negotiations allowed
- "Work" = any activity that a local could be paid for
Working remotely for a non-Singapore employer while on tourist status is technically not permitted. Enforcement is unclear, but doing so repeatedly or for extended periods is risky.
Self-Assessment Tool
MOM provides a Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) to check EP eligibility before applying:
- Available at: mom.gov.sg
- Enter salary, qualifications, experience
- Get indicative outcome
- Not a guarantee—actual application may differ
Processing Times
| Pass Type | Typical Processing |
|---|---|
| Employment Pass | 3-8 weeks |
| EntrePass | 8 weeks |
| PEP | 8 weeks |
| ONE Pass | 4-8 weeks |