• Insights

Singapore: Employment Pass Rule Improvements Forthcoming

September 2, 2022

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • SingaporeSingapore

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a Glance

The Singapore government will introduce several changes to the current Employment Pass (EP) rules that will benefit eligible applicants. These changes include:

  • Starting January 1, 2023, eligible applicants will be able to apply for the new Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass;
  • Starting September 1, 2023, the top 10% of EP holders will continue to be exempt from the Fair Consideration Framework job advertising requirement and the upcoming Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) and will continue to be eligible for the Personalised Employment Pass;
  • Starting September 1, 2023, experienced professionals in government specified tech occupations on the COMPASS Shortage Occupation List will become eligible for a five-year EP, compared to the typical initial EP duration of two years; and
  • All EP and S Pass applicants must now only comply with Fair Consideration Framework job advertising for 14 days, down from the previous 28-day requirement. Lastly, the government decreased its processing time of EP applications to 10 business days.

The situation

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Communications and Information of Singapore have announced enhancements to Singapore’s existing Employment Pass (EP) framework.

A closer look

Change Details Impact
New Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass
  • Starting January 1, 2023, the following individuals will be able to apply for a five-year work personalised pass that will allow holders to concurrently start, operate, and work for multiple companies in Singapore at any one time:
    • Applicants who earn a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 30,000; or
    • Individuals with outstanding achievements across the fields of arts and culture, sports, science and technology, and research and academia can qualify even if they do not meet the salary criterion.
  • ONE Pass is renewable for five years at a time, provided renewal requirements are met.
  • Eligible applicants are exempt from the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) job advertising requirement and the upcoming Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS).
  • Spouses of ONE Pass holders will be able to work after obtaining a Letter of Consent from the MOM.

 

  • Holders of the new personalised ONE Pass will benefit from the flexibility to work for multiple companies in Singapore at the same time, compared to the typical EP, which only allows the holder to work under a specific job and employer.
  • ONE Pass holders do not need to reapply for a new pass when changing jobs.
  • Spouses of holders of the new pass will benefit from being able to work under a Letter of Consent, compared to spouses of holders of the typical EP, who are required to obtain their own work pass to work in Singapore.
Benefits for the top 10% of EP holders
  • Starting September 1, 2023, the top 10% of EP applicants will enjoy the following benefits:
    • Eligible applicants will continue to be exempt from the FCF job advertising requirement and the upcoming COMPASS;
    • Eligible applicants will continue to be eligible for the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP).
  • The MOM will increase the exemption bar for the FCF job advertising requirement and COMPASS from SGD 20,000 to SGD 22,500.
  • The PEP salary criterion will also be raised to SGD 22,500 for all applicants.
  • Applicants will have to comply with a higher salary threshold to be eligible for FCF and COMPASS exemptions and eligibility for the PEP.
Longer EP duration for specific tech occupations under the COMPASS Shortage Occupation List
  • Starting September 1, 2023, the MOM will offer the option of a longer five-year EP to experienced professionals with a salary of at least SGD 10,500 per month, filling specific tech occupations on the COMPASS Shortage Occupation List, and pass COMPASS and score at least 10 points on the Diversity criterion.
  • The MOM is expected to announce the COMPASS Shortage Occupation List soon.

 

  • Starting September 1, 2023, the MOM will offer the option of a longer five-year EP to experienced professionals with a salary of at least SGD 10,500 per month, filling specific tech occupations on the COMPASS Shortage Occupation List, and pass COMPASS and score at least 10 points on the Diversity criterion.
  • The MOM is expected to announce the COMPASS Shortage Occupation List soon.

 

Shorter FCF job advertising duration for EP and S Pass and faster processing times for EP applications
  • All EP and S Pass applicants now only need to comply with FCF job advertising duration of 14 days, down from the previous 28 days required for typical applications.

  • The MOM will also process EP applications from approximately three weeks to within 10 business days because of technological advances in their system. The MOM will notify employers if they require more time to deliberate.

  • Employers will benefit from faster lead times to onboard EP and S Pass employees due to the shortened FCF job advertising duration.

  • In addition, EP applicants will benefit from technological advances in the MOM system leading to a faster processing time. The MOM has not yet confirmed if the faster processing time will be extended to S Pass applications.

