Can one switch from a Work Pass (WP) to an Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore? How can this be done? What are the necessary conditions? And what are the key points to consider during the transition from WP to EP? This article will clarify all these questions through Q&A.


Q: I currently hold a Work Permit (WP), but my educational background is a bachelor's degree. Can I apply for an Employment Pass (EP) for self-employment?

Answer: Yes, you can apply. However, it is also necessary to consider whether the applicant meets the criteria such as the score required for Compass, educational background, and age. 


Q: Can I continue to work on a Work Permit (WP) while applying for an Employment Pass (EP)?

Answer: Yes, it can.


Q: When my EP is approved, do I need to cancel the WP immediately?

Answer: You can cancel it before it is issued.


Q: If I Convert from WP to EP within the same company, do I still need to post a recruitment advertisement for at least 14 days as required by the Human Resources Department?

Answer: Yes.


Q: Is academic certification required for WP to EP conversion?

Answer: Yes, it is necessary. There is no mandatory requirement for academic qualification certification when submitting a WP, and employers only need to ensure that the academic qualifications are authentic. However, when applying for an EP, academic qualification certification is required.


Established in 2011 and officially registered with the Ministry of Manpower, Singapore Skyline Business is your trusted partner for work pass and PR applications. Our experienced team specializes in EntrePass, S Pass (SP), Work Permit (WP), PEP,ONE pass,self-employed EP, and Dependant Pass (DP)/Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) applications. For expert assistance, feel free to contact us via WeChat (WeChat ID: sissi-skyline) or WhatsApp us at +65-91328885.