Singapore Immigration and Work Pass Services for Expats & Businesses
Our Singapore immigration and work visa services provide structured support for individuals and businesses navigating work passes, residency applications, and compliance requirements. From initial eligibility assessment to ongoing advisory support, we help ensure a smooth and compliant immigration process.
Singapore Work Passes, Salary Thresholds & Immigration — Key Facts 2026
Employment Pass
- Min salary: S$5,600/month
- Financial services: S$6,200/month
- From Jan 2027: S$6,000 / S$6,600
- COMPASS: 40 points required
- Processing: ~3 weeks
S Pass
- Until Jun 2026: S$3,300/month
- From Jul 2026: S$3,600/month
- Fin. services from 2027: S$3,800
- Quota: 10–20% (sector-dependent)
- Processing: 3–8 weeks
Other passes
- EntrePass: No min salary — funded / IP business
- ONE Pass: S$30,000/month — 5-year pass
- Tech.Pass: S$22,500/month — tech leaders
- PR: ~6 months processing, S$100 fee
Incorporation link
- 100% foreign ownership allowed
- Your company sponsors your EP or S Pass
- No local partner required
- Incorporate in 1–3 days, then apply for pass
- Nominee director if no SG residency
Singapore runs one of the most structured work pass systems in Asia. Salary thresholds are published. Points are calculated. Processing times are predictable. The rules change regularly — Budget 2026 raised both EP and S Pass minimums effective January 2027 — but the framework is transparent.
One thing most guides miss: your incorporated Singapore company is the legal entity that sponsors your work pass. Because foreigners can own 100% of a Singapore company with no local partner, you control both the sponsoring entity and the pass application. Terra Advisory Services is an ACRA Registered Filing Agent (FA20122913). We have handled Singapore company incorporation and work pass applications from the same desk since 2012.
Singapore Work Pass Types — 2026 Overview
Seven pass categories cover every type of foreign worker, entrepreneur, and investor. The right pass depends on your qualifications, salary, and whether you are coming as an employee, founder, or senior executive.
Employment Pass (EP)
From S$5,600/month
For PMETs — professionals, managers, and executives. Requires a degree or equivalent. Must score 40+ points under COMPASS. No quota. No levy. Sponsored by your Singapore employer — or the Singapore company you incorporate and own 100%.
EP full guide →S Pass
S$3,300 until Jun 2026 · S$3,600 from Jul 2026
For mid-skilled workers with a diploma or technical certificate. Subject to employer quota (10–20%) and a monthly levy. Any ACRA-registered Singapore company — including one a foreigner owns 100% — can be the sponsor.
S Pass full guide →Work Permit
No fixed minimum — sector-specific
For semi-skilled workers in construction, manufacturing, marine, and services. Strict nationality and sector restrictions apply. Employer-sponsored only.
Work Permit guide →EntrePass
No minimum salary
For foreign entrepreneurs starting an innovative or venture-backed business. You self-sponsor via your ACRA-registered company. Must hold 30%+ of shares. Company must be no more than 6 months old at application.
EntrePass full guide →ONE Pass
S$30,000/month
The Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass. A 5-year, employer-flexible pass for top global talent — senior executives, founders, or individuals with outstanding achievements. Work for multiple employers simultaneously.
Tech.Pass
S$22,500/month (last drawn)
For established tech leaders — founders, C-suite executives, or senior engineers with 5+ years of experience building or growing technology companies. Administered by EDB.
Dependant's Pass & LTVP
Sponsor earns S$6,000+/month
For spouses and unmarried children under 21 of EP or S Pass holders earning S$6,000+. Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) covers parents, common-law spouses, and stepchildren.
Dependant's Pass guide →EP vs S Pass vs EntrePass — Side-by-Side
| Feature | Employment Pass | S Pass | EntrePass | ONE Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target | PMETs — degree-level professionals | Mid-skilled, diploma/tech cert | Foreign entrepreneurs | Top global talent |
| Min salary 2026 | S$5,600 (S$6,200 fin. services) | S$3,300 until Jun / S$3,600 from Jul | None | S$30,000 |
| Min salary 2027 | S$6,000 (S$6,600 fin. services) | S$3,600 (S$3,800 fin. services) | None | S$30,000 |
| Employer needed | Yes — or your own company | Yes — registered SG company | No — self-sponsored | No |
| Quota | None | Yes (10–20%) | None | None |
| Monthly levy | None | S$330–S$650 | None | None |
| COMPASS required | Yes — 40 pts | No | No | No |
| Bring family | Yes, if earning S$6,000+ | Yes, if earning S$6,000+ | After milestones | Yes, immediately |
| Path to PR | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Processing | ~3 weeks | 3–8 weeks | ~8 weeks | ~8 weeks |
| Validity | 2 yrs new / 3 yrs renewal | Up to 2 years | 1 yr (renewable) | 5 years |
Incorporate First. Then Sponsor Your Own Work Pass.
