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.
In 2026, S Pass policy continues to tighten. Minimum qualifying salaries have stepped up again, Dependency Ratio Ceilings (DRC) have been reduced for several sectors, and the levy schedule has new bands. 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
From 1 September 2025, the S Pass minimum qualifying salary is S$3,150 per month for new applicants, rising to S$3,650 for the Financial Services sector. Older S Pass holders (renewals) face a stepped-up renewal threshold of S$3,150 from September 2025. 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
Applicants need a degree, diploma, or technical certification (such as NITEC or ITE qualifications) from a recognised institution. The qualification should be relevant to the job offered. Industry experience can be considered alongside qualifications.
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
The S Pass levy depends on the sector and the proportion of S Pass holders you employ (Tier 1 or Tier 2). For Services sector as at 2026:
- Tier 1 (up to 10% of workforce): S$550 per month
- Tier 2 (above 10%, up to sub-DRC): S$650 per month
For Manufacturing, Construction, Marine, Process: tiered between S$330 and S$650 depending on band. For a deeper levy breakdown, 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 via EP Online
Log in to EP Online using CorpPass. 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 higher renewal salary threshold (S$3,150 from September 2025), updated DRC limits, and any changes in the worker’s qualifications or role. Apply for renewal at least 4 weeks before expiry. 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