Singapore Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 13, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Singapore is a clear powerhouse in terms of global business and as an innovation hub, consistently ranks among the world's most competitive economies, attracting a considerable number of foreign workers, so much so that they make up 30% of the total population.

If you want to join this top-tier pool of talented workers and high-earning professionals who enjoy unparalleled flexibility and career advancement, the Personalised Employment Passes are for you.

If you're a top earner in your field, whether based in Singapore or overseas, the PEP empowers you to take control of your career path, offering unparalleled freedom to choose your employer, industry, and even take a break between jobs without jeopardising your residency status.

 

What are the eligibility criteria for the Personalised Employment Pass?

Singapore's Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) isn't your average work visa; it's a prestigious permit designed for high-achieving foreign professionals who have already proven their worth in the global marketplace.

Salary is key

• High earners: The PEP is specifically targeted towards individuals earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500 (approximately €15,700). This substantial income requirement places you in the top 10% of Employment Pass (EP) holders, highlighting your exceptional earning potential and value to the Singaporean economy.
• Overseas professionals: If you're applying from overseas, your last drawn salary within the six months preceding your application should meet this threshold.

Who is NOT eligible for the PEP?

The PEP is not suitable for everyone. You are NOT eligible if you are:

• Currently holding an Employment Pass under the sponsorship scheme.
• A freelancer or planning to work freelance.
• A sole proprietor, partner, or director also holds shares in an ACRA-registered company.
• A journalist, editor, sub-editor, or producer.

Maintaining your PEP

Once you've secured the PEP, maintaining it requires continued success and financial stability:

• Continuous employment: You must be employed continuously in Singapore. If you remain unemployed for more than six months at any point, your PEP will be cancelled.
• Minimum annual salary: You must earn a fixed annual salary of at least S$270,000 (approximately €188,700), regardless of how many months you're employed within the calendar year. This ensures your continued high earning capacity and contribution to the Singaporean economy.
• Exception for earlier applicants: If you applied for your PEP before September 1, 2023, the minimum annual salary requirement is lower, at S$144,000 (approximately €100,600).

Remember:

• You cannot start a business or engage in any entrepreneurial activities while on a PEP. If you wish to do so, explore other visa options like the EntrePass or Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass.
• The PEP doesn't exempt you from any professional registration requirements that may apply to your field, such as medicine, law, or architecture.

What are the features of the Pass?

The Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is designed to be a flexible and attractive option for top-tier talent, offering several key benefits compared to other work passes in Singapore.

• Flexibility to hold a job in any sector: The PEP grants you the freedom to work in any sector or industry in Singapore, providing unparalleled career mobility and the ability to explore diverse opportunities. However, please note that this does not exempt you from fulfilling any registration or licensing requirements for specific professions such as medicine, law, or architecture.
• No need to reapply when changing jobs: Unlike other work passes tied to a specific employer, the PEP allows you to change jobs without needing to reapply for a new pass. This flexibility empowers you to make career moves and seize new opportunities without the hassle of additional paperwork or potential delays.
• Six-month job search grace period: Even if you become unemployed, you can stay in Singapore for up to six months to search for new employment without jeopardising your PEP status. This provides a safety net and allows you to explore new career options without the pressure of immediate relocation.
• Passes for eligible family members: You can apply for Dependant's Passes or Long-Term Visit Passes for your spouse, children, and parents, allowing them to join you in Singapore and enjoy the benefits of living in this vibrant city-state.
• No foreign worker levy or quota: The PEP does not require your employer to pay a foreign worker levy or adhere to any quota restrictions. This can be a significant advantage for both you and your employer, as it eliminates additional costs and administrative burdens.

You can find the relevant legislation for the Employment Pass here and under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.

What is the application process for the PEP?

Applying for the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is a straightforward process you can complete online, offering convenience and efficiency for eligible professionals.

At a glance

Who can apply: You can apply directly if you meet the eligibility criteria

Cost:

• When you submit the application: S$105 (approximately €73) for each pass
• When you get the pass issued: S$225 (approximately €94) for each pass
• Additional S$30 (approximately €21) for each Multiple Journey Visa (if applicable)

Processing time: Within 8 weeks for most cases

Step-by-step guide

Submit an application:

• Prepare all the required documents as outlined in the "Documents Required" section
• Complete the online application form through the Employment Pass eService (EP eService)
• Pay the S$105 application fee using a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Amex)

Check your application status:

• You can check the status of your application online after two weeks.

