Singapore S Pass

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 15, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

The S Pass, designed for mid-level technical staff and skilled workers, is a key component of this ecosystem.

In 2023, over 170,000 individuals were employed in Singapore on S Passes, highlighting its importance in bridging the skills gap across various industries.

If you possess the qualifications and experience needed to fill crucial roles, the S Pass provides a pathway to a rewarding career in Singapore.

This work visa not only opens doors to professional growth but also offers the chance to immerse yourself in a multicultural society and experience Singapore's high quality of life.

 

What are the eligibility criteria for the S Pass?

The S Pass is tailored for mid-level skilled foreign workers seeking employment in Singapore. To be eligible, you must fulfil specific salary and qualification criteria:

Qualifying salary

The S Pass is designed for mid-level skilled professionals. To qualify, you'll need to meet specific salary and qualification requirements.

As of September 1, 2023, the minimum qualifying salary for new applications and renewals from September 1, 2024, is:

• All sectors (except financial services): S$3,150 (approximately €2,450) and increases progressively with age, up to S$4,650 (around €3,250) for those in their mid-40s.
• Financial services sector: S$3,650 (approximately €2,550) and increases progressively with age, up to S$5,650 (around €3,950) for those in their mid-40s

These minimum salaries are changing annually. Always check the most up-to-date figureshere.

Note: Remember these are the minimum requirements, and higher salaries may increase your chances of approval.

Qualifications

While declaring qualifications is optional, if you choose to include them in your application, they must be:

• Authentic: You must prove that your qualifications are genuine and were indeed awarded to you.
• From an accredited institution: The institution that granted your qualifications must be recognized and accredited by the relevant authorities in your country of origin.

Verification proof

If the institution awarding your qualification is not listed in the application form's drop-down list, you will need to submit proof of verification from an approved background screening company.

This proof confirms your qualification's authenticity and the institution's accreditation status.

Self-assessment tool

Before applying, utilise the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) on the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website to gauge your eligibility. This tool assesses your salary and qualifications against the prevailing criteria.

If the SAT indicates you're ineligible, it's advisable not to proceed with the application unless you enlist the help of a professional visa consultant who can help iron out any creases.

S Pass quota and levy requirements

Singapore limits how many S Pass holders a company can hire (quota), and employers also need to pay a monthly fee for each S Pass holder (levy).

Quota requirement

The Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC), or quota, limits the proportion of foreign workers a company can employ relative to its total workforce. This ratio varies by sector:

• Services sector: 35%
• Manufacturing sector: 60%
• Construction: 83.3%
• Process: 83.3%
• Marine shipyard sectors: 77.8%

Within these overall quotas, specific limits apply to S Pass holders and PRC Work Permit holders.

• S Pass holders:
  • Services Sector:10% of the company's total workforce
  • Other Sectors: 15% of the company's total workforce
• PRC work permit holders:
  • Services Sector: 8% of the company's total workforce
  • Manufacturing Sector: 25% of the company's total workforce

Levy requirement

In addition to the quota, employers must pay a monthly levy for each S Pass holder they employ. The levy rate depends on the sector and the quota tier:

• Services sector
  • Basic/Tier 1: Up to 10% of the total workforce, monthly levy of S$550
  • Tier 2: If the 10% quota is temporarily exceeded due to workforce attrition, the Tier 2 levy rate of S$650 applies to the excess S Passes.
• All other sectors (excluding services)
  • Basic/Tier 1: Up to 10% of the total workforce, monthly levy of S$550
  • Tier 2: Above 10% to 15% of the total workforce, monthly levy of S$650

Key points

• Local qualifying salary (LQS): The number of local employees counted towards your quota is determined by the Local Qualifying Salary (LQS), currently S$1,600 per month.
• Quota calculation: The quota is calculated based on your company's average number of local employees over the last three months.
• Quota updates: The quota balance is updated every Saturday and can be checked the next working day on WP Online.
• Levy payment: Levy payments should be made through GIRO.
• Impact of late/non-payment: Late or non-payment of CPF contributions and salary declarations can affect your quota and lead to higher levy tiers for your foreign workers.

Employers in Singapore need to be aware of the quota and levy rules for hiring S Pass holders, as this helps ensure compliance and avoid any issues and will keep the entire process smooth and streamlined.

What are the documents required for the S Pass?

Your S Pass application requires documentation to showcase your qualifications and eligibility. These fall into two categories: mandatory documents and additional requirements based on your specific circumstances.

Mandatory documents

These are the essential documents required for every S Pass application:

1. Personal particulars page of candidate's passport: A clear copy of the page in the candidate's passport showing their personal information and photograph.
2. Company's latest business profile or instant information: The latest business profile or instant company information registered with ACRA. This verifies the legitimacy and operational status of the employer in Singapore.

