If you are a high-earning foreign professional working in Singapore, the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is one of the most flexible work passes available to you. Unlike the standard Employment Pass, which ties you to a single employer, the PEP gives you the freedom to switch jobs, explore new opportunities, and even take a break between roles — all without filing a new pass application each time.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the PEP in 2026: who qualifies, how to apply, what the restrictions are, and what happens when your PEP expires.

I. What Is the Personalised Employment Pass?

The Personalised Employment Pass is a work pass issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act. It is designed for high-calibre foreign professionals who have demonstrated a strong employment track record and who earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500.

The PEP is not tied to any single employer. This means that if you hold a PEP and decide to change jobs, you do not need to apply for a new pass — you simply notify MOM and update your employment details. You may also spend up to six continuous months in Singapore between jobs while you search for your next role, provided you do not take on freelance or self-employed work during that period.

For a broader comparison of the PEP against other senior-level passes, see our guide on Employment Pass vs ONE Pass vs PEP.

II. PEP Eligibility in 2026

There are two routes to qualify for the PEP, depending on whether you are currently overseas or already working in Singapore.

Route 1: Applicants Currently Overseas

You may apply from overseas if your last drawn fixed monthly salary from a foreign employer was at least S$22,500. You must be currently employed — you cannot apply if you are in between jobs or unemployed at the time of application.

Route 2: Applicants Already in Singapore

If you are currently working in Singapore on an Employment Pass or other qualifying work pass, you may apply for the PEP provided your last drawn fixed monthly salary was at least S$22,500.

In both cases, the S$22,500 threshold refers to your fixed monthly salary only — variable components such as bonuses and commissions are excluded.

III. Key Features and Conditions of the PEP

Validity and Renewal

The PEP has a validity of three years and is not renewable. This is an important distinction from the Employment Pass, which can be renewed indefinitely as long as employment continues. Once your PEP expires, you cannot apply for another PEP. Your options at that point are to secure a new employer-sponsored Employment Pass, qualify for the ONE Pass, or apply for Singapore Permanent Residence.

Employer Independence

Unlike the Employment Pass, the PEP is not linked to any specific employer. You can change jobs freely without needing your new employer to file a new pass application. You do, however, need to update MOM of your new employment within one month of starting a new job.

Six-Month Job Search Allowance

If you leave a job, you can remain in Singapore for up to six continuous months looking for new employment. You must not take on any freelance, self-employed, or business-owner work during this period.

Annual Salary Requirement

To maintain your PEP, you must earn a fixed annual salary of at least S$270,000 in each calendar year you are employed. You are required to file an annual salary declaration with MOM. If you fail to meet this threshold, your PEP may be cancelled.

No COMPASS Assessment

The PEP is exempt from the COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) scoring system that applies to Employment Pass renewals. This is a significant advantage for applicants who might otherwise face challenges with workforce complementarity scores.

IV. Who Cannot Hold the PEP?

The PEP comes with clear restrictions on the type of work arrangements permitted. You cannot hold a PEP if you intend to:

  • Work as a sole proprietor or partner in a partnership
  • Act as a director of a company in which you hold a substantial shareholding (generally 30% or more)
  • Engage in any self-employed or freelance work

The rationale is straightforward: the PEP is intended for professional employees, not business owners. If you are looking to start your own business in Singapore, you would need to explore the EntrePass or the Employment Pass route via a corporate employer instead.

You also cannot hold more than one work pass concurrently, and you must not be listed on any MOM debarment or watchlist at the time of application.

V. Dependants and Family Members

PEP holders may bring eligible family members to Singapore. With a fixed monthly salary of S$22,500, you will generally qualify to sponsor:

  • A Dependant’s Pass (DP) for your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age
  • A Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for parents and parents-in-law, subject to MOM’s assessment

Family members on a DP may also be eligible to work in Singapore subject to their own work pass requirements.

VI. How to Apply for the PEP

Applications for the PEP are submitted through MOM’s MyMOM Portal. Unlike the Employment Pass, which requires the employer to apply on your behalf, you apply for the PEP yourself.

Documents Required

The standard document checklist for a PEP application includes:

  • Valid passport (biodata page)
  • Recent passport-sized photograph
  • Educational certificates and transcripts
  • Last six months’ payslips from your current or most recent employer
  • Employment letter from current employer (for applicants already in Singapore)
  • Proof of last drawn salary if applying from overseas
  • Work history documentation for significant career gaps

Application Fee and Processing Time

The application fee is S$105 (non-refundable). MOM typically processes PEP applications within three weeks, though complex cases may take longer. Once approved, you will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter valid for six months. You must collect the pass within that period.

For hands-on assistance with your PEP application, our associated licensed employment agency handles the full submission process with MOM.

VII. Maintaining Your PEP: Annual Obligations

Holding a PEP comes with ongoing compliance obligations. Every year, you must file a salary declaration with MOM confirming that you have met the S$270,000 annual earnings threshold. The declaration is due within one month of the end of each calendar year.

You must also keep MOM informed of changes to your employment status, including:

  • Starting a new job (notify within one month)
  • Leaving a job (notify and track the six-month clock)
  • Any change in your business interest or directorship that could affect your eligibility

Failure to comply with these reporting obligations can result in cancellation of your PEP.

VIII. What Happens When Your PEP Expires?

Because the PEP is non-renewable and lasts only three years, you must plan ahead for what comes next. Your main options are:

  • Employment Pass: If you have an employer willing to sponsor you, you can apply for a standard EP. Note that EP renewals from 1 July 2026 require passing the COMPASS assessment.
  • ONE Pass: If you meet the ONE Pass eligibility criteria (minimum fixed monthly salary of S$30,000, or outstanding achievements in key sectors), this is a strong alternative that is also employer-agnostic.
  • Singapore Permanent Residence: The three years under a PEP can be a valuable period to build the economic and community ties that support a Singapore PR application. Many PEP holders use the pass as a stepping stone to PR.

For a full overview of all pathways to long-term residency in Singapore, see our guide on how to move to Singapore as a high net worth individual.

IX. PEP vs ONE Pass: A Quick Comparison

Feature PEP ONE Pass
Minimum monthly salary S$22,500 S$30,000 (or outstanding achievement)
Validity 3 years 5 years
Renewable? No Yes
Multiple employers allowed? No (one at a time, switch freely) Yes (concurrent multiple employers)
COMPASS assessment? Exempt Exempt
Employer sponsorship required? No No
Annual salary declaration? Yes (S$270,000/year) No
Business ownership allowed? No (substantial shareholding) Yes

X. Is the PEP the Right Pass for You?

The PEP is well-suited for foreign professionals who are either between employers in Singapore or who are arriving from overseas with a strong earnings record and want the flexibility to explore multiple job opportunities before committing to a single employer.

However, given that it lasts only three years and cannot be renewed, it is best viewed as a transitional pass rather than a long-term solution. If you are looking for a permanent base in Singapore, you should have a clear strategy for what comes after the PEP — whether that is securing a stable EP role, qualifying for the ONE Pass, or applying for PR.

For sound financial planning and investment decisions that complement your move to Singapore, it is worth thinking through both your professional and personal financial objectives early in the process.

XI. How Raffles Corporate Services Can Help

Raffles Corporate Services assists foreign professionals and their employers with the full spectrum of Singapore immigration and corporate services, from work pass applications to company incorporation, corporate secretarial compliance, and accounting.

To speak with the team at Raffles Corporate Services, you can email [email protected] or call, SMS, or WhatsApp +65 8501 7133. We are happy to assist with any queries.

— The Editorial Team, Raffles Corporate Services