Quick answer
MOM processes or provides an update on standard online applications within 10 business days; this is not a guaranteed approval deadline. Plan preparation, additional documents, arrival and issuance separately from the submission date.
Official basis: MOM ↗
What to check
| Item | Check or action |
|---|---|
| 准备 / Preparation | Depends on documents and applicable recruitment |
| 审核 / Assessment | May require further documents and assessment |
| 签发 / Issuance | Follow IPA conditions for arrival and issuance |
Before submitting
The employer or appointed EA normally applies online. Obtain candidate written consent, prepare the candidate’s information form and required documents, use SAT and do not apply if it indicates ineligibility. Meet FCF advertising requirements. Update company turnover for three years. The candidate need not be in Singapore to apply. Family applications are best made after main-pass approval, because their fees are lost if the Singapore EP is rejected.
Normal online application
Submit through Singapore EP eService and upload documents. Pay S$105 through GIRO, Visa, Mastercard or Amex. Expect processing or an update within 10 business days and check status after that period. If pending, look for email requests; submit requested files through Work Passes, the application record and Submit documents/View details, or the online form specified in MOM’s email. Extra evidence can extend processing.
Overseas company without a Singapore office
A local sponsor submits the completed, signed electronic Singapore EP Sponsorship form and its supporting files through the official online form. Corppass is needed. Pay S$105 using PayNow, Visa, Mastercard or Amex. Most cases take six weeks; check after six weeks and respond to emailed additional-document requests. The IPA is emailed to the named contact, who gives the candidate their copy. A pending application does not support extending a candidate’s visit pass; bring the candidate only after approval.
Prepare for arrival
After approval, print the IPA and comply with current travel requirements. Show the IPA to the immigration officer on arrival and complete any required medical examination. The IPA is a pre-approved single-entry visa and normally gives six months to enter Singapore and issue the pass.
Issuing the pass
Within the IPA’s six months, the candidate must be in Singapore. The employer or EA uses Singapore EP eService; issuance is immediate when completed successfully. Pay S$225 by GIRO or the listed cards, plus S$30 for a Multiple Journey Visa if applicable. The candidate and submitting party receive the notification letter by email.
Issuance information and declarations
Prepare passport, Singapore contact details, STVP or other immigration pass, compliant residential address, local residential or office card-delivery address, and details of up to three authorised recipients with mobile and identity numbers. Requested PDFs can include the arrival-stamped passport page, medical form/declaration and completed IPA declaration. The employer’s declaration must be signed by authorised HR staff or an employee at least at managerial level.
Waiting for medical results
If medical results delay issuance, request an STVP extension in the permitted seven-to-14-day-before-expiry window and upload the doctor’s memo with results-collection date. The page’s example for expiry on 17 February permits submission from 4 to 10 February. Follow that published window and example rather than make a late request, which can incur overstaying fines.
Notification letter and start of work
After issuance, the notification letter allows work and travel in and out of Singapore while awaiting the card. It is valid for one month and states whether fingerprints and a photograph are required. Request an extension of the notification letter if more time is needed for registration. Approval of the application and issuance of the pass are separate stages.
Fingerprints, photograph and digital pass
If instructed, complete registration at EPSC within two weeks after issuance, by appointment. Bring the original passport, appointment letter, notification letter and phone with a local number and Singpass/SGWorkPass apps. Registration captures fingerprints and photo and sets up Singpass access. On registration day log into SGWorkPass to view the digital pass, status and employment information; set it up even where no registration visit is needed.
Card delivery
Delivery is normally within five working days after registration or document verification, including where fingerprints/photo are unnecessary. The recipient receives delivery details by SMS or email at least one working day beforehand. The candidate identifies themself with a passport or digital pass; an authorised recipient uses NRIC, FIN or passport. If the card is late, check that correct documents were uploaded and use the available delivery-status service.
After two failed deliveries
After two unsuccessful deliveries, the candidate or authorised person can collect at EPSC three working days after the second attempt, without an appointment. The candidate brings the original passport or digital pass and notification letter. An authorised collector brings authorisation from the employer, their NRIC or passport, the candidate’s original passport and notification letter.
Official source
Written independently from official MOM source material.
Frequently asked question
How long does an EP application take, including issuance?
MOM processes or provides an update on standard online applications within 10 business days; this is not a guaranteed approval deadline. Plan preparation, additional documents, arrival and issuance separately from the submission date.