Most guides treat incorporation and immigration as separate topics. They are not. Your Singapore company is the legal entity that submits your EP application, sponsors your team's S Pass, and holds the employer record on file with MOM. Because foreigners can own 100% of a Singapore company with no local partner, you control the sponsoring entity from day one. The sequence is: register the company → company sponsors the pass. Terra handles both steps in one engagement under ACRA registration FA20122913.
Employment Pass 2026 — Full Guide
The EP is the most common work pass for foreign professionals relocating to Singapore. No quota. No monthly levy. Once your company is incorporated, it can submit your EP application through the MOM myMOM Portal immediately.
EP Minimum Salary — 2026 and 2027
| Applicant | Sector | Current 2026 | From Jan 2027 (Budget 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New applications | Most sectors | S$5,600/month | S$6,000/month |
| New applications | Financial services | S$6,200/month | S$6,600/month |
| Age 40+ | Most sectors | Progressive — up to S$10,700 at age 45+ | Same progression applies |
COMPASS — How the 40-Point Threshold Works
Every EP application clears two stages. Stage one: meet the minimum salary. Stage two: score at least 40 points under COMPASS. Six criteria make up the framework.
COMPASS — 40 Points Required to Pass
Each foundational criterion awards 0, 10, or 20 points. Bonus criteria add on top.
C1 — Salary
0–20 pts
How your salary compares to local PMET benchmarks in your sector. Above 65th percentile = 20 pts.
C2 — Qualifications
0–20 pts
Top-tier university degree = 20 pts. Other degree = 10 pts. No degree = 0 pts.
C3 — Diversity
0–20 pts
Nationality diversity of the employer's existing EP workforce.
C4 — Local support
0–20 pts
Employer's ratio of local PMET staff relative to industry peers.
C5 — Skills bonus
+10 or +20 pts
Shortage Occupation List roles. Requires degree-level qualifications.
C6 — Strategic bonus
+10 pts
Employer is a Strategic Economic Priority company or hires under the Global Innovation Alliance.
Incorporate Your Company First — Then Apply for Your EP
This is one of the most common setups Terra handles. A foreign founder incorporates a Singapore company — taking 1–3 days — and that company immediately becomes the EP sponsor. The COMPASS framework still applies to the individual, but the company's diversity and local employment ratios also feed into the score. Terra assesses your likely COMPASS result before filing, not after a rejection.
What you need to incorporate
- One Singapore-resident director (or nominee director)
- Local registered address
- Company secretary within 6 months
- Minimum paid-up capital: S$1
- Government fees total: S$315
What the company then does
- Submits your EP application via myMOM Portal
- Provides employment contract and salary structure
- Demonstrates legitimate business operations
- Pays EP application fee (S$105) and issuance fee (S$225)
Common long-tail searches this answers
- Can I get an EP after incorporating in Singapore?
- Can a foreigner director get an Employment Pass?
- Singapore company director EP application process
- How to get work authorisation after company setup
S Pass — 2026 & 2027 Salary Guide
The S Pass covers mid-skilled workers sitting between the EP and Work Permit. The critical constraint is quota: your Singapore company must have available S Pass headroom before submitting any application. Check the EP Online portal first. If quota is full, the application is auto-rejected and the S$105 fee is non-refundable.
S Pass Minimum Salary Timeline
| Effective date | Most sectors | Financial services | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Until 30 Jun 2026 | S$3,300/month | S$3,500/month | Current |
| From 1 Jul 2026 | S$3,600/month | S$3,800/month | Budget 2026 |
| Dependant's Pass threshold | S$6,000/month — unchanged | To bring spouse/children | |
Bringing Your Family — Dependant's Pass & LTVP
EP and S Pass holders earning S$6,000+/month can sponsor their spouse and unmarried children under 21 on a Dependant's Pass. Below S$6,000, family members cannot accompany you. If family relocation matters, build the S$6,000 threshold into your salary structure from day one — or target the EP, which has no quota burden and a cleaner path to PR.
| Pass | For | Sponsor requirement | Can spouse work? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dependant's Pass | Spouse, unmarried children <21 | EP or S Pass holder earning S$6,000+/month | Yes — with Letter of Consent |
| Long-Term Visit Pass | Parents, common-law spouse, stepchildren | Singapore Citizen, PR, or EP holder (case-by-case) | LOC required |
Permanent Residency (PR) — 2026 Guide
Singapore PR gives you indefinite residence and work rights without a work pass. It is also the mandatory step before Singapore citizenship. Most EP and S Pass holders apply after 6 months to 2 years of employment — there is no fixed waiting period, but longer tenure strengthens the case.
