How to complete your Singapore EP renewal efficiently

Renewing a Singapore Employment Pass (EP) is essential for foreign professionals who wish to continue working and residing legally in Singapore. The renewal process ensures both employers and employees remain fully compliant with the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) requirements, including qualifying salary, role relevance, and the COMPASS framework.

MOM permits renewal applications to be submitted up to six months before the pass expires, making early preparation crucial to avoid work disruptions or immigration issues.

This article outlines the key aspects of Singapore Employment Pass renewal, including eligibility criteria, required documents, MOM’s assessment factors, common rejection reasons, appeal options, and how professional assistance can help streamline the process. It serves as a practical guide for HR teams, employers, and EP holders seeking a smooth and compliant renewal experience.

Key Takeaways

• Early preparation is essential: Begin the Singapore Employment Pass renewal process 3 – 6 months before expiry to avoid lapses in work authorization and ensure timely submission.
• Meeting MOM’s updated requirements is critical: Renewal assessments consider salary benchmarks, job relevance, COMPASS scoring, and employer compliance, similar to a new application.
• Accurate documentation drives approval: Up-to-date salary records, company details, job descriptions, and passport information are required to pass the EP renewal eligibility check.
• Handling expired passes requires caution: Once the employment renewal date expires, the employee must stop work immediately; grace periods are rare and do not permit working.
• Professional support reduces risk: Using a trusted provider like BBCIncorp helps navigate complex MOM regulations, minimize EP renewal mistakes, and improve overall approval outcomes.

Understanding the Employment Pass and its renewal importance 

The Employment Pass Singapore is a work visa issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for foreign professionals, managers, executives, and specialists hired for skilled positions. It is intended for individuals with strong qualifications, relevant experience, and a job offer that meets MOM’s salary and role criteria. Because companies often depend on EP holders for leadership, technical expertise, or operational continuity, understanding how the pass works is essential for employers and HR teams.

An Employment Pass is typically valid for one to two years. It does not renew automatically, and the holder must complete the EP renewal process before the current pass expires. Renewal is not only an administrative step; it is a compliance requirement that determines whether the employee can legally continue working and residing in Singapore. MOM frequently updates its policies, including qualifying salary benchmarks and the COMPASS framework, which means renewal criteria may differ from those applied during the initial application.

Missing the renewal deadline can result in immediate legal and operational consequences. Once the employment renewal date has expired, the individual’s right to work ends, and additional risks may follow:

• Loss of valid immigration status and the need to leave Singapore
• Penalties for employers who allow work to continue on an expired pass
• Possible fines or deportation in cases of overstaying

These impacts extend beyond the employee; they can disrupt project timelines, weaken business continuity, and create compliance concerns for the employer.

For these reasons, employers should manage EP renewals early and systematically. MOM allows applications to be submitted up to six months before the expiry date, giving companies time to review eligibility, adjust salaries where necessary, and update role descriptions to reflect current responsibilities. Early preparation also helps prevent avoidable delays or rejection, especially as MOM’s evaluation standards continue to evolve.

A clear understanding of the EP’s purpose, its validity period, and the consequences of late renewal forms the basis for effective workforce planning and compliance. The next sections will outline eligibility requirements, the renewal procedure, and additional considerations for employers managing foreign talent.

Eligibility and timing for Employment Pass renewal 

Singapore employment pass renewal requires meeting specific eligibility criteria and following the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) renewal timeline. Because each Singapore employment pass renewal is assessed with updated standards, both employers and EP holders must understand the requirements and prepare early to avoid disruption.

Who can renew an Employment Pass

EP renewal eligibility is based on maintaining full compliance with MOM regulations. To qualify, the employee must continue to hold full-time employment with a registered Singapore company, supported by a valid employment contract and an active business operation. These requirements form the foundation of an employer’s EP renewal eligibility check and ensure the employee still fits the role initially approved by MOM.

However, MOM does not treat renewals as automatic extensions. Each submission is reviewed similarly to a new application, using updated Singapore EP renewal requirements, including:

• Salary threshold: The offered fixed monthly salary must meet MOM’s latest qualifying salary for the specific sector and age group.
• Job relevancy: The employee’s role and skills must remain aligned with the position approved under the Employment Pass.
• Local employment considerations: Under frameworks such as COMPASS, MOM may assess the company’s workforce profile, diversity, and support for local hiring.

