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Personalised Employment Pass

Singapore Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) Guide 2026: Salary, Eligibility, Fees & Rules

Singapore PEP guide for 2026 covering the S$22,500 salary threshold, 3-year non-renewable pass, job changes, 6-month unemployment limit, fees and family passes.

Key Framework Criteria & Principles

S$22,500 Fixed-Salary Benchmark

S$22,500/month

MOM's current PEP eligibility benchmark is a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500. Fixed monthly salary means basic monthly salary plus fixed monthly allowances; variable allowances, bonuses, commissions, overtime, annual wage supplements and similar variable payments are excluded.

Different Eligibility Evidence for Overseas and Singapore-Based Applicants

Last-drawn salary vs current salary

For overseas foreign professionals, the last drawn salary must have been within 6 months of the PEP application. MOM may require six consecutive months of payslips and six months of personal bank statements for overseas applicants. Applicants working in Singapore have a different document set and MOM's current guidance asks for three consecutive months of payslips plus supporting employment evidence.

Employer-Independent Job Mobility

No new PEP application for each job

The PEP is not tied to one employer. A holder does not need to cancel the PEP or submit a fresh PEP application merely because the employer changes, but the holder must notify MOM within 1 week of starting employment, leaving employment or changing employers.

Six-Month Unemployment Limit

6 months maximum

A PEP holder cannot remain unemployed in Singapore for more than 6 continuous months. If unemployment exceeds 6 months, the PEP must be cancelled.

One-Time, Non-Renewable Pass

Up to 3 years

The PEP is issued only once and is not renewable. After it expires, a person who remains in Singapore must have another valid basis of stay or work; MOM does not state that a holder automatically transitions to an Employment Pass, Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass or permanent residence.

Entrepreneurship Is Not Permitted

No business activity

MOM states that PEP holders cannot start a business or conduct entrepreneurial activity while holding the PEP. Freelancers and persons who are sole proprietors, partners, or directors who are also shareholders in an ACRA-registered company are not eligible for the PEP.

Family Passes Are Available

DP and LTVP routes

Eligible PEP holders may apply for Dependant's Passes for a legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21, including legally adopted children. Long-Term Visit Passes are available for a recognised common-law spouse, qualifying unmarried stepchildren under 21 and parents, subject to MOM's family-pass rules.

Mandatory Eligibility Requirements

eligible Routes

High-earning Employment Pass holders can apply directly for a PEP.
Overseas foreign professionals can apply if they meet the PEP salary test and the overseas last-drawn-salary timing rule.
A candidate does not have to be employed at the moment of application if applying from overseas and the qualifying last-drawn salary requirement is met.

not Eligible

Employment Pass holders under the sponsorship scheme.
Freelancers or foreigners intending to work on a freelance basis.
Sole proprietors.
Partners.
A director who is also a shareholder in an ACRA-registered company.
Persons intending to start a business or conduct entrepreneurial activity while on the PEP.

restricted Work

MOM also states that PEP holders cannot work in certain restricted occupations, including media- and religion-related occupations. The applicable restriction should be checked against the current MOM rules for the proposed occupation.

professional Licensing

The PEP does not remove separate professional-registration or licensing requirements. MOM specifically notes that professions such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, architecture and law may still require registration or approval before practice in Singapore.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Confirm the Correct PEP Eligibility Route

Check the S$22,500 fixed monthly salary benchmark and, for an overseas professional, confirm that the last drawn salary falls within 6 months of the application. Also confirm that you are not within any of MOM's excluded categories.

Prepare the Applicant-Specific Evidence

Prepare the passport details and the salary, banking and employment documents applicable to whether you are working in Singapore, working overseas or not currently working. MOM may request additional evidence.

Submit the Online PEP Application

The candidate submits the PEP application online and pays S$105. The PEP application is candidate-led; an existing EP holder should submit the PEP application rather than have the employer apply for it.

Wait for MOM's Decision

MOM states that PEP applications are processed within 6 weeks for most cases. Some cases can take longer, especially where additional information or documents are requested. Applicants may check the status after 2 weeks.

Use the IPA to Enter Singapore, If Needed

If approved, MOM issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. The IPA is a pre-approved single-entry visa and gives the candidate 6 months to enter Singapore and get the PEP issued.

