If you’re seeking a work pass that offers flexibility and isn’t tied to a single employer, the Singapore Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) might be the ideal solution for you. Here’s everything you need to know about applying for the PEP, including eligibility criteria, required documents, and how MVG can assist you throughout the process.
What is the Singapore Personalised Employment Pass?
The Singapore Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is a unique employment pass that is not linked to a specific employer. It’s designed for highly qualified professionals who wish to work in Singapore. The PEP allows you to switch employers within Singapore without the need for a new entry visa, provided you don’t remain unemployed for more than six months.
How Does the PEP Differ from an Employment Pass?
While both the PEP and Employment Pass allow you to live and work in Singapore, travel in and out without entry visas, and bring family members under Dependent’s Passes or Long-Term Visit Passes, there are key differences:
Business Restrictions: PEP holders cannot start a business in Singapore, including being an employee of their own company or engaging in entrepreneurial activities. However, they can be salary-drawing directors of companies they do not own.
Salary Requirement: PEP holders must earn a fixed annual salary of S$144,000 throughout the duration of the pass.
Eligibility Criteria for the Personalised Employment Pass
To qualify for a PEP, you need to meet one of the following criteria:
Existing Employment Pass Holders: You must be an Employment Pass holder with a minimum monthly salary of S$12,000, and have earned a fixed annual salary of at least S$144,000 in the previous year.
Overseas Professionals: You should have a last drawn fixed salary of at least S$18,000 a month, with this salary not exceeding six months from the time of the PEP application.
Required Documents for PEP Application
For Existing Employment Pass Holders:
Passport details
Employer's name and address (if applicable)
Job and salary details (if applicable)
Local contact details (overseas professionals can provide this upon approval)
Details of Dependent’s Pass holders (if applicable)
Details of long-term social visit pass holders (if applicable)
For Non-Employment Pass Holders:
Personal particulars page of your passport
Employment contract from new and/or previous employers
Salary slips and bank statements from the past three months
Latest tax statement
Latest resume and relevant educational certificates
(Note: Any non-English documents must be accompanied by an official English translation by a certified translator, High Commission/Embassy, or notary public.)
MVG's Services
At MVG, we offer comprehensive support to make your PEP application process seamless:
Personalized Guidance: Our team provides tailored advice on meeting the eligibility criteria and preparing the necessary documents.
Document Preparation: We assist in compiling and translating required documents to ensure they meet the necessary standards.
Application Assistance: MVG helps you navigate the application process, from filling out forms to submitting them to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Ongoing Support: We monitor the status of your application and offer guidance on maintaining and renewing your PEP.
Processing Time and Collection
Most PEP applications are processed within eight weeks. Upon approval, you will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter valid for six months. Collect your pass from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) office in Singapore within this period, bringing any additional documents requested in the IPA letter. The PEP is valid for three years, and dependents on a PEP-sponsored Dependent’s Pass can stay in Singapore for the duration of the pass.
Maintaining Your Personalised Employment Pass
To keep your PEP valid, you need to update the authorities on changes to your contact and employment information:
PEP Notification Form: Report changes in employment status within 7 days, update local contact details, and declare your annual salary within 30 days of the end of each calendar year. Your employer must also notify authorities of your employment status changes using the Notification Form for Employers.
Employment Pass Online Account (EPOL): Update travel document changes or renewals, report lost or damaged PEP cards, and change your residential address. Access EPOL with your Singpass—an online gateway for transactions with the Singapore Government.
Renewing or Canceling Your Personalised Employment Pass
The PEP cannot be renewed after its three-year validity period. Upon expiration, you may switch to an Employment Pass or apply for permanent residency. The pass can also be canceled at any time, but once canceled, you cannot reapply for a new PEP.
For more information, visit the Personalised Employment Pass FAQs and the Ministry of Manpower website. Contact MVG for expert assistance with your PEP application and management.
