Singapore Employment Pass and Dependant's Pass
The Employment Pass (EP) is Singapore's main work pass for foreign professionals, and their families can join on a Dependant's Pass (DP). Both have published thresholds, including a rise on 1 January 2027. This page describes Singapore rules. Based on the official MOM guidance, September 2026.
Who can get an Employment Pass
- Foreign professionals, managers, executives and specialists.
- Your employer must show it has fairly considered local candidates.
- There are two stages: meet the qualifying salary, then pass COMPASS. Failing the salary stage means failing, whatever the points.
Qualifying salary
| All sectors except financial services | $5,600 (rising with age; $10,700 at 45+) |
| From 1 January 2027 (new applications) | $6,000 ($11,500 at 45+) |
| Financial services | $6,200 ($11,800 at 45+) |
| Financial services from 2027 | $6,600 ($12,700 at 45+) |
COMPASS requires at least 40 points.
Applying for the EP
- The employer advertises on MyCareersFuture (the Fair Consideration Framework) before applying.
- The employer or an employment agent files online; the fee is $105.
- Processing usually takes 10 working days (about 6 weeks if the employer has no Singapore-registered company).
- The card is issued within 5 working days after fingerprint and photo enrolment. Applying for family passes at the same time as the EP risks losing their fees if the EP is refused, so apply for them after the EP is approved.
Dependant's Pass
- The spouse and unmarried children under 21 (including legally adopted) of an EP or S Pass holder can apply.
- The main pass holder must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least $6,000 (based on the holder's own salary, not the household total) and be sponsored by a Singapore-registered company.
- Fees: $105 on submission and $225 on issue per pass, plus $30 for a multiple journey visa where applicable.
- Processing is usually 3 weeks (up to 6 weeks on some routes). Family members who do not qualify for a DP may use the LTVP; people entering under WTO GATS/FTA ICT arrangements do not use the DP or LTVP unless an FTA covers them.
Common pitfalls
- Looking only at salary and ignoring COMPASS.
- Not planning for the 1 January 2027 salary rise.
- Applying for an EP without advertising on MyCareersFuture.
- Filing family passes at the same time as the EP.
- Reading the DP salary threshold as a household total rather than the holder's salary.
- Applying for a DP for family members who do not qualify (who instead use the LTVP).
Frequently asked questions
What is the Employment Pass?
It is a Singapore work pass for foreign professionals, managers, executives and specialists, with a minimum qualifying salary.
What is the minimum salary?
The qualifying salary is $5,600 for all sectors except financial services, rising with age to $10,700 at 45 and older. For financial services it is $6,200, rising to $11,800 at 45 and older.
What changes on 1 January 2027?
For new applications from 1 January 2027, the qualifying salary rises to $6,000 (financial services $6,600), and higher with age.
What is COMPASS?
It is the points-based assessment in the second stage of EP eligibility; an application needs at least 40 points, and failing the salary stage means failing regardless of points.
Who can get a Dependant's Pass?
The spouse and children of an EP or S Pass holder, where the holder earns a fixed monthly salary of at least $6,000, sponsored by a Singapore-registered company.
How much do the passes cost?
The EP application fee is $105. For each Dependant's Pass, $105 on submission and $225 on issue, plus $30 for a multiple journey visa where applicable.
Related: the the Singapore PR and Re-Entry Permit guide guide, the Singapore PR documents checklist, document translation and copies, and the guides hub.
Source: Ministry of Manpower, Singapore (mom.gov.sg) — Employment Pass and Dependant’s Pass pages — retrieved 2026-09-29. Thresholds and fees change, so confirm the current position on the official pages at the time you apply.