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Singapore Employment Pass checklist for hiring leaders

The Singapore employment pass is the work pass for foreign professionals, managers and executives who have a job offer in Singapore. If you plan to hire a leader from abroad, this checklist shows what the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) asks for, in the order you will need it.

Step 1: Check who the pass is for

MOM says the Employment Pass suits foreign professionals who work in a managerial, executive or specialised job. The candidate must already have a job offer in Singapore. The pass is open to all nationalities.

A candidate also needs acceptable qualifications. This is usually a good university degree, a professional qualification or specialist skills. MOM does not publish a list of approved schools. It judges each case on its own merit. A candidate without a degree may still be considered if they have a proven track record. Good qualifications do not guarantee approval either.

Sources: Ministry of Manpower, "Eligibility for Employment Pass" (mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/employment-pass/eligibility, page last updated 20 December 2017).

Step 2: Test the salary against the floor

The minimum fixed monthly salary is S$3,600. That figure applies to young graduates from good institutions. MOM states that older and more experienced candidates need higher salaries to qualify. A senior manager will therefore often need an offer well above the floor.

Only the fixed monthly salary counts. When you set the offer, keep that in mind. Do not count on a bonus to lift a candidate over the line.

Sources: Ministry of Manpower, "Key facts on Employment Pass" (mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/employment-pass/key-facts, page last updated 16 August 2017); "Eligibility for Employment Pass" (page last updated 20 December 2017).

Step 3: Run the Self-Assessment Tool

MOM offers an online Self-Assessment Tool. Use it before you apply. If the tool says the candidate is not eligible, MOM advises you not to apply, because the application will be rejected. If the tool says the candidate is eligible, MOM says there is around a 90% chance the candidate will get a pass. That is a strong sign, but not a promise.

Sources: Ministry of Manpower, "Eligibility for Employment Pass" (mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/employment-pass/eligibility, page last updated 20 December 2017).

Step 4: Advertise the job if the rules require it

Under the Fair Consideration Framework, you may need to advertise the opening on the Jobs Bank before you apply. The advertisement must be open to Singaporeans. It must run for at least 14 days. If you make major changes to the advertisement during that time, you must extend it for another 14 days.

Plan for this wait. It adds two weeks to your hiring timeline before the application can even go in. Read MOM's full requirements to see whether your role must be advertised.

Sources: Ministry of Manpower, "Eligibility for Employment Pass" (mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/employment-pass/eligibility, page last updated 20 December 2017).

Step 5: Gather the documents

MOM lists these documents for the application:

  • The personal particulars page of the candidate's passport.
  • The company's latest business profile or instant information from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
  • The candidate's educational certificates, such as a degree certificate.

Some candidates need more. Candidates from India need transcripts and marksheets. Candidates from China need verification proof for diploma-level qualifications and above, and a certificate certified by a notary public is not accepted as proof. Documents not in English need the original and an English translation. Doctors, lawyers, nurses and some other professions need papers from their professional bodies. MOM may also ask for other documents once it starts its review.

Sources: Ministry of Manpower, "Documents required for Employment Pass" (mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/employment-pass/documents-required, page last updated 9 October 2017).

Step 6: Apply and plan the pass term

An employer or an authorised third party must apply for the pass. The candidate cannot do it alone. An overseas employer without a registered office in Singapore needs a Singapore-registered company to act as local sponsor and apply on its behalf. The candidate must still meet every criterion.

A first pass runs for up to two years. Renewals run for up to three years. The pass needs no foreign worker levy and no quota. Employers may choose whether to give the holder medical insurance. Eligible holders can also apply for passes for their family.

Once the candidate arrives in Singapore, they get the pass issued, register fingerprints and a photo, and receive the pass card.

Sources: Ministry of Manpower, "Key facts on Employment Pass" (page last updated 16 August 2017); "Eligibility for Employment Pass" (page last updated 20 December 2017).

Quick checklist

  • Job offer in a managerial, executive or specialised role.
  • Fixed monthly salary of at least S$3,600, higher for experienced candidates.
  • Acceptable qualifications, or a proven track record.
  • Self-Assessment Tool result checked.
  • Jobs Bank advertisement run for 14 days, if required.
  • Passport page, ACRA profile and certificates ready.
  • Application filed by the employer or an authorised third party.

Sources: Ministry of Manpower, mom.gov.sg pages cited above, as published in late 2017.