Singapore's Employment Pass: the two tests your job offer has to pass

The government fees are S$105 to apply and S$225 when the pass is issued, about $260 in total. A Multiple Journey Visa, if you need one, adds S$30. Renewals cost S$225 per pass.

MOM says it processes or updates most applications within 10 business days when the employer is registered in Singapore, and within 6 weeks for most overseas companies. Before filing, the employer must advertise the job on MyCareersFuture for at least 14 consecutive days. If the pass is refused, only the employer can appeal, within 3 months, and MOM says about 85% of appeals are resolved within six weeks.

Your employer cancels the pass, and any passes for your family are cancelled with it. The employer can request a Short-Term Visit Pass that lets you stay up to 90 days, but you can't work while you wait to leave. The employer also has to seek tax clearance and, unless you agree otherwise in writing, pay for your flight home.

Yes. The U.S. taxes citizens wherever they live, and Singapore isn't on the IRS list of countries with a U.S. income tax treaty. For 2026 you can exclude up to $132,900 of foreign earned income if you meet the bona fide residence test or spend at least 330 full days abroad in 12 months. In Singapore, a work pass valid for at least a year generally makes you a tax resident, taxed from 0% on the first S$20,000 up to 24%.

It depends on your age and sector. In 2026 the floor is S$5,600 a month (about $4,380) at 23 or younger, rising to S$10,700 (about $8,380) at 45 and up, and S$6,200 to S$11,800 in financial services. From January 1, 2027, new applications need S$6,000 to S$11,500, or S$6,600 to S$12,700 in finance. Meeting the floor isn't enough on its own: you also need 40 points on MOM's COMPASS scorecard unless you earn at least S$22,500 a month.

No. The employer or an employment agent it appoints files the application with Singapore's Ministry of Manpower. If the company has no Singapore entity, it needs a local sponsor to file for you. Your part is supplying your passport details and proof of your qualifications.

Yes, Employment Pass holders can apply. The fee is S$100, with more fees if you're approved, and ICA says applications are processed within 6 months when the documents are in order. Approval is discretionary and weighs your economic contribution, qualifications, age, family and length of residence. After 2 years as a PR you can apply for citizenship, but Singapore doesn't allow adult citizens to hold dual citizenship.

Yes, but not on the Dependant's Pass alone. An employer has to apply for a work pass for them: an Employment Pass or S Pass (which replaces the Dependant's Pass) or a DP-Work Permit, which has no minimum salary. A spouse who wants to run their own business applies for a Letter of Consent instead. To bring a spouse at all, the Employment Pass holder must earn at least S$6,000 a month.