Work Passes PEP

Personalised Employment Pass (PEP): Meaning

The Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is a non-renewable work pass for qualifying high-earning foreign professionals that is not tied to one employer.

Key facts

  1. Current applicants must generally show a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500 under MOM's published eligibility rules.

  2. A PEP holder may remain in Singapore for up to six continuous months between jobs while searching for new employment.

  3. The PEP is issued for up to three years and is not renewable.

  4. PEP holders must meet MOM's annual salary and notification requirements.

  5. Freelancers and people intending to undertake entrepreneurial activity are not eligible under MOM's listed restrictions.

PEP and Singapore PR

ICA's PR eligibility page names Employment Pass and S Pass holders but does not separately explain PEP treatment. A PEP holder should confirm the applicable category rather than assume a premium PR tier.

Pass rules are not PR rules

MOM currently requires at least S$22,500 fixed monthly salary to qualify for a PEP and at least S$270,000 fixed salary per calendar year to retain it. These are PEP conditions. ICA publishes no PR salary cutoff, high-earner approval band or approval probability for PEP holders.

The PEP is issued once for up to three years and cannot be renewed. Its job flexibility does not extend to freelancing or running a business, which MOM restricts.

Records for a PR application

If the holder falls within an eligible ICA category, prepare complete salary, employment and tax records that reconcile across employers and any job transition, plus qualification and family records that match the application. Explain any period without employment rather than leaving a gap.

Frequently asked questions

Does a PEP improve my chances of Singapore PR?

ICA publishes no premium PEP tier or approval probability. Salary and employment records form part of the factual evidence, not a guarantee.

Can a PEP holder freelance or run a business?

No. MOM says PEP holders are not eligible if they freelance, and they may not start a business or conduct entrepreneurial activity under the PEP.

Can I renew a PEP?

No. MOM issues the PEP once for up to three years, without renewal.

Related immigration guidance

See how this term connects to the relevant application or advisory route.

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