Does an Employment Pass guarantee Singapore PR approval?
No. An EP holder may apply under ICA's listed work-pass category, but ICA assesses every PR application on its merits.
Work Passes EP
Employment Pass (EP): Meaning and Requirements
The Employment Pass (EP) is an employer-sponsored work pass for foreign professionals, managers and executives working in Singapore.
Key facts
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For applications before 1 January 2027, the minimum is S$5,600 a month outside financial services and S$6,200 in financial services; the required salary rises with age from 23.
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From 1 January 2027, the base minimum for new applications rises to S$6,000 outside financial services and S$6,600 in financial services. The later threshold applies to renewals of passes expiring from 1 January 2028.
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Unless exempt, a candidate must also pass the points-based Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). Meeting the salary floor alone is not enough.
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An EP holder must earn at least S$6,000 in fixed monthly salary to sponsor an eligible spouse or child for a Dependant's Pass.
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EP holders are one of the categories ICA lists as eligible to apply for permanent residence, but holding an EP does not guarantee approval.
Salary, age and sector all matter
MOM publishes age-specific salary tables for general sectors and financial services. Employers should check the candidate's exact age, sector and application date rather than relying only on the headline minimum.
Frequently asked questions
Related immigration guidance
See how this term connects to the relevant application or advisory route.
Preparing a PR application? See what Pier's Singapore PR application service checks before you submit.
Related terms
S Pass
S Pass
The S Pass is an employer-sponsored work pass for skilled foreign employees who meet MOM's salary and eligibility requirements.
DP
Dependant's Pass
A Dependant's Pass (DP) lets the legally married spouse or unmarried child under 21 of an eligible work-pass holder live in Singapore.
FCF
Fair Consideration Framework
The Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) is MOM's fair-employment framework requiring employers to consider candidates fairly and avoid discriminatory hiring practices when employing foreign manpower.
PEP
Personalised Employment Pass
The Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is a non-renewable work pass for qualifying high-earning foreign professionals that is not tied to one employer.