Singapore remains one of the most attractive destinations for global professionals seeking competitive salaries, a stable economy, and diverse career opportunities. Over the years, Vietnam has emerged as a growing source of skilled talent, with many Vietnamese professionals securing roles in engineering, finance, technology, hospitality, construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and more. To work in Singapore as a professional, the key work visa to obtain is the Employment Pass (EP) — a permit generally granted to foreign executives, managers, professionals, and specialists.
However, obtaining an EP is not automatic. The Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) evaluates each application carefully based on clearly defined criteria. The approval process involves assessing the candidate, the hiring company, and the job role to ensure that the foreign hire benefits Singapore’s economy and complements the local workforce.
This article explains in detail the criteria for a Vietnamese citizen to qualify for a Singapore Employment Pass, how the new COMPASS framework affects applications, supporting documents required, and practical tips to improve approval chances.
1. Basic Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for an EP, a Vietnamese applicant must first meet the standard baseline conditions set by MOM. The three core requirements are:
1.1 A Job Offer From a Singapore-Registered Company
An EP cannot be applied for independently. The application must be submitted by a Singapore employer or an authorized employment agent.
The Singapore company must be legally incorporated, financially sound, and able to justify the need for a foreign professional in the role. Startups and new companies may also apply, but must show realistic business activity, projected growth, and hiring intent.
1.2 Minimum Qualifying Salary
As of the latest MOM guidelines, the base qualifying salary for EP is at least SGD 5,000/month, and higher for older, more experienced applicants. For the finance sector, a higher starting threshold applies.
Age-adjusted salary expectations also exist:
| Applicant Profile | Minimum Indicative Salary |
|---|---|
| Fresh graduate / junior | From SGD 5,000 |
| Mid-career (10+ years exp) | SGD 8,000–12,000+ |
| Financial services roles | Higher tier across all levels |
Simply meeting the minimum does not guarantee approval. MOM compares your salary relative to peers of similar experience and skills in the industry.
1.3 Acceptable Qualifications / Skills
A university degree is commonly expected, but not mandatory. MOM recognizes that experience and skills can substitute academic qualifications.
Vietnamese applicants with strong work portfolios, specialized certifications, or senior technical experience may still qualify even without a degree. Skills-based EP approvals are increasingly common in sectors such as:
- Software engineering & AI
- Cybersecurity
- Data science & analytics
- Robotics and automation
- Marine & offshore engineering
- Hospitality management and culinary arts
- Digital marketing & e-commerce development
Having in-demand tech skills or industry specialization significantly increases approval odds.
2. COMPASS — The New Points-Based EP Evaluation System
Since September 2023, all EP applications are assessed under COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) — a points-based scoring model. To pass, applicants must score at least 40 points across four main and two supplementary criteria.
2.1 Foundation Criteria (100 points max)
| COMPASS Category | Points | How Vietnamese Applicants Can Score |
|---|---|---|
| C1: Salary Benchmark | 0/10/20 | Higher salary = more points; aim above median for age & role |
| C2: Qualifications | 0/10/20 | Degree from recognized institution or equivalent experience |
| C3: Diversity | 0/10/20 | Adds value if not many Vietnamese in the company currently |
| C4: Local Employment Support | 0/10/20 | More points if the firm hires/reskills Singaporeans actively |
2.2 Bonus Criteria (Optional but Highly Valuable)
| Supplementary Categories | Bonus Points |
|---|---|
| C5: Skills Bonus (Tech / In-Demand Roles) | +20 |
| C6: Strategic Economic Priorities (Industry Contribution) | +20 |
Applicants who score high in specialized skills, especially technology-related expertise, often outperform generic profiles.
How COMPASS Affects Vietnamese Applicants
Previously, EP approval was largely salary + qualification based. Now, COMPASS adds workforce diversity, employer track record, and national skill priorities into evaluation. A Vietnamese applicant who brings niche skill sets into a company with few Vietnamese employees benefits significantly under this system.
