The move from an Employment Pass (EP) to Singapore Permanent Residence (PR) runs through two separate gates. First you must qualify for and hold an EP (or an S Pass). Then you apply for PR through the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). This article sets out the official rules for each stage as published by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and ICA.
EP eligibility comes first
An EP candidate must clear a two-stage framework. Stage 1 is the EP qualifying salary. Stage 2 is the points-based Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS), unless exempted. A candidate who fails Stage 1 is not eligible for an EP, regardless of any COMPASS score.
Employers or appointed employment agents submit the application; an overseas company without a Singapore-registered office applies through a local sponsor. The employer must also meet the Fair Consideration Framework job advertising requirement before submitting a new EP application.
The EP qualifying salary (Stage 1)
The qualifying salary is benchmarked to the top one-third of local PMET (professionals, managers, executives and technicians) salaries by age. For most sectors it starts at S$5,600 and rises progressively with age to S$10,700 at age 45 and above. For financial services it starts at S$6,200 and rises to S$11,800 at age 45 and above.
These minimums apply to new applications and renewals. From 1 January 2027, new applications need a higher floor: S$6,000 for most sectors or S$6,600 for financial services, rising to S$11,500 and S$12,700 respectively at age 45 and above. Renewals expiring from 1 January 2028 follow the same higher minimums.
A first-time EP lasts up to 2 years. Renewals last up to 3 years. Experienced tech professionals in shortage roles may be eligible for a 5-year pass.
COMPASS (Stage 2)
COMPASS awards points across four foundational criteria and two bonus criteria. You need 40 points to pass.
C1 Salary benchmarks your pay against local PMET salaries in your sector: the 90th percentile and above earns 20 points; the 65th to below 90th percentile earns 10; below the 65th earns 0. This benchmark is separate from the Stage 1 qualifying salary.
C2 Qualifications gives 20 points for degree-equivalent qualifications from top-tier institutions (such as top 100 QS World University Rankings universities, Singapore’s Autonomous Universities, or field-recognised institutions). Other degree-equivalent qualifications earn 10 points. No degree-equivalent qualification earns 0. You need this criterion’s points only if required; otherwise you do not submit qualifications or verification proof.
C3 Diversity gives 10 points by default if your organisation has fewer than 25 PMETs. With 25 or more PMETs, points follow your nationality share among the firm’s PMETs: below 5% earns 20, 5% to below 25% earns 10, 25% or more earns 0.
C4 Support for local employment gives 10 points by default if your organisation has fewer than 25 PMETs. With 25 or more, points follow your firm’s local PMET share relative to its sector: the 50th percentile and above earns 20, the 20th to below 50th earns 10, below the 20th earns 0. If local PMET share is at least 70%, you score at least 10 points regardless of sector standing.
C5 Skills bonus (Shortage Occupation List) gives 20 points for a SOL job where your nationality share is below one-third, or 10 points where it is one-third or more.
C6 Strategic Economic Priorities bonus gives 10 points for participating in an eligible programme, at the discretion of the supporting agency.
You are exempt from COMPASS if any one applies: a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500; an overseas intra-corporate transferee role; or a role lasting one month or less. Employers can use MOM’s Self-Assessment Tool to check eligibility before applying. COMPASS governs the EP, not the PR assessment.
PR eligibility as an EP or S Pass holder
ICA grants PR to foreigners who meet one of several eligibility categories. One category is a holder of an Employment Pass or S Pass. You log in to the ICA e-Service with your Singpass to submit that application.
ICA states it weighs factors such as family ties to Singaporeans, economic contributions, qualifications, age, family profile and length of residency. The exact weight of each factor, and any quota, is not published by ICA. Treat any claim of a fixed PR approval score or nationality cap as unverified.
ICA has no affiliation with any external migration agency or commercial entity that presents itself as a Singapore immigration specialist. It does not endorse such consultancy services for PR applications.
How to apply for PR
Register for a Singpass account first if you are eligible. A Singpass approval can take 2 to 5 working days.
Log in to the ICA e-Service with your Singpass. Add every applicant who will be included in the form. Each added applicant must review the form before submission. Submit the application online.
Prepare certified true copies of original documents. Provide official translations for any document not in English. 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 by a notary public. ICA does not endorse any private translation company. Incomplete documentation can lead to non-acceptance; ICA may ask for more documents.
PR fees and processing
The submission fee is S$100 per application. At completion of formalities, fees are S$20 for the Entry Permit, S$50 for a 5-year Re-Entry Permit, and S$50 for the Singapore Identity Card. All fees are non-refundable. Payment is online only, through Visa or Mastercard, American Express, internet direct debit from specified Singapore bank accounts, or PayNow.
Processing takes within 6 months when all documents are in order. Some applications take longer. ICA notifies the outcome by email or post and you can check status online via MyICA or the e-Service. Successful applicants receive an In-Principle Approval and gain PR after meeting the stated conditions.
National Service obligations
Male PRs are liable for National Service under the Enlistment Act 1970 unless exempted. Renouncing or losing PR status without serving or completing NS has a serious adverse impact on future work, study and immigration applications in Singapore, and on family members’ applications. Male applicants should read NS information on cmpb.gov.sg before applying. Defaulting on NS obligations can lead to a fine not exceeding S$10,000 or imprisonment up to three years, or both.
After PR: Singapore citizenship
Holding PR can lead to citizenship later. One route requires being a PR for at least 2 years and aged 21 or above; you may apply together with your PR spouse and any unmarried children under 21. Another requires being a PR for at least 2 years and married to a Singapore citizen for at least 2 years. Citizenship processing takes within 12 months; for overseas-born children of Singapore citizens, within 1 month. Fees for adult PRs are S$100 at submission, then S$70 for the Citizenship Certificate and S$10 for the Identity Card at completion.
The sequence is fixed: secure the EP, hold it, then apply for PR through ICA using the official e-Service.
