Immigration and Permits

PEP (Premium Employment Pass)

Table of Contents

Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) PEP is a highly flexible work pass offered by Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to highly paid professionals and existing EP holders to attract and retain the best talent from around the world.PEP is not tied to a specific employer and allows the holder to change jobs freely in Singapore.


🌟 What is PEP?

The PEP is a non-employer-bound work permit with key features including:

✅ Holders are free to change employers between companies without having to reapply for a new pass.
✅ Allow a maximum of 6 months unemployment period during which you can look for work in Singapore.
✅ Valid for 3 years, non-renewable

PEP is suitable for top talent who wish to develop a flexible career in Singapore, change jobs or explore different career opportunities.


🌟 Eligibility

Applicants are required to meet any of the following criteria:

1️⃣ Current EP holder and recent monthly salary not less than S$22,500
2️⃣ Overseas highly paid professional with recent monthly salary not less than S$18,000

❗ PEP is not applicable to freelancers or those running companies on a self-employed basis. The holder must be employed by a Singapore registered company.


🌟 Expiry date and renewal

  • Initial validity: 3 years

  • Non-renewable, upon expiration must convert to another work permit or apply for Permanent Resident (PR)

  • Unemployment is allowed for a maximum of 6 months during the holding period, at the end of which the unemployed PEP will expire.


🌟 Rights and obligations of licensees

✅ Freedom to change employers by simply notifying MOM before the start of a new job
✅ Dependant's Pass can be applied for spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old.
✅ May apply for a Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for parents
✅ Mandatory annual declaration of salaries and employment
⚠ Unemployment for more than 6 months or failure to meet payroll requirements will result in PEP lapse


🌟 Application process

1️⃣ Submit your application online and upload the required supporting documents
2️⃣ Payment of application fee
3️⃣ Approval cycle about 6-8 weeks
4️⃣ After obtaining a Letter of Approval-in-Principle (IPA), complete registration and receive a permit

Required documents include:

  • Application Form and Signature Form

  • Recent pay stubs or tax records

  • Proof of employment or company position (if applicable)

  • Letters of recommendation (if required)


🌟 Comparison with other permits such as EPs

typologyEmployer BindingUnemployable hoursconversion workRenewability
EPBinding employersnot haveConversion requires a new applicationrenewable
PEPUnbound employerUp to 6 monthsFree conversion, MOM notification requiredNon-renewable
EntrePassTied to entrepreneurial programsinapplicableinapplicableRenewable, subject to conditions

🌟 Suitable for people

✨ Professionals with high-income backgrounds who want to explore diverse career opportunities in Singapore
✨ High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) who plan to work flexibly in Singapore and wish to provide a long term stay for their family members
✨ Senior management or professionals who expect to apply for PR in the future and maintain a high degree of freedom in the meantime


🌟 We can assist with the provision of

🎯 PEP eligibility assessment and application program design
🎯 Document preparation and material review
🎯 Full Application Submission and Progress Follow-Up
🎯 Family Visa Package Application Support
🎯 Follow-up Identity Transition and PR Strategy Consulting


📌 concluding remarks

PEP is Singapore's highly liberal work pass option for well-paid professionals to explore their careers, change employers and broaden their career paths in Singapore. Successful application requires thorough preparation of documents and proper career planning. We can provide you with professional support if you need a personalized plan, full coaching or family package!