Personalised Employment-Pass Work Passes and Permits in Singapore-Visa

Singapore is a highly prosperous nation, located in Southeast Asia. It is the first and only country in the world to have made its personalised Employment Pass (EP) and Work Passes and Permits (WP) available to foreign nationals wishing to work and stay in Singapore. Singapore’s EP and WP are essential to ensure the ability of Singapore-based companies to attract and retain experienced and qualified professionals, introducing opportunities for innovation and talent.

What Is the Personalised Employment Pass (EP)?

The Personalised Employment Pass (EP) is issued to foreign professionals and managers with accepted qualifications, experience and expertise who hold skilled employment in Singapore, and is intended to remain valid for up to 3 years. It is the most commonly applied-for and granted Employment Pass, issued for different categories depending on the applicant’s qualifications and job designation.

What Documents are Required to Apply for EP and WP in Singapore?

Singapore employers are responsible for providing employees with a copy of the necessary documents to obtain the EP or WP in Singapore.

• Resume/CV: A complete and up-to-date resume and CV of the applicant.
• Photographs: Six recent photographs of the applicant in the size of 2”X2” with white backing.
• Educational and Work Certificates: Original copies of the educational certificates and work experience of the applicant.
• Health Declaration: A valid medical report of the applicant.
• Passport Copy: Photocopies of the applicant’s valid passport.
• Bank Statements: verifiable bank statements of the applicant showing the financial standing of the applicant.
• Employment Agreements: The Employment Agreements for all persons applying for the pass must be completed and included.
• Background Checks: Full background check of the applicant.
• Fingerprints: Two copies of the applicant’s fingerprints and photographs must be submitted.
• Sponsor Letter: A letter from the Employer in Singapore including the details such as the duration of stay, salary, job responsibilities, etc.
• Additional Documents: Documents to prove theGenuine and Relevant Skills aspect, if any.

Categories of Employment Pass

The Employment Pass is issued in three levels, depending on the applicant’s qualifications, experience and expertise. The levels are:

• P1 Employment Pass: This pass is issued to professionals earning an annual salary of at least S$8,000 per month.
• P2 Employment Pass: This pass is issued to mid-level managers with an annual salary of at least S$4,500 per month.
• Q1 Employment Pass: This pass is issued to junior-level managers with an annual salary of at least S$3,000 per month.

Processing Time for Employment and Work Passes

The processing time for EP and WP applications is usually 7 days, depending on the complexity of the application. Extenuating circumstances can cause delays, including the need to verify qualifications, references, and the length of the process of obtaining the necessary documents. Furthermore, complications can arise from additional background checks that may be needed to ensure the applicant’s information is accurate.

Singapore Visa for Employment

The Singapore Visa for Employment is a short-term visa issued to foreign nationals who are not eligible to apply for a long-term visa. This visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days, and it requires the applicant to hold a valid passport. It also requires that the applicant holds payslips for the past 3 months, in addition to having a valid Employment Pass or Work Permit in Singapore.

Who Can Apply for a Singapore Visa for Employment?

The Singapore Visa for Employment can be applied for if you are:

• A foreign national aged 18 and above.
• In possession of an Employment Pass or a Work Permit in Singapore.
• In possession of valid passport.
• Able to provide payslips for the past 3 months.

Requirements for P1 Employment Pass/ Work Permit Application

• An Employment Agreement or contract that has been signed by both the Employer and Employee.
• A copy of the applicant’s passport
• A copy of valid residence permit in Singapore (for non-Singaporeans)
• Copies of the applicant’s educational certificates and recent payslips
• A valid medical report of the applicant
• Verifiable bank statements of the applicant showing the financial standing of the applicant.

Fees for Employment Pass and Work Permit Applications

The Employment Pass and Work Permits in Singapore are regulated by the Ministry of Manpower. The standard fee for the application of an Employment Pass is S$105, while the standard fee for the application of a Work Permit is S$20.

Timeframes for Employment Pass and Work Permit Application Results

ICC Employment Pass and Work Permits applications usually take between 7-10 working days to process. The processing time varies between applications, and can be affected by the complexity of the application. Extenuating circumstances can also cause delays, such as the need to verify qualifications, references, etc.

Conclusion

Foreign workers and professionals looking to stay and work in Singapore require personalised Employment Pass (EP) and Work Passes and Permits (WP). Obtaining an EP and WP in Singapore requires a series of documents, including resume/CV, photographs, educational and work certificates, a valid medical report, passport copies, bank statements, employment agreement, background checks, fingerprints, sponsor letter, and additional documents. EP and WP are regulated by the Ministry of Manpower, with the standard fee for EP application being S$105 and the standard fee for WP application being S$20. The usual processing time for EP and WP applications is 7-10 working days. The Singapore Visa for Employment is issued to foreign nationals who are not eligible to apply for a long-term visa . It is valid for a maximum of 90 days, and it requires the applicant to hold a valid passport, and to have an Employment Pass or a Work Permit in Singapore.

In conclusion, Singapore’s EP and WP system has enabled the nation to become the top destination for foreign professionals and workers. The ability to obtain the EP and WP quickly and easily has enabled the nation to attract and retain experienced and qualified professionals, making Singapore the hub for innovation and talent. Moreover, the Singapore Visa for Employment (VEP) has provided foreign nationals with a short-term option for work, allowing them to gain experience and explore living and working in Singapore.

What is the difference between a personalised employment pass and a work permit in Singapore?

A Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is a type of visa in Singapore for senior-level foreign professionals, managers, and executives earning a high salary (at least $18,000 per month). It gives them the right to live and work in Singapore without requiring an employer’s sponsorship.

A Work Permit, on the other hand, is an employment pass issued by the Singapore Ministry of Manpower in order to allow foreign nationals to work in Singapore. This pass requires an employer’s sponsorship and is typically issued to lower-skilled foreign workers.