Step-by-Step Guide to Singapore Employment Pass Renewal

Singapore has long been a magnet for global talent, with its thriving economy, pro-business environment, and top-tier infrastructure. An employment pass (EP) was introduced in 2008 to allow global professionals to join Singaporean workforces.

As of December 2023, there were around 205,400 Employment Pass (EP) holders. That’s a 27% jump from 2021, surpassing even pre-COVID levels¹!

If you, too, employ foreign professionals, you should know all about the EP renewal. It’s key to staying compliant and retaining your best talent. Even though juggling between tight deadlines and evolving rules is time-consuming, you can’t ignore this core requirement.

Make the hassle easier by keeping this guide as your handbook. It covers all you should know about the pre- and post-employment pass renewal. And while you’re at it, we’ll also share how Wise Business can help you pay overseas suppliers or team members on time, all while cutting down on excessive foreign currency conversion fees.

Table of contents
When and how to start the renewal process The key renewal criteria for employers Additional assessment criteria for MOM Risks of missing the renewal deadline Tips for a smooth renewal process Conclusion

When and how to start the renewal process

Being proactive with the Employment Pass renewal process helps ensure your employee’s work status remains uninterrupted. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) allows employers to start the renewal process up to six months (180 days) before the pass expires².

It’s best not to wait until the last minute!

Starting early matters because:

• Ample time for documentation: Gathering all required documents and verifying details can take longer than expected.
• Room for corrections or appeals: If MOM requests additional information or rejects the initial application, you’ll have enough time to address it.
• Service availability: You can secure professional or administrative support when needed.

In short, it’s a good idea to submit your renewal application as soon as the six-month window opens on MOM’s myMOM portal. That way, you’ll stay compliant and keep your employees’ work status active without any hiccups.

How to submit the application

Renewing an Employment Pass (EP) is relatively easy. However, it does require careful attention to detail. The employer or an appointed employment agent must submit the renewal application, typically through the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) myMOM Portal.

Follow the steps below to do it right:

Step 1: Update company turnover

Before starting, ensure your organisation’s turnover for the past three years is updated on the myMOM Portal². MOM uses this data to verify your company’s standing.

If you can’t access the portal, you can submit your turnover update via thisMOM form.

Step 2: Check qualifying salary

Confirm that your employee’s salary meets the latest EP qualifying salary and COMPASS framework benchmarks (for EPs expiring from 1 September 2024 onwards)². MOM’s Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) is a helpful way to check if your employee continues to meet the eligibility requirements.

Step 3: Verify employee qualifications (if applicable)

For EP renewals under COMPASS, you may need to submit proof of verification for qualifications (if points are claimed under that criterion)². Avoid declaring unverified or unaccredited qualifications.

Step 4: Submit the renewal application

Log in to the myMOM Portal and complete the renewal process online when everything is ready.

For EP (Sponsorship) holders, download and fill out the EP (Sponsorship) renewal application form. Next, submit it with the supporting documents through the designated online form.

Step 5: Wait for the outcome

The processing time for renewals submitted via the myMOM Portal is typically around 10 business days (approximately three weeks)². After completion, the result are emailed to the contact person listed in the application.

Step 6: Receive the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter

After approval, MOM issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter to the employing company. You should know that:

• The IPA typically has a validity period of six months, which is the window during which the pass holder must complete the remaining formalities or enter Singapore if coming from abroad.
• The IPA also includes essential instructions and details about collecting the renewed EP, whether a medical examination is required, and any additional documents needed.
• If the pass holder is outside Singapore, the IPA serves as a single-entry visa, allowing them to enter Singapore and complete EP issuance.

Step 7: Collect the renewed EP

The employee must visit Singapore (if not already in the country) with their IPA letter, passport, and any required documents to collect the EP. MOM may require a medical examination. Also, if applicable, Dependant’s Passes (DP) or Long-Term Visit Passes (LTVP) for family members can be collected at the same time³.

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The key renewal criteria for employers

Renewing an Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore indicates that your company and your employee meet the latest requirements. Getting it right keeps your business compliant, your employees working without interruption, and access to necessary services smooth.

At a glance, the main things to check are:

• Salary meets the qualifying threshold
• Compliance with the COMPASS framework
• Employer and employee eligibility to ensure business stability and smooth access to services

Let’s dive into the details:

Update and check the qualifying salary requirements

Starting 1 January 2025, MOM updated the minimum monthly salaries for EP renewals⁴:

• S$5,600 for most sectors
• S$6,200 for financial services

These adjustments ensure EP holders are on par with the top third of local PMETs (Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians). Salaries also increase with age and vary by sector.

Double-check that your employee’s salary meets these thresholds to avoid hiccups during renewal. You can also use MOM’s Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) to get a quick, indicative outcome before applying.

