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The Training Employment Pass (TEP) is MOM's pass for foreigners who come to Singapore for practical training for professional, managerial, executive or specialist jobs. Overseas trainees need a fixed monthly salary of at least S$3,000. The pass is valid for up to 3 months and MOM says it is not renewable.
Checked against MOM pages, the eligibility page last updated by MOM on . This is an independent guide, not MOM.
Who qualifies for a TEP?
MOM describes two groups.
- Foreign students. Their training is part of their course of study and they study at an acceptable institution, or they earn at least S$3,000 a month.
- Foreign trainees from overseas offices or subsidiaries. They must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$3,000.
MOM may ask for proof. For students it can ask for the educational qualification to be verified. For trainees from an overseas group it can ask for proof of foreign company ownership.
What are the limits?
| Limit | MOM rule |
|---|---|
| Validity | Up to 3 months |
| Renewal | Not renewable |
| Repeat TEP | Cannot reapply for the same training type |
| Company volume | May be rejected if a company has disproportionately high TEP applications or holders |
The repeat rule matters for employers that rotate staff. A person who has had a TEP for one programme cannot take another TEP for the same kind of training.
What are the alternatives?
MOM points to two passes when the TEP does not fit.
- Work Holiday Pass. For students and graduates aged 18 to 25 (Work Holiday Programme), and for Australian and New Zealander students and graduates aged 18 to 30 under a separate programme.
- Training Work Permit. For semi-skilled foreign trainees doing practical training for up to 6 months.
If the person will be a regular employee, a trainee pass is the wrong tool. See the Employment Pass or the S Pass.
How do you apply?
The TEP application is made through MOM, with the employer or sponsoring organisation involved. The pages we read give the headings only: key facts, eligibility, documents, application steps, cancellation and the list of acceptable institutions. They do not set out the application fee or the processing time. We therefore do not quote either. Read MOM's TEP application page before you plan dates.
To follow an application after filing, MOM's public status service covers the Training Employment Pass among the work pass types it lists. Our status check guide explains the inputs.
Is the TEP a way to test a hire before an Employment Pass?
It is not designed for that, and the 3-month cap and the no-renewal rule make it a poor fit. A trainee who becomes an employee needs a proper work pass. The employer would apply for the EP or S Pass, and the candidate must meet the salary floor and the points test, as set out in the requirements page. Planning the pass early avoids a gap.
What if the application is refused?
MOM can reject a TEP application, including where a company has many TEPs. The reasons come in the decision. For general guidance on appeals and next steps, read work pass rejection.
Do you need a provider?
Most training placements are arranged by the host company or the school. A provider can help when the employer is new to MOM's portals. 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 rules above are MOM's.
Sources
- MOM, Training Employment Pass: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/training-employment-pass (purpose, section list).
- MOM, TEP eligibility: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/training-employment-pass/eligibility (S$3,000, 3 months, no renewal, repeat rule, alternatives).
- MOM, work passes and permits: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits (Work Holiday Pass and Training Work Permit descriptions).
