Singapore Employment Pass (EP) to Permanent Residence
Singapore · Employer sponsorship · Summary: Professionals employed by a Singapore employer can obtain an Employment Pass (EP); after 2 years of stable work on an EP they may apply for permanent residence (PR). EP applications are assessed through the COMPASS points framework (covering salary, institution-tier bonus points, the firm's local employee ratio and other dimensions).
| Outcome | EP → permanent residence after 2 years |
|---|---|
| Capital threshold | Local employer sponsorship required, with salary at the EP threshold (per the latest official standard) |
| Investment / route | Employment |
| Processing time | EP processing from approx. 3 weeks; PR may be applied for after 2 years |
| Residence requirement | Must remain continuously employed in Singapore |
| Category | Employer sponsorship |
FAQ
How much does Singapore Employment Pass (EP) to Permanent Residence require?
The current threshold is: Local employer sponsorship required, with salary at the EP threshold (per the latest official standard). The route is: Employment. Beyond the published threshold, expect government fees, legal fees and due diligence costs; actual outlay depends on the firm's quote.
How long until I receive "EP → permanent residence after 2 years"?
The typical processing time is around EP processing from approx. 3 weeks; PR may be applied for after 2 years. Actual duration depends on document completeness, background checks and official processing pace, and varies significantly by case.
Is there a residence requirement?
Must remain continuously employed in Singapore
Anything specific for mainland Chinese applicants?
Terms may change as authorities adjust them, and practice can differ by consular district and over time. Where cross-border transfers or tax arrangements are involved, consult a professional adviser before filing.
Source: Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) official site ↗ · Last verified: 2026-09-20 · For reference only; not application or legal advice. Always check the official source for current rules.
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