Compliance with the COMPASS framework

For EPs expiring from 1 September 2024, renewals are evaluated under the COMPASS framework², a points-based system that looks at:

• Salary: meeting the required minimum
• Qualifications: verified educational or professional credentials
• Diversity: contribution to workforce diversity
• Support for local employment: complementing local hiring

Employees need at least 40 points to pass⁴. Only submit verification proof for qualifications if they are required to meet COMPASS points. Never declare unverified or unaccredited credentials.

Employer and Employee Eligibility

Both sides need to tick all the boxes to make the renewal process smooth:

• The employer or an appointed employment agent handles the application submission.
• The employee should continue in a managerial, executive, or specialised role with the same company.
• Compliance with salary and COMPASS requirements ensures lawful employment and continued access to services your business relies on.

Keeping these requirements in check makes the process hassle-free, reduces the risk of delays, and secures your key team members.

When running a business in Singapore, you don’t always have to worry about the local personnel. Chances are you’re also paying suppliers or team members overseas in different currencies. Juggling multiple payments, exchange rates, and deadlines can quickly become a nuisance if you don’t have the right tools in place.

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Additional assessment criteria for MOM

When renewing an Employment Pass (EP), MOM looks beyond salary and qualifications. They typically check:

Proof of Company Operations

MOM requires evidence that your company is actively conducting business in Singapore. Acceptable documents include:

• Client Contracts: Demonstrate ongoing business relationships and active engagements.
• Tenancy Agreements: Show that your company maintains a physical presence in Singapore.
• Business Profile: A current business profile or instant information from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) confirms your company’s registration and operational status⁵.

Proof of Company Finances

Financial transparency is necessary for EP renewal. Employers should provide:

• Bank Statements: Recent statements from company bank accounts to show active financial operations.
• Annual Financial Statements: Audited or unaudited financial reports that reflect the company’s financial health.

Proof of Salary Payments

Consistent and timely salary payments reveal a company’s operational integrity. Employers must submit:

• Bank Statements: Statements showing regular salary deposits to the employee’s account.
• Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) Notices: Official documents that confirm tax compliance and salary declarations⁶.

Economic Contribution in Singapore

MOM assesses how your company contributes to the local economy. Indicators include:

• Local Employment: The number of Singaporean employees hired reflects your company’s commitment to the local workforce.
• Market Engagement: Evidence of your company’s services or products being offered to the local market, indicating active participation in Singapore’s economic activities.

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Risks of missing the renewal deadline

Failing to renew your Employment Pass (EP) before it expires can lead to serious consequences.

Overstaying and legal penalties

If your EP expires and you haven’t renewed it, you’re considered to be overstaying in Singapore. This can result in daily fines, which increase the longer you remain without a valid pass. In some cases, overstaying can lead to imprisonment, depending on the duration of the overstay.

Also, if you overstay, you may be required to leave Singapore and apply for a new pass from your home country or place of residence. This could potentially lead to gaps in your employment or residence status in Singapore, which can negatively affect your immigration records⁷.

Negative impact on future employment

Missing the EP renewal deadline can lead to a loss of employment and enforcement actions by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Failure to renew on time can severely jeopardize future employment opportunities in Singapore.

To steer clear of these problems, it’s best to kick off the renewal process early and have all your documents ready. That way, you keep your legal status and stay on track with your job in Singapore.

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Tips for a smooth renewal process

Employment Pass renewal in Singapore doesn’t have to be a burden. A little prep and attention to detail can help you complete it smoothly. The two primary tips to do so are:

Effective preparation and accuracy

• Start early: Work on the renewal up to 6 months before your EP expires. This gives you plenty of time to gather documents and fix any issues.
• Collect your documents: Make sure you have everything sorted, including your passport details, company business profile, and proof of qualifications (if needed).
• Double-check your information: Errors or outdated information can slow things down or even cause your application to be rejected. Taking a few extra minutes now can save big problems later.

Consider professional assistance

Hiring a professional to help with your EP renewal can make life a lot easier. They know all the latest rules, so you can be sure nothing is missed. Plus, they handle the paperwork for you, saving you time to focus on the core company operations.

Their hands-on experience in the field lowers the risk of application rejection, so you can relax knowing your application is in safe hands.

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Conclusion

Renewing an Employment Pass requires proactive planning and a clear understanding of MOM’s criteria. Also, ensuring that your company meets the financial and operational requirements makes this process much easier while keeping you compliant.

At this point, it would be smart to consider how you handle payments for your team and suppliers overseas, particularly if you’re planning to expand in the region. A bit of planning at this point can keep your renewal and your business growth on track!

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Sources:

1. Foreign Workforce Numbers
2. Employment Pass Renewal
3. Long-Term Visit Pass Application
4. Employment Pass Eligibility
5. Provision of Free Business Profiles
6. Tax Clearance for Foreign Employees
7. Stress-Free Renewal: Your Guide to a Smooth Work Pass Transition

Sources checked on: 9th October 2025