The S Pass is Singapore’s work visa for mid-skilled foreign employees — a tier between the Employment Pass (for professionals and managers) and the Work Permit (for lower-skilled workers). If your company needs to hire a foreign technician, associate professional, or specialist who does not qualify for an Employment Pass, the S Pass is likely the right route.
This guide covers everything employers and candidates need to know about the S Pass in 2026: who qualifies, the minimum salary requirements, how the COMPASS framework applies, quota limits, how to apply, and what to do if the application is rejected.
What Is the S Pass?
The S Pass is a work authorisation issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to foreign nationals who are employed in associate professional or technician roles in Singapore. It is designed for mid-level roles — positions that require skills and qualifications above what Work Permit holders typically have, but where the Employment Pass criteria are not met.
S Pass holders are entitled to bring their immediate family to Singapore under a Dependant’s Pass (DP) or Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), provided they meet the applicable salary and approval criteria. S Pass holders may also apply for Singapore Permanent Residency after working here for a period of time.
S Pass Eligibility Criteria 2026
To qualify for an S Pass, a candidate must meet three broad criteria: salary, qualifications, and the COMPASS points assessment.
Minimum Salary
As of 1 September 2025, the minimum qualifying salary for a new S Pass application is S$3,150 per month for most sectors. The financial services sector has a higher threshold of S$3,650 per month.
These figures apply to candidates with less than 5 years of experience. For older and more experienced candidates, higher salaries are expected to reflect their experience level. MOM uses salary benchmarks by age — candidates who are paid significantly below the median for their age group may be rejected even if they meet the absolute minimum.
Note: Salary thresholds are reviewed periodically. The figures above reflect the thresholds effective from September 2025. Employers should verify current thresholds on the MOM website before making applications.
Qualifications
The candidate must hold a relevant degree, diploma, or technical certificate. MOM accepts:
- A recognised degree from an accredited university.
- A polytechnic diploma (Singapore or equivalent foreign qualification).
- A relevant technical or vocational qualification from an accredited institution.
- In some cases, relevant work experience may substitute for formal qualifications — but the bar is high and MOM assesses this case by case.
Qualifications from institutions in countries with less-established accreditation systems are subject to more scrutiny. MOM may request original transcripts, verification from the issuing institution, or third-party credential assessments.
COMPASS Assessment for S Pass
Since 1 September 2023, new S Pass applications are subject to COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) — the same points-based framework that applies to Employment Pass applications, adapted for the S Pass context.
COMPASS for S Pass evaluates four criteria, each scored from 0 to 20 points:
| Criterion | What Is Assessed | Points Available |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | Candidate’s salary relative to local PMET peers in the same occupation | 0–20 |
| Qualifications | Candidate’s highest qualification level | 0–20 |
| Diversity | Proportion of the candidate’s nationality in the employer’s S Pass/EP workforce | 0–20 |
| Local workforce | Ratio of local PMET employees to S Pass/EP holders in the company | 0–20 |
A candidate must score at least 40 out of 80 points to pass. Candidates who score 40–59 points clear the basic threshold; those scoring 60 or above receive a “bonus” that makes approval more certain.
If a candidate scores below 40, the S Pass application will be rejected regardless of whether they meet the salary and qualification criteria. Employers should use MOM’s COMPASS self-assessment tool before submitting an application.
S Pass Quota and Levy
Unlike Employment Passes, S Passes are subject to both a quota and a foreign worker levy.
Quota
S Pass holders may not exceed a specified percentage of the employer’s total workforce (including local and foreign employees). The applicable quota depends on the sector:
| Sector | S Pass Quota (% of total workforce) |
|---|---|
| Services sector | 10% |
| Construction, marine, process, and manufacturing sectors | 15% (with sub-limits applying) |
If an employer has reached its S Pass quota, no new S Pass applications can be approved until the quota is freed up (e.g. by hiring more local employees or reducing existing S Pass headcount).
