Quick answer
The cost of an Employment Pass in Singapore includes fixed government fees and optional professional service fees.
The official government cost is around S$330, while the total cost including professional handling usually ranges from S$1,000 to S$4,000+, depending on the complexity of the case, the applicant profile, and whether the applicant is a founder or an employee.
What is an Employment Pass
The Employment Pass, commonly called EP, is Singapore’s main work visa for foreign professionals, executives, managers, and founders. It allows a foreigner to live and work legally in Singapore under the sponsorship of a Singapore registered company.
An Employment Pass allows you to:
- Work for or run a Singapore company
- Act as a resident director
- Open personal bank accounts
- Rent property
- Apply for dependants and long term residence
For foreign founders, the Employment Pass is essential because it allows you to replace a nominee director and take full legal control of your company.
Official government fees
The Ministry of Manpower charges the same fees for all Employment Pass applicants.
|
Fee type |
Amount |
|
Application fee |
S$105 |
|
Issuance fee |
S$225 |
|
Optional multiple entry visa |
S$30 |
|
Total government cost |
S$330 to S$360 |
These fees are fixed and do not depend on your salary or job title.
Professional service fees
Most applicants use an agent or corporate service provider to prepare and submit their Employment Pass application. These services significantly reduce the risk of rejection and delays.
Typical professional fees range from:
- S$800 to S$2,500 for standard applications
- S$2,500 to S$4,000+ for founders, complex profiles, or rejected cases
These services usually include:
- Eligibility assessment
- Document preparation
- Job description optimisation
- Submission to the Ministry of Manpower
- Follow up and clarification handling
- Appeal management if required
How total costs are calculated
A realistic Employment Pass budget looks like this:
|
Cost component |
Typical amount |
|
Government fees |
S$330 |
|
Professional service |
S$800 to S$2,500 |
|
Optional visa fees |
S$30 |
|
Total cost |
S$1,000 to S$3,000+ |
For founders, total costs can exceed S$4,000 due to additional compliance and justification requirements.
What salary level is required and how it impacts cost
Your salary is one of the most important factors in your Employment Pass application.
|
Profile |
Typical monthly salary |
|
Junior professional |
S$5,600+ |
|
Mid career professional |
S$6,500 to S$8,000 |
|
Senior executive |
S$8,500+ |
|
SaaS founder or CEO |
S$7,000 to S$12,000+ |
If your salary is below expectations, your application may require:
- A higher stated salary
- Stronger company financials
- More documentation
This increases complexity and professional fees.
EP cost when you are the founder of your own company
Founders face a different cost structure than employees.
To sponsor yourself, your company must show:
- Paid up capital
- Active business operations
- Ability to pay your salary
- Proper local compliance
Founders usually need:
- A nominee director until the EP is approved
- A business plan or pitch deck
- Financial projections
- Evidence of customers or traction
This makes founder EP applications more expensive and more closely scrutinised.
Renewal costs over time
An Employment Pass is normally issued for one to two years.
|
Renewal item |
Typical cost |
|
Government renewal fee |
S$225 |
|
Professional renewal service |
S$300 to S$1,000 |
|
Compliance updates |
S$0 to S$500 |
Over a five year period, most EP holders spend S$3,000 to S$6,000 on renewals and compliance.
What happens if your EP is rejected
A rejection increases both cost and delay.
|
Action |
Typical cost |
|
Appeal filing |
S$500 to S$1,500 |
|
New application |
S$105 government fee again |
|
Additional documentation |
Depends on case |
Rejections usually occur due to:
- Salary below expectations
- Weak company profile
- Insufficient experience
- Poor documentation
This is why most founders use professional support.
Why SaaS founders are reviewed more strictly
SaaS companies face higher scrutiny because they involve:
- Online payments
- Subscription billing
- International customers
- Data protection obligations
Banks and regulators treat these businesses as higher risk, increasing the importance of structured EP applications.
Total cost of ownership for a SaaS founder
|
Cost category |
Year 1 |
|
Government EP fees |
S$330 |
|
EP application support |
S$1,200 to S$2,500 |
|
Temporary nominee director |
S$300 to S$1,000 |
|
Compliance updates |
S$200 to S$500 |
A realistic first year budget is S$2,000 to S$4,000.
Conclusion
The government cost of an Employment Pass is only S$330, but real world costs usually fall between S$1,000 and S$4,000 once professional handling and compliance are included.
For founders and executives, choosing a provider that combines Employment Pass processing with company setup and compliance reduces risk, delays, and total cost.
If you want a smooth, compliant and scalable Employment Pass, using an integrated platform like Savvy Platform is the most efficient approach.
FAQ
How much is the government fee for an Employment Pass?
The government charges S$105 for the application submission and S$225 for issuance once approved, totaling S$330 in official fees.
Do I pay if my application is rejected?
Yes, the S$105 application fee is non refundable even if your Employment Pass application is rejected by the Ministry of Manpower.
Can I apply without an agent?
Yes, you can submit an Employment Pass application directly, but most founders and companies use professional services to reduce rejection risk.
How long does EP processing take?
Employment Pass processing typically takes from ten business days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of the application and applicant profile.
Is medical screening required?
Medical screening is sometimes required for Employment Pass applicants, depending on the applicant profile, nationality, and specific Ministry of Manpower requirements.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, Employment Pass holders can apply for Dependant Passes to bring their spouse and children to live with them in Singapore.
Is the EP renewable?
Yes, the Employment Pass is renewable if your salary level and job conditions remain valid and meet Ministry of Manpower requirements.
Does professional support guarantee approval?
No, professional support does not guarantee Employment Pass approval, but it significantly improves approval chances by reducing documentation and compliance errors
