Singapore Guide · Work Passes and Residency
Singapore has many types of work passes and residency status; conditions are subject to the latest rules of the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). The Q&As below cover common questions.
FAQ
What are the EP, S Pass, DP and PR?
The EP (Employment Pass) is for professionals, managers and executives; the S Pass is for mid-level skilled staff; the DP (Dependant's Pass) allows the spouse and children of EP or S Pass holders to live in Singapore; PR (Permanent Residence) is a long-term residence status applied for through the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), and holders must participate in the CPF.
Source: MOM; ICA (ica.gov.sg) (website: mom.gov.sg, ica.gov.sg)
What are the requirements for an Employment Pass?
An EP generally has two requirements. First, the minimum salary: in 2026, from S$5,600 for most sectors (increasing with age, S$10,700 for those aged 45 and above) and from S$6,200 for the financial services sector. From 1 January 2027 this rises to S$6,000 for most sectors and S$6,600 for financial services. Second, unless exempted, the application must score at least 40 points under the COMPASS framework.
Source: MOM (website: mom.gov.sg)
Can Dependant's Pass holders work in Singapore?
DP holders who wish to work generally need their employer to apply for a work pass such as an EP or S Pass. To apply for a DP, the main pass holder (EP or S Pass) must earn at least S$6,000 a month. Please refer to the latest MOM rules for specific cases.
Source: MOM (website: mom.gov.sg)
How do you apply for Singapore PR, and what is considered?
PR applications are made online through ICA. ICA assesses factors such as family ties, economic contributions, qualifications, length of residence in Singapore and social integration. The criteria are not published, there is no fixed pass mark, processing generally takes a long time, and the outcome is subject to official approval.
Source: ICA (website: ica.gov.sg)
What is a 'self-employed EP'?
This is an informal term, generally meaning registering a company in Singapore and having that company apply for an EP for its founder. The application still has to meet the EP salary and COMPASS requirements, and the company needs to have genuine business and operations. Separately, MOM offers the EntrePass for entrepreneurs who meet its innovation criteria.
Source: MOM (website: mom.gov.sg)
What is the ONE Pass?
The ONE Pass (Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass) is for top talent in business, arts and culture, sports, and academia and research. It generally requires a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000, is valid for 5 years, and allows the holder to work for multiple companies at the same time; the holder's spouse can work in Singapore with a Letter of Consent (LOC).
Source: MOM (website: mom.gov.sg)
Data as read on 1 October 2026. Policies may change; please refer to the latest official announcements, and consult a professional for your own situation.
Official references
- MOM: Employment Pass eligibility and COMPASS www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/employment-pass/eligibility
- MOM: S Pass / DP / ONE Pass / EntrePass www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits (Choose the relevant pass on the page)
- ICA: Applying for Permanent Residence www.ica.gov.sg (Search the site for: apply for PR)
Policies may change; please refer to the latest official announcements.
Other categories
Financial Planning Basics · CPF · Healthcare · Tax · Setting Up a Company · Bank Accounts · Children's Education · Family Arrangements · Family Offices · Insurance guides
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