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Do Small Companies Need MOM Employment Verification in Singapore?

  • Business Insights

Do Small Companies Need MOM Employment Verification in Singapore?

If you run a small business or startup in Singapore, you might be wondering whether MOM employment verification requirements apply to you. The short answer is: yes—company size does not matter. In this guide, we break down what small companies need to know about Ministry of Manpower (MOM) verification, when it applies, and how to stay compliant.

Do SMEs Need MOM Employment Verification?

All Singapore-registered employers—including SMEs and startups—must comply with MOM’s employment verification rules when applying for an Employment Pass (EP). This requirement is tied to the type of work pass and qualifications declared, not the size of the business.  Since 1 September 2023, MOM has made it mandatory to verify educational qualifications for new EP applications, with the requirement extended to renewals from 1 September 2024.  This means even if your company has:
  • Fewer than 10 employees
  • Limited revenue
  • Just started operations
You are still required to follow the same verification rules as large corporations.

When Is MOM Employment Verification Required?

Verification is required when both conditions below are met:
  1. The candidate has a post-secondary qualification (diploma or higher)
  2. The qualification is used to earn COMPASS points in the EP application
Under Singapore’s EP system, candidates must pass the COMPASS framework, which requires a minimum of 40 points. Qualifications often play a key role in achieving this score.  If you are declaring a candidate’s degree to strengthen the application, verification becomes mandatory. When Is Verification NOT Required? You may not need verification if:
  • The qualification is not declared in the EP application
  • The application does not rely on education to meet COMPASS requirements
However, in practice, most EP applications depend on qualifications—so verification is usually necessary.

What Happens If You Skip Verification?

Failing to provide proper verification can lead to serious consequences: ❌ Employment Pass Rejection MOM requires verification proof for declared qualifications. Without it, your application may be rejected.  Hiring Delays You may need to restart the entire process, delaying onboarding and business operations. Compliance Risks Submitting unverified or inaccurate qualifications can affect your company’s future applications and reputation.

How to Complete MOM Employment Verification

To comply with MOM requirements, employers must:
  • Use approved background screening providers
  • Ensure verification reports include a valid MOM reference number
  • Submit the report as part of the EP application
MOM only accepts verification from selected providers to ensure authenticity and standardisation. 

Do Startups Get Any Exceptions?

While startups and small firms may receive some COMPASS scoring advantages (such as bonus points for workforce diversity), there is no exemption from verification requirements.  Even first-time employers hiring their first foreign employee must comply.

Best Practices for Small Businesses

To avoid delays and rejections, small companies should:
  • Verify qualifications early before submitting EP applications
  • Work with experienced service providers
  • Ensure documents are accurate and complete
  • Stay updated on MOM policy changes

How WLP Can Help

Navigating MOM requirements can be complex—especially for small businesses without a dedicated HR team. WLP provides professional support to help companies:
  • Manage Employment Pass applications
  • Ensure compliance with MOM regulations
  • Coordinate with verification providers
  • Streamline HR and payroll processes
By working with an experienced partner, you can reduce risk, save time, and improve approval success rates.

Conclusion

Small companies in Singapore are not exempt from MOM employment verification requirements. If you are applying for an Employment Pass and relying on educational qualifications, verification is mandatory—regardless of your company size. Staying compliant is essential to avoid delays, rejections, and regulatory issues. Partnering with experts like WLP can make the process smoother and more efficient.