Get the PEP Issued

The candidate must be in Singapore when the PEP is issued. The issuance fee is S$225, plus S$30 for a Multiple Journey Visa if applicable. The issuance itself is processed immediately once the required conditions and information are completed.

Complete Card Registration When Required

The notification letter states whether fingerprints and a photograph are required. The card is delivered 5 working days after registration or document verification, according to MOM.

Maintain PEP Conditions After Issuance

Notify MOM within 1 week of starting employment, leaving employment or changing employer. Keep within the 6-month continuous unemployment limit and satisfy the applicable fixed-salary requirement.

Salary Rules

Monthly Eligibility

The current PEP eligibility benchmark is a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500.

Overseas Professional Rule

For an overseas foreign professional, the last drawn salary must have been within 6 months of the PEP application.

Continuing Requirement

To keep a PEP, the holder must be employed continuously in Singapore, must not be unemployed for more than 6 months at any point, and must earn a fixed salary of at least S$270,000 per calendar year.

Fixed Monthly Salary Formula

Fixed monthly salary = basic monthly salary + fixed monthly allowances.

Excluded Pay

Fixed monthly salary does not include variable allowances, overtime payments, bonuses, commissions, annual wage supplements, board fees, stock options, dividends, in-kind payments, reimbursements, productivity incentive payments, employer pension or provident-fund contributions, or gratuity.

Annual Salary Formula

Fixed annual salary for MOM's annual-salary calculation = fixed monthly salary x number of months worked in the calendar year.

Worked Example

Scenario

A holder earns S$22,500 per month for 4 months with Company A, is unemployed for 2 months, then earns S$30,000 per month for 6 months with Company B.

Calculation

S$22,500 x 4 + S$30,000 x 6 = S$90,000 + S$180,000 = S$270,000.

Result

The fixed annual salary calculated from those 10 months of employment is S$270,000. The example also illustrates that the annual calculation is based on the fixed monthly salary and months worked rather than simply multiplying the highest monthly salary by 12.

Important Distinction

The S$22,500 monthly eligibility threshold and the S$270,000 annual continuing requirement are related but are not interchangeable. A person's actual annual calculation depends on the fixed salary received and the number of months worked in the calendar year.

Job Mobility And Unemployment

Changing Employers

Changing employer does not by itself require cancellation or a fresh PEP application. The PEP remains valid, but the holder must notify MOM of a change of employer or employment status within 1 week.

Notification Events

Starting employment.
Leaving employment.
Changing employers.

Unemployment Rule

A PEP holder cannot remain unemployed in Singapore for more than 6 continuous months. If the holder becomes unemployed, the six-month period is a maximum period rather than an entitlement to an automatic extension.

Business Restriction

Being employer-independent does not make the PEP self-employment permission. MOM separately prohibits PEP holders from starting a business or conducting entrepreneurial activity.

Cancellation

A PEP must be cancelled if the holder has been unemployed for more than 6 months. It should also be cancelled if the holder leaves Singapore permanently. A holder can voluntarily cancel the PEP before the end of its validity, but cancellation is permanent.

Annual Salary Declaration

General Rule

PEP holders are subject to MOM's annual salary-notification framework, but the first reporting year depends on when the PEP was issued.

2026 Status

MOM states that the 2026 annual salary-notification exercise has concluded. It applied to PEP holders whose passes were issued on or before 31 December 2024 and required them to report salary earned in 2025 by 31 January 2026.

Next Exercise

MOM states that the next annual notification exercise will run from 1 January to 31 January 2027. New PEP holders whose passes were issued from 1 January 2025 are first required to submit the annual notification in 2027.

Example

A PEP issued on 1 September 2025 is required to declare its 2026 annual salary by 31 January 2027.

Calculation

Fixed annual salary = fixed monthly salary x number of months worked in the calendar year.

Minimum

The continuing PEP requirement stated by MOM is fixed salary of at least S$270,000 per calendar year. If a holder no longer meets the requirements, MOM states that the PEP needs to be cancelled.

Important Caveat

The annual-notification filing requirement is distinct from the underlying salary and unemployment conditions for retaining the PEP. The filing exercise is administered according to the PEP's issue date and MOM's current notification cycle.

