Work Passes in Singapore
Whether you are relocating to run a Singapore subsidiary or building a team here, every foreign employee needs the right type of work pass. Choose the wrong one, or miss a salary threshold, and the application could be rejected.
This guide to work passes in Singapore covers which pass fits which role, the salary you need to meet, the costs to budget for and how to bring your family with you.
Who controls work passes in Singapore
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) issues and renews almost all work passes in Singapore. In most cases the employer applies on the employee’s behalf, so the responsibility for getting it right sits with the company.
MOM checks more than the salary. It looks at the candidate’s qualifications, the role, your company’s hiring record and, for some passes, your foreign worker quota. Educational certificates may need to be verified before you apply.
A small number of short activities, such as speaking at a conference, may not need a work pass at all. MOM sets strict conditions on these exemptions, so check before anyone starts work.
Which work pass fits your situation
Employment Pass (EP). For professionals, managers and executives with a job offer in Singapore. This is the pass most senior hires and subsidiary heads hold.
S Pass. For mid-skilled staff such as technicians and associate professionals. It comes with a quota and a monthly levy.
Work Permit. For semi-skilled workers from approved countries in sectors such as construction, manufacturing and services.
ONE Pass. For top talent earning at least S$30,000 a month, or with outstanding achievements in sport, the arts, academia or research. A dedicated AI and Tech track opens on 28 January 2027.
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP). For high earners who want a pass that is not tied to one employer.
EntrePass. For founders starting an innovative or venture-backed business in Singapore.
Dependant's Pass. For the spouse and children of eligible EP and S Pass holders.
Work passes in Singapore for founders and senior executives
If a Singapore company employs you, including one you own, the EP is the usual route. It needs a qualifying salary and, in most cases, enough COMPASS points (both explained below).
High earners have more flexible options. The ONE Pass requires a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 from an established company and lets you work for several companies at once. The PEP requires at least S$22,500 a month. It is not tied to an employer, but it lasts three years and cannot be renewed.
The EntrePass has no minimum salary. Instead, your business must meet MOM’s innovation criteria, such as venture funding or registered intellectual property. Renewal depends on hitting spending and local hiring milestones.
Senior tech leaders have a dedicated route. From 28 January 2027, the ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track accepts S$30,000 a month, with at least S$22,500 paid as fixed salary and the rest in vested shares or share options. Applicants also need at least 5 years as a founder, C-suite executive or senior technical lead at a qualifying tech company.
Employment Pass salary benchmarks
The EP qualifying salary is benchmarked to the top third of local professional salaries, and it rises with age. A 45-year-old candidate needs almost double what a 23-year-old does. Only fixed monthly salary counts, so bonuses and variable pay are excluded.
Current EP qualifying salary
All sectors except financial services. S$5,600 rising with age to S$10,700 at 45 and above.
Financial services. S$6,200 rising with age to S$11,800 at 45 and above.
From 1 January 2027 (new applications) and 1 January 2028 (renewals)
All sectors except financial services. S$6,000 rising with age to S$11,500 at 45 and above.
Financial services. S$6,600 rising with age to S$12,700 at 45 and above.
If you are hiring now, check the salary against the new figures as well. An employee who qualifies today may fall short at their first renewal. MOM publishes the full table by age on its EP eligibility page.
How COMPASS points work
Meeting the salary is stage one. Stage two is COMPASS, the points-based framework MOM uses to assess EP applications and renewals. A candidate needs at least 40 COMPASS points to pass.
There are four foundational criteria, each worth 0, 10 or 20 points.
C1 Salary. How the candidate’s salary compares with local professionals of a similar age in your sector.
C2 Qualifications. The candidate’s qualifications and the standing of the institution.
C3 Diversity. Whether the candidate adds to the nationality mix of your workforce.
C4 Support for local employment. Your share of local professionals compared with your industry peers.
Two bonus criteria, C5 Skills Bonus and C6 Strategic Economic Priorities, can add further COMPASS points for roles on the shortage occupation list or firms in priority growth areas.
For C1, a salary at or above the 65th percentile of local salaries for the candidate’s sector and age earns 10 points, and the 90th percentile earns 20. MOM has published updated C1 salary benchmarks, which apply to new applications from 1 January 2027 and to renewals from 1 July 2027.
Some candidates are exempt from COMPASS. These are candidates earning a fixed salary of at least S$22,500 a month, certain intra-corporate transferees and roles lasting one month or less.
Start-ups often lose COMPASS points on C3 and C4 because their headcount is small. A strong C1 or C2 score usually makes up the gap. You can read more in our COMPASS guide or on MOM’s COMPASS page.
S Pass salary, quota and levy
The S Pass suits mid-skilled roles. Unlike the EP, it brings ongoing costs that need to sit in your budget.
S Pass salary requirements
Current. S$3,300 rising with age to S$4,800 for 45 and above (S$3,800 to S$5,650 in financial services).
From 1 January 2027 (new applications) and 1 January 2028 (renewals). S$3,600 rising with age to S$5,100 for 45 and above (S$4,000 to S$5,650 in financial services).
The S Pass salary will keep moving. MOM expects the minimum to reach around S$4,000 to S$4,500 by 2030.
Quota and levy
S Pass holders can make up no more than 10% of your total workforce in the services sector, or 15% in most other sectors. You also pay a levy of S$650 a month for each S Pass holder. For a small company, the quota is often the real limit, because you need enough local staff to qualify for each S Pass.