Background

  • Competition for top talent. The changes are in line with the Singapore government’s aim to ensure that the country competes in the global fight for top talent, considering the skills gaps that exist in the country. Similarly, in January 2021, the government opened 500 spots for qualified foreign nationals in the technology sector to apply for the Tech.Pass. Further, in September 2023, the MOM will start using a new points-based evaluation framework called the COMPASS for new EP applications.

Looking ahead

It is likely that the Singapore government will likely continue to enhance general work pass rules, such as those for the S-Pass, by introducing benefits like reduced processing times and other incentives for highly-qualified foreign nationals to ensure that companies in Singapore are bringing in and retaining top talent.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

Country / Territory

  • SingaporeSingapore

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Generic Insights

Media mentions

Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel: Internationale Rekrutierung ist eine Compliancefrage

Partner Marius Tollenaere and Associate Jamela Sharrock examine how employers in Germany can strengthen immigration compliance by embedding it into every stage of the employment lifecycle.

Learn more

Podcast

EB5: What Prospective Applicants Need to Know NOW!

In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Partner Chad Blocker, Senior Counsel Mitchell Wexler and Associate Alex Kim discuss what prospective EB-5 applicants should know now, including source-of-funds documentation, project selection, concurrent filing, retrogression and upcoming program deadlines.

Learn more

Blog post

New EU Social Security Coordination Rules: What Employers Need to Know

In this blog, Partner Jo Antoons and Senior Manager Marina Ocariz discuss the EU’s provisional agreement on revised social security coordination rules and what employers should know about the expected changes to A1 certificate requirements, posted worker rules and short-term cross-border work compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Approaching EB-5 Grandfathering Deadline: What Investors Need to Know Before September 30, 2026

In this blog, Partner Rahul Soni explains the EB-5 grandfathering provisions under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 and why prospective investors should consider filing before the September 30, 2026 deadline to help preserve statutory protections and reduce exposure to future program uncertainty.

Learn more

Video

Do You Need a Visa for Thailand? Tourist Visa Rules Explained

In this video, Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat explains the key requirements, documents, fees and processing time for a Thailand tourist visa, as well as stay duration and extension options for short-term travel. 

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries Named Co-Chairs of Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries announce that they will jointly serve as co-chairs of the Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility for a two-year term beginning in June 2026.

Learn more

Blog post

From Barnsley to the North: AI Growth and the UK's Immigration Challenge

In this blog, Manager Gillian Gibbons and Immigration Consultants Gemma Oliver and Larna Kate Hadfield examine how Barnsley’s designation as the UK’s first government-backed Tech Town reflects wider AI and digital growth across the North of England, and why immigration strategy will be critical for employers seeking to access the global talent needed to support regional innovation.

Learn more

Media mentions

Hong Kong Business Magazine: Employers Seek Broader Immigration Reforms

In this Hong Kong Business article, Managing Director Magdalene Tennant discusses Hong Kong’s recent decision to allow employment and dependent visa renewal applications to be filed up to three months before expiry, a change intended to reduce the risk of work disruptions and provide employers with greater flexibility in managing foreign talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Professional Engineering: How to Access International Engineering Talent in a Changing Immigration System

In this article published by Professional Engineering, Senior Manager Nadine Barnole examines how UK engineering employers can continue to access international talent amid growing skills shortages and a rapidly evolving immigration landscape.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Brasil CNBC: How Technology is Reshaping Identity Verification Systems

In this Times Brasil CNBC Real Tech interview, Partner Diana Quintas discusses Brazil’s recent visa exemption for Chinese nationals, what it signals for Brazil-China mobility and how technology is helping support more efficient cross-border movement.

Learn more

Podcast

World Refugee Day 2026

In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi is joined by Lara Dyer, Chief Solutions Officer (Americas) at Talent Beyond Boundaries; Stuart Szabo, CEO and Co-founder of Beacon; and Jessica Turner, Co-founder and CEO of ThriveON, to discuss refugee labour mobility and employment-based pathways for displaced talent.

Learn more

Video

Business Travel to China | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Manager Maja Sugui provides an overview of key visa and compliance considerations for business travelers planning trips to China.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Media mentions

Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel: Internationale Rekrutierung ist eine Compliancefrage

Partner Marius Tollenaere and Associate Jamela Sharrock examine how employers in Germany can strengthen immigration compliance by embedding it into every stage of the employment lifecycle.

Learn more

Podcast

EB5: What Prospective Applicants Need to Know NOW!

