There are now two classifications of employment pass - 'P' and 'Q'. The P pass has two categories P1 and P2. The P1 pass is for foreigners holding acceptable tertiary/professional qualifications seeking professional, administrative, executive or managerial jobs or who are entrepreneurs or investors. A P1 pass is for those with incomes of above $7000 and a P2 pass is for those with incomes of between $3500 and $7000. Q1 Pass - for foreigners with monthly basic salary of S$2,501 and above and possess acceptable degrees, professional qualifications or specialist skills
'S' work pass replaced the former Q2 pass since 1st July 2004. The objective of the S pass is to increase the flexibility and responsiveness of MOM's foreign manpower policy to meet industries' needs for middle level skilled manpower. Applicants for the new S pass will be assessed on a points system which will take into account multiple criteria, including minimum salary of S$1800 a month, education qualifications, skills, work experience, job type ( such as associate professionals and technicians ) , etc.
A monthly levy pegged will apply and there will be a cap on the number of S pass holders, in each company based on a quota of 10% of the company's local and work permit workforce. S pass holders with $2,500 basic monthly salary will be entitled to dependent privileges
As many companies are moving towards more flexible remuneration schemes, MOM since April1 2007 accepts salary components paid on a regular basis as part of basic wage, in considering EP / S Pass applications. As such, companies have greater flexibility to bring in EP and S Pass holders.
The processing time for the EP application is approximately two weeks from the date of receipt of duly completed application form with all the relevant documents. An In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter will be sent to the employer once the Employment Pass (EP) application has been approved. The IPA letter must be produced upon collection of the EP from the Work Pass Division. This letter is valid for six months from the date of the letter. An EP of First-time applicants is valid for up to two years and the same can be renewed for up to three years.
The Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is a new scheme to facilitate the contributions of global talent to Singapore. Currently, the issue of an Employment Pass (EP) is tied to a specific employer. Any change of employer requires a fresh application. If an EP holder leaves the company, his EP is cancelled and he must leave Singapore unless he finds employment with a new company. In contrast, the new PEP is not tied to any employer and will be granted on the strength of an EP holder's individual merits. A PEP holder is able to remain in Singapore for up to six months in between jobs to evaluate new employment opportunities. A PEP will be issued only once and will be valid for 5 years and is non renewable. P Pass holders who have at least two years’ working experience on a P Pass and Q1 pass holders with at least five years’ working experience on a Q1 pass are eligible to apply for PEP.
An Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate (EPEC) is issued for deserving applicants with tertiary Qualification who wish to search for a job in Singapore. The EPEC facilitates job search by granting the holder up to one-year Social Visit Pass (SVP). The EPEC is issued on a one-time basis and is strictly non-renewable.
Ms. Ragini Dhanvantray CEO of (http://www.rikvin.com) Rikvin consultancy offering a comprehensive Business Migration service for aspiring foreigners says “Singapore Immigration allows foreigners to apply for an Employment Pass after they have incorporated their Singapore Company to enable them to live and work in Singapore. But a local nominee director is required until the application for Singapore Employment Pass is approved and Rikvin can provide this facility. Since applications for EP can be submitted online it’s relatively fast and easy. The quality of workforce attracts foreign investments and enterprises into this island state, which is transforming into an entrepreneurs’
Rikvin consultancy provides highly professional company incorporation services, both in attractive standard packages as well as customized services. Online incorporation being a hallmark service, other services of Rikvin include
Offshore Incorporation
Singapore Immigration -EntrePass / Employment Pass
GST Registration
Accounting Services
Tax Planning & Consulting
Business Plan Drafting
For more information, please vist : http://www.rikvin.com/
