By the WahLiao desk · Last verified 29 September 2026
An Employment Pass or S Pass is tied to your employer, so a new job needs a new pass, applied for by the new employer. Your old employer must cancel your pass within a week of your last day of notice, and your family’s passes end with it. If you are between jobs, your employer can request a Short-Term Visit Pass that lets you stay for up to 90 days on an Employment Pass, or up to 30 days on an S Pass, but you cannot work on it.
The safest order is simple: have the new pass approved in principle before you leave the old job. That keeps your right to stay, your family’s passes and your income continuous.
Changing jobs: quick facts
| New job | The new employer applies for a new pass |
| Old pass | Cancelled by the old employer within 1 week after your last day of notice |
| Family | Dependant’s and Long-Term Visit Passes end when your pass is cancelled |
| Between jobs | A Short-Term Visit Pass for up to 90 days (Employment Pass) or 30 days (S Pass), requested by the employer; no work allowed |
| Tax | Your old employer files for tax clearance at least a month before your last day and holds back money due to you |
| Personalised Employment Pass | Holders only notify MOM when they change employer |
The WahLiao Verdict
| The safe order | New pass approved first, then resign. |
| The risk | Resigning first and relying on a short-term pass while you search. |
| Family | Their passes end with yours; the new employer must apply again. |
| Money | Expect your final pay to be held until tax clearance. |
| Never | Work while on a short-term visit pass. |
The new pass
Your new employer applies for a new Employment Pass or S Pass for you, which must meet the salary and, for the EP, COMPASS rules in force at the time. Work passes explained sets them out. Once it is approved in principle, you can plan your notice period at the old job.
Cancelling the old pass
MOM requires the old employer to cancel your pass within one week after your last day of notice, and it can submit the request up to 14 days in advance. Once cancelled, all passes issued to your family on the back of it are also cancelled and cannot be reinstated. Before cancelling, the employer must seek tax clearance from IRAS and settle outstanding salary.
If you are between jobs
On cancellation, or within a day of the pass expiring, the employer can request a Short-Term Visit Pass for you. For Employment Pass holders it allows a stay of up to 90 days; for S Pass holders, up to 30 days. It is a visit pass: you may not work on it, and overstaying is an offence.
Tax when you change jobs
Your old employer must file Form IR21 with IRAS at least one month before your last day and withhold money due to you, such as your final salary and leave pay, until IRAS issues a clearance. Give your notice early so this does not delay your pay; see leaving Singapore and tax clearance.
Changing jobs: FAQ
Can I change jobs on an Employment Pass?
Yes, but your new employer must apply for a new Employment Pass for you. The pass is tied to the employer.
How long can I stay in Singapore after losing my job?
If your employer requests a Short-Term Visit Pass, up to 90 days for Employment Pass holders and up to 30 days for S Pass holders. You cannot work on it.
What happens to my family’s passes if I change jobs?
They are cancelled with your pass. Your new employer must apply for new family passes.
Why is my last salary being held?
For tax clearance: employers must withhold money due to departing foreign employees until IRAS clears their tax.
Read next
This page belongs to Moving to Singapore. See also bringing your family.
Sources checked 29 September 2026: MOM, cancel an Employment Pass; MOM, cancel an S Pass; MOM, Personalised Employment Pass; IRAS, tax clearance for non-citizen employees. General information, not immigration or legal advice. Last updated 29 September 2026.
