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You can file an Employment Pass yourself, or let an agent do it. The choice is about time and risk, not legality. MOM allows both routes, and MOM gives you a public directory to test any agency before you pay.
SingaporeCompanySetupGuide.com is an independent guide. We are not MOM and we are not an employment agency. We pass quote requests to suitable providers, and some pay us a referral fee. We make no approval promises and rank no agent.
Who can apply for an Employment Pass?
MOM says: you can apply for an Employment Pass online as an employer or appointed employment agent. The application goes through EP eService on the myMOM portal. You need the candidate's written consent, you complete the candidate's form, upload the documents and pay the MOM fee of S$105 by GIRO, Visa, Mastercard or American Express. MOM also says your organisation's turnover information for the past three years should be updated before you submit.
Processing time, per MOM, is within 10 business days for most applications, and within 6 weeks for most cases from overseas companies without Singapore registration (checked ).
How do I check an Employment Pass agent is licensed?
- Open the MOM EA Directory (Employment Agencies and Personnel Search).
- Search the agency name. Confirm it holds a licence.
- Check the named person who will handle your case is a registered EA personnel.
- Look at the tab for agencies under revocation, suspension or surveillance.
- Match the person's ID card against the directory entry.
Do not rely on a logo or a "partner of" line. The licence holder is the entity that signs your agreement.
What should I ask an agent?
- What is your fee, and what is included if MOM rejects the application?
- Do you submit under my company's account or yours?
- How do you test the salary and COMPASS score before you file? See EP salary and COMPASS.
- Who talks to MOM if there is a request for information?
- What do you charge for a renewal? Read about pass renewal.
An agent cannot guarantee a result. MOM decides, so a promise of approval is a red flag.
Which firms list work pass help and have facts we could verify?
The list is partial and not a ranking. Facts read in on each firm's page and in the ACRA entity data. None of the pages we read published a work pass fee. We do not say these firms hold an employment agency licence; check each one in the EA Directory.
| Firm | What it lists |
|---|---|
| HeySara | Employment Pass, S Pass, EntrePass and Dependant Pass applications |
| Piloto Asia | Work visa and immigration; a Complete plan that names a director visa |
| Office M | Employment Pass assistance |
Which route fits my case?
| Your situation | Likely route |
|---|---|
| Hiring one person, simple salary case | File yourself, or ask an agent for a review |
| New company with no local staff | Use an agent or provider who also sets up the company; see company incorporation |
| Owner who wants to run their own company | Compare EP for directors with EntrePass |
| Rejected earlier | Ask for a written reason review before paying for an appeal |
Want a few providers to compare? Use the quote form on this page.
What should I have ready before I contact an agent?
Have these to hand: the candidate's full name as it appears on their passport, their qualifications and salary offer, a short job description, your company's UEN and the SSIC code that matches the role. Confirm the company has valid turnover figures on file, since MOM asks for the past three years before submission. Our Employment Pass guide lists the other criteria.
An agent who asks nothing about the role or salary before quoting is guessing. One who asks for the candidate's documents but will not name the firm's licence number is a worse sign.
Sources
- MOM: apply for an Employment Pass: who can apply, fee, processing time, steps.
- MOM: why use a licensed EA and how to check: EA Directory.
- MOM: Employment Agencies and Personnel Search: the directory service.
- Each firm's own page, linked on its profile.