How it differs from an ordinary EP.
A PEP is not tied to one employer and lasts up to three years, without renewal. The holder can remain unemployed for up to six months while seeking work, subject to the pass conditions and required notifications. An ordinary EP is sponsored by a particular employer.
Current salary requirements.
Eligible overseas professionals need a last-drawn fixed monthly salary of at least $22,500 within the preceding six months. Existing EP holders also need at least $22,500 fixed monthly salary. Applicants must meet other eligibility conditions; salary alone is not a guarantee.
Current PEP holders must earn at least $270,000 fixed salary in each calendar year, regardless of the number of months worked. The old $144,000 figure applies to those who applied before 1 September 2023, not current applicants.
Why founders need a different route.
PEP holders cannot start a business or carry out entrepreneurial activity. Freelancers and certain business-owner employment arrangements are excluded. If your plan involves running your own company, review EP or EntrePass eligibility rather than assuming the PEP permits it.
Maintain the pass conditions.
- Keep the permitted unemployment period within the limit.
- Meet the annual fixed-salary requirement.
- Notify MOM of required employment and contact changes.
- Submit the required annual salary declaration.
- Plan the next pass before the non-renewable PEP expires.
Family and longer-term residence.
Family-pass eligibility is assessed separately. PEP approval does not confer permanent residence or bypass ICA’s assessment of family ties, economic contribution, qualifications and residence history. The PEP is for eligible employment, not for running your own business or securing PR.
Budget for the income condition and job changes
Compare the PEP entry requirement with its ongoing annual income condition. Meeting the entry salary does not mean every later employment arrangement is permitted. Check the reporting duties, the maximum period without employment and the restrictions on business activities before resigning from a current job.
If you expect to start or operate your own company, check whether the activity is allowed under PEP; do not assume that freedom to change employers includes permission to run a business. An EP or EntrePass assessment may be more relevant to the proposed activity.
- Keep the employment and salary records needed for eligibility.
- Plan income over the relevant calendar year.
- Track unemployment periods and required notifications.
- Check family-pass arrangements separately.
- Plan the next pass route before the non-renewable PEP ends.
Use the EP versus EntrePass comparison for a founder plan. Do not treat PEP as a longer-term substitute for PR.
Frequently asked questions
Can PEP be renewed indefinitely?
No. Plan for its validity period and an eligible next route before it expires.
Can I run my company on a PEP?
The PEP does not permit entrepreneurial activity. Review an appropriate alternative route for a founder.
What annual fixed salary applies to current applicants?
At least $270,000 for each calendar year, regardless of months worked. The old $144,000 figure concerns pre-September 2023 applicants.
Official sources
Related guides
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