If an applicant falls short in salary or education, high scores in Skills Bonus or Strategic Value categories may compensate.
3. Documents Required for an EP Application
To ensure a smooth application, Vietnamese professionals should prepare:
Personal Documents
✔ Valid passport
✔ Highest educational certificates (degree, diploma, transcripts)
✔ Professional certificates and licenses
✔ Updated curriculum vitae (CV) with detailed work history
✔ Reference letters from past employers
✔ Portfolio (if in creative, tech or engineering fields)
Employer Documents
✔ ACRA business profile
✔ Job description with responsibilities & reporting structure
✔ Employment contract with salary & terms
✔ Justification for hiring a foreign professional
✔ Business activity proof (bank statements, invoices, project contracts, hiring plan)
Strong documentation significantly improves the success rate.
4. Professional Qualities That Improve Approval Chances
Vietnamese applicants with the following traits stand out strongly in the EP evaluation:
4.1 Niche or High-Demand Skills
Singapore prioritizes sectors like:
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- FinTech & Banking Technology
- Pharmaceutical & Biomedical Sciences
- Aerospace
- Clean Energy / Sustainability engineering
Specialized Vietnamese talent in these areas are highly sought after.
4.2 Managerial or Leadership Experience
Applicants taking supervisor, manager, or director roles tend to have higher approval probability because these positions require experience that may be difficult to source locally.
4.3 Regional Market Expertise
Vietnam-Singapore trade is growing rapidly. A candidate who understands the Vietnam market, speaks the language, and can build cross-border business networks adds strategic value.
Such market connectivity can be a compelling justification for EP approval.
5. Application Processing Time
Once submitted, EP processing usually takes 3 to 8 weeks, although complex cases can take longer if additional verification is required.
Factors that may slow down assessment include:
- Education verification issues
- Insufficient salary benchmark
- Weak justification for hiring foreign talent
- Incomplete or inconsistent documents
Applicants should respond promptly to all MOM requests for clarification to avoid delays.
6. Common Reasons for EP Rejection
Even if criteria are met, EP can be rejected due to:
❌ Salary too low vs market rate
❌ Qualification not recognized or not verified
❌ Employer lacks financial strength or business activity
❌ Job scope unclear, generic, or replaceable by local talent
❌ Too many foreigners in the department without diversity balance
❌ Weak COMPASS score below 40 points
Fortunately, EP rejection is not final — companies may appeal within 3 months, strengthening documentation and justification.
7. How Vietnamese Professionals Can Strengthen Their EP Approval
Here are practical ways to boost success:
7.1 Negotiate a Competitive Salary
Aim to be above median salary for your profession and age — this adds COMPASS points and signals strong professional value.
7.2 Upgrade Academic or Skills Credentials
Consider adding:
- Technical certifications
- Project management accreditation (PMP, ScrumMaster)
- Finance or accounting certifications (ACCA, CFA)
- Cybersecurity credentials (CISSP, CEH, CompTIA)
Certificates from recognized global bodies often strengthen the qualifications score.
7.3 Build a Strong Professional Portfolio
Showcase:
- Code repositories (Github)
- Industry projects & achievements
- Client success case studies
- Revenue or productivity impact
MOM favors candidates who can demonstrate measurable contribution value.
7.4 Choose Employers With Good EP Track Record
Companies familiar with EP submissions understand compliance and documentation — improving application success.
Conclusion
Vietnamese professionals are increasingly welcomed in Singapore’s workforce due to their strong work ethic, adaptability, and technical skillset. To secure an Employment Pass, candidates must meet the core requirements — competitive salary, relevant experience, and a valid job offer. Beyond that, success now depends heavily on COMPASS scoring, niche skills, employer credibility, and how convincingly the applicant is positioned as a contributor to Singapore’s economy.
With proper preparation, supporting documents, and the right company match, a Vietnamese talent stands an excellent chance of securing an EP and building a strong professional career in Singapore.