How ICA Evaluates Your Application
ICA assesses holistically. No formula is published. The factors that carry weight are economic contribution (salary, tax paid, industry), length of Singapore residence, family ties to citizens or PRs, qualifications, and social integration. A complete, well-documented application with stable employment history is the foundation. If you own a Singapore company, your ACRA BizFile profile becomes part of your evidence of economic commitment.
Key facts
- Apply via ICA e-PR System online
- Application fee: S$100/person (non-refundable)
- Processing time: approximately 6 months
- ~30,000 PRs granted per year
- Spouse and children can be included
Main eligibility routes
- PTS Scheme — EP or S Pass holders employed in Singapore
- Spouse or child of a Singapore Citizen or PR
- Foreign student — 2+ years residence, national exam passed
- Global Investor Programme — S$10M+ investment
- Aged parent of a Singapore Citizen
Documents typically needed
- Valid passport and work pass
- Payslips for last 6 months
- Latest IRAS Notice of Assessment
- Educational certificates
- Employment contract and ACRA BizFile profile
EntrePass, ONE Pass & Tech.Pass — Entrepreneur Routes
For Founders Building an Innovative Business in Singapore
The EntrePass is the right pass when you want to run your own business in Singapore but cannot yet demonstrate the S$5,600 EP salary. There is no minimum salary requirement. Eligibility turns on whether your business is innovative — venture-backed, IP-holding, incubator-backed, or led by a serial entrepreneur with a proven track record.
Core requirements
- ACRA-registered private limited company, max 6 months old
- You hold at least 30% of shares
- Business is not an excluded type (F&B, massage, employment agency)
Meet at least one innovation criterion
- S$100,000+ raised from a recognised VC, business angel, or family office
- Government-recognised incubator or accelerator participant
- Registered IP providing significant competitive advantage
- R&D collaboration with a Singapore IHL or research institution
- Proven track record of founding and scaling businesses
Renewal milestones
- Year 1: S$100k business spending + 1 local hire
- Year 2: S$150k spending + 3 local hires
- Year 3+: S$200k spending + 5 local hires
- Application fee: S$200 | Processing: ~8 weeks
ONE Pass & Tech.Pass — Senior Talent Fast-Track
Both passes bypass COMPASS entirely and allow the holder to work for multiple employers simultaneously. The ONE Pass requires S$30,000/month (last 12 months) or outstanding achievements in business, arts, sports, academia, or research. It is valid for 5 years. The Tech.Pass (S$22,500/month, managed by EDB) targets senior technology builders — founders, C-suite executives, and senior engineers with a verifiable track record in high-value tech companies. Neither pass requires a single employer sponsor.
Why Work with Terra Advisory Services
Most immigration firms handle passes. Most incorporation firms handle companies. Terra does both from the same team, under the same ACRA filing agent registration, in one continuous engagement.
Incorporation and immigration — together
We register your company and apply for your work pass in sequence. One team, no hand-offs, no gaps between providers.
ACRA Registered Filing Agent since 2012
FA20122913. Over 14 years of authorised company registrations, ACRA filings, and work pass applications on record.
COMPASS assessment before submission
We calculate your likely COMPASS score before we file. Salary, qualifications, employer diversity — all checked in advance, not after a rejection.
Direct access — no call centres
You speak with David Chang and his team directly. The people assessing your case are the people filing your documents.
Singapore and Malaysia in one relationship
Singapore handled by Terra. Malaysia handled by our affiliate JT & CY Advisory (Sim Chong Yen, FCCA, MIA). No separate introductions needed.
Complex cases handled
Multi-jurisdiction ownership, governance restructuring, nominee director transitions — we have documented case experience across all of them.
Immigration Service Costs — 2026 Guide
Government fees are fixed by MOM and ACRA. Professional fees vary by complexity. The table below covers the full picture.
| Service | Government fee | Typical professional fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore company incorporation | S$315 (ACRA) | S$500–S$1,500 | Name application S$15 + incorporation S$300 |
| Nominee director (annual) | — | S$1,500–S$4,000/yr | Required if no Singapore-resident director |
| Employment Pass application | S$105 + S$225 issuance | S$1,500–S$3,500 | COMPASS pre-assessment included |
| S Pass application | S$105 + S$150 issuance | S$800–S$2,000 | Quota check before submission |
| EntrePass application | S$200 + S$225 issuance | S$2,000–S$4,000 | Business plan review included |
| Dependant's Pass | S$105 + S$30–S$150 | S$500–S$1,000 | Per family member |
| PR application | S$100/person (ICA) | S$2,000–S$4,000 | Document prep and submission support |
Company Setup — Related Guides
Work passes and company incorporation are two sides of the same decision for most foreign founders. These guides cover every stage of the setup and compliance journey.