Application Process

Confirm the Correct PEP Eligibility Route

Step 1

Prepare the Applicant-Specific Evidence

Step 2

Submit the Online PEP Application

Step 3

Wait for MOM's Decision

Step 4

Use the IPA to Enter Singapore, If Needed

Step 5

If approved, MOM issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. The IPA is a pre-approved single-entry visa and gives the candidate 6 months to enter Singapore and get the PEP issued.

Get the PEP Issued

Step 6

Complete Card Registration When Required

Step 7

The notification letter states whether fingerprints and a photograph are required. The card is delivered 5 working days after registration or document verification, according to MOM.

Maintain PEP Conditions After Issuance

Step 8

Notify MOM within 1 week of starting employment, leaving employment or changing employer. Keep within the 6-month continuous unemployment limit and satisfy the applicable fixed-salary requirement.

Processing And Validity

Application Processing

Within 6 weeks for most applications.

Status Check

Applicants may check the application status after 2 weeks.

Ipa Validity

An approved PEP IPA gives the candidate 6 months to enter Singapore and get the pass issued.

Pass Issuance

Immediate once the issuance requirements are completed.

Notification Letter

The notification letter is valid for 1 month from the date of issue; an extension can be requested where additional time is needed for card-registration procedures.

Card Delivery

The PEP card is delivered 5 working days after fingerprint/photo registration or document verification, as applicable.

Pass Validity

Up to 3 years.

Renewal

The PEP is not renewable and is issued only once.

Visa

A Multiple Journey Visa, if issued with the PEP, is valid for the duration of the PEP.

Family Passes

Dependant Pass

Legally married spouse.
Unmarried children under 21 years old, including legally adopted children.

Long Term Visit Pass

Common-law spouse, where the relationship is recognised under the laws of the relevant country or region.
Unmarried stepchildren under 21 years old.
Parents of the PEP holder.

Application Timing

MOM recommends applying for family passes after the PEP has been approved. Although applications can be submitted at the same time, family-pass application fees may be lost if the main PEP application is rejected.

Processing

MOM's current PEP family guidance states that Dependant's Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass applications take 6 weeks for most cases.

Applicant

For PEP holders, the main pass holder can apply for the family's Dependant's Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass.

Duration

Family passes are tied to the validity of the PEP and can therefore run for no longer than the main pass's validity.

Appeal And Cancellation

Appeal

A rejected PEP application can be appealed online within 3 months of the rejection date. MOM states that appeals take at least 8 weeks to review and should address the reason or reasons given in the rejection advisory.

Who Can Appeal

Only the PEP applicant or an authorised employment agent may make the appeal.

Cancellation Triggers

Unemployment for more than 6 continuous months.
Permanent departure from Singapore.
Voluntary early cancellation.

Permanent Departure Deadline

If leaving Singapore permanently, MOM states that the PEP should be cancelled within 1 week from the departure date.

Post Cancellation

Cancellation is permanent and the PEP cannot be reinstated. Related family passes are also cancelled and cannot be reinstated.

Practical Guidance

Confirm whether you are applying as an existing EP holder, an overseas foreign professional or another qualifying applicant before preparing documents.
Use MOM's definition of fixed monthly salary rather than grossing up annual compensation with bonuses, commissions, stock, reimbursements or other excluded items.
Keep evidence of salary actually paid electronically because MOM's document guidance can require personal bank statements showing electronic salary payment.
When changing employer, notify MOM within 1 week instead of assuming that employer independence removes all reporting duties.
Track both employment gaps and calendar-year fixed salary because the six-month unemployment rule and S$270,000 annual requirement are separate continuing conditions.
Do not wait until PEP expiry to decide what lawful status you will hold next in Singapore because the PEP itself cannot be renewed.
Apply separately for family passes; they are not created automatically by issuance of the PEP.

Schema

@context

https://schema.org

@type

FAQPage

Main Entity

What is the minimum salary for a Singapore Personalised Employment Pass in 2026?

@type: Question

Accepted Answer: {"@type":"Answer","text":"The current PEP eligibility benchmark is a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500. For an overseas foreign professional, the last drawn salary must have been within 6 months of the application. For continuing holders, MOM also requires fixed salary of at least S$270,000 per calendar year."}

Can a PEP holder change jobs without applying for a new work pass?

