identity · Day 1-3 after arrival
Collect your Employment Pass card from MOM
You can't open a bank account, register SingPass, or sign a lease until you have your physical EP card. This is the gate.
Source: MOM — EP Card Issuance · verified 2026-04-06
Why this matters
Register biometrics (fingerprints + photo) and set up SingPass — your digital identity for ALL government e-services in Singapore.
The EP card is your official work identity in Singapore. At EPSC you register fingerprints, take a photo, and set up SingPass on the spot. Without this, you cannot access tax filing, government services, PayNow, or get your digital work pass. Your employer books the appointment, but YOU must attend in person for biometrics.
If you skip it: Without EP card registration: no SingPass (blocks 700+ government e-services), no digital work pass on SGWorkPass app, difficulty opening bank accounts, cannot register for PayNow, cannot file taxes.
When to do it
Earliest
As soon as EP is approved and Notification Letter is issued. Employer books via EP eService.
Optimal
Within the first week of arrival. Tuesday or Thursday after 5:30 PM for shortest queue (extended hours).
Deadline
Within 2 weeks of pass issuance. The Notification Letter is valid for 1 month — do NOT wait until the last day.
If late: Your Notification Letter expires after 1 month. Without registration, you cannot get SingPass, digital work pass, or full banking access.
How to do it
- 1
Your employer books the appointment via EP eService on mom.gov.sg
You will receive the appointment date/time by email. You do NOT book this yourself.
- 2
Arrive at EPSC (The Riverwalk, Level 4) with passport + IPA letter + phone
Arrive 10 minutes early. Address: 20 Upper Circular Road, #04-01/02, Singapore 058416
- 3
Check in at reception with appointment confirmation, receive queue number
- 4
When called to counter: submit passport, verify your details
- 5
Fingerprint scan — both index fingers
- 6
Photo taken digitally at counter (no need to bring physical photos)
- 7
SingPass account setup — staff guides you through registration on the spot
You will set up your SingPass password and link your phone for 2FA. Bring your phone with a working email address.
- 8
Download SGWorkPass app, verify your digital work pass is visible
iOS: App Store, Android: Google Play. Search "SGWorkPass"
https://apps.apple.com/sg/app/sgworkpass/id1274061632 - 9
Done! Total time at EPSC: approximately 30-45 minutes
Common mistakes
- · Trying to book the appointment yourself — your EMPLOYER must book via EP eService
- · Forgetting your phone — needed for SingPass registration
- · Expecting to walk out with the EP card — it is mailed to you in 5 working days
What you need
- · passport — Identity verification at counter
- · ipa_letter — Proof of EP approval
Cost
SGD 0 (free)
- · EP issuance fee (SGD 225) already paid by employer during application: SGD 0
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Related steps
identity
Register for SingPass
SingPass is your digital ID for 2,700+ government and private services. Without it you can't file taxes, open accounts, or access HealthHub.
money
Open a bank account
You need a local bank account to receive your salary, pay rent, and use SingPass services. Most expats pick DBS Multiplier.
family
Apply for Dependant's Pass
EP holders earning SGD 6,000+ can sponsor a DP for spouse and children under 21. Apply via EP Online. Processing time 3-8 weeks.
This is one of 13 things you need to do when moving to Singapore.
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