Singapore EP Renewal Standards and Process (Singapore EP Renewal Guide)

Singapore EP (Employment Pass) is a necessary permit for many foreign highly skilled professionals to work legally in Singapore. For foreign employees who already hold an EP, when the visa is about to expire, Singapore EP renewal is an important matter that must be handled promptly. This article will provide a detailed analysis of Singapore EP renewal standards, procedures, fees, and related considerations to help employers and foreign employees successfully complete the renewal application.

Singapore EP Renewal Overview

Singapore EP renewal applies to foreign employees who wish to continue working in Singapore. The renewal application must be submitted by the employer or a designated employment agency (EA) on behalf of the employee; employees cannot renew on their own.

Renewal Timeline

Renewal applications can be submitted within 6 months before the EP expires. For EP (Sponsorship) holders, renewal applications can be processed starting 3 months before expiry.
Submitting a renewal application early will not forfeit the remaining validity period of the current pass. The renewed pass will automatically take effect after the current pass expires.

Renewal Fees

The standard fee for EP renewal is S$225. If the applicant requires a Multiple Journey Visa, an additional S$30 is required.
If the EP holder's renewal is successful and a card replacement is needed, a fee of S$60 will be charged for the card replacement.

Processing Time

Renewal applications submitted through myMOM Portal are typically processed or updated within 10 working days.
For EP (Sponsorship) renewal cases, the processing time is typically within 8 weeks.

Singapore EP Renewal Standards

When conducting Singapore EP renewal, applicants must meet a series of standards, which may vary depending on the renewal date.

1. Renewal Standards Before EP Expiry (Before September 1, 2024)

If your EP expires before September 1, 2024, applicants need to meet the following conditions:

Salary Requirements: Applicants must meet the minimum monthly salary standard (at least S$5,000, with the specific amount depending on industry and position).
Position Match: Applicants must continue working for the same employer in a managerial, executive, or professional position.
Education and Qualifications: Applicants should possess qualifying education, typically a university degree, professional qualifications, or special skills. Previously verified educational credentials do not need to be re-verified.

2. Renewal Standards After EP Expiry (After September 1, 2024)

From September 1, 2024 onwards, all EP renewal applications will additionally require passing the COMPASS scoring system (Complementarity Assessment Framework). In addition to meeting minimum salary and position requirements, applicants must achieve a qualifying score in the COMPASS scoring system. Specific requirements are as follows:

Salary Requirements: Continue to meet the minimum monthly salary standard of at least S$5,000.
COMPASS Score: Scoring is based on indicators such as the applicant's education, salary, and company's local employee ratio. Only a total score of 40 points or above qualifies for renewal.
Exemption Conditions: If the applicant's monthly salary reaches S$22,500 or above, they may be exempt from COMPASS scoring requirements.

Important Note: For Singapore EP renewal, besides meeting the above basic standards, there are also requirements for the company, such as requiring the company to be in operation, have business contracts and revenue, and have sufficient funds to ensure the company can continue operating.

Singapore EP Renewal Process

The Singapore EP renewal process is relatively simple, but it is necessary to ensure all documents and data are accurate and submitted timely. Here are the detailed steps for renewal:

1. Submit Renewal Application Through myMOM Portal

Employers can submit renewal applications online through myMOM Portal. The required steps are:

Log in to myMOM Portal and select the EP renewal option.
Ensure the company's revenue information for the past 3 years has been updated to meet renewal requirements.
Pay the S$225 renewal fee.

For **EP (Sponsorship)** holders, renewal applications require downloading and completing relevant forms, then submitting the documents online.

2. Approval Results

After submitting the renewal application, notification is typically received within 10 working days. For EP (Sponsorship) renewals, the processing time is within 8 weeks. Upon successful renewal, applicants will receive an **In-Principle Approval (IPA)** letter indicating the application has been approved.

3. Collect EP Card

Once renewal is successful, EP holders will collect their new work pass according to the instructions in the IPA letter. If card replacement is not required during renewal, holders can continue using their existing EP card.

4. Special Considerations

If card replacement is required after renewal, the original card should be cut in half and disposed of to prevent misuse.
If renewal is not completed timely, a new EP work pass application will be required. Failed renewal will result in visa expiry.

Importance of Early Renewal

Timely processing of Singapore EP renewal is crucial. If you fail to complete renewal before EP expiry, you will need to submit a completely new EP application. Additionally, if renewal is too late, it may result in employees being unable to continue working legally after EP expiry. Therefore, it is recommended that employers submit renewal applications early, within 6 months before expiry, to avoid unnecessary delays.

Conclusion

Singapore EP renewal is a critical procedure, especially important for foreign employees who wish to continue working in Singapore. By meeting salary requirements, COMPASS scoring standards, and providing appropriate supporting documents, employers and employees can successfully complete the renewal process. Be sure to submit renewal applications within 6 months before EP expiry to avoid affecting the continuity of legal employment. If you have more questions about Singapore EP renewal, please contact our business consultants for professional services.