Singapore's Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is a prestigious work pass designed for high-earning professionals and top-tier talent, offering significant flexibility not available with other employment passes. This guide provides a thorough overview of the PEP, covering eligibility criteria, the application process, associated costs, and common FAQs. Let us help you understand and navigate the requirements of this advanced employment pass easily!
What is a Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)?
The Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is a type of work pass in Singapore designed for high-earning professionals and top-tier talent. This pass is aimed at attracting global talent to Singapore by offering a more adaptable employment pass option.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)?
Be employed continuously in Singapore. If you are unemployed for more than 6 months at any point, you will need to cancel your pass.
Earn a fixed salary of at least $270,000 per calendar year, regardless of the number of months you are in employment.
For overseas foreign professionals, your last drawn salary should have been within the past 6 months of your application.
If you applied for your PEP before 1 September 2023, you must earn a fixed salary of $144,000 per calendar year, regardless of the number of months you are in employment.
How to apply for a Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)?
Step #1: Submit an application
Gather all the necessary documents.
Fill out the online application form.
Pay a $105 application fee using Visa, Mastercard, or Amex.
Check your application status after 2 weeks and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
If approved, your candidate will get an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter.
Step #2: Prepare for arrival in Singapore
Print out the IPA letter and ensure your candidate meets any travel requirements.
Present the IPA letter at immigration and complete any required medical examinations.
Step #3: Get the pass issued
Within 6 months of receiving your IPA letter.
Pay $225 for pass issuance and an additional $30 for a multiple journey visa if necessary.
Step #4: Register fingerprints and photos
Make an appointment for fingerprinting and photo registration within 2 weeks of pass issuance.
Step #5: Receive the card
Your candidate’s PEP card will be delivered within 5 working days after their registration appointment or document verification.
How much does the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) application cost?
Application fee: SGD $105 (non-refundable)
Pass issuance fee: SGD $225
Multiple journey visa (if needed): SGD $30
Note: Fees are non-refundable.
What are the differences between the PEP and the EP?
Features
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
Employment Pass (EP)
Target group
High-earning existing Employment Pass holders or overseas foreign professionals
Foreign professionals, managers and executives
Requirements
Must not be unemployed in Singapore for more than 6 months at any time.Earn a fixed salary of at least S$270,000 per calendar year, regardless of number of months in employment.
Currently:$5,000 a month (in general)$5,500 a month (for financial services) From 1 January 2025, the EP qualifying salary:$5,600 a month (in general)$6,200 a month (for financial services)
As a PEP holder, what is the mandatory annual notification to MOM?
As a Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) holder in Singapore, your employee is required to submit an annual notification to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). This notification must include the following information:
Personal details update: Ensure your employee’s personal particulars (e.g., residential address, contact details) are accurate and up to date.
Employment status: They should declare their employment status, including whether they are currently employed, self-employed, or not employed.
Employment history: Provide details of your employee’s employment history for the past year, including information on their current job or any changes in their employment status.
Annual fixed salary: Declare their annual fixed salary amount.
Additional income: Disclose any additional income received from other sources apart from their main employment.
Change in employment: Report any changes in their employment circumstances since the last notification, such as changes in job position, employer, or cessation of employment.
Declaration: Confirm that the information provided is accurate and complete.
This annual notification is mandatory and must be submitted through the MOM's online system within six months from the end of each calendar year. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in penalties or the cancellation of your PEP. For detailed instructions and to access the online notification form, please visit the MOM's official website for annual notifications for PEP holders.
Can my employee work outside of Singapore while on a Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)?
Yes, your employee can work overseas as long as necessary, if it’s for a Singapore-based employer.
The same requirements will still apply.
If your candidate wants to leave Singapore for more than 6 months to work for an overseas employer, they should cancel their Personalised Employment Pass (PEP).
How long is the PEP valid for, and can it be renewed?
The Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) cannot be renewed after its initial three-year validity period. When it expires, your employee has the option to continue working in Singapore under an Employment Pass or to pursue permanent residency.
They also have the flexibility to cancel their PEP at any time. Once cancelled, they will not be eligible to apply for a new Personalised Employment Pass.
An employee at my company has changed from an EP to a PEP. Should I cancel their existing EP?
Yes, you should cancel their Employment Pass (EP) after the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) application is approved. They will need a cancellation letter from your company when they pick up the PEP.
You can continue employing them as you would a Singapore citizen or PR, as long as you notify MOM that you're employing a PEP holder.
How to apply for a replacement card if the PEP card is lost, stolen, or damaged?
As an employer, it's important to ensure that your employee takes immediate action if their PEP card is lost, stolen, or damaged. Here's what you need to know:
If the PEP card is lost, stolen, or damaged, the employee must apply for a replacement within 1 week of the incident.
If the card is stolen, they are required to file a police report in addition to applying for a replacement.
If the card is lost overseas, the employee must inform the MOM immediately. They will receive a letter to facilitate their return to Singapore.
Both the PEP holder and their appointed employment agent (EA) can initiate the replacement process.
For a damaged card, the fee is $60.
For a lost or stolen card, the fee is:
$100 for the first time.
$300 for subsequent times.
Replacement is typically immediate upon approval. The new PEP card can be collected within 4 working days after approval.
What happens if my employee’s Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) application is rejected?
The employee can submit an appeal online within 3 months from the date of rejection. It will take at least 8 weeks to review their appeal. If they don’t appeal within 3 months, they’ll need to reapply for the pass.
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