- The S Pass is a type of work pass available in Singapore for foreign professionals with relevant work experience, specialised skills and technical certificates.
- As of 2022, an S Pass applicant must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$3,000 (or S$3,500 if he is in the financial services industry).
- Older applicants need to meet progressively higher minimum qualifying salaries.
- The S pass is valid for up to 2 years and is renewable, subject to employers’ choice to renew the employee’s S Pass.
- Only the Singapore-based employer or Employment Agencies (EA) can help to apply S Pass for the foreign applicant.
- Employers must comply with the S Pass quota and levy regulations set by the Singapore government.
- The MOM will constantly review and adjust minimum qualifying salaries for work passes.
If you plan to work in Singapore, you must obtain a work pass like an S Pass.
But what exactly is an S Pass? And how do you go about getting one?
An S Pass is a work visa that allows foreign professionals to work in Singapore. It's typically reserved for mid-level skilled workers with a job offer from a Singaporean employer.
Obtaining an S Pass can be challenging, and there are various eligibility criteria that you'll need to meet.
This article will examine an S Pass, the requirements, and how you can apply for one.
Whether you're a foreign professional looking to work in Singapore or an employer seeking to hire a foreign worker, this guide will provide all the information you need about S Passes in Singapore.
What is an S Pass?
The S Pass is a type of work pass available in Singapore for foreign professionals with relevant work experience, specialised skills and technical certificates. This visa is designed for mid-level skilled workers with specific eligibility criteria and minimum salary requirements.
The S Pass offers foreign professionals in Singapore a higher monthly salary than those with lower education or experience. Additionally, it provides medical insurance coverage for accidents or illnesses.
The application processing time for S Pass is variable and influenced by the case's complexity. Typically, the application is approved or rejected within three to four weeks.
The S pass is valid for up to 2 years and is renewable, subject to employers’ choice to renew the employee’s S Pass.
What is The Eligibility for S Pass in Singapore?
So, who exactly is eligible for the S Pass?
Firstly, you must have a job offer from a Singaporean company, and this company must apply for the S Pass on your behalf. The company must also ensure it is within its foreign worker quota before applying S Pass for a foreign worker.
Aside from the employer, Employment Agencies (EA) are the only other party that can help apply for S Pass.
Regarding qualifications, you must possess a technical certificate in a relevant field and relevant experience.
As for the qualifying salary, this is updated annually and varies depending on the candidate's industry and qualifications. As of 2022, an S Pass applicant must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$3,000 or S$3,500 if he is in the financial services industry.
Older applicants need to meet progressively higher minimum qualifying salaries, as observed in the table below:
Current minimum qualifying salary for new S Pass applications and S Pass renewals from 1st September 2023
| Sector | Age group | Minimum monthly qualifying salary |
| All (Except financial services) | From 23 years old and above. | S$3,000 |
| From 45 years old and above. | Up to S$4,500 | |
| Financial services | From 23 years old and above. | S$3,500 |
| From 45 years old and above. | Up to S$5,500 |
The salary must meet or exceed the minimum set forth by the MOM, ensuring that S Pass holders receive fair wages and prevent companies from hiring cheaper foreign labour.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has an online Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) that can be used to gauge your eligibility for an S Pass status. MOM's SAT can also be used to check if one qualifies for an Employment Pass.
What is S Pass Quota and Levy?
Singapore has strict regulations when it comes to foreign workers. The government has implemented a quota on S Pass holders to maintain control over the number of foreigners in the country.
It is also to ensure that companies prioritize hiring Singaporeans first. After all, the government hopes to promote a fairer job market and prevent employers from relying too heavily on foreign workers.
One of the key requirements for getting an S Pass in Singapore is that your employer must comply with the foreign worker quota set by the government.
S Pass Quota
The Singapore government sets the foreign worker quota to control (and limit) the ratio of foreign workers (work permit or S Pass holders) to the local workforce in a company.
The quota varies by industry and is regularly reviewed.
For example, in the services sector, an employer can only hire up to 10% of S Pass holders in their total workforce.
Employers must keep track of their S Pass quota and ensure that they stay within the limit. Exceeding the quota can result in penalties, such as fines or suspending work pass privileges.
Employers should be aware of the quota, use the quota calculator provided by MOM and consciously try hiring Singaporeans before considering foreign employees.
S Pass Levy
In addition to the quota, there is also a levy that employers must pay for each foreign worker they hire from the day the S Pass is issued and ends when the pass is cancelled or expires.
The foreign worker levy is the government's fee to regulate the number of foreign workers in the country and encourage employers to hire local workers first.
The levy rate depends on the S Pass holder's salary and the industry they are working in and is set annually by the government.
For example, the service sector's monthly levy rate is S$450.
The S Pass Application Process
Once an applicant has met the eligibility criteria, they must gather all the necessary documents, such as personal particulars, passport details, academic qualifications, and work experience.
