Personalised Employment Pass Frequently Asked Questions
If you are looking for a work pass that provides more flexibility and doesn't tie you down to one employer, the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) may be the work pass you should apply for. Get answers to some of the frequently asked questions about the PEP and find out if you are eligible to apply for it.
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Can a PEP holder start their own business in Singapore?
No. The Personalised Employment Pass is not for business owners or independent freelancers, which means that PEP holders are not eligible to start their own business nor engage in any entrepreneurial activity in Singapore. PEP holders cannot be employed by their own company; the PEP pass is only meant for foreigners who are employed by a third-party employer.
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Who is not eligible to apply for PEP?
You are not eligible for the PEP if you are:
- An Employment Pass holder under the sponsorship scheme
- A freelancer or foreigner who intends to work on a freelance-basis
- A sole proprietor, partner or director and shareholder in an ACRA-registered company
- A journalist, editor, sub-editor or producer
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Does a PEP holder need to leave Singapore after the expiry of the validity period?
The PEP is issued for a three-year period and is non-renewable. Assuming the PEP holder has not obtained Singapore Permanent Residence status, (s)he will have to apply for an Employment Pass in order to continue working in Singapore after the expiry of the three-year period. If the Employment Pass application is not successful, the PEP holder will not be able to continue working in Singapore upon the expiry of the PEP after the three-year validity.
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Does a PEP holder need to obtain approval from MOM when switching jobs?
No. It is not mandatory for PEP holders to obtain approval from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) when switching jobs. However, it is important to note that PEP holders still need to notify and update the MOM on their current job status. The notification must be sent within seven days of the change in employment by emailing a Notification Form to the MOM. The pass holder’s current and previous employers are also required to notify MOM by emailing the relevant Notification Form.
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Can a PEP holder apply for Singapore Permanent Residence?
Yes. PEP holders can apply for Permanent Residence (PR) provided (s)he is employed at the point of making the PR application. It is not necessary to wait until the PEP expires in order to apply for Singapore PR. Please note that the PR application is subject to approval by the authorities.
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What is the minimum salary that a PEP holder needs to earn annually in Singapore?
All PEP holders are required to earn a minimum annual fixed salary of SGD $144,000.
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What will happen if I did not meet the $144,000 fixed annual salary?
If the salary requirement is not met, your PEP will be cancelled and you will be issued a Short Term Visit Pass, which will allow you to remain in Singapore. In the event you decide to work in Singapore again, your prospective employer must apply for an Employment Pass for you.
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Can I get a multiple entry visa for the PEP?
Yes. You can request for a multiple entry visa at the time of applying for the PEP. A multiple entry visa allows you to freely enter and leave Singapore during the validity period of your PEP.
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What happens if I do not find a job for more than 6 months?
The PEP only allows you to stay up to a maximum period of 6 continuous months without a job in Singapore. If you are unable to find suitable employment within this 6-month period, your PEP will be cancelled.
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Who will sponsor my PEP and the Dependant’s Pass for my spouse or children?
You will sponsor yourself and your dependants (spouse and children). No banker’s guarantee is required.
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Why do I need to provide the details of a local contact person for my PEP application?
The MOM requires a local contact person (Singaporean citizen or PR, of at least 21 years old) in the event of an emergency. Your local contact person is not liable for your PEP application in any way.