How to Apply for EP Online (2025 Guide)

The Employment Pass (EP) is a key work visa for foreign professionals, managers, and executives who wish to work in Singapore. With updates to the minimum salary requirements and the introduction of the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS), the application process in 2025 emphasizes both the individual's qualifications and the employer's commitment to building a diverse and local-supported workforce.

This long-format guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough for submitting your Employment Pass application online via the Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) EP eService (commonly referred to as EP Online).

1. Understanding the 2025 EP Eligibility Criteria

Before proceeding to the online application, it is crucial to ensure both the candidate and the sponsoring employer meet the two-stage eligibility framework enforced by MOM.

Stage 1: Minimum Qualifying Salary

The candidate must have a fixed monthly salary that meets the minimum qualifying salary, which increases progressively with age and is generally benchmarked against the top one-third of local Professional, Manager, Executive, and Technical (PMET) salaries.

Note: The salary requirement for all ages increases progressively between the lowest and highest figures listed above.

Stage 2: The COMPASS Framework

Unless exempted (e.g., earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500), all EP candidates must pass the points-based Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) by scoring at least 40 points.

COMPASS assesses the candidate across four foundational criteria and two bonus criteria:

Pro Tip: Use the MOM's Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) before applying. This official online tool provides an immediate indication of the candidate's eligibility and estimated COMPASS score, helping you decide whether to proceed or to adjust the offer (e.g., salary) to meet the threshold.

2. Pre-Application Checklist (Employer's Responsibility)

The EP application is typically submitted by the Singapore-registered employer or an authorized employment agent (EA).

A. Fair Consideration Framework (FCF)

Your company must first advertise the job vacancy on the government's official jobs portal, MyCareersFuture.sg, for at least 14 calendar days before applying for an EP. This is to ensure fair consideration of local candidates.

Exemptions to the FCF may apply for companies with fewer than 10 employees, or for roles with a fixed monthly salary of S$20,000 or more.

B. Obtain Candidate's Consent

Secure written consent from the foreign candidate for the employer or EA to apply for the Employment Pass on their behalf.

C. Gather Required Documents

Ensure all necessary documents are prepared. All documents must be in English or officially translated into English.

3. Step-by-Step EP Online Submission

The application is submitted via the EP eService on the MOM website using the employer's Singpass/CorpPass account.

Step 1: Log In to EP eService

• Navigate to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website and access the EP eService portal.
• Log in using your company's CorpPass details.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

• Select the option to apply for a New Employment Pass.
• Fill in all the required sections with the candidate's and company's details, including:
  • Personal particulars (as per passport).
  • Educational background and work experience.
  • The proposed salary, job title, and detailed job duties.
  • The company's details, including its ACRA registration number.

Step 3: Upload Supporting Documents

• Carefully upload all the mandatory supporting documents listed in the application, ensuring they are clear, legible, and in the correct format (usually PDF).
• Double-check that the name on the passport matches all other documents. If there is a discrepancy, an explanation letter must be uploaded.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

• Pay the non-refundable application fee (typically S$105) using a GIRO account, Visa, Mastercard, or Amex.
• The application will not be officially submitted until this payment is processed.

Step 5: Submission and Await Outcome

• Once submitted, an acknowledgement page will appear with an application reference number.
• Processing Time: Online applications are typically processed or updated within 10 business days. More complex cases, or applications from new overseas companies, may take longer (up to 8 weeks).
• You can track the application status via the EP eService portal.

4. Post-Application: In-Principle Approval (IPA) Stage

If the application is successful, MOM will issue an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter to the employer and candidate via email and the EP eService.

A. Reviewing the IPA Letter

The IPA letter is valid for 6 months and will contain vital information:

1. Confirmation of the approved Employment Pass duration.
2. Instructions for entry into Singapore (for candidates outside Singapore).
3. Any mandatory requirements, such as a medical examination (must be completed by a Singapore-registered clinic/doctor).

B. Getting the Pass Issued

Once the candidate is physically present in Singapore, the employer or agent must perform the following to get the pass issued:

1. Log in to the EP eService and provide the required information:
   • Candidate’s passport details and Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) details.
   • Candidate's residential address in Singapore.
   • Contact details for card delivery.
2. Upload the results of the medical examination (if required).
3. Pay the issuance fee (typically S$225 for the EP).

C. Registration (If Required)

The candidate will receive a Notification Letter via email, which:

• Allows the candidate to begin work immediately.
• States if the candidate is required to register their fingerprints and take a photo at the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC).
• An appointment must be booked for this registration if required.

D. Receiving the EP Card

The physical Employment Pass card will be delivered to the specified address within 5 working days after the registration (if required) or after the documents are verified. The candidate can use the digital work pass on the SGWorkPass app immediately upon issuance.

5. What If the Application is Rejected?

If the application is rejected, an appeal can be submitted within 3 months of the rejection date. The rejection letter will usually provide reasons for the outcome. A successful appeal requires addressing the issues raised by MOM and providing new, supporting documents (e.g., an improved salary, clearer documentation of qualifications, or a detailed justification for the hiring).

The EP Online application process in 2025 is more rigorous, especially with the COMPASS framework. Thorough preparation and adherence to all MOM requirements are the keys to a successful submission.