Documents needed for S Pass Application:
- Filled out the S Pass Application Form
- Letter of consent
- Photocopies of the following:
- Your passport's details page
- Marriage certificate (if you are married)
- Diplomas, educational certificates and professional qualifications
- Photocopy of your marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Referral letter or official registration from a registration agency, accreditation agency, or professional body (this varies depending on your profession)
The employer or the employment agent will then submit an S Pass application online through the MOM's website, paying an application fee of S$105.
After applying, the applicant can check the S Pass application status online using their personal FIN (Foreign Identification Number) and date of birth to track the progress of their application.
The employer will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter if the S Pass application succeeds.
The pass holder must then complete a medical examination to ensure they can work in Singapore and prepare the documents in the IPA letter to issue S Pass.
It's important to ensure that all of the information in your application is accurate to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
You may also be required to provide additional documents or information depending on your specific circumstances.
Getting the S Pass issued
One of the first things your employer will do is request an S Pass to be issued to you once you are in Singapore. An additional fee of S$100 is needed to issue the S Pass.
The issuance process involves them providing details of your:
- Medical insurance and work injury compensation insurance (if any),
- Short-Term Visit Pass or Single-Entry Visa,
- Residential address where MOM can mail your S Pass card.
- Embarkation/Disembarkation card.
- Medical examination form (if needed).
After MOM has issued the S Pass, the employer will receive a notification letter that gives the S Pass holder permission to enter and exit Singapore and requests the S Pass holder to register his fingerprint and photo, if needed.
Registering your photo and fingerprints
Registering your photo and fingerprints is crucial when applying for an S Pass in Singapore. This process verifies your identity and confirms that you are the legitimate holder of the S Pass.
To register your photo and fingerprints, visit a SingPost branch or one of Singapore's Employment Pass Services Centres (EPSCs). You must bring your original passport and a copy of your passport bio-data page and S Pass application form.
The process is quick and typically takes only a few minutes to complete.
Your S Pass card is an important document you must always carry while working in Singapore. It proves your eligibility to work in Singapore and provides essential information about your employment status and entitlements.
It's important to note that failure to register your photo and fingerprints could delay the processing your S Pass application or even a rejection. Your application may only be accepted if your photo and fingerprints match your passport or other documents.
Can you renew an S Pass?
Yes, an S Pass status can be renewed. However, renewals of S Pass status depend on whether the employer will renew it for the foreign worker.
It is also provided if the S Pass holder still meets the quota and other requirements.
As mentioned earlier, MOM constantly reviews and adjusts new minimum qualifying salaries. For instance, the new minimum qualifying salary for S Pass renewals from 1st September 2024 onwards is S$3,150 for most sectors and S$3,650 for those in the financial services sector.
Securing Your Future in Singapore - From S Pass to Singapore Permanent Residency (PR)
Converting from an S Pass to a Singapore PR status is a fantastic way for foreign professionals to secure a future in Singapore and enjoy the many benefits of holding a PR status.
They must meet the eligibility requirements and successfully complete the online application. Eligibility criteria include holding a valid S Pass and providing the latest six months of payslips from their Singapore-based employers.
Get Help From Professional Immigration Consultants for S Pass Application
Applying for work passes like the S Pass in Singapore can be challenging due to the strict regulations and evaluation criteria. However, you don't have to navigate this process alone.
The Immigration People are here to provide you with expert guidance and assistance that you can trust.
Let us handle your S Pass application and help you achieve your goals of securing employment for your employees in Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions on What is S Pass in Singapore?
Why Is My S Pass Application Rejected?
There are many reasons for rejection, like not meeting the required minimum salary or MOM finding that your educational qualifications are not from accredited institutions.
It can even be because errors were found in the S Pass application submitted.
One can check the rejection advisory to see the reasons for your S Pass application rejection.
It is advised for S Pass applicants to use the Assessment Tool provided by MOM and also for employers to check if they are within the S Pass quota to employ you.
How to convert a work permit to S Pass?
Converting from a work permit to S Pass is an upgrade.
Firstly, you must ensure you are eligible for an S Pass status. You can do so by taking MOM's online S Pass self-assessment tool.
Upskilling yourself by obtaining at least a recognised diploma and gaining relevant work experience may increase your chances of successfully converting your work permit to S Pass status.
Can I bring my family members to Singapore with an S Pass?
S Pass holders earning a monthly salary of S$6,000 or more can apply for a Dependant's Pass, allowing their married spouses and unmarried children to join them in this vibrant city-state.
How to Appeal for S-Pass Rejection?
Upon a rejection, you can view why MOM rejected your S Pass application via the rejection advisory on EP online.
When appealing, addressing the issues stated in the rejection advisory is vital. Otherwise, you can expect the same rejection outcome.
Only your employer or authorised employment agent can submit an appeal within three months after an unsuccessful S Pass application and wait for the appeal status.
Appeals are usually processed within six weeks.