Additional documents

Depending on the specific profession or industry, additional documents might be required:

• Healthcare professionals, lawyers, football players or coaches: If the candidate belongs to one of these professions, they will need to provide supporting documents from the respective professional bodies in Singapore, such as the Singapore Medical Council for doctors or the Singapore Nursing Board for nurses.
• Employees in a food establishment: If the candidate will be working in a food establishment, a copy of the online page accessible by scanning the QR code on the food shop licence issued by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is required. This page should show the licence's validity period. If the establishment is new and doesn't have the licence yet, a copy of the "Application for Foodshop Licence" letter from SFA can be submitted.

Other documents

The authorities may request additional documents during the application review process. These could include:

• Educational certificates: If you declare qualifications in your application, you might need to submit copies of your educational certificates and transcripts.
• Proof of salary: Documents like payslips or employment contracts may be required to verify that the declared salary will be paid.

Non-English documents

If any of your documents are not in English, you must upload the original document together with an English translation as one file. The translation can be done by a professional translation service.

Important notes

• Ensure that all documents are complete, accurate, and up-to-date.
• Pay attention to the specific requirements for your profession or industry.
• Seek professional advice if you're unsure about any document requirements.

How to apply for an S Pass

While your employer or an employment agent will typically handle the S Pass application, your active participation is crucial. You'll need to provide the necessary information and ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.

Key points

• Who can apply: Your employer or an appointed employment agent applies on your behalf. If you change jobs, the new employer must apply for a new S Pass.
• Processing time: Typically processed or updated within 10 business days for online applications. For overseas companies without a Singapore-registered office, it may take up to 8 weeks.
• Cost:
  • When submitting the application: S$105 (approximately €73)
  • When the pass is issued: S$100 (approximately €70)

Step-by-step process

1. Fair consideration & advertising: The employer must advertise the job on MyCareersFuture for at least 14 days and consider all candidates fairly unless exempted.
2. Eligibility check: The employer or agent should use the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) to confirm your eligibility before applying.
3. Gather documents: Compile all required documents, including your passport details, the company's business profile, and any additional documents based on your profession or industry.
4. Submit application online: The employer or agent submits the S Pass application online using the EP eService.
5. Pay application fee: The S$105 application fee is payable online.
6. Check application status: The employer or agent can check the application status online after 10 business days.
7. Receive application results:
   • If approved, the employer or agent will receive an in-principle approval (IPA) letter.
   • The IPA is a pre-approved single-entry visa valid for 60 days, allowing you to enter Singapore and get your pass issued.
   • It also states if you need a medical examination.

Preparing for arrival in Singapore

• Before arrival: Ensure you comply with the latest travel requirements. Your employer should also purchase the required medical insurance and, if applicable, the Primary Care Plan (PCP) for you.
• After arrival: Show your in-principle approval (IPA) letter to the immigration officer and complete any required medical examinations.

Getting the pass issued

• Within 60 days of IPA: The pass must be issued within 60 days of the in-principle approval.
• Who submits the request:
  • Your employer or agent can submit the request through the EP eService.
  • If you have a Singpass account, you can also submit it yourself through the EP eService.
  • Otherwise, you or your employer/agent can visit the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC).
• Required information and documents: Provide your passport details, contact information, current pass details, residential address, insurance details, and other relevant documents as specified in the IPA letter.
• Fees: Pay the S$100 issuance fee.
• Notification letter: Once the pass is issued, you and your employer/agent will receive a notification letter that is valid for one month. It allows you to start work and travel while waiting for the physical card and specifies if you need to register your fingerprints and photo.

Registering fingerprints and photo (if required)

• Check the notification letter to see if this is necessary
• Make an appointment at the MOM Services Centre – Hall C within one week of the pass being issued if required

Receiving the card

• The S Pass card will be delivered to the provided address within five working days after registration or document verification.
• If delivery fails twice, collect the card at – Hall C.

Additional notes:

• Consider having your candidate complete the Cultural Orientation Programme (COP) before they start work.
• If you need more time to get the pass issued due to pending medical results, you can request an extension of the Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) within one week before it expires.

As you can see, Singapore's S Pass offers mid-level skilled professionals a pathway to fulfilling careers and a high quality of life in a global economic hub.

While the application process and quota/levy requirements can be complex, a visa consultant can simplify your journey and help get you moving into your new chapter of life in Singapore.

Need visa assistance/immigration advice?

Fill out this form

Shoot us an email with your inquiry at [email protected].