Your quick guide to Singapore S Pass requirements, application, and employer rules.
The Singapore S Pass is a work pass for mid-skilled professionals and technicians. It sits between the Employment Pass and the Work Permit. In this guide, you will learn about S Pass eligibility, required documents, processing times, and renewal tips. In addition, if you are setting up a new business, start with company incorporation in Singapore so your hiring and pass applications follow the correct order. Moreover, Terra Advisory Services supports you from the initial assessment all the way to approval.
Because salary thresholds and quotas change frequently, always verify requirements on the official Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website.
Securing a Singapore S Pass means meeting several important requirements set by MOM. To begin with, a valid job offer is the first step. However, employers must also manage the quota and levy system, which helps balance the number of foreign workers with the local workforce. Consequently, an employer’s ability to hire you depends on the number of local employees they currently have.
The quota and levy framework ensures that companies maintain a sustainable mix of local and foreign employees. In many situations, businesses with fewer local workers face stricter limits. Therefore, employers must plan their workforce carefully before submitting an S Pass application.
The salary requirement is another key factor. The minimum qualifying salary is not fixed. Instead, it is benchmarked against the pay for local Associate Professionals and Technicians. As a result, salary expectations increase with age and experience. Furthermore, employers must offer a competitive package that meets these benchmarks to support approval.
At a glance, the S Pass application can be viewed as a simple checklist of required steps:
The S Pass application involves several key stages. Understanding each step helps employers and appointed agents avoid delays and improve approval chances when applying through the myMOM Portal.
Before applying, the employer must confirm there is sufficient S Pass quota and that the foreign worker levy can be paid for each S Pass holder. As a result, applications cannot proceed unless these requirements are fully met.
Gather all required documents, including the applicant’s educational certificates, passport details, and the company’s business registration information. Additionally, any non-English documents must be accompanied by an official translation. Accurate, complete documentation is critical for approval.
Submit the S Pass application via the myMOM Portal. Processing typically takes around three weeks, though timelines can vary. Moreover, MOM may request additional details during this period — prompt, clear responses help keep the application moving.
If approved, MOM issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. The IPA allows the S Pass holder to enter Singapore and outlines the conditions and next steps required before the pass can be issued.
After arrival in Singapore, the S Pass holder completes a medical examination and biometric registration. Once these steps are complete, MOM issues the S Pass card — the official proof of identity and work authorisation in Singapore.
The S Pass is usually valid for one to three years. You can renew it if you keep meeting the criteria. A change of employer typically requires a fresh application. Keep salary, job scope, and corporate details up to date to avoid delays.
Getting your S Pass is a major achievement, but it also comes with ongoing responsibilities. For instance, your S Pass is tied to your employer. If you wish to change jobs, your new employer must submit a fresh S Pass application — you cannot transfer your existing pass.
Renewal also requires planning. Your employer must file the renewal before your pass expires, and MOM will review the case under the latest eligibility rules.
Finally, the S Pass can be a pathway to Permanent Residence (PR). After gaining relevant work experience and demonstrating economic and social integration, many S Pass holders may eventually qualify to apply for PR.
S Pass holders may sponsor family if they meet the current minimum salary threshold. Your spouse or children may qualify for a Dependant’s Pass or a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), subject to MOM/ICA rules.
The S Pass is designed for mid-skilled technical staff, while the Employment Pass (EP) is intended for highly skilled professionals, managers, and executives. Additionally, the minimum qualifying salary for an S Pass is lower. Moreover, S Pass holders are subject to a quota and a monthly levy, whereas EP holders are not. Consequently, employers must consider these workforce and financial factors when deciding which pass to apply for.
The S Pass quota sets a limit on how many S Pass holders a company can employ. It is calculated based on the number of local employees on the company’s payroll. As a result, businesses with fewer local workers face tighter quota restrictions. This quota system helps maintain a balanced workforce and encourages companies to continue hiring and developing local talent.
The foreign worker levy is a monthly fee employers must pay for each S Pass holder. The levy rate varies depending on the proportion of S Pass holders in the total workforce. Therefore, companies with a higher proportion of foreign workers pay a higher levy. This approach encourages employers to maintain a sustainable mix of local and foreign employees.
Yes, S Pass holders may bring their family members if they meet MOM’s minimum salary requirement. Eligible family members include a legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21. In addition, they may apply for a Dependant's Pass or, in some cases, a Long-Term Visit Pass. Meeting these requirements ensures the applicant can provide sufficient support for their dependants in Singapore.
An S Pass is typically valid for up to 2 years. It is renewable as long as the employer and pass holder continue to meet all eligibility criteria. Additionally, MOM reviews salary, job role, and quota compliance at each renewal stage. Therefore, maintaining accurate and updated employment details helps ensure smooth renewal.
Yes, you may move from an S Pass to an Employment Pass if your salary and qualifications meet the EP criteria. Your employer must submit a new EP application. Furthermore, many S Pass holders upgrade to an EP as they gain experience, take on higher responsibilities, or earn a competitive salary that meets EP benchmarks.
If you leave your job, your employer must cancel your S Pass. After cancellation, you usually receive a 30-day Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP), which allows time to settle personal matters or search for a new employer. However, you cannot resume work until a new employer applies for and secures a new S Pass for you.
Yes, all employers must provide medical insurance for S Pass holders. The coverage must include at least SGD 15,000 per year for inpatient care and day surgery. This requirement ensures that foreign employees receive adequate medical support while working in Singapore.
