Singapore Tightens S Pass Rules: Higher Salaries, Increased Levies!

Foreign workers aiming for jobs in Singapore will soon face higher salary requirements to qualify for the S Pass work visa. The government has announced plans to raise the minimum salary thresholds for both new applications and renewals, emphasizing the need to align with local wages and attract top talent.

What is the S Pass?

The S Pass is a work permit designed for mid-skilled foreign workers, such as Associate Professionals and Technicians (APT), who do not meet the criteria for the Employment Pass (EP). This visa offers flexibility to employers by allowing them to hire skilled talent to fill roles critical to their operations.

Revised Salary Thresholds

Currently, the salary threshold for S Pass applications stands at $3,150 per month for most industries, increasing progressively with age.

For individuals aged 45 and above, the threshold rises to $4,650. In the financial services sector, the salary threshold is higher, starting at $3,650 and increasing up to $5,650 for older applicants.

From September 1, 2025, the government plans to implement higher thresholds:

• General Industry: Minimum salary of $3,300 (to be finalized) for new applications. Renewals will follow the new rate from September 1, 2026.
• Financial Services: Minimum salary of $3,800 (to be finalized) for new applications. Renewals will adhere to the updated rate starting September 1, 2026.

The finalized thresholds will be announced closer to the implementation date to reflect the prevailing wages of local APT workers.

Changes to Levy Rates

In addition to salary revisions, levy rates for S Pass holders will increase:

• Basic/Tier 1 Levy: Raised from $550 to $650 starting September 1, 2025.
• Tier 2 Levy: Remains unchanged at $650.

Also Read: Singapore Tightens Employment Pass (EP) Rules for Foreign Workers

Qualifying for the S Pass

To qualify for the S Pass, applicants must meet several criteria:

• Job Offer: Applicants must have a valid job offer from a Singapore-based employer.
• Educational Qualifications: A degree, diploma, or technical certificate that is relevant to the job role is required.
• Salary Requirements: A fixed monthly salary comparable to the top one-third of Singapore’s local APT workforce by age.
• Work Experience: Relevant work experience may strengthen the application, especially for highly specialized roles.

The employer or an appointed employment agent must apply for the S Pass on behalf of the applicant. Additionally, the S Pass holder must work for the employer stated on the pass. If the holder changes jobs, the new employer must file a fresh application.

Application Process for the S Pass

The process to apply for an S Pass involves the following steps:

1. Employer Registration: Employers must first register for a CorpPass account to transact with MOM.
2. Job Posting: Post the job on the MyCareersFuture portal to meet the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) advertising requirement.
3. Application Submission: Submit the S Pass application online through MOM’s website, including all required documents.
4. Processing Time: Applications are typically processed within three weeks.
5. Approval and Issuance: Once approved, employers will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. The employee can then travel to Singapore to complete the pass issuance process.

Why the Changes?

These adjustments aim to uplift the quality of S Pass holders and ensure their salaries align with the top tier of Singapore’s local APT workforce. By doing so, Singapore seeks to maintain a competitive workforce while addressing concerns about wage disparity and labour market dynamics.

Impact on Employers and Workers

Employers must prepare for the increased costs associated with hiring S Pass holders, both in terms of salaries and levies. For foreign workers, meeting the new criteria will require securing higher-paying roles. These changes underscore Singapore’s commitment to maintaining a high-quality workforce while balancing the needs of local and foreign talent.

Stay Updated

For the latest updates on S Pass salary thresholds and other visa-related news, visit Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower website or consult with licensed employment agents. Keep an eye out for the finalized salary figures, which will be announced closer to the implementation date.

Conclusion

Singapore’s revised S Pass policies reflect its focus on elevating workforce quality and staying competitive in the global talent market. Foreign workers and employers alike must adapt to these changes to thrive in Singapore’s evolving labour landscape.