Singapore Work Visa Application Guide
Singapore Work Visa Application Guide
Navigating Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations requires balancing technical accuracy with speed. Whether you are expanding a business or bringing critical talent into Singapore, securing the right work pass without delays demands expert oversight.
Which Singapore Work Pass Do You Need?
Selecting the correct visa category depends on your role, compensation, and qualifications.
Pass Category | Target Candidate | Key Eligibility Criteria | Processing Time |
Employment Pass (EP) | Executives, Managers & Specialists | Min. S$5,600/month (S$6,200 for Financial Services; scales up with age). Requires passing COMPASS (40 pts). | 3–8 weeks |
S Pass | Technical Staff & Mid-Skilled Workers | Qualifying salary thresholds apply. Subject to sector quotas and monthly employer levies. | 3–8 weeks |
ONE Pass / PEP | High Earners & Top Global Talent | Fixed monthly salary of S$30,000+ (or equivalent) for top-tier flexibility. | 4–8 weeks |
EntrePass | Founders & Tech Innovators | Backed by VC funding, incubators, or proprietary IP (no fixed salary minimum). | 6–8 weeks |
Dependant’s Pass (DP) | Spouses & Children | Linked to EP or S Pass holders earning at least S$6,000/month. | 3–5 weeks |
Demystifying MOM’s COMPASS Framework
Since September 2023, standard EP candidates must clear Stage 1 (Minimum Salary) and Stage 2: the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). Candidates must score at least 40 points across six criteria:
C1: Salary relative to local sector norms (Up to 20 pts)
C2: Qualifications (Top-tier universities earn 20 pts; Degree-equivalents earn 10 pts)
C3: Diversity (Nationality share within your firm’s PMETs)
C4: Support for Local Employment (Share of local PMET workforce)
C5 & C6: Bonus Points (Roles on the Shortage Occupation List or Strategic Economic Priorities)
Note: Applicants earning S$22,500/month or more are automatically exempt from COMPASS.
Our 5-Step Streamlined Work Pass Process
1. Free Eligibility & COMPASS Audit
We review salary benchmarks, calculate COMPASS points, and flag risks before filing.
2. Customized Document Preparation
Receive an exact checklist for degree verification and company documents—no missing paperwork.
3. Strategic MOM Submission
Applications are submitted through EP Online with a optimized supporting narrative.
4. Proactive Query Management
We track status daily and respond to MOM Requests for Information (RFIs) within 24 hours.
5. Approval & IPA Guidance
Receive your In-Principle Approval (IPA) alongside guidance for medical checks and pass issuance.
Transparent Fee Structure
EP New Application: S$1,088 (Includes S$330 MOM fee & S$30 Multiple Journey Visa fee if applicable)
EP Renewal: S$758 (Includes S$225 MOM fee & S$30 Multiple Journey Visa fee if applicable)
The Service Guarantee:
1 Free Appeal on both new applications and renewals.
50% Service Fee Refund if MOM rejects a fully compliant application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum salary for an Employment Pass?
The baseline qualifying salary starts at S$5,600/month for general sectors and S$6,200/month for Financial Services. This threshold scales higher for candidates aged 23 to 45+.
When should I file for an EP renewal?
MOM allows EP renewals up to 6 months before pass expiry. Early submission prevents coverage gaps and accommodates re-scoring under updated COMPASS benchmarks.
Can I apply for an EP before incorporating my company?
No, a registered Singapore entity (ACRA) is required to sponsor an EP. Company incorporation and EP pre-assessment can be initiated simultaneously.
Ready to Hire Top Talent Without the Hassle?
Avoid delayed start dates and costly application rejections. Book a free 15-minute eligibility review today to confirm your candidate's COMPASS score.
How Bestar HR Consulting can Help Singapore Work Visa Application
Navigating Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations requires balancing technical accuracy with speed. Whether you are setting up a regional entity, scaling a startup, or relocating senior executives, securing the right work pass without delays demands experienced, licensed oversight.
