Employment Pass (EP) for Business Owners & Entrepreneurs
Employment Pass (EP) for Business Owners & Entrepreneurs:
Build Your Business and Work in Singapore
If you own or operate a Singapore company and intend to work in Singapore in a professional, managerial, executive or specialised role, you may be eligible to apply for an Employment Pass (EP) through your Singapore company.
Yobbi provides support with EP eligibility assessment, company and applicant document preparation, MOM application submission and application status monitoring.
Can Business Owners Apply for an Employment Pass?
Yes. Business owners and entrepreneurs may apply for an Employment Pass through their Singapore company, provided the application meets the applicable MOM requirements.
The company must employ the applicant in a genuine qualifying role, and the applicant must meet the applicable EP qualifying salary and other requirements. Most EP candidates must also pass the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS), unless exempted.
Important: Incorporating a Singapore company or being a shareholder or director does not automatically guarantee Employment Pass approval. Each application is assessed based on the candidate, proposed role, salary, employing company and applicable MOM requirements.
Who Is This EP Route For?
Yes. Business owners and entrepreneurs may apply for an Employment Pass through their Singapore company, provided the application meets the applicable MOM requirements.
The company must employ the applicant in a genuine qualifying role, and the applicant must meet the applicable EP qualifying salary and other requirements. Most EP candidates must also pass the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS), unless exempted.
Important: Incorporating a Singapore company or being a shareholder or director does not automatically guarantee Employment Pass approval. Each application is assessed based on the candidate, proposed role, salary, employing company and applicable MOM requirements.
Employment Pass (EP) Eligibility Criteria
Before registering a new company in Singapore, you must reserve the name. This involves submitting an application to ensure the proposed name is available and not inappropriate. Approval usually takes 10-15 minutes, and upon approval, the name will be reserved for 60 days.
Get Started with Yobbi, in 4 Easy Steps!
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Online Application
Simply submit your application and all necessary documents to Yobbi and make the required payment. Our team will ensure everything is accurate and complete. We’ll take care of submitting your documents online, reducing the risk of any delays.
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Pending for Approval
Your application will be reviewed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). This step may take several months.
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Notification of Collection
Once your application is approved, you will receive a notification to collect your Employment Pass (EP) status.
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Get Your Employment Pass (EP Card)
After receiving the approval, visit the designated MOM center to collect your Employment Pass (EP Card).
Guide to the Employment Pass (EP) Application Process
This guide provides a clear overview of the Employment Pass (EP) application process, from eligibility requirements to the step-by-step procedure. Learn how to apply, the processing timeline of up to 10 business days, and important factors to consider when applying for an EP in Singapore.
Submit your EP application and supporting documents online
Please ensure all information is accurately provided to avoid delays or the need to restart the application process.
- Gather all necessary details from the employer and the applicant (employee), including the applicant's full name, nationality, passport information, and educational background, the employer's company details.
- Please upload all necessary documents: A clear scan of the applicant's passport bio-data page, educational qualifications (degree certificates, diplomas, or transcripts, with verification or translation if from foreign institutions) and employment details.
- Obtain the candidate's written consent, granting Yobbi permission to submit the application on your behalf. (Only applicable if your incorporation was not set up by Yobbi.)
- Submit the Application: Once we have gathered all the required information and documents, Yobbi will submit the EP application to MOM on your behalf.
- Approximate Duration: 1 to 2 business days (for gathering information and preparing documents for submission).
- Identity Card (Front and back)
- Applicant’s Passport: Clear, scanned copy of the passport’s bio-data page.
- Educational Qualifications: Degree certificates, diplomas, or transcripts. If from overseas institutions, include any necessary verification or translation.
- Employment Offer Letter: A letter from the employer confirming the job offer with job title, salary, and job description. (If applicable)
- Salary Breakdown: A document that clearly outlines the salary package offered to the applicant. (If applicable)
- Candidate’s Written Consent: A signed letter or document giving permission for Yobbi to submit the application on the candidate's behalf. (Only applicable if your incorporation was not set up by Yobbi.)
- Ensure all uploaded documents are clear and legible to avoid delays or requests for re-submission.
- Double-check all information for accuracy to avoid delays or invalidation of your application.
- MOM might require additional documents, which must be submitted in English or translated into English.
- Yobbi will ensure that all required documents are correctly prepared and submitted on your behalf, reducing the risk of delays and ensuring the application is complete.
Track the Application Status
Yobbi will monitor the application status via the EP Online portal. Applications are generally processed within 10 business days, although some applications may take longer if MOM requests additional information or documents.
