FAQ On Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)

Can I apply for a PEP while on a visit pass? Can I authorise Employment Agency to apply for a PEP?

• Yes. You or authorised Employment Agency can submit your Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) application electronically.
• You’ll still need to provide a local contact person’s details with your Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) application.
• It will take around 8 weeks to get processed by MOM.

An employee at my company has changed from an EP to a PEP. Should I cancel their existing EP?

• Yes, you should cancel their Employment Pass (EP) after the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) application is approved.
• They will need a cancellation letter from your company when they pick up the PEP.
• You can continue employing them as you would a Singapore citizen or PR, as long as you notify MOM that you’re employing a PEP holder.

Can I cancel my PEP before the 3 years are up?

• Yes, you can.
• Cancellation is permanent, so ensure that you have a valid pass that lets you stay in Singapore (e.g. Employment Pass, Social Visit Pass, etc).

Can I work outside of Singapore while on a PEP?

• Yes, you can work overseas as long as necessary, if it’s for your Singapore-based employer.
• The same requirements will still apply.
• If you want to leave Singapore for more than 6 months to work for an overseas employer, you should cancel your Personalised Employment pass (PEP).

Can I have additional Employment while on a PEP?

• PEP holders can only take on additional employment after getting MOM’s approval.
• Use the Notification Form to seek prior approval from MOM before any additional employment.

1. Completing the PEP notification form.
2. Email the completed form to mom_pep_notification@mom.gov.sg.

Do I need a sponsor or a banker’s guarantee to apply for a PEP?

• No. You do not need to be sponsored by a company, but you cannot be unemployed in Singapore for more than 6 months at a time.
• A banker’s guarantee is not needed.

Do I need to cancel my PEP if I change employer or terminate my employment?

• No, your Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) will stay valid.
• However, you’ll need to notify MOM of any changes in employer or employment status.

1. Completing the PEP notification form.
2. Email the completed form to mom_pep_notification@mom.gov.sg.

How can my company hire a PEP holder?

• You can hire a Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) holder the same way you would hire a Singapore citizen or PR, as long as your company hasn’t been restricted by MOM against employing foreigners on a work pass.
• If you’ve hired, or have ceased to employ a PEP holder, inform MOM by:

1. Completing the PEP notification form.
2. Email the completed form to mom_pep_notification@mom.gov.sg.

How do I appeal a rejected Personalised Employment Pass application?

• You can submit an appeal in writing within 3 months using iSubmit.
• Under “Request Type”, choose “option 1”.
• It will take at least 6 weeks to review your appeal by MOM.
• If you don’t appeal within 3 months, you’ll need to re-apply.

How long does the visa issued with the PEP last?

• Visas will be issued for 3 years, the duration of the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP). The holder can travel in and out of Singapore during that time.

If I’m an EP holder, do I need to tell my employer that I’m applying for a PEP?

• Yes, you should.
• If your Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) application is successful, your employer will have to issue a cancellation letter for your existing Employment Pass (EP).

Must I be employed while applying for a PEP?

• No. If you live overseas and your fixed monthly salary was at least S$18,000 in the last six months, you’re eligible for the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP).

My company has just terminated a PEP holder’s employment. What’s our tax obligation?

Your company’s tax clearance obligation remains the same:

• Notify IRAS at least one month before the employee’s last day.
• Withhold the employee’s pay once notice is given (either by you or them).
• Within 30 days, IRAS will advise how much tax is due, and how much money can be paid to the employee.
• You’ll need to do this whether or not the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) holder is leaving Singapore.

Should I submit my PEP application, or should my employer?

• If you’re currently an Employment Pass (EP) holder, you (or your authorised Employment Agency) should submit your Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) application, and not your employer.
• The PEP is non-renewable and does not restrict you to any one company, so you should decide whether to apply for it, and not your employer.
• You may wish to engage any licensed Employment Agency (EA) to assist with your PEP application.

What happens to a PEP holder who fails to meet the pass requirements?

• If you’re a PEP (Personalised Employment Pass) holder but you no longer meet the requirements, your PEP will be cancelled.

Why do I need a local contact person for my PEP application?

• MOM requires a local contact in the event of an emergency. They should be a Singapore citizen or PR at least 21 years old.
• They will not be liable for your Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) application in any way.