Employment Pass (EP) holders are eligible to apply for Singapore Permanent Residence (PR) through the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). This article outlines the EP eligibility framework, the PR application process, fees, processing times, and key obligations based on current official requirements.
EP Eligibility Is a Prerequisite
Before applying for PR, a candidate must hold a valid work pass. For professionals, the EP is the primary route. EP applications follow a two-stage framework administered by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Stage 1: EP Qualifying Salary
The candidate must earn a fixed monthly salary at or above the EP qualifying salary, which is benchmarked to the top one-third of local PMET salaries by age. The salary floor differs by sector and rises with age.
All sectors (except financial services)
Current minimum (new applications before 1 Jan 2027; renewals expiring before 1 Jan 2028):
- Age 23 or below: S$5,600
- Age 30: S$7,223
- Age 40: S$9,541
- Age 45 or above: S$10,700
Financial services sector
Current minimum (same period):
- Age 23 or below: S$6,200
- Age 30: S$7,982
- Age 40: S$10,527
- Age 45 or above: S$11,800
From 1 January 2027 (new applications) and 1 January 2028 (renewals), the minimums increase:
- All sectors (except financial services): S$6,000 at age 23, rising to S$11,500 at age 45+
- Financial services: S$6,600 at age 23, rising to S$12,700 at age 45+
The full age-by-age tables are published on MOM’s EP eligibility page.
Stage 2: COMPASS
Unless exempted, the candidate must also pass the points-based Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). A minimum of 40 points is required.
COMPASS comprises four foundational criteria and two bonus criteria:
| Criterion | Maximum Points | Key Determinants |
|---|---|---|
| C1. Salary | 20 | Fixed monthly salary vs. sectoral PMET benchmarks (90th percentile = 20 pts; 65th–<90th = 10 pts) |
| C2. Qualifications | 20 | Top-tier degree-equivalent (top 100 QS, Autonomous Universities, agency-endorsed) = 20 pts; other recognised degree-equivalent = 10 pts |
| C3. Diversity | 20 | Share of candidate’s nationality among firm’s PMETs (<5% = 20 pts; 5–<25% = 10 pts; ≥25% = 0 pts). Firms with <25 PMETs score 10 pts by default. |
| C4. Support for Local Employment | 20 | Firm’s local PMET share relative to sector (≥50th percentile = 20 pts; 20th–<50th = 10 pts; <20th = 0 pts). Firms with <25 PMETs score 10 pts by default. |
| C5. Skills Bonus (SOL) | +20 | Job on Shortage Occupation List; points reduced to 10 if candidate’s nationality share ≥1/3 |
| C6. Strategic Economic Priorities Bonus | +10 | Participation in eligible economic agency or NTUC-endorsed programmes |
Exemptions from COMPASS apply if the candidate earns a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500, is an overseas intra-corporate transferee, or fills the role for one month or less.
Employers can use the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) and Workforce Insights tool on the myMOM Portal to check eligibility and firm-level scores before applying.
PR Eligibility for EP Holders
ICA lists EP holders (and S Pass holders) as one category of foreigners eligible to apply for PR. The application is submitted online via the ICA e-Service using the applicant’s Singpass. No sponsor is required for EP holders applying in their own right.
ICA states that it assesses applicants based on factors including family ties to Singaporeans, economic contributions, qualifications, age, family profile, and length of residency. The specific weightings or cut-off scores for these factors are not published by ICA.
PR Application Process and Fees
Submission fee: S$100 per application (non-refundable), payable online via Visa/MasterCard/AMEX, Internet Direct Debit (DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB, Standard Chartered), or PayNow.
Upon approval (completion of formalities):
- Entry Permit: S$20
- 5-year Re-Entry Permit: S$50
- Singapore Identity Card (blue IC for PRs aged 15+): S$50
All fees are non-refundable.
Processing time: ICA states applications are processed within 6 months provided all required documents are submitted and in order. Some applications may take longer.
Documents required: Certified true copies of originals, with official translations for non-English documents. ICA accepts translations from the issuing country’s embassy, a notary public in Singapore or the issuing country, or privately translated documents attested by the embassy or notarised. ICA does not endorse private translation companies. A document checklist is available on the ICA website.
National Service Obligation
Under the Enlistment Act 1970, all male Singapore citizens and PRs are liable for National Service (NS) unless exempted. Male applicants granted PR as foreign students or under parents’ sponsorship must register for NS at 16 and a half years old and enlist at the earliest opportunity after turning 18. MINDEF does not grant deferment for university studies. Renouncing PR without completing full-time NS has serious adverse consequences for future work, study, and immigration applications for the individual and family members.
EP Duration and Renewal Context
- First-time EP: up to 2 years
- Renewals: up to 3 years
- Experienced tech professionals in shortage occupations may qualify for a 5-year EP
EP holders must continue to meet the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) job advertising requirement for new applications. Medical insurance for EP holders is optional for employers.
