Last updated
The Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is for high-earning Employment Pass holders and overseas professionals. MOM sets a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500. It is not tied to one employer, is valid up to 3 years and, per MOM, is issued only once. It does not allow the holder to run a business.
Checked on MOM's PEP pages. MOM's pages carry update dates from to , so confirm any figure that matters before you act. This is an independent guide, not MOM.
Who qualifies for a PEP?
There are two entry routes: an existing Employment Pass holder, or an overseas professional. The salary test is a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500, which MOM benchmarks to the top 10% of EP holders. An overseas applicant's last salary must fall within 6 months of applying.
MOM lists groups who are not eligible:
- freelancers, or anyone who plans to freelance
- sole proprietors, partners and shareholder-directors
- holders of an EP (Sponsorship)
- people in restricted occupations, such as media and religion related work
Directors who work for their own firm usually fit the company director route, not the PEP.
What does a PEP give you?
| Feature | MOM's position |
|---|---|
| Employer tie | Not tied to one employer |
| Job change | No need to reapply for a pass |
| Sectors | Any sector, subject to professional licences |
| Job search | Up to 6 months continuous stay without a job |
| Levy or quota | None |
| Validity | Up to 3 years |
| Family | Passes may be available for eligible family members |
Regulated fields such as medicine and law still need the professional licence. Income tax obligations may apply, as MOM notes.
What must you earn to keep it?
MOM sets a fixed salary of S$270,000 per calendar year to keep the PEP. For holders who applied before , the older figure of S$144,000 applies. The holder must stay employed. Unemployment beyond 6 months means the pass has to be cancelled.
Can you renew a PEP?
No. MOM says the PEP is issued only once. When it expires, the holder has to move to an Employment Pass or an S Pass, which means a new application, salary floor and points test. The Employment Pass guide and the COMPASS guide set out that route.
Why would you choose a PEP over an Employment Pass?
The main gain is freedom to change jobs. An Employment Pass is tied to the employer named on it, and a move means a new application with a fresh salary and points check. A PEP holder does not reapply when changing jobs, and MOM allows up to 6 months without a job while searching. The trade is a much higher salary bar, a one-time issue and a ban on business activity. Someone near the S$22,500 line should compare with the standard route on our Employment Pass salary page, since an EP holder at that salary is also exempt from the points test.
Overseas applicants should plan the timing. MOM wants their last salary within 6 months of the application, so an old payslip will not do. Keep payslips and the employment letter ready, and read MOM's documents list before you file.
What can a PEP holder not do?
MOM says the holder cannot start a business or do entrepreneurial work. For that, MOM points to the EntrePass or the Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass. See the EntrePass guide, the ONE Pass page and, for a wider view, Can an EP holder start a business.
How do you apply?
MOM lists the steps: read the key facts and eligibility, submit documents, apply through the Employment Pass eService, check the status, appeal if rejected and keep MOM updated on employment or personal changes. The pages we read do not state a fee or a processing time for the PEP, so we leave both out. Our status check guide covers following an application.
Do you need a provider?
You apply yourself, since the pass is not employer-led. A provider can still help with documents and salary proof. If you want that, use the quote form on this page. We pass your request to suitable providers and may earn a referral fee. The facts above come from MOM.
Sources
- MOM, Personalised Employment Pass: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/personalised-employment-pass (purpose, application steps).
- MOM, PEP eligibility: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/personalised-employment-pass/eligibility (S$22,500, S$270,000, S$144,000, ineligible groups, no business).
- MOM, PEP key facts: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/personalised-employment-pass/key-facts (3 years, issued once, 6 months without a job, no levy or quota).
