Employment Pass vs ONE Pass vs PEP: Which Singapore Work Visa Do You Need?

Singapore is one of Asia’s most sought-after destinations for foreign professionals. Whether you are a mid-career executive, a seasoned entrepreneur, or a globally recognised talent, navigating the work pass landscape can be daunting. Three passes dominate the conversation: the Employment Pass (EP), the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP), and the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass). Each serves a different profile of applicant, and choosing the wrong one — or failing to understand which you qualify for — can cost you time and opportunity.

This guide breaks down the key differences between these three Singapore work visas, their eligibility criteria, advantages, limitations, and who each is best suited for in 2026.

Understanding the Three Passes at a Glance

Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) administers all three passes, but they are designed for fundamentally different types of applicants. The EP is the standard professional work pass; the PEP offers portability for high earners; and the ONE Pass is reserved for exceptional global talent. The table below provides a quick comparison.

Employment Pass (EP): The Standard Professional Work Pass

The Employment Pass remains the most commonly issued professional work pass in Singapore. It is intended for foreign professionals, managers, and executives (PMETs) who have secured employment with a Singapore-registered company.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for an EP in 2026, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements under the MOM Employment Pass eligibility framework:

• Minimum fixed monthly salary of S$5,600 (non-financial sector) or S$6,200 (financial sector) for new applications. From 1 January 2027, these thresholds rise to S$6,000 and S$6,600 respectively.
• Pass the COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) with at least 40 points across five criteria: salary, qualifications, diversity, support for local employment, and skills bonus.
• Hold acceptable qualifications — typically a degree from a recognised university, though professional experience and skills are also considered.
• The employer must advertise the role on MyCareersFuture for at least 28 days (for most roles) before applying.

Key Advantages of the EP

• Widely accepted across industries and company sizes.
• Eligible to apply for Dependant’s Passes for immediate family members.
• Can serve as a stepping stone to Singapore Permanent Residency (PR).
• Relatively straightforward process for employers familiar with MOM’s EP Online system.

Limitations

• Tied to a specific employer — if you change jobs, a new EP application is required.
• Subject to COMPASS scoring, which can be challenging for companies with low local workforce diversity.
• Salary thresholds increase with age at renewal, making it harder for mid-career professionals if salaries stagnate.

For a deeper look at how COMPASS works, see our guide on Employment Pass eligibility criteria.

Personalised Employment Pass (PEP): Flexibility for High Earners

The Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is designed for high-earning foreign professionals who want the freedom to change jobs without reapplying for a new work pass. It is not tied to any employer, making it one of the most flexible passes available in Singapore.

Eligibility Criteria

There are two pathways to the PEP:

• Existing EP holders: Must hold a valid EP and earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500.
• Overseas professionals: Must have earned at least S$22,500 per month in their most recent role, drawn within six months of the application date.

PEP holders must maintain a minimum annual fixed salary of S$270,000 and must not be unemployed for more than six consecutive months during the pass validity period.

Key Advantages of the PEP

• Not tied to any employer — switch jobs freely without reapplying, though MOM must be notified of employment changes.
• Three-year validity — longer than a standard EP, offering greater planning certainty.
• No COMPASS assessment required.
• Eligible for Dependant’s Passes for immediate family members.

Limitations

• Non-renewable: The PEP is issued only once and cannot be extended or renewed under any circumstances.
• Very high salary threshold excludes most mid-career professionals.
• Cannot be used to operate a sole proprietorship or partnership — it covers employment only.
• The pass lapses if the holder is unemployed for more than six consecutive months.

ONE Pass: For Exceptional Global Talent

Launched in January 2023, the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) represents Singapore’s most prestigious employment pass category. It targets world-class talent — executives of major global corporations, outstanding entrepreneurs, and leaders in arts, culture, sports, and research.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria per the MOM ONE Pass eligibility framework:

• Salary criterion: Earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000, whilst working for (or intending to work for) a company with a market capitalisation of at least US$500 million or annual revenues of at least US$200 million.
• Business criterion: Have established and currently operate a Singapore-based company with annual business spending of at least S$500,000 and at least five local employees each earning S$5,000/month or more.
• Outstanding achievements criterion: Have established and internationally recognised achievements in arts, culture, sports, science, technology, or academia — as assessed by MOM in consultation with relevant agencies.

Key Advantages of the ONE Pass

• Five-year validity, renewable for subsequent five-year periods — the longest of any Singapore employment pass.
• Multiple employers permitted — ONE Pass holders can work for several companies simultaneously and run their own business.
• Spouses automatically eligible to work — qualifying spouses receive a Letter of Consent (LOC) without a separate application.
• No COMPASS assessment required.
• Significantly strengthens PR and long-term residency applications.

Limitations

• Very high eligibility bar — most professionals will not qualify.
• Requires substantial documented evidence of salary, business scale, or international achievements.
• Renewal requires demonstration that the holder has maintained qualifying conditions during the pass period.

Which Pass Should You Apply For? A Practical Decision Guide

• Earning S$5,600–S$22,499/month with a job offer: Apply for an Employment Pass. Ensure your employer runs through a COMPASS pre-assessment before submission.
• Earning S$22,500+/month and wanting employer flexibility: Consider the PEP — but plan carefully around its non-renewable three-year window.
• Earning S$30,000+/month or having exceptional achievements: Apply for the ONE Pass for maximum flexibility, five-year tenure, and enhanced residency prospects.
• Starting your own Singapore company: The EP (applied by your company) or EntrePass may be more suitable than the PEP for entrepreneurial purposes.

All three passes can support a Singapore PR application over time. Key factors include your salary history, length of residency, employer profile, and family ties to Singapore. See our article on employer obligations when hiring foreign workers in Singapore for related guidance on work pass processes from the employer’s perspective.

How Raffles Corporate Services Can Help

Navigating Singapore’s work pass framework — from COMPASS preparation to documentation, employer obligations, and renewal planning — requires professional guidance. At Raffles Corporate Services, our team assists individuals and companies with the full spectrum of Singapore work pass applications, including Employment Pass, PEP, ONE Pass, and EntrePass. We also handle incorporation and compliance needs for companies sponsoring EP holders.

Contact us to discuss your specific work pass situation.

— The Editorial Team, Raffles Corporate Services ahead is advisable.

Practical Tips for a Successful Application

• Document salary correctly: MOM assesses fixed monthly salary only — variable components such as bonuses and commissions are excluded.
• Prepare qualifications proactively: Degree certificates, transcripts, and professional certifications should be readily available. Official translations are required for non-English documents.
• For EP applications, check COMPASS before you apply: Your employer’s COMPASS score is partly determined by workforce diversity. A pre-assessment can prevent surprises.
• Engage an authorised MOM agent: EP, PEP, and ONE Pass applications can be submitted by the employer or by an authorised employment agency.

For a broader overview of all work pass categories including S Pass and Work Permits, refer to our Singapore Work Pass Guide. You may also find our article on personal income tax for EP holders useful for understanding your tax obligations once you arrive.

How Raffles Corporate Services Can Help

Navigating Singapore’s work pass framework requires careful planning — from assessing COMPASS eligibility to preparing documentation and managing employer obligations. At Raffles Corporate Services, our team assists individuals and companies across the full spectrum of work pass applications, renewals, and immigration planning. Whether you are applying for your first EP, considering a PEP before a career transition, or exploring the ONE Pass as a global executive, we can guide you through every step.

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Na—s sT hPeE PEditorial Team, Raffles Corporate Services