@type: Question

Accepted Answer: {"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. The PEP is not tied to one employer, so changing employers does not by itself require a fresh PEP application or cancellation. However, the holder must notify MOM within 1 week of changing employers, starting employment or leaving employment."}

Can I stay in Singapore while unemployed on a PEP?

@type: Question

Accepted Answer: {"@type":"Answer","text":"Only within MOM's six-month continuous unemployment limit. A PEP holder cannot remain unemployed in Singapore for more than 6 continuous months. The six months is a maximum limit, not an automatic right to extend the PEP."}

How much does a Personalised Employment Pass cost in Singapore?

@type: Question

Accepted Answer: {"@type":"Answer","text":"The current government fees are S$105 for the application and S$225 when the PEP is issued. That is S$330 before any applicable S$30 Multiple Journey Visa charge. Private professional or employment-agent fees, if any, are additional."}

Can a PEP holder start a company or work as a freelancer in Singapore?

@type: Question

Accepted Answer: {"@type":"Answer","text":"No. MOM states that PEP holders cannot start a business or conduct entrepreneurial activity while on the PEP. Freelancers and persons intending to work on a freelance basis are also not eligible for the PEP. A separate route such as the EntrePass or Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass may be relevant depending on the person's circumstances."}

What happens when the 3-year PEP expires, and can I renew it?

@type: Question

Accepted Answer: {"@type":"Answer","text":"The PEP is issued only once and is not renewable. Expiry does not automatically convert the holder to another pass or to permanent residence. A person who intends to remain in Singapore must qualify for and obtain another valid immigration or work status before the PEP ends."}

Required Document Checklist

core

•

Personal particulars page of the passport, including any amendments.

working In Singapore

•

Monthly payslips for a consecutive period of 3 months.

•

Supporting employment documents where applicable, such as the latest 3 months of personal bank statements showing the account holder's name, bank account number and electronic salary payment.

•

Most recent IRAS Notice of Assessment where applicable.

•

Employment contracts with current, previous or future employers where applicable.

working Overseas

•

Monthly payslips for a consecutive period of 6 months.

•

Latest 6 months of personal bank statements showing the account holder's name, bank account number and electronic salary payment.

•

Employment contract with the current and previous employer.

•

Supporting employment evidence where applicable, including a future-employer contract, employment history, education certificates or most recent tax statement.

not Working

•

Six consecutive months of payslips and six months of personal bank statements may be required when assessing an overseas applicant's qualifying salary.

•

Employment contract with the previous employer.

•

Other supporting employment, education or tax documents where applicable.

document Rule

MOM may request additional documents during assessment. For non-English documents, MOM requires the original document and an English translation uploaded together as one file.

important Clarification

There is no universal PEP requirement for a six-month bank statement, foreign tax return, CV or employment certificate in every case. The exact supporting set depends on the applicant's current employment status and the documents requested by MOM.

Common Mistakes & Legal Misconceptions

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The current PEP eligibility benchmark is a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500. For an overseas foreign professional, the last drawn salary must have been within 6 months of the application. For continuing holders, MOM also requires fixed salary of at least S$270,000 per calendar year.

Yes. The PEP is not tied to one employer, so changing employers does not by itself require a fresh PEP application or cancellation. However, the holder must notify MOM within 1 week of changing employers, starting employment or leaving employment.

Only within MOM's six-month continuous unemployment limit. A PEP holder cannot remain unemployed in Singapore for more than 6 continuous months. The six months is a maximum limit, not an automatic right to extend the PEP.

The current government fees are S$105 for the application and S$225 when the PEP is issued. That is S$330 before any applicable S$30 Multiple Journey Visa charge. Private professional or employment-agent fees, if any, are additional.

No. MOM states that PEP holders cannot start a business or conduct entrepreneurial activity while on the PEP. Freelancers and persons intending to work on a freelance basis are also not eligible for the PEP. A separate route such as the EntrePass or Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass may be relevant depending on the person's circumstances.

The PEP is issued only once and is not renewable. Expiry does not automatically convert the holder to another pass or to permanent residence. A person who intends to remain in Singapore must qualify for and obtain another valid immigration or work status before the PEP ends.