Employment Pass Renewals in Singapore: What You Need to Know

Employment Pass Renewals in Singapore: What You Need to Know

Singapore’s Employment Pass (EP) is a gateway for many foreign professionals to live and work in one of Asia’s most dynamic economies. While getting the initial EP approval is a milestone, many professionals and employers are unaware that EP renewals are just as crucial — and can also face rejection if mishandled.

As the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) tightens its regulations under frameworks like COMPASS and the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF), even renewal applications are subject to scrutiny. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about EP renewals in Singapore, including when to renew, what documents to prepare, common pitfalls, and how to ensure a smooth and successful process.

For personalized assistance and expert handling of EP renewals, reach out to https://employmentpassapplication.sg/ — a trusted name in Singapore’s employment pass services.

When Should You Renew an Employment Pass?

The Employment Pass is typically issued for 1 to 3 years, depending on the applicant’s profile and the employer’s standing. MOM allows EP holders to renew their passes up to 6 months before expiry, and it is advisable not to wait until the last minute.

Key timeline considerations:

• You can renew an EP as early as 6 months before its expiry

• You must submit the renewal at least 2 weeks before expiry

• Once submitted, the processing time is about 3 weeks, but may vary

If you miss the renewal window, your EP will expire, and you will be required to leave Singapore or apply for a new EP, which is treated as a fresh application.

Who Is Eligible for EP Renewal?

Renewals are not automatic. MOM re-evaluates each applicant and employer to ensure that the EP holder continues to meet updated eligibility criteria.

Factors that influence renewal approval:

• Continued employment with the same employer

• A salary that meets or exceeds the current minimum threshold (SGD 5,000 as of 2025)

• A role that still justifies foreign expertise

• Compliance with the COMPASS framework (including diversity and local employment support)

In short, just because you were approved 2 or 3 years ago doesn’t guarantee your renewal. MOM takes a fresh look at your relevance, salary, and company’s hiring behavior.

Documents Required for EP Renewal

EP renewal submissions are done via MOM’s EP Online portal, typically by the employer or an authorized agent. The following documents are usually needed:

1. Latest passport copy (for the applicant)

2. Updated salary details

3. Recent company business profile (ACRA)

4. Any updated qualifications or job descriptions (if the role has changed)

5. Justification letter (optional but useful if there were role changes, promotions, or salary adjustments)

It’s important that all documents are up to date and aligned. Discrepancies between job roles, titles, or compensation may prompt MOM to ask questions or request more documents.

Key Renewal Criteria in 2025 and Beyond

In 2025, EP renewals are evaluated under the same COMPASS framework as new applications. Here’s how it breaks down:

1. Salary Benchmarks

   • EP holders must continue to meet updated salary thresholds

   • As of 2025, the minimum is SGD 5,000/month, higher for more senior professionals

   • MOM expects salary progression with increased responsibilities

2. Qualification Relevance

   • MOM checks that the applicant still holds relevant qualifications

   • For example, someone in tech should ideally hold certifications or degrees in IT or engineering

3. Job Scope Validity

   • The applicant should continue in a specialized, professional, or managerial role

   • Entry-level or generic titles (like “executive”) may raise red flags

4. Employer Profile and Hiring Practices

   • MOM will examine if the employer has hired and supported local workers

   • Companies with poor foreign-to-local ratios may face rejection

Need support to assess your COMPASS score or prepare stronger documentation? Engage the experts at https://employmentpassapplication.sg/ for a full evaluation and application support.

Common Reasons EP Renewals Get Rejected

While many assume that renewals are a formality, MOM takes a strict stance on each application. Here are common reasons why renewal applications may get rejected:

1. Stagnant or insufficient salary growth

   • If your salary has not increased over the years, MOM may view it as a lack of career progression.

2. Role no longer justifies EP

   • MOM might decide that the role can now be filled by a local candidate or that the function is not specialized enough.

3. Non-compliance with FCF or COMPASS

   • If the employer has failed to advertise jobs locally or scored poorly on COMPASS, the EP renewal may be declined.

4. Inconsistent or outdated documents

   • Submitting old passport copies or unclear job scopes may result in rejections or processing delays.

5. Company issues

   • If the employing company is dormant, under investigation, or heavily dependent on foreign workers, MOM may deny the application.

Tips for a Successful EP Renewal

To improve your approval chances for EP renewal, consider the following:

• Plan early: Start preparing documents and initiating the process at least 2 months before expiry.

• Ensure salary progression: A reasonable raise over the years signals career growth.

• Maintain updated job descriptions: Reflect promotions, achievements, and new responsibilities.

• Check the company’s hiring practices: Employers should maintain a healthy foreign-local workforce ratio.

• Engage a professional consultant: Working with a specialist can prevent avoidable mistakes.

Renewal success often hinges on the small details. From updated ACRA profiles to job scope clarity, every document counts.

What Happens After Approval?

Once MOM approves the EP renewal:

• A new In-Principle Approval (IPA) is issued

• The new EP card is typically valid for up to 3 years

• The old EP must be returned once the new card is issued

If there is a change in role or salary, inform MOM accordingly and ensure that the new pass reflects these updates.

What If Your Renewal Is Rejected?

If your EP renewal is rejected, you have the option to appeal within 3 months. Your employer must submit an appeal with a clear explanation, supported by documents that address MOM’s concerns.

For example:

• A promotion letter or expanded job scope

• Updated salary structure

• Clarifications on hiring practices

If you need help with EP renewal appeals, consider engaging https://employmentpassapplication.sg/. Their consultants can help craft an appeal that addresses MOM’s reasons for rejection and increases your chances of approval.

Conclusion

EP renewal in Singapore is not just a box-ticking exercise — it’s a comprehensive review of the applicant and employer based on updated regulations, economic considerations, and fairness in hiring. Both employers and EP holders must take renewals seriously to avoid disruptions to employment or residency.

Start early, prepare your documentation, and ensure your salary, job scope, and qualifications remain relevant. When in doubt, engage a professional to review your case and advise you accordingly.

To ensure a hassle-free EP renewal process, contact the team at https://employmentpassapplication.sg/ for end-to-end support. With their experience and understanding of MOM’s current expectations, you’ll be in the best possible hands.