If you're a business owner in Singapore, you may be wondering how to go about obtaining an S Pass for a foreign worker. In this guide, we'll provide an overview of the process and requirements for obtaining an S Pass, as well as some tips on how to make the application process as smooth as possible. Let's get started!
What is an S Pass?
The S Pass is a mid-level work visa for skilled workers. It is targeted at individuals who do not qualify for the Employment Pass but possess relevant qualifications and work experience. S Pass holders are subject to a quota system based on the ratio of local to foreign workers in a company. The S Pass is initially valid for up to two years and can be renewed for another three years, depending on the worker's qualifications and the company's compliance record.
What is the minimum salary requirement for the S Pass?
Yes, there is! Candidates need to earn at least:
Current criteria:
$3,150 a month (in general)
$3,650 a month (for financial services)
For new applications from 1 Sep 2025, and for renewals from 1 Sep 2026:
$3,300* a month (in general)
$3,800* a month (for financial services)
Applicants with more work experience will also correspondingly require a higher salary to qualify.
*To be finalised
Are there any qualification requirements for the S Pass?
Candidates are required to have relevant work experience and qualifications (such as a degree or diploma, or in some cases, relevant technical certificates). The specific educational requirements vary depending on the sector and the applicant's work experience. For more information on acceptable qualifications, please refer to the MOM’s article on “Eligibility for S Pass”.
Is there any quota for the S Pass?
The quota for S Pass holders varies across different sectors and is counted within your total quota for foreign workers. Let's take a look at the S Pass holder quotas for different sectors:
Sector
Quota (from 1 Jan 2023 onwards)
Construction
83.3%
Process
83.3%
Marine shipyard
77.8%
Manufacturing
60%
Services
35%
If you exceed the existing quota, your company will still be allowed to keep your excess workers (until their S Passes expire), but you’ll be unable to apply for new (or renew) S Passes.
It is good to keep updated, as the quota for certain sectors may differ each year. For more information on upcoming changes in the S Pass quota, please see the MOM’s page on “S Pass quota and levy requirements”.
MOM has a quota calculatorthat allows you to calculate the number of Work Permit and S Pass holders your company can employ.
What is the application process for the S Pass?
Application for an S Pass must be done by the employer or appointed employment agent.
Before applying for the S Pass:
Show fair consideration to all candidates and advertise on MyCareersFuture.
Familiarise yourself with the eligibility criteria. You are highly encouraged to make use of the Self-Assessment Tool to get a preliminary idea of whether the candidate meets the requirements.
If the Self-Assessment Tool indicates that the candidate is not eligible, it likely means that the S Pass application will be rejected. On the other hand, if the Self-Assessment Tool indicates that the candidate is eligible, then it is very likely (90% chance) that the application will be successful.
Familiarise yourself with the quota and levy required. You may refer to this MOM page on “Quota and levy for S Pass” for more information.
Declare your business activity (if you are a business employer making a first-time application for S Passes or Work Permits).
Prepare the required documents to ensure a smooth application, which include:
Page of candidate’s passport showing their personal particulars
Candidate’s educational certificates (e.g., diploma or degree certificates). For candidates who hold qualifications from India, China, or institutions that are not found in the application form’s drop-down list, additional documents are required.
Verification proof of candidate’s qualifications (to show that these qualifications are genuine and were awarded from an accredited institution)
Healthcare professionals, lawyers, football players or coaches
Employees in a food establishment
Your company’s latest business profile or instant information registered with ACRA.
Before an S Pass candidate arrives in Singapore:
Apply for the S Pass, which can be done online on themyMOM Portal. Do note that you will need to pay $105 for each application at this point of time.
If the application is successful, the employer will receive an in-principle approval letter. This will also include a visa that will allow the candidate to enter Singapore. This visa can only be used once.
After the S Pass candidate arrives in Singapore:
Buy medical insurance for each pass holder. You will also need to submit the insurance details online.
Get the pass issued. This should be done within 60 days of the in-principle approval. This can be done on myMOM Portal. For more information on the documents required at this point, please refer to MOM’s article “Apply for an S pass”, under the heading “Get the pass issued”, and under the subheading “What you’ll need”.
You will also need to pay $100 for each pass issuance at this time.
Receive (by email) the notification letter. This letter will allow the candidate to begin working and travel across Singapore borders while still waiting for the pass card.
The candidate may need to register their fingerprints and photo. If this is required, it will be stated in the notification letter. This should be done within 1 week after the pass is issued.
Receive the pass card (it will be delivered to the provided address).
How do I check the S Pass application status?
You may check the S Pass application status on themyMOM Portal.
How can I renew the S Pass for my employee?
Renewals can be done by the employer or appointed employment agent via the myMOM Portal.
