Flexibility and Opportunity
The Personalized Employment Pass (PEP) program in Singapore is designed for foreign professionals seeking greater flexibility in their employment options. Unlike traditional work passes, the PEP is not tied to a specific employer, allowing holders to explore new job opportunities without needing to reapply for a new pass.
Personalized Employment Pass (PEP)
All You Need To Know
Key Facts of Personalized Employment Pass (PEP)
An Personalized Employment Pass (PEP) is a work visa issued to high-earning foreign professionals and managers, and comes with additional benefits compared to an Employment Pass. It provides the passholder greater career mobility without having to re-apply for a new pass when changing jobs, and greater job flexibility to work in any sector within Singapore. The downside is that the passholder cannot start their own business as a PEP holder.
The pass is valid for up to 3 years and is not renewable.
Personalized Employment Pass eligibility
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Persons of any nationality or citizenship can apply for an Employment Pass.
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Candidate must earn either a fixed monthly salary of at least S$18,000 within the last 6 months, or at least S$12,000 if currently holding an Employment Pass. From September 1, 2023, the fixed monthly salary criteria for both existing EP holders and overseas foreign professionals will be raised to S$22,500 (benchmarked to the top 10% EP holders).
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Candidates cannot be an Employment Pass holder under the sponsorship scheme or intend to work freelance without any direct employers.
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Candidates cannot be sole proprietors, partners or shareholders in ACRA-registered companies and journalists, sub-editors, or producers, as PEP holders are prohibited from starting a business or conducting any form of entrepreneurial activity.
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As of February 1, 2022, candidates must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Required documents
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Personal particulars page of candidate's passport
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Candidate's educational certificates
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Candidate's latest tax statement
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Monthly payslips and bank account statements for the past 3 months
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Employment contract for new and previous employment (if any) with an employer in Singapore
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Employment history stating company name, occupation, fixed monthly salary in Singapore dollars, country and period of employment (if not a current EP holder)
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Verification proof of qualification by background screening companies
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Any additional documents that MOM may request
Note that all documents must be in English or translated into English.
Application Process
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Submit an application
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Receive the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter
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Request MOM to issue the Personalized Employment Pass
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Receive Notification letter
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Register fingerprints and have photo taken (if necessary)
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Receive the Personalized Employment Pass card