Work Permit Singapore rules for semi-skilled staff
Work Permit Singapore applications cover semi-skilled workers from approved source countries in construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process and services. There is no minimum salary for the worker, but each permit comes with a quota and a monthly levy. The levy depends on your sector, the worker’s skill level and how close you are to your quota ceiling.
Two recent changes help employers keep experienced staff. Since 1 July 2025, Work Permit holders no longer have a maximum period of employment. Age limits are now tied to the local retirement age, so older workers can stay on for longer.
How the Local Qualifying Salary affects your quota
Your S Pass and Work Permit Singapore quota depends on how many local employees you have. Only locals earning at least the Local Qualifying Salary (LQS) count in full.
From 1 July 2026, the LQS rose from S$1,600 to S$1,800 a month for full-time local staff, and part-time staff must earn at least S$10.50 an hour. If some of your local team earn below the new rate, your quota may have shrunk without you noticing. That can block a new S Pass or a renewal. Our Local Qualifying Salary guide explains how the count works.
Dependent pass Singapore rules for your family
Dependent pass Singapore eligibility depends on the main pass holder’s salary. EP and S Pass holders earning a fixed salary of at least S$6,000 a month can apply for a Dependant’s Pass for their legally married spouses and unmarried children under 21. Parents may qualify for a Long-Term Visit Pass if you earn at least S$12,000 per month.
A dependent pass in Singapore does not give the right to work. Since 1 May 2021, a spouse who finds a job needs their own EP, S Pass or Work Permit, applied for by the employer. A spouse who wants to run their own business can apply for a Letter of Consent instead. Spouses of ONE Pass holders are the exception, as they can still work on a Letter of Consent.
For common questions on dependent pass Singapore eligibility and timing, read our dependent pass FAQs.
Other passes you may come across
Training Employment Pass. For professionals on practical training in Singapore. The trainee must earn at least S$3,000 a month, and the pass lasts up to three months and cannot be renewed.
Work Holiday Pass. For students and recent graduates aged 18 to 25 from eligible universities, for up to six months. Australians and New Zealanders aged 18 to 30 can stay for 12 months.
What slows applications down
Most delays we see come from paperwork rather than eligibility.
Missing or incomplete employment contracts. MOM regularly asks for the contract, and a gap here can hold up an otherwise strong application.
Unverified qualifications. Some certificates must be verified before you apply.
Salary out of line with age. An offer that meets the minimum but sits low for the candidate’s age can cost COMPASS points.
A thin local hiring record. This affects C4 and your S Pass and Work Permit Singapore quota.
Case study
A mature worker’s Employment Pass application
Background
Applicant. 58 years old, with no formal academic qualifications.
Occupation. Experienced Managing Director and service provider with over 35 years of expertise.
Company. A start-up applying for an EP for its Managing Director to run its new Singapore service business.
The challenges and how CSLB Asia overcame them
Age. Despite the applicant’s extensive experience and proven track record, his age was a challenge in the application. CSLB Asia set out a detailed summary of his work experience and his skills in knowledge transfer and mentoring junior staff.
Lack of formal qualifications. His practical experience was strong, but without formal qualifications MOM needed more evidence of his suitability. MOM asked for additional documents and references to support his skills and experience.
Salary requirements. His seniority meant a higher salary than a younger applicant would need. The company had to justify the salary to MOM, showing it matched market rates for similar roles and reflected his expertise. It also had to show a client pipeline for the following 12 months and enough capital to support the salary.
Local hiring. The company had not yet started hiring locally, because building the local team was part of the applicant’s role. The company provided evidence of its hiring strategy and its commitment to the plan.
The outcome
CSLB Asia addressed each gap MOM raised under the COMPASS criteria. It provided clear evidence of the applicant’s experience and the company’s long-term plans in Singapore. The application was approved.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main work passes in Singapore?
For most employers, the main work passes in Singapore are the Employment Pass, S Pass and Work Permit. Founders and high earners may also consider the ONE Pass, PEP or EntrePass.
How many COMPASS points does an Employment Pass need?
At least 40 COMPASS points, unless the candidate is exempt. Candidates earning a fixed salary of at least S$22,500 a month are exempt.
What is the minimum S Pass salary?
The current S Pass salary starts at S$3,300 a month, or S$3,800 in financial services, and rises with age. From 1 January 2027, new applications must meet S$3,600, or S$4,000 in financial services.
Can my spouse work on a dependent pass in Singapore?
Not on the Dependant’s Pass alone. Under dependent pass Singapore rules, their employer must apply for their own work pass. Spouses of ONE Pass holders, and those running their own business, can use a Letter of Consent.
What does a Work Permit in Singapore cost an employer?
There is no minimum salary, but you pay a monthly levy for each worker. The rate depends on your sector, the worker’s skill level and your quota tier. MOM lists current rates on its Work Permit pages.
Can shares count towards the ONE Pass salary?
Under the ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track, yes. From 28 January 2027, tech leaders can meet the S30,000monthlysalarywithatleastS22,500 in fixed salary and the rest in vested shares or share options, subject to MOM’s assessment.
Get your work pass right the first time
Work passes in Singapore are where salary, quota, levy and family plans all meet. A rejected application costs you time, and a missed renewal can leave a key person unable to work.
If you are planning a hire, a move or a renewal, book a free introductory call and we will tell you exactly which pass fits and what you need to prepare.