There are a few requirements that you need to meet in order to renew an S Pass for your employee:
Pass holders must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
The pass holder has to satisfy the criteria of the existing eligibility requirements. See more details on the MOM’s page on “Eligibility for S Pass”.
The pass holder’s passport must have at least another 7 months of validity.
You (the employer) need to have enough S Pass quota for your sector.
When should I renew the S Pass for my employee?
Other important information to take into account if you are renewing S Passes for your employees:
You can start to renew an S Pass up to 6 months before the pass expires. You must apply before the expiry date, so it’s good to start early. Visit the MOM’s page “Renew an S Pass” to calculate when you can start renewing.
The renewal would have up to 3 years of validity. However, if the pass holder’s passport is expiring soon, then the S Pass will only be valid up to 1 month before the passport’s expiry date.
You need to pay $100 for each renewal.
Most applications for renewals would be processed within 3 weeks.
Do I have to pay any levy for S Pass holders?
Yes, you need to pay a monthly levy for S Pass holders. This starts on the day the S Pass is issued and ends on the day that the pass is cancelled or expires.
What are the levy rates for S Pass holders?
Depending on the sector of your company, the foreign worker levy rates for S Pass holders vary and are organised into different tiers. Presented below is a concise table outlining the levy rates across various sectors:
Each month's levy will be deducted on the 17th of the following month from your bank account (or the next working day if it falls on a weekend or public holiday).
Before the deduction date, make sure you have adequate money in your account. Your bank may charge you a failed transaction fee if the GIRO deduction fails.
What happens if I forget to pay the levy on time?
If you don’t pay the full levy on time, you may face these penalties:
A late payment penalty of 2% each month or $20, whichever is greater, will be assessed. The total amount of your late payment penalty will be capped at 30% of the outstanding levy.
Your existing S Passes will be revoked. You can only apply for new S passes after you've paid off your arrears and fines. Do note that your S Pass holders must obtain new S Passes before they may continue working.
You won’t be allowed to apply for or issue S Passes, or renew existing S Passes.
You could risk legal action if you don't pay the levy.
If you, your partners, or your directors run other businesses, these businesses may not be eligible to apply for S Passes.
What are the differences among the S Pass, Employment Pass, and Work Permit?
Employment Pass
S Pass
Work Permit
Target group
Foreign professionals, managers and executives
Mid-level skilled/ technical staff
Semi-skilled migrant workers in the following sectors:
Construction
Manufacturing
Marine shipyard
Process
Services
In addition, there are also Work Permits for:
Migrant domestic workers
Malaysian confinement nannies
Foreign performing artistes
You may refer to the MOM website on “Work passes” for more information.
Minimum monthly salary required for pass holders
Currently:
$5,000 a month (in general)
$5,500 a month (for financial services)
From 1 January 2025, the EP qualifying salary:
$5,600 a month (in general)
$6,200 a month (for financial services)
Current criteria:
$3,150 a month (in general)
$3,650 a month (for financial services)
Minimum qualifying salary for new applications from 1 Sep 2025, and for renewals from 1 Sep 2026:
$3,300* a month (in general)
$3,800* a month (for financial services)
No minimum salary required
Are family members provided passes?
May apply for a Dependent’s Pass for family members, if they meet this eligibility criteria
No
Is levy required?
No
Yes
Yes
Is there any quota?
No
Yes
Yes
Does the employer need to provide insurance?
Employers can choose whether or not to provide medical insurance for EP holders.
Employers must buy and maintain medical insurance for Special Pass holders.
For policies with start date effective before 1 July 2023: $15,000 per year
For policies with start date effective on or after 1 July 2023: $60,000 per year
Employers must buy and maintain medical insurance for Work Permit holders.
For policies with start date effective before 1 July 2023: $15,000 per year
For policies with start date effective on or after 1 July 2023: $60,000 per year
What are some common reasons of S Pass rejection?
The rejection of an Employment Pass application or renewal by the MOM can stem from various factors that need to align with certain criteria. The rejection reasons include the following:
Employer not following Fair Consideration Framework (FCF)
Issues with the company background provided
Low score in the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS)
Discrepancies in information provided
Insufficient qualifications or experience for the job scope
Imbalanced ratio of locals to foreigners in the company
Insufficiently provided information
Unreliable work records
The applicant earns less than the minimum required salary
The company lacks sufficient finances to cover staff costs
What happens after an S Pass rejection?
After identifying the reasons for rejection and making the necessary adjustments, you have the option to lodge an appeal. It's crucial to do so within 3 months of receiving the rejection notice. Failure to appeal within this timeframe requires submitting a completely new application.
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If you are looking to apply for a Work Permit or Employment Pass for your foreign workers, you can check out these guides:
*This guide was first published in April 2022 and has been updated with latest information in April 2024
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