🌟 Unlock Elite Career Mobility: Your Guide to the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) in Singapore

🌟 Unlock Elite Career Mobility: Your Guide to the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) in Singapore | Bestar

Singapore PEP: Elite Career Mobility Guide

🌟 Unlock Elite Career Mobility: Your Guide to the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) in Singapore

For highly-skilled foreign professionals seeking unparalleled flexibility in one of Asia's top economic hubs, the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) in Singapore is the ultimate work visa. Unlike the standard Employment Pass (EP), the PEP offers elite talent the freedom to switch employers, explore new job roles, and remain in Singapore for an extended period while searching for new opportunities.

If you are a high-earning executive or specialist eyeing Singapore's dynamic job market, read on to discover the key benefits, strict eligibility criteria, and application process for securing this coveted pass.

What is the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)?

The Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is a non-employer-specific work pass designed by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to attract and retain top-tier international talent. It is granted based on the individual's high earnings and professional qualifications, not on a specific job offer, giving holders significant career mobility in Singapore.

✨ Key Benefits of Holding a Singapore PEP

The PEP offers distinct advantages that set it apart from other work passes:

• Ultimate Job Flexibility: You are not tied to a specific employer. You can change jobs without having to reapply for a new work pass—you only need to notify the MOM of the change.

  
  

• Extended Job Search Period: PEP holders can remain in Singapore for a continuous period of up to six months without a job to search for new employment opportunities. This is a crucial advantage.

  
  

• Validity: The pass is valid for three years and is issued only once (non-renewable). This provides long-term stability in your career planning.

  
  

• Dependant Privileges: PEP holders can apply for a Dependant's Pass (DP) for their legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21, and a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for other eligible family members (e.g., common-law spouse, unmarried step-children under 21, and parents).

  
  

• No Quota or Levy: The PEP is not subject to the foreign worker quota or the foreign worker levy.

💼 Personalised Employment Pass Eligibility: Do You Qualify?

The PEP is strictly for high-earning individuals. The eligibility criteria depends on whether you are a current Employment Pass holder in Singapore or an overseas foreign professional.

Applicant Type	Eligibility Requirement (Fixed Monthly Salary)
Existing EP Holder in Singapore	Must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500.
Overseas Foreign Professional	Last drawn fixed monthly salary must be at least S$22,500 and drawn within the last six months prior to application.

Important Note on Salary: The MOM continually updates salary benchmarks. The $22,500 figure is the latest benchmark aligned with the top 10% of Employment Pass holders.

❌ Who is Not Eligible for a PEP?

Certain individuals are excluded from applying for a PEP, even if they meet the salary criteria:

• Foreigners who intend to work on a freelance basis (self-employed).

• Employment Pass holders under the sponsorship scheme.

• Sole proprietors, partners, or directors who are also shareholders in an ACRA-registered company.

• Journalists, editors, sub-editors, or producers.

📝 Maintaining Your PEP: Annual Requirements

Once your PEP is approved, you must adhere to annual maintenance requirements to keep your pass valid:

1. Annual Fixed Salary: You must earn a fixed salary of at least S$270,000 per calendar year for each year your PEP is valid (for passes issued from 1 September 2023).

2. Maximum Unemployment Period: You must not be unemployed for more than six continuous months in Singapore at any one time. Failure to secure employment within this timeframe will result in the cancellation of your PEP.

3. Mandatory Notification: You must notify MOM of any changes to your employment status (starting or leaving a job), personal contact details, and most importantly, declare your annual fixed salary by 31 January of the following year.

🚀 PEP Application Process: Step-by-Step

The application process for the Personalised Employment Pass typically takes around eight weeks.

1. Check Eligibility: Confirm you meet the minimum salary and eligibility criteria.

   
   

2. Prepare Documents: Gather all required documents, including:

   
   

   • Completed application form.

   • Copy of your passport particulars page.

   • Educational certificates and professional qualifications.

   • Employment contracts, employment testimonials.

   • Latest three months' pay slips and bank statements.

   • Latest tax statement (for overseas professionals).

   • CV/Resume.

     
     

3. Submit Application: The application can be submitted to the MOM either by you personally or through an authorised third party (e.g., an employment agent or corporate services provider). A non-refundable application fee is required.

   
   

4. Receive In-Principle Approval (IPA): If your application is successful, the MOM will issue an IPA letter, which acts as a pre-approved single-entry visa for you to enter Singapore. The IPA is valid for six months.

   
   

5. Pass Issuance: Upon arrival in Singapore (if applying from overseas), you must complete any required medical examinations, and you or your agent will then request the pass to be issued via the MOM's eService. A pass issuance fee applies.

   
   

6. Card Collection: After issuance and any required registration of fingerprints and photos, your PEP card will be delivered to your registered residential address.

Next Steps

The Personalised Employment Pass is a game-changer for top global talent looking for flexibility in their Singapore career.

Bestar HR Consulting in Singapore can Assist with PEP Applications and Documentation

🌟 Unlock Elite Career Mobility: Your Guide to the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) in Singapore

Bestar HR Consulting (which is part of the larger Bestar group of companies) is an established corporate services provider in Singapore that specifically lists assistance with Employment Pass (EP) and other work permits as part of its services.

Our services are comprehensive and include:

• Permits and Visa Management: We manage the requirements and application of permits and visas for international employees.

  
  

• Assistance with Singapore Employment Pass: We offer providence and assistance with employment and dependent passes, along with their cancellation.

  
  

• HR Consulting and Compliance: Our HR consulting services ensure applications comply with Singapore's regulatory frameworks.

Given that the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is an elite category of work visa for high-earning professionals (often transitioning from an EP), Bestar is highly well-equipped to assist with the stringent requirements and detailed documentation of a PEP application.

To proceed with your PEP application, contact Bestar using the information above to confirm our pricing and specific strategy for handling a Personalised Employment Pass application.