Immigration and work visa

WORK PASS AND PERMANENT RESIDENCE APPLICATION

As part of our value-added service, we also guide clients on the prevailing immigration rules and regulations of Singapore. Our immigration services are provided by staff who are experienced with the details and procedures of Singapore immigration applications.

They will be able to recommend the best course of action for your application. This is especially helpful to our international clients who wish to operate businesses in Singapore and need to make work permit applications in Singapore or applications for Permanent Residency in Singapore. We are familiar with the various criteria required under the different immigration categories.

Advising on requirements for employment pass, dependent pass and work pass for expatriate employees.
Making applications for employment pass, dependent pass and work pass for expatriate employees.
Making permanent residency applications in Singapore under the various schemes available.
Making renewal applications.
Submitting appeal applications should the employment pass, dependent pass or work pass application be rejected.
Assisting with the transfer and cancellation of immigration passes.
Updating you on the information required by the immigration officials.
Reviewing your immigration applications.

SINGAPORE EMPLOYMENT PASS (EP)

The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) is a type of work visa that is designed for managers, executives, specialists and other skilled professionals who wish to work in Singapore. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) also allows entrepreneurs to apply for an EP after they have incorporated a company in Singapore. This enables them to relocate to Singapore in order to run company operations. There is no official quota for the EP.

Singapore Employment Pass can be applied if you are:

An entrepreneur, executive or managing director of a Singapore company and wish to relocate to manage your company operations;
A locally incorporated Singapore company and need to hire an employee from overseas;
You have an employment offer from a Singapore employer. In this case, your employer will make the EP application on your behalf.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO APPLY FOR AN EP?

All Employment Passes application are carefully assessed by MOM and on a case by case basis. MOM takes into consideration a number of factors such as the applicant’s qualifications, work experience, job scope, economic contribution, employer track record and ability to complement Singapore’s local workforce. To be considered for an Employment Pass, you must possess one or more of the following:

A recognized Diploma/Degree qualification.
Professional qualifications (professional or educational).
Specialist skills.
Relevant work experience.

In some instances, an applicant who does not possess recognized educational qualifications may not necessarily be rejected for an EP, if there are other compensating positive factors in favour of his/her application, namely:

Good job profile, salary, work experience;
Good employer track record, high company paid-up capital and tax contribution;
Possess strategic and in-demand skills in sunrise industries.

Conversely, having recognised educational qualifications does not guarantee a successful EP application.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND TIMELINE

Employment Pass applications must be submitted to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Applications may be filed online or manually.
Online applications require the uploading of relevant supporting documents. Approximately 80% of applications via this route take 3 weeks or longer to process.
Manual applications are preferred by applicants whose supporting documents (e.g. testimonials from previous employers, writing samples etc.) highlight other merits. The processing time for this route takes at least five weeks from the date of receipt of the application. The duration may lengthen during peak periods or when the case requires further input from various economic agencies.

APPROVAL AND COLLECTION

Once the application is approved, the Ministry of Manpower will issue an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter via email. The IPA letter must be produced upon collection of the EP at the Work Pass Division at Ministry of Manpower. An IPA letter is valid for six months from the date of notification of approval.

To collect your EP you will be required to present:

A copy of the IPA letter.
Recent passport sized photograph.
Original passport with the entry embarkation cards.
Medical exam report* (if the In-Principle Approval states that you require one).
Any other documents that are requested in the approval letter.

* You may have a medical examination done in your own country through an established clinic/hospital or in Singapore. Most clinics in Singapore provide medical examination and report within a day.

VALIDITY OF AN EMPLOYMENT PASS

The validity of an EP varies and are as follows:

First-time applicants – up to 2 years.
EP renewals – up to 3 years.

SINGAPORE ENTRY VISA

If you are overseas and require an entry visa to Singapore, your IPA letter will include a single journey entry visa. Upon your arrival in Singapore, we will make an appointment with Ministry of Manpower on your behalf for finger printing. Once the procedures have been completed, your pass will be ready in 4 working days. You may collect the pass at MOM personally or authorize our company to collect it on your behalf.

Get in contact

Corporate advisory services

Business Advisory and consultant services of PRIMEX Consulting are designed to provide strategic thinking and advice on the ways to improve your business effectiveness and efficiencies. We can help the clients identify business opportunities, execute growth strategies, manage risk and improve performances.

Learn more

Cross border structuring 

We have a team of experienced business advisory professionals who have diverse backgrounds and a wealth of industry expertise. They are well trained in assisting the clients to plan business strategies, manage operations and enhance profitability of the business. Our services do not restrict to just recommend solutions and deliver advices. We consider your goal as our goal and strive to work as a part of your business to achieve it.

Learn more