Singapore Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)

If you work in Singapore and do not want to be restricted to a single employer, the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is perfect for you. This article will guide you on how to apply for a PEP, the eligibility criteria, required documents, and related information.

What is the Singapore Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)?

The Singapore Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is a special type of employment pass designed for high-income existing Employment Pass holders or foreign professionals. PEP offers greater flexibility than the Employment Pass. The PEP allows you to change jobs in Singapore without reapplying for an entry visa, as long as the holder’s unemployment period does not exceed 6 months.

How does the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) differ from the Employment Pass (EP)?

Both passes are similar in several ways. Both allow the pass holder to live and work in Singapore, enter and exit Singapore without a visa, and bring family members to Singapore through Dependant’s Pass and Long Term Visit Pass. PEP, like EP, does not occupy the company’s quota and does not require a levy.

However, PEP holders must meet the following additional requirements:

  • You cannot conduct business in Singapore, including becoming an employee of your own company or engaging in entrepreneurial activities. However, you can be a salaried director of your company (but not a shareholder).
  • PEP holders must earn a fixed salary of at least SGD 144,000 per year during the pass period.

Advantages of PEP:

Compared to other work passes, PEP provides greater job flexibility:

  • You can work in any industry. However, PEP does not exempt you from the registration requirements for professions such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, architecture, and law in Singapore.
  • No need to reapply for a new pass when changing jobs; you only need to notify the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
  • You can stay in Singapore for up to 6 months without a job while searching for new employment.

Eligibility for Personalised Employment Pass:

You can apply for a PEP if you meet the following criteria:

  • If you are an Employment Pass holder, your minimum monthly salary must be SGD 12,000, and your fixed annual salary for the previous year must be at least SGD 144,000.
  • If you are a foreign professional, your last drawn fixed monthly salary must be at least SGD 18,000. Your last salary should not be more than 6 months before the PEP application date.

Ineligible Cases:

  • Employment Pass holders under the Sponsorship Scheme.
  • Freelancers or foreigners intending to work as freelancers.
  • Sole proprietors, partners, or directors who are shareholders of an ACRA-registered company.
  • Journalists, editors, sub-editors, or producers.

⚠️ Note: You cannot start a business or engage in any form of entrepreneurial activity while holding a PEP. If you intend to do so, you should apply for an EntrePass or Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass.

Required Documents for PEP Application:

If you are an existing Employment Pass holder, no additional documents are required. However, you need to fill in the following details in your PEP application form:

  • Passport details
  • Employer’s name and address (if applicable)
  • Job and salary details (if applicable)
  • Overseas contact details (approved local contact details for foreign professionals)
  • Details of Dependant’s Pass holders (if applicable)
  • Details of Long Term Visit Pass holders (if applicable)

If you are not an Employment Pass holder, you will need to provide the following additional documents:

  • Copy of the personal particulars page of your passport
  • Employment contracts for your new job and/or previous jobs (if applicable)
  • Payslips and bank statements for the past three months
  • Latest tax notice
  • Latest resume and copies of relevant educational certificates

⚠️ Note: Any non-English documents must be translated by a professional translation service, the High Commission/Embassy, or a notary public and submitted with the original documents.

Processing Time for PEP Application:

Most applications are processed within eight (8) weeks. The application fee for a PEP is SGD 105, and an additional fee of SGD 225 is payable per pass upon collection. Additionally, if required, a Multiple Journey Visa (MJV) costs SGD 30 per visa.

Once your application is approved, you will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter valid for six (6) months. You should collect your pass from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) during this period. You will also need to bring any other documents requested in the IPA letter.

The PEP is valid for three years. As long as your pass is valid, your family members holding Dependant’s Passes will be allowed to stay in Singapore.

What to do if your PEP application is rejected?

If your PEP application is rejected, you can appeal once you address the issues raised in the rejection letter. Unless new valid information can be provided during the appeal, it is generally a waste of time.

You need to appeal within 3 months of receiving the rejection letter. If you miss this timeframe, you will have to submit a new application. MOM usually takes 8 weeks to process appeals, sometimes longer.

Maintaining your Personalised Employment Pass:

To retain your PEP, you must:

  • Not be unemployed in Singapore for more than 6 months at any time. Otherwise, your PEP will be canceled.
  • Earn a fixed annual salary of at least SGD 144,000 each calendar year, regardless of how many months you work. (If your PEP is approved after September 1, 2023, you must earn a fixed annual salary of at least SGD 270,000 each calendar year.)
  • Keep the authorities informed of your contact details and employment information. There are two notification methods:
    1. The PEP Notification Form
    2. Employment Pass Online Account (EPOL). To open an EPOL account, you need to log in using your SingPass.

Update the following information using the PEP Notification Form:

  • Changes in employment status must be notified within 7 days. Your employer must also report changes in your employment status using the Employer Notification Form.
  • Changes in local contact details.
  • Annual salary, to be declared by January 31 of the following year.

Update the following information using the EPOL Account:

  • Changes or updates to travel documents.
  • Lost or damaged PEP card – you need to apply for a replacement via EPOL.
  • Changes in residential address.

Renewing your Personalised Employment Pass:

Unlike other work passes, the PEP cannot be renewed after its three-year validity period. Upon expiration, you can continue working in Singapore using an Employment Pass (EP) or apply for Permanent Residency (PR). You can also cancel your PEP at any time. Once canceled, you will not be able to apply for a new PEP.

Dependent Passes for PEP holders:

  1. Dependant’s Pass:
    • For legally married spouses.
    • For children under 21 years old.
  2. Long Term Visit Pass:
    • For spouses.
    • For unmarried disabled children over 21 years old.
    • For unmarried stepchildren under 21 years old.
    • For parents.

Updated on 18 July 2024