Foreign Worker Levy
Employers must pay a monthly foreign worker levy for each S Pass holder. The levy rate depends on the sector and whether the employee is a “basic” or “tier 1” S Pass holder (determined by the company’s S Pass concentration relative to its quota). For 2026, levy rates range from approximately S$330 to S$650 per month per S Pass holder. Employers should check current levy rates on the MOM website as these are subject to annual revision.
How to Apply for an S Pass
Step 1 — Check Eligibility and COMPASS Score
Before applying, use MOM’s Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) and COMPASS calculator on the MOM website to check whether the candidate is likely to qualify. Assess the company’s current S Pass quota utilisation to confirm there is room for a new hire.
Step 2 — Prepare the Application
The employer (not the candidate) submits the S Pass application. Gather the following: candidate’s passport details; educational certificates (degree, diploma, or equivalent); detailed employment history; the specific job offer (job title, salary, job description); and any other supporting documents (e.g. professional licences if the role requires them).
Step 3 — Submit via EP Online
Applications are submitted through EP Online (the same portal used for Employment Pass applications), accessed via Corppass. The employer or an appointed employment agent submits the application on behalf of the employer.
Step 4 — Await Outcome
MOM typically processes S Pass applications within 3 weeks. More complex cases (e.g. those requiring manual review of qualifications) may take longer. The outcome is communicated via the EP Online portal.
Step 5 — Issuance of the Pass
If approved, an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter is issued. The candidate must then enter Singapore and complete formalities: a medical examination (if required), fingerprint and photo enrolment at MOM, and collection or mailing of the S Pass card. The S Pass is typically valid for up to 2 years for first-time applicants and up to 3 years on renewal.
S Pass Renewal
Renewals should be submitted at least 6 weeks before the current pass expires. The same eligibility criteria apply — the candidate must continue to meet the salary threshold (adjusted for age and experience) and pass the COMPASS assessment at the time of renewal. Salary that was sufficient at the time of the initial application may no longer meet the benchmark for a more experienced candidate on renewal.
Common Reasons for S Pass Rejection
Understanding why S Pass applications are rejected helps employers avoid common pitfalls:
- Salary below the age-appropriate benchmark — even if the absolute minimum is met, MOM may reject if the salary is significantly below what a local employee of similar age and experience would earn in that role.
- Low COMPASS score — particularly where the employer has a high concentration of one nationality in its S Pass workforce (Diversity criterion) or a low ratio of local PMETs to EP/S Pass holders (Local workforce criterion).
- Unrecognised or unverifiable qualifications — degrees or diplomas from institutions that cannot be verified, or qualifications that are not relevant to the job role.
- Quota exceeded — the company has already reached its S Pass quota and has insufficient local headcount to support additional S Pass holders.
- Job role inconsistency — the job title or description does not match a mid-skilled associate professional or technician role, or appears more suited for a Work Permit holder.
- Incomplete or inaccurate application — missing documents or information that does not match the supporting documents.
Appealing a Rejected S Pass Application
If an application is rejected, the employer may submit an appeal within 3 months of the rejection date via EP Online. Appeals should address the specific reasons for rejection — submitting the same application without changes is unlikely to succeed. Employers may wish to review the COMPASS score, consider whether salary can be increased, provide additional supporting documents for qualifications, or restructure the job role.
How Raffles Corporate Services Can Help
Navigating S Pass applications — particularly the COMPASS assessment, quota management, and documentation requirements — can be time-consuming for employers without in-house HR expertise. A rejected application wastes time and delays the onboarding of a key hire.
Raffles Corporate Services assists employers with S Pass eligibility assessments, COMPASS pre-screening, application preparation and submission, quota planning, and appeals for rejected applications. We work with an associated company holding a valid MOM licence to provide end-to-end work pass services.
Contact us at [email protected] or call/WhatsApp +65 8501 7133 to discuss your S Pass or other work pass requirements.
You may also find our guides on Employment Pass Singapore and the COMPASS Points Calculator useful reading.
— The Editorial Team, Raffles Corporate Services