-cropped.svg){kind=small}
Work Pass Services
Simplifying Foreign Hiring Processes
Are you planning to hire foreign talent to support your business growth? Unsure how to manage work pass applications, renewals, documentation or regulatory requirements?
Hiring foreign talent can help businesses meet and strengthen operational needs, but managing work pass processes can be complex and time-consuming. AccountStaff advises you on how to navigate these requirements with greater clarity, efficiency and confidence.
Our licensed Employment Pass Specialists (EA License No.: 06C5809) support businesses with practical expertise on up-to-date knowledge of local work pass requirements and regulations. From planning and documentation to application tracking, we help businesses reduce administrative burden and stay focused on their core operations.
Benefits of Our Work Pass Services
Professional Advisory Support
Receive practical guidance on local work pass regulations, requirements and eligibility criteria, with advisory tips to help businesses plan applications more effectively and increase the success rate of application processing.
Reduced Administrative Burden
Minimise the time and effort spent on complex paperwork, application submissions and renewals, allowing HR teams to focus on core business priorities.
Stronger Compliance Assurance
Ensure the appropriate work passes are applied for in line with local labour regulations, helping employers reduce the risk of delays, penalties, fines or compliance issues.
Work Passes We Support:
-
Work Permits (WP)
-
S Pass
-
Employment Pass (EP)
-
Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)
-
EntrePass
-
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
-
Dependant’s Pass
-
Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
-
Letter of Consent (LOC)
End-to End Work Pass Support
With practical support from AccountStaff’s licensed Employment Pass Specialists, employers can navigate the work pass process more efficiently - from assessment and submission to follow-ups, renewals and appeals.
Work Pass Assessment & Planning
We assess the employer’s needs, candidate profile and work pass requirements to determine a suitable application approach.
Requirement Advisory & Document Review
We advise on key requirements and review supporting documents to support a complete and compliant submission.
Application Preparation & Submission
We help prepare the required documents and manage the application submission process on behalf of the employer.
Application Tracking & Follow-Up
We monitor application progress and coordinate timely follow-up where additional information or action is required.
Renewals, Appeals & Ongoing Support
We support renewals, appeals and related work pass matters where applicable, helping employers manage requirements more efficiently.
FAQs
For Employers Hiring Foreign Talent
How Long Does It Take to Process an Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass Application?
EP and S Pass applications are generally processed, or given an update, within 10 business days.
Processing may take longer if MOM requests additional documents, or further review is required.
What Is the Validity Period for an Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass?
The pass validity is generally:
- First application: up to 2 years
- Renewal: up to 3 years
Is MyCareersFuture Job Advertising Required for Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass Applications?
Employers are generally required to advertise the role on MyCareersFuture.sg before submitting an EP or S Pass application.
The advertisement must:
- Be open to Singaporeans
- Comply with fair employment practices
- Run for at least 14 consecutive calendar days
Employers may be exempted if:
- The company has fewer than 10 employees
- The fixed monthly salary is S$22,500 or above
- The role is for not more than 1 month
- The candidate is a local transferee
What is considered a Fixed Monthly Salary?
Fixed Monthly Salary refers to the employee’s:
- Basic Monthly Salary
- Fixed Monthly Allowances
It does not include variable allowances, overtime pay, bonuses, commissions, annual wage supplements, reimbursements, benefits-in-kind, board fees, stock options or dividends.
What are the Possible Reasons for Unsuccessful Work Pass Application?
A work pass application may be unsuccessful for various reasons, such as:
- The candidate does not meet salary or eligibility requirements
- The company does not meet quota requirements, where applicable
- The role or salary is not sufficiently supported
- The company’s business activity or revenue does not support the application
- MOM requires further clarification or documents
A proper pre-assessment can help identify potential gaps before submission.
When Can an Employment Pass Be Renewed?
An EP can generally be renewed up to 6 months before expiry.
For Foreign Talent and Pass Holders
Can I Apply for an Employment Pass Without Formal Education?
Yes. An EP application can still be submitted without formal education qualifications, provided the candidate meets the EP qualifying salary and COMPASS requirements.
However, if educational qualifications are declared, they may need to be supported by verification proof from accepted sources.
Candidates without degree-equivalent qualifications will not earn COMPASS points under the qualifications criterion but may still pass COMPASS through other criteria.
Must the Supporting Documents for Work Pass Application be in English?
Yes. Documents that are not in English must be translated by a translation service provider.
Both the original document and the English-translated version should be submitted to MOM.
Do I Need to Update Ministry of Manpower (MOM) if I Change Address or Mobile Number?
Yes. Pass holders and/or employers must update MOM when there are changes to residential address or contact details.
For EP, S Pass and Work Permit holders, changes should generally be updated within 5 days.
Failure to update MOM may result in penalties or compliance issues.
Can an Employment Pass Holder Be Registered as a Director in Another Company?
Yes, but the EP holder must obtain MOM’s approval through a Letter of Consent for secondary directorship before taking up the appointment.
This is usually more straightforward for related companies, such as a parent company or subsidiary. For unrelated companies, MOM may assess the application with input from the relevant government agency.
Is a Medical Examination Required for Work Pass Application?
A medical examination may be required depending on MOM’s assessment.
If required, it will be stated in the In-Principal Approval letter after the work pass application is approved.
Do Work Pass Holders Need to Contribute to Central Provision Fund (CPF)?
No. CPF contributions are required for Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents.
Foreign employees holding work passes such as EP, S Pass or Work Permit are generally not required to contribute to CPF.
Are Work Pass Holders allowed to bring Family Members to Singapore?
Eligible EP and S Pass holders may bring family members to Singapore if they meet the salary requirements.
- S$6,000 minimum fixed monthly salary: legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21
- S$12,000 minimum fixed monthly salary: parents
Family members may apply for a Dependant’s Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass, depending on their relationship to the pass holder.
Is Vaccination Verification Required for My Child’s Dependant’s Pass Application?
Yes, this may be required for foreign-born children aged 12 and below who are applying for a new Dependant’s Pass.
The required document is the Verification of Vaccination Requirements issued by the Communicable Diseases Agency.
This also applies where the child’s previous DP has expired or been cancelled for more than 30 days.
Can a Dependant’s Pass Holder Work in Singapore?
It depends on the type of Dependant’s Pass.
Legally married spouses of ONE Pass holders may work with a Letter of Consent.
Other DP holders generally need to obtain an EP, S Pass or Work Permit before working in Singapore.
Eligible DP holders who wish to operate a business may apply for a Letter of Consent, subject to MOM’s requirements.