Latest Singapore Employment Pass (EP) Criteria for 2025: What Employers Need to Know

Singapore has consistently been a sought-after destination for professionals, skilled workers, and entrepreneurs due to its thriving business environment. Central to the country's success is the Singapore Employment Pass (EP), a key work pass that allows foreign talent to work in Singapore. As the country adapts to an increasingly competitive global market, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has introduced significant updates to the EP criteria for 2025. These changes affect the EP application process, and the qualifications needed to obtain an employment pass in Singapore.

In this guide, we will provide an overview of the updated EP eligibility criteria, focusing on the critical changes employers must understand. Additionally, we’ll explore how these adjustments impact companies in Singapore and their ability to hire and retain foreign talent.

Understanding the Singapore Employment Pass (EP)

The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) is a work pass issued by MOM for foreign professionals, managers, executives, and specialists who meet specific qualifications and salary requirements. Typically, EP holders are individuals who possess recognized degrees, professional qualifications, or specialized skills that are crucial to Singapore’s economy.

An EP allows the pass holder to work in Singapore for up to two years, with the possibility of renewal depending on whether they continue to meet the EP eligibility criteria. Employers must submit an EP application to MOM to apply for an employment pass in Singapore. This includes providing evidence of the applicant's qualifications, the company’s need for foreign expertise, and the salary being offered.

Key Changes in the Employment Pass Eligibility Criteria for 2025

In line with Singapore’s evolving labor market, MOM has introduced several key updates to the EP application process. These changes aim to ensure a fair balance between local and foreign employment while raising the quality of foreign talent entering the country.

1. Increased Minimum EP Qualifying Salary

A major change for 2025 is the increase in the minimum qualifying salary for EP applicants. This adjustment aligns with the government’s commitment to maintaining a high standard of living for both local and foreign workers.

For renewal of passes expiring from 1 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025: The minimum qualifying salary is SGD 5,000 (SGD 5,500 for financial services sector) per month. This increases progressively with age from age 23, up to SGD 10,500 (SGD 11,500 for financial services sector) at age 45 and above.

For new applicants from 1 Jan 2025 and for renewals of passes expiring from 1 Jan 2026: The minimum qualifying salary rises to SGD 5,600 per month (SGD 6,200 for financial services sector). The minimum qualifying salary by age still applicable, where it increases progressively with age from age 23, up to SGD 10,700 (SGD 11,800 for financial services sector) at age 45 and above.

Employers must ensure that their foreign workers are offered a fixed monthly salary that meets these revised thresholds in order to qualify for an employment pass in Singapore.

2. Stricter Educational and Professional Requirements

In addition to higher salary requirements, MOM has also strengthened the educational qualifications and professional experience needed for EP applicants. The government aims to attract highly qualified professionals who can contribute significantly to Singapore’s economy.

Educational Qualifications: Applicants must possess a recognized degree, professional qualifications, or specialized skills directly relevant to their employment in Singapore. In some cases, candidates with a diploma and substantial work experience may still qualify for an EP.

Work Experience: Employers may be required to provide detailed documentation of the applicant’s previous job roles, projects, and achievements to demonstrate the impact they’ve had in their field.

Employers must verify that their candidates meet the updated EP eligibility criteria to ensure a higher chance of approval for the EP application.

3. Introduction of a Points-Based System

MOM has introduced a points-based system for evaluating EP applicants. Employers will accumulate points based on factors such as salary, qualifications, work experience, and the company's record of employing local talent.

Salary: Applicants who meet or exceed the EP qualifying salary will earn more points, particularly those with higher salaries.
Qualifications: Advanced or specialized qualifications will contribute to a higher point total.
Employer Record: Companies with a proven history of employing local talent will receive additional points.

Once the required points threshold is met, the EP pass application will likely be approved. This points-based system will align Singapore's hiring practices with the evolving needs of the labor market.

4. Support for Local Employment and Employer Responsibility

The Singapore government has emphasized the importance of local employment. To ensure that foreign workers are not displacing local talent, employers must demonstrate that they have made reasonable efforts to recruit Singaporeans or Permanent Residents before hiring foreign professionals under an EP.

Employers will be required to submit a justification for their work pass applications, showing that the role could not be filled by a local candidate. Furthermore, businesses must outline their efforts to upskill their local workforce and demonstrate how foreign workers contribute to the overall development of Singapore’s job market.

5. Enhanced Employer Support

MOM offers various resources to help employers navigate the EP application process and stay compliant with the new criteria:

Employment / S Pass Self-Assessment Tool (SAT): This tool helps employer to check a candidate's eligibility before EP application.
myMOM Portal: Employers can use the platform to submit their employment pass applications, check the pass status, and track the progress of their work pass applications.
Workshops and Seminars: MOM organizes workshops and seminars to provide employers with information and updates about the changes to the EP criteria and offer practical guidance on hiring foreign professionals.

Employers should leverage these resources to stay informed about changes in the EP application process and ensure they meet the EP eligibility requirements.

What Employers Need to Do to Stay Compliant with Singapore EP Criteria

To remain compliant with the new EP criteria for 2025, employers should take the following steps:

Review EP Eligibility Regularly: Employers should regularly assess whether foreign talent meets the updated EP eligibility criteria, including salary and qualification requirements.
Ensure Competitive Salaries: Offer a fixed monthly salary that aligns with the new minimum salary thresholds for EP applicants.
Recruit Locally First: Ensure that a reasonable effort has been made to hire Singaporeans or Permanent Residents for the position before applying for an EP.
Promote Local Workforce Development: Employers should actively invest in the development of the local workforce, providing opportunities for Singaporeans to acquire new skills and advance in their careers.
Use Government Resources: Take advantage of myMOM Portal and other resources offered by MOM, including seminars and workshops, to stay up-to-date and streamline the application process.

Conclusion

The update in Employment Pass (EP) criteria are designed to attract highly skilled foreign talent while supporting the growth of Singapore’s local workforce. Employers must ensure that EP applicants meet the updated employment pass eligibility requirements, including the minimum qualifying salary for new EP applicants and other factors such as educational qualifications and work experience. The EP application process requires employers to run Self-Assessment Test before applications through myMOM Portal to ensure that employment pass holders remain compliant with the latest criteria. It is also crucial for employers to stay up-to-date to the latest news and adhere to the guidelines to check if the expiring employment pass holder is still eligible for renewal. Employers should seek advice from a licensed employment agency to navigate these changes and ensure they meet the evolving requirements set by the Singapore Ministry of Manpower. By staying informed and meeting these eligibility criteria, both employing Singapore companies and EP applicants can contribute to a competitive and sustainable labor market, ensuring continued success for businesses in Singapore.