If the company fails to meet these standards, renewal may be delayed or rejected. This reinforces the need for employers to review contracts, job scopes, and salary adjustments before submitting renewal documents.

When to renew your Employment Pass

MOM allows employers to begin the EP renewal process up to six months before the pass expires. This long window is designed to prevent employment disruption and to give companies time to respond to any follow-up requests or policy changes. Employers will receive reminders through EP Online, MOM’s official eService, but should still track expiry dates internally to avoid last-minute submissions.

Delaying renewal increases the risk of processing delays or the pass expiring before approval. If the Employment Pass lapses, the employee must stop working immediately, and re-entry to Singapore may require a fresh application rather than a renewal. Late filings can therefore result in operational downtime, project gaps, and loss of key personnel.

A proactive approach to the employment pass renewal timeline allows employers to maintain compliance and ensure smooth workforce continuity.

Step-by-step guide on how to renew Employment Pass 

Renewing an Employment Pass (EP) requires employers to follow a structured process set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Proper preparation at each stage ensures compliance, avoids delays, and prevents disruptions to the employee’s legal right to work in Singapore. The renewal process consists of three essential steps.

Step 1 – Check renewal eligibility and prepare documents

The EP renewal process begins with verifying whether the employee continues to meet MOM’s eligibility standards. Employers must conduct this assessment internally before any submission is made.

This includes confirming that the individual remains employed in a full-time role, their job responsibilities remain consistent with the approved position, and their fixed monthly salary meets MOM’s latest benchmark. Employers should also confirm that the business remains active, financially sound, and compliant with all regulatory obligations.

A complete EP renewal checklist should include reviewing the following MOM EP renewal documents:

• Updated employee information, including job title and responsibilities
• Recent salary records, CPF statements for locals in the company, or payroll files showing compliance
• The company’s latest ACRA business profile
• A valid passport copy with sufficient remaining validity
• Additional documents required under the COMPASS framework, including proof of qualifications or company-level indicators

Only the employer or a licensed employment agent can initiate the renewal. Employees cannot self-apply, and incomplete documents may lead to MOM requesting clarifications, extending processing time, or delaying approval.

Step 2 – Submit the renewal application online

Employers must submit the renewal application through MOM’s Employment Pass e-Service, the official digital portal for work pass transactions. This ensures that all information is transmitted securely and processed according to MOM’s evaluation standards.

The renewal may be submitted by:

• The employer;
• A licensed employment agent acting on their behalf.

A processing fee of approximately SG$225 applies for each application. When completing the submission, companies should ensure accuracy, as errors may lead to delays in the employment pass renewal online workflow.

MOM generally processes renewal applications within 10 working days, although more complex cases may require additional time. Having all documents ready and aligning the submission with updated policies can help accelerate approval.

Step 3 – Receive approval and issue the new EP card

If MOM approves the renewal, the employer will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, which outlines the conditions for the renewed pass. This marks the successful completion of the EP renewal approval stage.

Next, the employer must arrange the employment pass issuance in Singapore, which includes scheduling card delivery or collection and returning the old EP card. MOM may require the employee to update biometrics if necessary.

Once issued, the new EP card replaces the previous one, and the employee may continue working without interruption.

Key renewal requirements and factors Ministry of Manpower considers 

The Ministry of Manpower evaluates each Employment Pass renewal based on updated regulatory requirements and company-level compliance. Because renewal assessments are not automatic extensions, employers and employees must meet all criteria to maintain eligibility.

Updated qualifying salary benchmarks and role relevance

A major component of MOM’s EP renewal salary criteria is the qualifying monthly salary. Effective 1 January 2025, the minimum fixed salary required is SG$5,600 for most sectors and SG$6,200 for financial services roles. Salary expectations rise with age and are assessed in relation to the applicant’s experience and seniority. MOM reviews whether the compensation offered remains competitive and aligned with industry norms.

Beyond salary, renewal also depends on role relevance. The employee must continue to hold a position consistent with their qualifications, career background, and value to the business. MOM assesses job scope, level of responsibility, and whether the role continues to justify EP-level hiring. These elements form a significant part of the MOM EP renewal requirements, especially as the workforce landscape evolves.

