The S Pass sits between the Work Permit and the Employment Pass. It is designed for mid-skilled foreign employees earning between the EP threshold and a defined minimum — typically technicians, junior engineers, paramedical staff, and other specialist roles that need a recognised qualification but do not command an EP-level salary.
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Last reviewed on 29 October 2026 against MOM guidance.
In 2026, S Pass policy continues to tighten. Minimum qualifying salaries have stepped up again, higher minimums are due for new applications from 1 January 2027, and the S Pass levy is now a flat S$650 a month. If you employ S Pass holders — or are planning to — this guide walks through current rules, quotas and renewal mechanics.
What Is the S Pass?
The S Pass is issued under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990 (EFMA) by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). It allows mid-skilled foreign workers to work in Singapore for a specified employer, in a specified role. Unlike the Employment Pass, S Pass holders are subject to a quota (the Dependency Ratio Ceiling) and the employer pays a monthly foreign worker levy.
Eligibility Criteria (2026)
Minimum qualifying salary
The S Pass minimum qualifying salary is S$3,300 a month for candidates aged 23 or below, rising progressively with age to S$4,800 at 45 and above. In the financial services sector it is S$3,800, rising to S$5,650. These figures apply to new applications from 1 September 2025 and to renewals of passes expiring from 1 September 2026. For new applications from 1 January 2027, and renewals of passes expiring from 1 January 2028, the minimum rises to S$3,600 (S$4,000 in financial services). Salary must be commensurate with the worker’s age and experience — MOM rejects applications where the salary is at the floor but the worker has a decade of experience.
Qualifications
Declaring qualifications in an S Pass application is optional. If a qualification is declared, it must be authentic and awarded by an accredited institution listed in the application form. Relevant qualifications and industry experience can still support the application.
Work experience
Relevant work experience is taken into account. A degree-holder with no experience may qualify, but a diploma-holder typically needs supporting experience.
The Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC) Quota
Unlike the EP, S Pass holders count towards a quota. The DRC is the maximum proportion of S Pass + Work Permit holders the company may employ, calculated against the total workforce.
Current DRC sub-caps for S Pass holders (within the overall DRC):
- Services sector: 10% of total workforce
- Manufacturing: 15%
- Construction, Marine Shipyard, Process: 15%
The overall DRC (S Pass + Work Permit combined) varies by sector — Services is 35%, Manufacturing is 60%, Construction is 87.5%. If you exceed the S Pass sub-cap, MOM will reject new applications and renewals until your headcount comes back into compliance.
Foreign Worker Levy for S Pass
Since 1 September 2025, the S Pass levy is S$650 a month for each S Pass holder, across all sectors and levy tiers. The daily rate for a part month is S$21.37.
For more on how levies and quotas work across pass types, see our Foreign Worker Levy 2026 guide.
Step-By-Step Application Process
Step 1: Self-assessment
Use MOM’s S Pass Self-Assessment Tool to confirm eligibility before applying. Wrong DRC counts are a top rejection cause.
Step 2: Apply online through EP eService
Log in to EP eService on the myMOM Portal. The application fee is S$105, and MOM processes or updates most applications within 10 business days. Submit the application with supporting documents — passport, qualification certificates, employment contract and company information.
Step 3: Wait for approval (typically 3 weeks)
MOM processes the application and issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter if approved. The IPA is valid for 6 months for the worker to enter Singapore.
Step 4: Worker enters Singapore and completes formalities
The worker arrives, undergoes medical examination, fingerprinting and card issuance. The S Pass card is valid for up to 2 years on the first issuance.
Renewals: What to Watch
S Pass renewals are not automatic — MOM evaluates the same criteria all over again, including the qualifying salary that applies on the pass’s expiry date (S$3,300, or S$3,800 in financial services, for passes expiring from 1 September 2026), updated DRC limits, and any changes in the worker’s qualifications or role. You can apply up to six months (180 days) before expiry, so start early. Late renewals can result in the worker losing their right to work and may trigger overstay penalties.
Common Pitfalls
- Underpaying the worker: Salary below the floor is an outright rejection.
- Exceeding the DRC: Hire a Singaporean first if you are at the sub-DRC.
- Late levy payments: Late levy attracts a 2% per month penalty.
- Working at unauthorised premises: S Pass holders must work at the address specified in the application.
S Pass vs Employment Pass — Which Is Right for the Role?
If the worker earns S$5,600 or more (or S$6,200+ in Financial Services) and meets COMPASS scoring, the Employment Pass is the better route — no levy, no quota, easier renewal. See our EP vs ONE Pass vs PEP guide for a deeper comparison.
Final Thoughts
The S Pass remains the workhorse pass for mid-skilled foreign labour in Singapore. Plan around the DRC sub-caps, budget for the levy, and time your renewals carefully. If you are unsure whether to apply for an S Pass or EP, get a professional reading first — a rejected EP can be downgraded to an S Pass at the worker’s expense, but a rejected S Pass cannot easily be upgraded.
Raffles Corporate Services and our affiliated MOM-licensed employment agency, Singapore Employment Agency, handle EP, S Pass, Work Permit and dependant pass applications end-to-end.
— The Editorial Team, Raffles Corporate Services
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