Receive your application results:

• The results will be sent to the notification email you provided in your application form
• If approved, you'll receive an in-principle approval (IPA) letter, which serves as a pre-approved single-entry visa valid for six months

Preparing for arrival in Singapore

Before departing: Print your IPA letter and ensure you comply with the latest travel requirements to enter Singapore

After arriving: Show your IPA letter to the immigration officer and complete any required medical examinations

Getting the pass issued

Within six months of IPA: You must get your pass issued within six months of receiving your in-principle approval

Options for submission:

• If you have a Singpass account, you can submit the request yourself through the EP eService
• If you don't have a Singpass account, you can submit the request yourself at the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC)
• Your employment agent can also submit the request on your behalf through the EP eService

Required information and documents: You'll need to provide your passport details, Singapore contact details, current Short-Term Visit Pass or immigration pass details, Singapore residential address, and details of up to three authorised recipients to receive the card

Fees: Pay the issuance fees:

• S$225 (approximately €157) for the PEP
• S$30 (approximately €21) for each Multiple Journey Visa (if applicable)
• You can pay using GIRO or a credit card

Notification letter: Once the pass is issued, you and your employment agent (if applicable) will receive a notification letter. This letter allows you to start work and travel while waiting for the physical card and states if you need to register your fingerprints and photo.

Registering fingerprints and photo (If required)

Check your notification letter to see if this is necessary

If required, make an appointment at the EPSC within two weeks of the pass being issued

Receiving the card

• The PEP card will be delivered to the provided address within five working days after registration or document verification
• If delivery fails twice, collect the card at the EPSC

What documents are required for a Personalised Employment Pass?

Your PEP application needs to demonstrate your eligibility and professional standing. Be prepared to provide documentation that verifies your qualifications and experience. This includes:

Mandatory documents

• Passport Personal Particulars page: You need to submit a clear copy of the page in your passport containing your personal information and photograph.
• Explanation letter and supporting documents (if applicable): If the name on your passport differs from the name on other documents, you must submit an explanation letter along with supporting documents such as a deed poll or marriage certificate to clarify the discrepancy.

Additional documents

You also need to provide additional documents depending on your current employment status.

If you're currently working in Singapore:

• Monthly payslips: Submit your payslips for the last three consecutive months.
• Proof of employment details: Provide any additional documents supporting your employment details, if applicable.
• Bank statements: Submit your latest three months' personal bank statements showing your name, bank account number, and electronic salary payments.
• Notice of assessment: Include your most recent notice of assessment from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).
• Employment contracts: Provide your employment contracts with your current, previous, and future employer (if applicable).
• Employment history: Submit a detailed account of your employment history.
• Education certificates: Include copies of your educational certificates and transcripts.

If you're currently working overseas:

• Monthly payslips: Submit your payslips for the last six consecutive months.
• Bank statements: Submit your latest six months' personal bank statements showing your name, bank account number, and electronic salary payments.
• Employment contracts: Provide your employment contracts with your current and previous employer, as well as your future employer in Singapore (if applicable).
• Proof of employment details: Submit any additional documents supporting your employment details, if applicable.
• Employment history: Submit a detailed account of your employment history.
• Education certificates: Include copies of your educational certificates and transcripts.
• Tax statement: Provide your most recent tax statement from your country of residence.

If you're currently not working:

• Monthly payslips and bank statements: Submit your monthly payslips for the last six months of your previous employment and your latest six months' personal bank statements.
• Employment contract with previous employer: Provide a copy of your employment contract with your previous employer.
• Proof of employment details: Submit any additional documents supporting your employment details, if applicable.
• Employment contract with future employer (if applicable): If you have a job offer in Singapore, submit your employment contract with your future employer.
• Employment history: Submit a detailed account of your employment history.
• Education certificates: Include copies of your educational certificates and transcripts.
• Tax statement: Provide your most recent tax statement from your country of residence.

Important considerations

• Non-English documents: For any documents not in English, submit the original documents along with their English translations as one file.
• Additional documents: The authorities may request additional documents during the application review process.
• Completeness and accuracy: Double-check all information and ensure your documents are complete, accurate, and up-to-date.

What is the valid duration of the PEP?

The PEP is issued for a maximum duration of three years. This allows you to establish yourself in Singapore's workforce and explore various career opportunities without the need for frequent renewals.

However, unlike some other work passes, the PEP is not renewable. Once it expires, you'll need to obtain a new work pass, such as an Employment Pass or S Pass, to continue working in Singapore.

Planning for the future

As the PEP is non-renewable, it's crucial to plan for your future in Singapore beyond its three-year validity. Consider exploring options such as:

• Applying for a new work pass: If you wish to continue working in Singapore after your PEP expires, you'll need to secure a new Employment Pass or S Pass. You don't need to cancel your existing PEP for your employer to apply for the new pass.
• Applying for permanent residency: If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for permanent residency in Singapore after residing and working in the country for a certain period. This grants you the right to live and work in Singapore indefinitely.

Talk to a visa consultant

Singapore's Personalised Employment Pass offers top-tier professionals the flexibility and freedom to shape their careers in a thriving global hub, and it's a fantastic opportunity for high earnings to see what Singapore, the business heart of Asia, has to offer.

The application process, while demanding, can be navigated successfully with the guidance of a visa consultant.

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