- Respond to MOM Requests: If MOM requires additional documents or clarifications, Yobbi will assist you in providing the necessary information.
- Check for Updates: Yobbi will track any status changes, such as requests for more documents or a final decision.
- Additional Documents (if requested): If MOM requests further documents (e.g., additional proof of qualifications or salary), assist the employer in gathering and submitting these.
- Be patient, as the processing time may vary depending on your case.
- Ensure your contact details (email/phone) are correct to avoid missing any updates.
- Yobbi will ensure that you are updated on the status of your application and provide assistance if additional information is required by MOM.
Wait for Approval and Outcome
Once the application is processed, Yobbi will receive the approval or rejection notification. Applications are generally processed within 10 business days, although some applications may take longer if MOM requests additional information or documents.
- Yobbi will inform employer of the outcome and provide them with the approval letter (if successful) or the rejection details (if applicable).
- If approved, Yobbi will assist the employer with ensuring the applicant collects the Employment Pass. If rejected, Yobbi will help the employer understand the rejection reasons and, if applicable, guide them through re-application or appeal.
- Approval Letter: If the EP is approved, you’ll receive the official approval letter via email. The employer will need to ensure that the applicant collects the EP within the specified period.
- Rejection Letter (if applicable): If the application is rejected, the employer will receive a rejection notice.
- Follow the instructions closely to avoid delays in the next steps.
- Keep a copy of the approval letter and documents for your reference.
- Yobbi will ensure that you are notified promptly of the approval and guide you through the next steps for collecting your EP status.
Finalize Employment Pass Collection
Visit and proceed to the relevant government office or location on the specified date mentioned in your approval letter to complete the required formalities.
- If the EP is approved, the applicant will need to collect the Employment Pass in Singapore. Yobbi will guide the employer and applicant through the collection process.
- Collect EP Card: After verification, collect your Employment Pass (EP Card) according to the date of your appointment.
- Approval Letter: A copy of the official EP approval letter from MOM, which outlines the date by which the EP must be collected.
- Applicant’s Passport: The original passport of the applicant, as it will be required for verification during the collection process.
- Any Supporting Documents: If additional documents were requested by MOM during the approval process, those might need to be presented as well.
- Verify Collection Date: Ensure that the applicant collects the EP on or before the date mentioned in the approval letter to avoid any delays.
- Prepare for Travel: If the applicant is outside Singapore, make sure they arrange their travel well in advance, as the collection must be done within the specified timeline.
- Check MOM's Collection Instructions: Depending on the applicant’s nationality or specific case, there may be special instructions for EP collection, such as where to go (e.g., MOM Services Centre or other locations). Ensure these are followed precisely.
- Completion of Formalities: If the applicant is collecting the pass in person, ensure they complete any required formalities like biometric data collection or registration at the designated MOM office.
- Yobbi will ensure that you have all the necessary documents prepared for your MOM appointment and assist in collecting your EP card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my family members join me in Singapore on an Employment Pass?
Yes, if you are granted an EP, your spouse and children may apply for a Dependant Pass (DP). The eligibility depends on the specific criteria set by MOM, including your salary and other factors. To apply Dependant Pass (DP) for your family, visit here.
Can I switch jobs while holding an Employment Pass?
Yes, you can switch jobs while holding an EP. However, you will need to apply for a new EP with your new employer, and your previous employer must cancel your existing EP.
Can I hire a foreign employee on an Employment Pass for a short-term project?
Yes, you can hire a foreign employee for a short-term project under an EP, as long as the employee meets the required qualifications, salary criteria, and the employment is for a legitimate business purpose. The duration of the EP can be aligned with the project period.
Can I apply for an Employment Pass for an employee on a visitor visa?
No, you cannot apply for an EP if the employee is currently on a visitor visa. The employee must be in Singapore under a valid pass or outside Singapore for the application to be submitted. They should enter Singapore under the correct pass category before the EP application is processed.
Do I need to submit an Employment Pass application for every employee I hire from overseas?
Yes, if you hire a foreign professional, you will need to submit an EP application. However, if your employee is already holding an EP or another valid pass (like a Dependant Pass), you can apply to change or renew their pass without reapplying from scratch.
What are the consequences if I fail to cancel an employee’s Employment Pass after they leave the company?
Failing to cancel an employee’s Employment Pass upon their departure may result in penalties or administrative action from the Ministry of Manpower. It is essential to ensure that you cancel the EP within 7 days of the employee leaving the company.