Taking only5daysfrom application to approval,Ms.X‘s Singapore Employment Pass (EP) application case not only demonstrates the efficiency of the Immigration Bureau of Singapore (IBS), but also the great value of professional services.
On September17,2025,Ms.Xsubmitted her Singapore Employment Pass (EP) application. To the surprise of many,her applicationwas approvedon September22after only5working days.
This speed far exceeds the official10-working-day processing cycleannounced by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower.
Behind this efficient application is not only the stringent vetting of the application materials by the Singapore Immigration Department, but also a team of professionals who providea full range of fine-tuned servicesto ensure that every step of the process is in line with the latest standards of the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
1、Accurate grasp:the key points ofSingaporeEPpolicy in2025
The SingaporeEmployment Pass(EP) is a work visa designed for foreign professionals, managers, executives and entrepreneurs and is an important policy tool for Singapore to attract global talent.
In 2025, Singapore’sEPpolicy underwent several adjustments and the eligibility requirements for applicants were made more stringent.
Salary thresholdshave been broken down by industry and age. The minimum monthly salary requirement for new applicants isS$5,600for all industries except financial services.
This rate increases with the age of the applicant, withS$10,700required for applicants aged45and above.
Salary thresholds for the financial sector are higher, starting atS$6,200andS$11,800for applicants aged45and above.
TheCOMPASSpoint systemis a key screening mechanism. Applicants are required to achieve a minimum of40pointson dimensions such as salary, education, diversity of employees in the business, and support for local employment.
The academic background is particularly important, withapplicants whohave graduatedfrom one ofthe top100universitiesin theQSWorld Rankings, the Autonomous University of Singapore, or other highly recognized institutions being awarded thefull20points.
2、Professional services: full follow-up and meticulous gatekeeping
The key to the speedy approval of Ms.X‘s case was the all-round service provided by the professional team, which ensured that her application documents were fully compliant with the latest requirements of Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
The pre-application assessment processis crucial. The professional team used the officialself-assessment toolprovided by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpowerto pre-checkMs.X’s eligibility to apply.
This step helps to screen out suitable candidates and can effectively avoid the risk of visa rejection caused by blindly submitting applications.
Duringthe material preparation stage, the team pays close attention to all the details: from collecting applicants’ passport photocopies and educational certificates to preparing complete company registration documents, detailed business plans and sufficient proof of funds.
Every aspect of the process is subject to MOM Singapore‘sSubstantial Undertakingprinciples.
The professional teamalso achieved precisioninthe application submission process.They submitted their applications online through the Singapore Ministry of Manpower’s eServices system and paid the relevantapplication feesas required.
They also ensured thatMs.X’s application was completed successfully even when she was not in Singapore.
Photo/Mrs. X successfully got her EP in Singapore!
3. Success factors: material authenticity and process optimization
Ms.X‘s case was approved quickly thanks to several key factors:
The authenticity and completeness of the materialsare fundamental. The team ensures that all documents submitted are authentic and reliable, especially theviability and sustainability ofthe proof of funding sourceandbusiness plan.
In2025, the Singapore ZF is more stringent in this area.
Compliance gatekeepingis another important factor. The team ensured thatMs.X‘s application complied with all MOM Singapore regulations, includingfair consideration of all applicants by posting the job advertisement on theMyCareersFutureplatformbeforesubmittingthe EPapplication.
Process optimizationis equally indispensable. The professional team has managed the entire application process in a refined manner, with dedicated staff responsible for and following up on each step from initial assessment, preparation of materials to final submission to ensure a seamless transition.
4. Policy context: Singapore’s talent strategy and employment situation
BehindMs.X’s success in obtainingan EPis a reflection of Singapore’s strategic positioning in attracting global talent.
Singapore’s labor marketremains stable through2025, withboth the resident unemployment rate and long-term unemployment rate at low levels.
At the same time, Singapore’s labour market has also shown a high degree of specialization, with the number of resident employees working in high-skill industries such as information and communications and professional services continuing to grow.
ZF Singapore also actively promotes the Global Entrepreneur Program, which encourages founders from around the world to come to Singapore to establish and develop new projects to strengthen the local startup ecosystem.
This series of initiatives demonstrates Singapore’s commitment to building adiverse and highly qualified network of international talentto sustain its global competitiveness.
*Reference sources:MOMSingapore, United Morning Post,Ms.X’s oral synthesis, reproduced with attribution.