Bestar serves as a corporate service provider and licensed employment agency, managing end-to-end immigration, incorporation, accounting, and compliance under one roof.
Which Singapore Work Pass Do You Need?
Selecting the correct visa category depends on your business structure, compensation level, and role expectations. Bestar manages the full spectrum of MOM work passes:
Pass Category | Target Candidate | Key Eligibility Criteria | Standard Timeline |
Employment Pass (EP) | Executives, Managers & Specialists | Baseline salary of S$5,600/month (S$6,200/month in Financial Services; scales higher with age). Requires passing COMPASS (40+ pts). | 10 days–3 weeks |
S Pass | Technical Staff & Mid-Skilled Professionals | Minimum qualifying salary applies. Subject to monthly sector levies and dependency ratio ceilings (quotas). | 3–8 weeks |
ONE Pass / PEP | High Earners & Top Global Talent | Fixed monthly salary of S$30,000+ (or equivalent) for top-tier operational flexibility. | 4–8 weeks |
EntrePass | Founders & Tech Innovators | For entrepreneurs with VC backing, incubator support, or recognized IP (no baseline salary requirement). | 6–8 weeks |
Dependant’s Pass (DP) | Spouses & Unmarried Children | Tied to EP or S Pass holders earning a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$6,000. | 3–5 weeks |
How Bestar Maximizes Your COMPASS Framework Score
For Employment Pass applications, candidates must clear Stage 1 (Qualifying Salary) and Stage 2: MOM’s Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). Applications must score at least 40 points across six foundational and bonus criteria:
C1: Salary relative to local sector norms (Up to 20 pts)
C2: Qualifications (20 pts for top-tier institutions; 10 pts for degree-equivalents)
C3: Diversity (Share of candidate's nationality among company PMETs)
C4: Support for Local Employment (Local PMET share within the firm)
C5 & C6: Bonus Points (Roles on the Shortage Occupation List or Strategic Economic Priorities)
How Bestar Optimizes Your Profile:
Pre-Filing Audit: Bestar runs pre-evaluations against MOM datasets to calculate your exact COMPASS points before you submit.
Background & Verification Checks: Bestar coordinates educational background checks with MOM-approved third-party screening agencies to ensure your degree credentials earn full points.
MyCareersFuture Strategy: For EP job posting compliance, Bestar manages fair consideration advertisement mandates on MyCareersFuture to ensure seamless alignment.
Bestar’s 5-Step Streamlined Work Pass Process
1.Free Pre-Assessment & Strategy:Avoid upfront risks before spending resources.
Bestar audits candidate compensation, checks COMPASS points, reviews company quota balances, and identifies potential red flags before filing.
2.Precise Document Vetting:Eliminate back-and-forth delays with MOM.
Receive a tailored document checklist. Bestar reviews passport biodata, educational verification reports, resumes, and corporate business profiles to ensure 100% MOM compliance.
3.MOM Portal Submission:MOM-licensed agency filing.
Bestar drafts the application narrative, ensures accurate job scope coding, and files through the official myMOM Portal / EP eService.
4.Active Query Management:Fast resolution of official inquiries.
If MOM requests additional information (RFIs) or financial clarifications, Bestar liaises directly with officers to submit targeted supporting evidence.
5.IPA Issuance & Card Collection:Onboarding support.
Upon receiving the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, Bestar assists with medical check-up scheduling, thumbprint registration at the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC), and pass card delivery.
Why Work with Bestar?
Licensed Employment Agency & CSP: Bestar holds official licensing to represent your company directly before the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and ACRA.
Full Corporate Integration: Combine your work pass filings with company incorporation, corporate secretarial duties, tax clearance (Form IR21), and accounting under one point of contact.
High Approval Track Record: Deep familiarity with MOM's evolving criteria allows Bestar to structure applications for the highest probability of first-time approval.
