Singapore EP Renewal and Cancellation: What to Know

An Employment Pass (EP) does not run forever, and it is tied to one employer. Two moments matter for every EP holder: renewing it before it expires, and cancelling it when you leave the job. Both are handled by your employer (or an appointed agent), not by you — but knowing the rules protects your stay and your pay. Here is the current position from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Renewing your EP

Your employer can apply to renew an EP up to six months (180 days) before it expires — and the application must be submitted before the expiry date. A renewed EP is granted for up to three years. (For an EP under the Sponsorship scheme, renewal applications start three months before expiry.)

The renewal is not automatic. To qualify, you must:

• earn at least the current EP qualifying salary for your age and sector;
• keep working for the same employer in a managerial, executive or specialised role; and
• pass COMPASS, the points framework, which applies to renewals of passes expiring from 1 September 2024.

The key facts for renewing versus cancelling an Employment Pass.

Renewing early costs you nothing

A common worry is that renewing early “wastes” the remaining months. It does not. MOM adds any remaining validity — up to six months — on to the renewal, so your new pass simply starts when the current one ends. If you miss the deadline, you cannot renew at all; your employer must apply for a brand-new pass instead.

After a successful renewal

If approved, your employer receives an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter that is valid for three months. The pass must then be issued before the IPA or the current pass expires — whichever comes first — or an overstaying fine applies. Renewal costs S$225 to issue the pass, plus S$30 for a Multiple Journey Visa where needed. Through the myMOM Portal, most renewals are processed within 10 business days.

Cancelling your EP

Your employer must cancel your EP when any of these happen:

• you no longer work for them;
• you become a Singapore permanent resident; or
• the pass has expired (while you are still in Singapore, they must arrange a valid stay in the meantime).

Cancellation is usually immediate. If you have left Singapore for good, the employer must cancel within one week of your departure (unless the pass already expired).

What your employer must do first

Before cancelling, MOM expects the employer to:

1. give you reasonable notice of repatriation;
2. seek tax clearance (IR21) from IRAS at least one month before your last day of employment; and
3. settle outstanding salary and any other employment issues.

Tax clearance is why your final salary may be withheld: your employer holds back money until IRAS confirms your tax is settled.

After cancellation

Once the EP is cancelled you cannot work, even while you wait to leave Singapore, and the physical card should be cut in half and discarded. If you need time to wind up your affairs or depart, your employer can request a Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) — on cancellation, or within a day of the EP expiring — giving you up to 90 days of legal stay. Overstaying is a criminal offence, so never let your legal stay lapse.

What this means for you

• Treat renewal as a re-assessment, not a stamp — check your salary and COMPASS position months ahead.
• Renew early if you can; you lose nothing, and a missed deadline forces a new application.
• Expect your last pay to be held for tax clearance, and keep a valid stay (STVP) if you are between passes.

Still deciding your path? Read the Employment Pass eligibility rules, compare the S Pass, and if family are here, see how cancelling affects their passes.

General information only, from MOM and IRAS, with the date each figure was checked. We are not an immigration or tax agent; the final decision on any pass rests with MOM. Confirm the current rules on the official pages for your own case.