In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Partner Chad Blocker, Senior Counsel Mitchell Wexler and Associate Alex Kim discuss what prospective EB-5 applicants should know now, including source-of-funds documentation, project selection, concurrent filing, retrogression and upcoming program deadlines.

Learn more

Blog post

New EU Social Security Coordination Rules: What Employers Need to Know

In this blog, Partner Jo Antoons and Senior Manager Marina Ocariz discuss the EU’s provisional agreement on revised social security coordination rules and what employers should know about the expected changes to A1 certificate requirements, posted worker rules and short-term cross-border work compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Approaching EB-5 Grandfathering Deadline: What Investors Need to Know Before September 30, 2026

In this blog, Partner Rahul Soni explains the EB-5 grandfathering provisions under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 and why prospective investors should consider filing before the September 30, 2026 deadline to help preserve statutory protections and reduce exposure to future program uncertainty.

Learn more

Video

Do You Need a Visa for Thailand? Tourist Visa Rules Explained

In this video, Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat explains the key requirements, documents, fees and processing time for a Thailand tourist visa, as well as stay duration and extension options for short-term travel. 

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries Named Co-Chairs of Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries announce that they will jointly serve as co-chairs of the Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility for a two-year term beginning in June 2026.

Learn more

Blog post

From Barnsley to the North: AI Growth and the UK's Immigration Challenge

In this blog, Manager Gillian Gibbons and Immigration Consultants Gemma Oliver and Larna Kate Hadfield examine how Barnsley’s designation as the UK’s first government-backed Tech Town reflects wider AI and digital growth across the North of England, and why immigration strategy will be critical for employers seeking to access the global talent needed to support regional innovation.

Learn more

Media mentions

Hong Kong Business Magazine: Employers Seek Broader Immigration Reforms

In this Hong Kong Business article, Managing Director Magdalene Tennant discusses Hong Kong’s recent decision to allow employment and dependent visa renewal applications to be filed up to three months before expiry, a change intended to reduce the risk of work disruptions and provide employers with greater flexibility in managing foreign talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Professional Engineering: How to Access International Engineering Talent in a Changing Immigration System

In this article published by Professional Engineering, Senior Manager Nadine Barnole examines how UK engineering employers can continue to access international talent amid growing skills shortages and a rapidly evolving immigration landscape.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Brasil CNBC: How Technology is Reshaping Identity Verification Systems

In this Times Brasil CNBC Real Tech interview, Partner Diana Quintas discusses Brazil’s recent visa exemption for Chinese nationals, what it signals for Brazil-China mobility and how technology is helping support more efficient cross-border movement.

Learn more

Podcast

World Refugee Day 2026

In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi is joined by Lara Dyer, Chief Solutions Officer (Americas) at Talent Beyond Boundaries; Stuart Szabo, CEO and Co-founder of Beacon; and Jessica Turner, Co-founder and CEO of ThriveON, to discuss refugee labour mobility and employment-based pathways for displaced talent.

Learn more

Video

Business Travel to China | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Manager Maja Sugui provides an overview of key visa and compliance considerations for business travelers planning trips to China.

Learn more
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastNavigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Important Updates
Important Updates
June 25, 2026 | 🌐Worldwide: Temporary Ebola-Related Entry Restrictions Introduced
June 25, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Quebec to Reopen Family Sponsorship Applications Under New Intake Caps
June 25, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: CDC Extends Entry Ban to July 21 For Foreign Nationals Recently in DR Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan
June 25, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Supreme Court Allows Termination of TPS for Haiti and Syria to Proceed
June 25, 2026 | VenezuelaVenezuela: Government Operations and Travel Disruptions Following Earthquakes
June 25, 2026 | 🌐Worldwide: Temporary Ebola-Related Entry Restrictions Introduced
June 25, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Quebec to Reopen Family Sponsorship Applications Under New Intake Caps
June 25, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: CDC Extends Entry Ban to July 21 For Foreign Nationals Recently in DR Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan
June 25, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Supreme Court Allows Termination of TPS for Haiti and Syria to Proceed
June 25, 2026 | VenezuelaVenezuela: Government Operations and Travel Disruptions Following Earthquakes
June 25, 2026 | 🌐Worldwide: Temporary Ebola-Related Entry Restrictions Introduced
Subscribe

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • AI Transparency Statement
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • AI Transparency Statement
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • TikTok
  • Twitter

© 2026 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.