To regulate the employment of foreign workers, the Singapore government, through the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) issues several types of work passes. Among them, the Employment Pass (EP) and the S Pass are two of the most common permits for skilled and mid-skilled foreign employees.
Understanding the differences between these passes is essential for employers hiring international talent and professionals planning to work in Singapore.
Singapore Work Pass Ecosystem
What is the Employment Pass?
The Employment Pass (EP) allows foreign professionals to work in Singapore in skilled positions that require specialized knowledge and expertise.
EP Eligibility Requirements
Job Offer
Must have employment offer from Singapore employer
Minimum Salary
Meet qualifying salary requirements based on sector
Qualifications
Acceptable educational credentials and relevant experience
COMPASS Score
Score at least 40 points under COMPASS framework
Employment Pass Salary Requirements
Minimum salary requirements vary by sector and increase progressively with age and experience level.
| Sector | Current Minimum Salary | Minimum salary for new applications from 1 Jan 2027, and for renewal of passes expiring from 1 Jan 2028 |
| All sectors (except financial services) | S$5,600 | $6,000 |
| Financial services | S$6,200 | $6,600 |
What is the S Pass?
The S Pass allows companies to hire mid-skilled foreign workers who perform technical and supervisory roles. These positions require practical expertise but may not need advanced academic qualifications.
Typical S Pass Occupations
- Engineering technicians and specialists
- Skilled manufacturing staff
- Logistics and operations supervisors
- Healthcare technicians and support staff
- Skilled service industry workers
S Pass Eligibility & Quota System
Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC)
Quota varies by sector:
- Services sector: up to 10%
- Manufacturing sector: up to 15%
Companies must maintain sufficient local employees to hire foreign workers.
Foreign Worker Levy
Employers pay a monthly levy based on workforce composition and the number of S Pass workers. This encourages prioritization of local hiring.
Typicall S Pass levy: Up to S$650 per worker per month.
S Pass Salary Requirements
| Sector | For renewal of passes expiring from 1 Sep 2025 to 31 Aug 2026 | For new applications submitted from 1 Sep 2025, and renewals of passes expiring from 1 Sep 2026 | For new applications submitted from 1 Jan 2027, and renewal of passes expiring from 1 Jan 2028 |
| All sectors (except financial services) | S$3,150 | $3,300 | $3,600 |
| Financial services | S$3,650 | $3,800 | $4,000 |
EP vs S Pass Comparison
| Feature | Employment Pass | S Pass |
| Target workforce | Professionals & executives | Mid-skilled workers |
| Minimum salary | S$5,600 | S$3,300 |
| Quota restriction | No quota | Subject to quota |
| Foreign worker levy | No levy | Employer pays levy |
| Evaluation method | COMPASS framework | Salary + quota |
| Typical duration | Up to 2 years initially Up to 3 years renewal | Up to 2 years initially Up to 3 years renewal |
Family Sponsorship Benefits
| Employment Pass | S Pass |
| Suitable for: – High-skilled professionals – Executive or managerial roles – Higher salary positions (S$5,600+) – No quota restrictions – COMPASS evaluation framework | Suitable for: – Skilled technicians – Supervisory roles – Technical staff positions (S$3,300+) – Subject to quota and levy – Services sector: max 10% workforce |
Need Help Hiring Professionals in Singapore?
Understanding Singapore’s Employment Pass and S Pass requirements is important when hiring foreign professionals or skilled workers. Employers must ensure the role, salary level, and workforce structure comply with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations.
If your organisation is looking to hire professionals, executives, or technical specialists in Singapore, the Kanry Search team can assist with talent recruitment and workforce planning.
