What is EP Sponsorship in Singapore?

An Employment Pass (EP) is a type of work visa allowing foreign professionals, executives, and managers to live and work in Singapore. Typically, EP holders receive sponsorship from companies registered locally in Singapore. On the other hand, a Sponsored Employment Pass (SEP) specifically caters to foreign employees whose sponsoring companies are registered overseas. 

Thus, employers benefit by being able to hire skilled foreign talent in Singapore without the need to establish a local entity. At the same time, employees gain reliable support from their sponsor throughout the relocation process.

If your foreign workers require sponsorship for employment in Singapore, this means you must oversee the visa application process, ensure compliance with regulations, and fulfil necessary employer obligations.

But what does this process actually involve? 

Navigating the SEP Application Process

For employers looking to sponsor a visa in Singapore through the SEP application, here’s a quick guide:

1. Begin by downloading and completing the online application form from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website. 
2. Ensure all necessary signatures are secured from authorised personnel. 
3. Pay the required application fee of S$105 (non-refundable)
4. Finally, log into the MOM portal using your company’s Corppass to submit the completed application and upload all supporting documents. 

MOM’s review process

Once the SEP application is submitted, the MOM typically takes around eight weeks to process. During this time, the MOM will thoroughly review the submitted documents and may request additional information or supporting documents if needed. Employers will receive such requests and application updates via email.

After one week, you can check the status of the Sponsored Employment Pass application online through the MOM website. 

Post-approval procedures

After MOM approves the Sponsored Employment Pass, the employer or an authorised representative can collect it from the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC). If preferred, it can also be delivered by mail upon request.

Once received, the employee must activate the pass within the required timeframe. Additional steps, such as medical check-ups or registrations with relevant authorities, may be necessary, depending on the situation.

Essential Requirements for a Sponsored EP

A well-prepared application increases approval chances—learn what’s required from both employees and employers for a Sponsored EP.

Employee’s responsibilities

As part of the application process, employees must provide a copy of the personal details page of their passport or travel document, along with pages that reflect updates or amendments to their information.

Additionally, some nationalities have specific document requirements:

• Indian applicants must provide their academic transcripts and mark sheets.
• Chinese applicants must submit their graduation certificate and an officially verified English translation from a MOM-recognised source.

Employer’s responsibilities

The sponsoring company also has key obligations to fulfil for a successful Sponsored Employment Pass application. These include:

• Submitting a copy of the company’s official business registration certificate.
• Providing any relevant licenses required for the company’s operations, such as a food shop license for businesses in the food and beverage industry.
• Furnishing registration or support letters from relevant Singaporean agencies, particularly for specialised occupations.
• Securing written consent from the employee, authorising the employer to apply for the SEP on their behalf.
• Show proof that the application processing fee was paid.

Cancelling a Sponsored Employment Pass

If the SEP holder is still in Singapore, the employer can arrange an appointment with MOM’s Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC) to process the cancellation. However, if the employee has already left the country, the employer must complete an online form to request the cancellation of the SEP. 

Each submission allows up to four EP sponsorship cancellations, but if more need to be processed, a separate request must be made. Once submitted, MOM will send an official update on the cancellation status by post within one week.

Employers can work with a corporate service provider to help ensure compliance, manage documentation, and streamline the SEP application process efficiently.

Ready to Sponsor? Singapore Corporate Services Makes it Easy

Navigating the Sponsored Employment Pass application can be time-consuming, but with professional guidance, it becomes a hassle-free process. 

Singapore Corporate Services (SCS) helps businesses by providing business incorporation services and company secretarial services to ensure compliance during foreign worker hiring and other corporate processes. With our expertise, you can concentrate on growing your business while we manage the administrative complexities.

Contact us today, and let us simplify your SEP application.

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