COMPASS framework and compliance assessment

The COMPASS framework applies to all renewals for passes expiring on or after 1 September 2024. Through COMPASS, MOM performs a structured mom compliance check using four core factors: salary competitiveness, skills and qualifications, workforce diversity, and the company’s contribution to local employment. Points are awarded across these dimensions to determine whether the renewal meets the required threshold.

COMPASS promotes fairness, transparency, and accountability by ensuring both the individual and the employer demonstrate continued alignment with national workforce goals. A positive COMPASS score strengthens the renewal outcome, while weaknesses in diversity or local employment support may trigger further scrutiny during the EP renewal employer review.

Employer and employee eligibility review

MOM also evaluates the broader stability and compliance profile of the employer. Companies must show financial soundness, active business operations, and a reasonable local-to-foreign workforce ratio. Organizations with compliance breaches or poor hiring practices may face closer examination.

Renewal submissions must be filed by the employer or an authorized employment agent, not the employee. MOM also reviews the individual’s standing, including job performance, conduct, and any tax or legal issues. Concerns in these areas are common EP renewal rejection reasons and may impact the overall MOM EP renewal assessment.

What to do if your Employment Pass renewal is rejected 

A rejected Employment Pass renewal can disrupt business operations and affect the employee’s residency status. Understanding the reasons behind the rejection and knowing the correct steps to appeal helps employers respond promptly and effectively.

Common causes for rejection

Most cases of employment pass renewal rejected outcomes occur when the application does not meet MOM’s updated requirements. Common factors include:

• Below-threshold salary: The offered fixed salary does not meet the latest qualifying benchmark for the applicant’s sector or age group.
• Incomplete or outdated documents: Missing payslips, expired passport copies, or inconsistencies between submitted information and company records.
• Company non-compliance: Issues such as poor regulatory history, inadequate support for local hiring, or concerns raised through the COMPASS framework.
• Job role misalignment: The applicant’s job scope no longer aligns with their qualifications or no longer justifies EP-level hiring.
• Weak justification: MOM may reject cases where the renewal does not clearly demonstrate the employee’s continued value to the business.

These scenarios are among the most common causes of EP renewal rejection in Singapore.

Steps to appeal the decision

Employers can request an employment pass renewal reconsideration by filing an appeal through MOM’s EP Online portal. The appeal must be submitted within three months from the rejection date; otherwise, a new application is required.

A successful MOM EP appeal typically includes:

• Additional documents addressing the specific concerns raised by MOM
• Updated salary details or revised job descriptions, if relevant
• Evidence of company compliance or corrective actions taken
• Clarifications that strengthen the business justification for the role

The appeal must be submitted by the employer or an authorized employment agent, not the employee. MOM will then reassess the case and may request further documents before issuing a final decision.

Handling expired passes and other special cases 

When the employment renewal date expires before submission, the Employment Pass (EP) immediately becomes invalid. The employee must stop work at once, as continuing employment without a valid pass breaches MOM regulations.

The individual also loses lawful residency under the EP and may be required to leave Singapore. In many cases, employers attempting to renew Employment Pass after expiry may be asked to submit a fresh application rather than a renewal, depending on MOM’s assessment of the delay and compliance history.

In limited situations, MOM may grant a Singapore EP renewal grace period of up to 30 days, but this is exceptional and not automatic. A grace period does not permit the employee to work; it only allows temporary stay in Singapore while the employer completes outstanding submissions. MOM may consider granting this period when:

• System or technical errors caused the delay
• MOM requested additional documents close to expiry
• Administrative oversights occurred but can be reasonably justified

Even during a grace period, work must remain fully suspended until a valid pass is issued.

Special cases can also arise when employers use the renewal cycle to transition an employee to a different pass type, for example, attempting to renew S Pass holders as EP holders. Such transitions are treated as new EP applications and must meet stricter standards, including:

• Higher qualifying salary
• A job scope aligned with EP-level professional responsibilities
• Clear justification of the employee’s contribution and role relevance

Similarly, employees whose EP has lapsed may need to satisfy updated salary benchmarks or provide additional supporting documents to meet MOM’s evolving criteria.

Proactive tracking of pass expiry dates, maintaining compliance, and preparing documents early remain the most effective ways to avoid disruptions to employment and immigration status.

