Before you start

A job offer from a Singapore-registered employer willing to sponsor the pass
Meeting the qualifying salary for your age and sector (EP) or the S Pass salary floor
For the EP: scoring at least 40 points on the points-based COMPASS framework
Passport valid for the duration of the intended pass

Step-by-step

1
Employer applies via MOM
Your employer (or their agent) submits the Employment Pass or S Pass application on MOM's EP Online / myMOM portal. You provide your passport, education, and CV details; you do not file it yourself.
Via employerWho: Your employer/sponsorOutcome usually within ~10 business days (online applications)Application fee ~S$105; pass issuance ~S$225 (employer-paid)
2
Receive the In-Principle Approval (IPA)
If approved, MOM issues an In-Principle Approval letter. This lets you enter Singapore and, in many cases, start work and open the first doors (some banks accept the IPA) before the card is ready.
OnlineWho: Your employer relays it to youValid for entry within the stated window (often up to 6 months)Included
3
Complete medical & register for the pass
Depending on the pass and salary, you may need a medical exam. After arrival the pass is issued and you register to have the card produced; you'll give fingerprints and a photo at an ICA/EP Services Centre.
In personWho: YouCard issued within ~1–2 weeks of registrationMedical ~S$50–150 if required
4
Collect your card and FIN
Your work pass card carries your Foreign Identification Number (FIN) — the 9-character ID foreigners use everywhere in place of an NRIC. Register for Singpass with your FIN to access government and many private e-services.
In personWho: YouSame flow as registrationIncluded in issuance fee

Documents you’ll need

Passport (bio page)
Educational certificates / transcripts (EP)
Signed employment contract or offer letter
Recent passport-size photo
In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter for card registration

Things most newcomers don’t know

There is no physical national ID card for foreigners — it's the FIN + your pass.

Unlike citizens/PRs who hold an NRIC, foreigners are identified by a Foreign Identification Number printed on the work pass. Almost every form, bank, telco, and clinic will ask for your FIN.

Source: ICA

Qualifying salary rises with age and is higher in financial services.

As at mid-2026 the EP floor is S$5,600/month for the youngest applicants, scaling up to S$10,700 at age 45+ (financial services S$6,200 rising to S$11,800). Meeting the minimum is necessary but not sufficient — you still need 40 COMPASS points. These figures are reviewed and raised periodically, so confirm the current floor on MOM's eligibility page.

Source: MOM eligibility

Thresholds move on a published schedule — treat any fixed number as dated.

MOM has announced the general EP floor rising to S$6,000 (up to S$11,500) and financial services to S$6,600 (up to S$12,700), applying to new applications from 1 January 2027 and to renewals from 1 January 2028. The qualifying salary is revised periodically and the S Pass floor moves on its own schedule, so check MOM's eligibility page for the figure in force on the date you apply rather than trusting a number in any guide, including this one.

Source: MOM eligibility

Very high earners skip COMPASS entirely.

A fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500, intra-corporate transferees, and short stints of one month or less are exempt from the COMPASS points test — useful to know for senior hires.

Source: MOM eligibility

Common mistakes to avoid

Assuming you can apply yourself — only the employer (or their agent) can file with MOM
Treating the pass as portable — it is tied to one employer, so a job switch needs a fresh application
Forgetting your FIN is the key ID — keep it handy for every bank, telco, and government form
Borderline salary offers that meet today's floor but fail at the 2027 increase

Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.