Personalised work pass in Singapore
The Personalised Employment Pass is a work status in Singapore for high-earning professionals that is not tied to a specific employer and offers more flexibility than an ordinary Employment Pass. It suits current Employment Pass holders on a high income and overseas specialists planning to move to Singapore.
Who can obtain a PEP
Applications are assessed under two scenarios — depending on where the candidate is working at the time of filing.
Current Employment Pass holders
- A fixed salary of at least 22,500 SGD a month — the bar is set at the top 10% of Employment Pass holders' salaries
- The application is filed by the candidate personally
Overseas professionals
- A last drawn fixed salary of no less than 22,500 SGD a month
- That salary must have been earned within the 6 months before the application
To keep a current PEP
- Continuous employment in Singapore — unemployment for more than 6 consecutive months leads to cancellation of the pass
- A fixed salary of no less than 270,000 SGD in a calendar year, regardless of the number of months worked
- For those who applied before 1 September 2023, the retention threshold is 144,000 SGD a year
Documents to gather
The basic set is the same for all applicants; the additional set depends on current employment.
- The passport page with personal particulars, including every amendment made
- If the name in the passport differs from that in other documents — a letter of explanation and supporting documents (for example, a deed poll)
- Proof of a fixed salary of no less than 22,500 SGD a month — the documents differ for those working in Singapore, working overseas or not working
- Non-English documents — the original and an English translation in a single file
How the process runs
The route from filing the application to receiving the card consists of six stages.
- 1
Filing the application
usually within 6 weeksThe candidate files the application online. The outcome is an In-Principle Approval letter or a refusal.
- 2
Preparing to travel to Singapore
The candidate must meet the entry requirements in force in the country.
- 3
Having the pass issued
The candidate or an employment agency completes the issuance. The outcome is a notification letter.
- 4
Registering fingerprints and a photograph
Required where applicable. The outcome is confirmation that the card will be delivered.
- 5
Setting up the digital work pass
The candidate activates the digital version of the work pass.
- 6
Receiving the card
The PEP card is collected by an authorised recipient or by the candidate personally.
Who you can bring with you
Applications for family passes are best started after the main PEP is approved — assessment of a Dependant's Pass and a Long-Term Visit Pass takes 6 weeks. Family pass applications may be filed at the same time as the PEP, but if the main pass is refused their fees are not refunded.
Legally married spouse
Children — unmarried, under 21, including adopted children
Common-law spouse (recognised under the laws of their country or region)
Stepchildren — unmarried, under 21
Parents of the PEP holder
Trips, renewal and the grace period
No more than 6 consecutive months of unemployment
The PEP is issued only once and is not renewed. When the pass is approaching its expiry, continuing to work in Singapore requires an Employment Pass or an S Pass; there is no need to cancel the current PEP in order to do so.
How it differs from the routes next to it
The comparison is built from the official terms of the routes themselves — the source links sit on their own pages.
| Personalised work pass | ONE Pass for top professionals | visa for startup entrepreneurs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa term | Up to 3 years; non-renewable — then a switch to an EP/ONE Pass | 5 years; renewable for 5 years if the income is maintained or a company with ≥5 local employees is run | Usually 1 year, renewable for 1-2 years if the targets are met |
| Grounds | High-earning professionals | High income | Technology startups |
| Money | Minimum fixed salary 22,500 SGD/month | Fixed salary ≥30,000 SGD/month; the employer is a large company | No personal minimum; on renewal — target business spending and hiring of local staff |
| Work | Change of employer without reissuing the pass, as long as the threshold is met | Work for several employers, own business | Work in and run your own company |
| Residence | No more than 6 consecutive months of unemployment | No strict minimum number of days | Actively running the business |
What comes next: permanent residence and citizenship
Route to permanent residence
A PR application as for EP holders
Route to citizenship
PR first, then citizenship
Frequently asked questions about Personalised work pass
Who can obtain a Personalised Employment Pass?
How much does a PEP cost?
How long does assessment of the application take?
Can a PEP be renewed?
Can you bring your family to Singapore on a PEP?
What happens if a PEP holder is left without a job?
How does the PEP differ from an ordinary Employment Pass?
Other ways to move to Singapore
- ONE PassResidence permit (talent)
- Employment PassWork residence permit
- S PassWork residence permit
- EntrePassBusiness / startup residence permit
- Global Investor ProgrammePermanent residence by investment
- Student's PassStudy visa
- Dependant's PassFamily visa
- Long-Term Visit PassFamily visa
- Singapore Permanent ResidencePermanent residence
- Work Permit for migrant workerWork pass
- Tech.PassTalent visa
Every route in one list — migration programmes: Singapore.
The terms and the amounts are checked against official sources — the link sits under each section.Last checked on: 8 August 2026.