Tips for smooth renewal and compliance 

Proactive planning is essential for ensuring a smooth Employment Pass renewal and maintaining full compliance with the Ministry of Manpower. Employers who manage timelines and documentation effectively are far less likely to experience delays or rejection.

Apply early and track expiry dates

The most effective way to avoid disruptions is to follow a structured employment pass renewal timeline. MOM allows applications to be filed up to six months before expiry, and an ideal submission window is 3 – 6 months prior to the renewal date. This gives employers sufficient time to resolve eligibility issues, gather updated documents, and respond to any MOM queries arising during the EP renewal process in Singapore.

To prevent missed deadlines, companies should adopt centralized tracking for all work pass expiry dates. Effective methods include:

• Maintaining a shared compliance database
• Setting automated reminders for HR teams
• Assigning a dedicated compliance officer for work passes

A centralized system ensures consistency across departments and reduces the risk of late submissions.

Avoid common mistakes

Many renewal challenges arise from preventable EP renewal mistakes. Employers should avoid:

• Submitting outdated information: Using old salary details, expired passport copies, or an outdated company profile can delay approval.
• Overlooking MOM’s updated qualifying criteria: Salary benchmarks and COMPASS requirements change periodically, and renewals are reviewed using the latest standards.
• Delaying document preparation or payment: Slow internal coordination can result in missing documents, late submissions, or failed payments, all of which stall processing.

Following a clear employment pass renewal checklist helps maintain accuracy and ensures that all information remains aligned with MOM expectations.

By preparing early, tracking validity dates, and avoiding common errors, employers can significantly improve approval outcomes and ensure uninterrupted employment for foreign professionals.

How BBCIncorp can assist with your Employment Pass renewal 

BBCIncorp Singapore is a trusted provider of corporate and immigration services in Singapore, supporting both employers and foreign professionals with compliant and efficient Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass solutions. With deep experience across EP renewals, new EP applications, Dependant Pass, and Long-Term Visit Pass, BBCIncorp delivers professional, end-to-end Singapore EP renewal service tailored to MOM requirements.

A key advantage of working with BBCIncorp is the team’s structured and compliance-driven approach to employment pass renewal assistance. Before any submission, BBCIncorp conducts a detailed assessment to ensure the employee meets updated salary benchmarks, role relevance, and COMPASS criteria. To minimize errors and delays, the team assists clients through:

• Eligibility and salary benchmarking: Verifying salary levels against MOM’s updated EP requirements
• Document preparation and review: Ensuring all forms, salary records, company details, and job descriptions are accurate and complete
• Submission through MOM eService: Managing the entire digital filing process for faster processing and reduced administrative workload
• Compliance monitoring: Keeping clients updated on changing MOM policies to reduce rejection risks

As part of its mom EP renewal support, BBCIncorp monitors policy updates, COMPASS scoring changes, and sector-specific requirements to ensure every renewal aligns with MOM’s latest standards.

For employers, BBCIncorp helps streamline internal workflows, avoid common renewal mistakes, and ensure that all pass timelines are properly tracked. For foreign professionals, the service provides clarity, reduces stress, and improves approval outcomes by preventing compliance gaps or documentation issues.

With proven experience across a wide range of industries, BBCIncorp Singapore offers reliable support for all work pass matters.

To explore the full range of immigration and work pass solutions BBCIncorp provides, visit: https://bbcincorp.com/sg/immigration-service

Conclusion 

Successfully managing a Singapore Employment Pass renewal requires early preparation, accurate documentation, and strict adherence to the Ministry of Manpower’s eligibility and timing requirements.

Employers must verify that the employee continues to meet salary benchmarks, role relevance, and COMPASS criteria, while ensuring that all documents are updated and submitted within the recommended timeline. Understanding how to renew Employment Pass and monitoring expiry dates proactively are key to avoiding processing delays or unintended lapses in work authorization.

Given the complexity of evolving MOM regulations, many companies benefit from relying on experienced service providers. Professional support helps reduce administrative burden, prevent errors, and improve approval outcomes. For businesses seeking clarity and efficiency in their EP renewal process, engaging a trusted specialist such as BBCIncorp can provide a smooth and compliant renewal experience.

For guidance tailored to your Employment Pass or immigration requirements, you may email our specialists at service@bbcincorp.com.

Share this article