Frequently Asked Questions — Singapore Immigration 2026
What is the minimum salary for a Singapore Employment Pass in 2026?
The EP minimum is S$5,600/month for most sectors and S$6,200/month for financial services. Both rise from January 2027 — to S$6,000 and S$6,600 respectively, confirmed in Budget 2026. Meeting the salary alone is not enough. Applicants must also score at least 40 points under COMPASS.
What is the S Pass minimum salary in 2026?
S$3,300/month until 30 June 2026. From 1 July 2026, the minimum rises to S$3,600/month for most sectors and S$3,800 for financial services. MOM also applies progressive age benchmarks — older, more experienced candidates are expected to earn significantly more than the floor figure.
Can a foreigner incorporate a Singapore company and then apply for an Employment Pass?
Yes — and it is one of the most common setups we handle. You incorporate a Singapore company (which you own 100%, with no local partner required). That company becomes the legal EP sponsor. The COMPASS criteria still apply to you as the individual applicant. Terra handles both the incorporation and the EP application in one engagement.
Can my Singapore company sponsor S Pass workers?
Yes. Any ACRA-registered Singapore company — including one owned 100% by a foreigner — can sponsor S Pass holders, subject to quota. Services sector companies are capped at 10% of their workforce on S Pass. Manufacturing, construction, marine, and process sectors have a 20% cap. Always check quota availability in the EP Online portal before submitting. The minimum salary from July 2026 is S$3,600/month.
What is COMPASS and how do I score 40 points?
COMPASS is MOM's points-based framework for EP applications. You need 40 points from four foundational criteria: C1 (salary vs local PMET benchmarks), C2 (qualifications), C3 (nationality diversity of employer's EP workforce), and C4 (employer's local PMET ratio). Bonus points come from C5 (shortage occupation skills) and C6 (strategic economic priority employers). Most well-qualified candidates with competitive salaries reach 40 points without relying on bonus criteria. Terra calculates your COMPASS estimate before filing.
Do I need a nominee director to incorporate a Singapore company as a foreigner?
Yes, if you do not live in Singapore. ACRA requires at least one director who is ordinarily resident — a Singapore citizen, permanent resident, or valid pass holder. If you are a foreign founder without local residency, a nominee director fulfils this requirement. Once you hold your own EP and reside in Singapore, you can replace the nominee with yourself. Annual nominee director cost: S$1,500–S$4,000.
Is the EntrePass better than the Employment Pass for entrepreneurs?
Depends on your situation. The EntrePass has no salary requirement but demands that your business meet innovation criteria — VC-backed, IP-holding, incubator-backed, or built by a serial founder. The EP is more predictable: if your salary clears S$5,600 and your COMPASS score holds up, approval is straightforward. Founders who cannot yet show VC funding or registered IP are generally better served by the EP route via standard incorporation.
How long does it take to get an Employment Pass?
MOM processes most EP applications within 3 weeks. End-to-end — incorporating the company, preparing documents, and filing — typically takes 3–4 weeks with professional services. If MOM issues a Request for Further Information, add 1–2 weeks. Straightforward applications with complete documentation rarely exceed 4 weeks total.
Can I bring my family to Singapore on an S Pass?
Only if your fixed monthly salary is at least S$6,000. S Pass holders earning below that threshold cannot sponsor a Dependant's Pass for their spouse or children. If family relocation is important, structure your employment contract at S$6,000+ from the outset — or target the EP, which carries no quota or levy burden and the same S$6,000 family sponsorship threshold.
How long does Singapore PR take?
ICA processes PR applications in approximately 6 months when documents are complete. Some cases take longer. There is no guaranteed approval — ICA evaluates holistically. The most common route for EP and S Pass holders is the PTS Scheme. Around 30,000 PRs are granted per year. The non-refundable application fee is S$100 per person.
Is Terra Advisory Services authorised to handle work pass applications?
Yes. Terra Advisory Services is an ACRA Registered Filing Agent (FA20122913), legally authorised to manage company registrations and ACRA filings. Work pass applications are managed through the MOM myMOM Portal on behalf of our clients. Managing Director David Chang has handled Singapore incorporation and immigration engagements since 2012. Contact us →
Ready to Apply? Let Terra Handle It.
Tell us your pass type, nationality, qualifications, and timeline. We assess your eligibility, calculate your COMPASS score, and take you from company incorporation through to work pass approval — in one engagement.
- MOM — Employment Pass eligibility and COMPASS criteria
- MOM — S Pass overview, quota, and salary thresholds
- MOM — EntrePass eligibility
- MOM — ONE Pass eligibility
- EDB — Tech.Pass eligibility
- ICA — Singapore Permanent Residence
- ACRA — Company fees schedule
- Business Times — Budget 2026 EP and S Pass salary increases
- Straits Times — EP threshold raised to S$6,000 from 2027