Appeal Management: If an application faces an initial rejection, Bestar analyzes MOM's feedback, formulates a fact-based appeal strategy, and resubmits with additional supporting documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the baseline qualifying salary for an Employment Pass in Singapore?
As of 2026, the baseline qualifying salary starts at S$5,600/month for general sectors and S$6,200/month for Financial Services. The requirement scales higher for candidates aged 23 to 45+ based on industry benchmarks.
When should I initiate an EP renewal?
MOM allows renewals up to 6 months prior to the pass expiry date. Renewing early prevents employment gaps and gives adequate time to pass the COMPASS re-evaluation.
Can Bestar assist if my company is newly incorporated?
Yes. For new companies without an established hiring track record in Singapore, Bestar helps build a compelling submission file featuring business plans, financial projections, and shareholder credentials to prove corporate viability to MOM.
Secure Your Singapore Work Visas On Time
Avoid costly start-date delays and application rejections. Reach out to Bestar’s immigration consultants to evaluate your candidate’s COMPASS score and start your application smoothly.
How can Bestar help me set up a new Singapore company and apply for an Employment Pass at the same time?
Bestar handles the simultaneous company incorporation and Employment Pass (EP) application process through a single, coordinated framework.
Because Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations require a registered Singapore company to sponsor an EP, Bestar structures your corporate setup specifically to meet MOM’s Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) and incorporation requirements without unnecessary delays.
How Bestar Coordinates Corporate Setup & EP Filing
Phase 1: Company Registration (ACRA) ---> Phase 2: Entity Activation ---> Phase 3: EP Application (MOM)
• ACRA Name Reservation • Corporate Bank Account • COMPASS Pre-Audit & Verification
• Nominee Director & Reg. Office • Paid-Up Capital Injection • myMOM Portal Submission
• BizFile & UEN Issuance (1–3 Days) • MyCareersFuture Posting • IPA Issuance & Pass Collection
Phase 1: Company Registration with ACRA (Days 1–3)
To sponsor your own work pass, you must first establish a legal Singapore entity (Pte Ltd):
ACRA Lodgment: Bestar reserves your company name and files incorporation via BizFile+, issuing your Unique Entity Number (UEN).
Local Resident Compliance: Every Singapore company requires at least one resident director. Bestar provides Nominee Director Services and a Registered Address to fulfill legal requirements while your EP is pending.
Corporate Secretarial Appointment: Bestar acts as your company secretary to maintain statutory registers.
Phase 2: Preparing the Entity for EP Sponsorship
MOM closely scrutinizes new companies sponsored by foreign founders. Bestar prepares the corporate foundation:
Capital Injection Guidance: Bestar advises on structuring paid-up capital (typically S$50,000+ recommended for foreign founder EP applications) to demonstrate corporate viability.
Corporate Banking: Bestar assists with local corporate bank account opening so your firm can hold operational funds.
MyCareersFuture Ad Compliance: Bestar manages local job advertisement requirements on MyCareersFuture if your setup requires fair consideration postings prior to filing.
Phase 3: EP Application & COMPASS Optimization
Once your UEN is active, Bestar shifts immediately to your work pass application:
COMPASS Pre-Assessment: Bestar evaluates your profile against Stage 1 (Minimum S$5,600/month salary threshold) and Stage 2 (40+ points across salary, qualifications, diversity, and local PMET ratios).
Background Verification: Bestar coordinates degree checks via MOM-approved third-party agencies to ensure your educational credentials score full points.
MOM Portal Filing: As a licensed Employment Agency, Bestar drafts a compelling business narrative—highlighting your company's business plan, capital commitment, and job creation potential for Singaporeans—and submits the application.
Why Parallel Processing with Bestar Works
Zero Hand-off Friction: Instead of hiring a secretarial firm for incorporation and a separate visa agency for your EP, Bestar handles both under one roof, preventing mismatched business profiles or conflicting application details.
Nominee Director Transition: Once your EP is approved and you collect your pass, you can step into the role of local resident director, allowing you to transition off the temporary Nominee Director service smoothly.
Continuous Compliance: Bestar maintains your ongoing ACRA filings, tax clearance (Form IR21), bookkeeping, and annual returns alongside future EP renewals.
What are the total costs and package options for Bestar company incorporation and EP application?
Setting up a new company in Singapore while applying for an Employment Pass (EP) involves both government fees (ACRA and MOM) and Bestar professional service fees.
A detailed itemization of the total costs and available package structures is outlined below:
1. Itemized Cost Breakdown
A. Singapore Company Incorporation Costs
Line Item | Scope / Details | Bestar Fee | Government Fee |
Professional Incorporation Fee | Document preparation, KYC vetting, ACRA filing | S$650 | Inclusive |
Company Secretary (1st Year) | Mandatory appointment within 6 months of incorporation | S$360 (1st Year Free) | — |
Registered Address (1st Year) | Official Singapore business address for statutory notices | S$180 | — |
Nominee Director (Temporary) | Fulfills local resident requirement while EP is pending (Fully refundable S$2,500 security deposit applies) | S$2,500 | — |
Subtotal for Incorporation Services: ~S$3,330 (plus refundable S$2,500 deposit)
B. Employment Pass (EP) Application Costs
Line Item | Scope / Details | Bestar Fee | Government Fee |
MOM EP Application | COMPASS pre-audit, background checks coordination, portal filing, RFI management (background checks fee excluded) | S$1,300 | Inclusive |
Subtotal for EP Application: ~S$1,300
2. Recommended Package Options
Option 1: Foreign Founder Package (Standard Setup)
Best suited for entrepreneurs who already have a local resident director or partner in Singapore.
Includes: Company Name Reservation + ACRA Incorporation, 1-Year Company Secretary, 1-Year Registered Address, Corporate Bank Account Facilitation, and 1 EP Application Filing (COMPASS pre-assessment included).
Estimated All-In Investment: S$2,130 (Excludes refundable deposits)
Option 2: Foreign Founder Turnkey Package (With Nominee Director)
Best suited for foreign founders moving to Singapore without an existing local resident director.
Includes: Everything in Option 1 PLUS 1-Year Nominee Director Service (to bridge the gap until your EP is issued) and smooth transition of directorship once your EP card is collected.
Estimated All-In Investment: S$4,630 (plus S$2,500 refundable deposit)
3. Optional Add-On Services
Dependant’s Pass (DP) / LTVP Application: ~ S$600 per family member + MOM fees.
Degree Verification Management: Coordinated via MOM-approved third-party agencies (costs vary by institution).
Corporate Tax & Accounting Setup: Annual bookkeeping, GST registration, and tax filings available as bundled ongoing compliance retainer plans.
Explore next steps for your incorporation and visa process:
Review Nominee Director requirements and deposit terms
Ready to Launch Your Business and Secure Your Singapore Work Visa?
Don't let complex MOM regulations or ACRA incorporation requirements delay your plans. Work with Bestar’s team of corporate service professionals and licensed immigration specialists to handle your setup from start to finish.
Take the Next Step Today
Free COMPASS & Eligibility Audit: Evaluate your candidate or founder profile against MOM's salary thresholds and COMPASS points before filing.
Fast Turnkey Incorporation: Establish your Singapore company (Pte Ltd) in 1–3 business days with complete resident director and secretarial support.
End-to-End Peace of Mind: Enjoy clear pricing, expert document vetting, and active tracking until your In-Principle Approval (IPA) is issued.
Get Started with Bestar
📞 Call Us: +65 6299 4730
💬 WhatsApp: +65 8836 4489
📧 Email: admin@bestar-asia.com
🌐 Visit: www.bestar-sg.com
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