SPass in Singapore: Ultimate 2026 Guide – Eligibility, Salary & Application

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The S Pass is a work visa for mid-skilled professionals in Singapore, allowing them to live and work legally under employer sponsorship.

Applicants must meet minimum salary requirements, and employers must follow MOM’s quota rules.

The pass is valid for up to two years and can be renewed if conditions are met.

Understanding its rights, limitations, and operating rules helps both employees and employers work effectively within Singapore’s workforce system.
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This 2026 guide explains everything you need to know about the S Pass in Singapore, including eligibility criteria, salary requirements, and the step-by-step application process. It offers clear and practical guidance for both employers and foreign professionals planning to work in Singapore.

What Is an S Pass in Singapore?

The S Pass is a work visa issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for mid-skilled foreign employees. It targets the Associate Professionals and Technicians (APT) segment, including roles such as technicians, supervisors, engineers, and IT support staff.

Unlike the Employment Pass (EP), which is intended for senior professionals, the S Pass is designed for skilled workers with a combination of technical qualifications and practical experience. It is an employer-sponsored pass, meaning applicants must secure a confirmed job offer and cannot apply independently.

As of 2026, the S Pass is regulated through:

• Quota controls (DRC) limiting the number of S Pass holders per company
• Monthly levy paid by employers
• Salary and education benchmarks set by MOM

The S Pass is typically valid for up to two years and can be renewed if both the employer and applicant continue to meet MOM’s requirements.

S Pass Eligibility Requirements (2026 Updates)

To qualify for an S Pass in 2026, applicants must meet the rigorous standards set by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The S Pass assessment in 2026 is built upon four critical pillars: Qualifying Salary, Quota Availability, Enhanced Medical Protection, and Candidate Profile.

Qualifying Salary Criteria (Age & Sector Benchmarks)

The qualifying salary is the primary factor for S Pass eligibility. MOM benchmarks these figures against the top one-third of local Associate Professionals and Technicians (APT) wages to ensure fair competition.

Minimum Monthly Salary (Effective Sep 2025 – 2026):

Sector	New Applications (Minimum)	Older / Experienced Candidates
General Sectors	$3,300	Up to $4,800 (for age 45+)
Financial Services	$3,800	Up to $5,650 (for age 45+)

Pro-Tip: Transitional salaries ($3,150 for General / $3,650 for Finance) may still apply for renewals expiring before September 1, 2026. However, all new applications submitted in 2026 must adhere to the higher benchmarks above.

Educational Qualifications (Optional Declaration)

A significant update for 2026 is that declaring qualifications is optional for S Pass applications. MOM now prioritizes the salary level as the most reliable indicator of a candidate’s skill level.

However, if an employer chooses to declare qualifications to strengthen the application profile, the following rules apply:

• Authenticity: Certificates must be genuine and awarded by accredited institutions.
• Verification: MOM may require a verification report from approved independent screening agencies (such as DataFlow or RiskManagement) before the pass can be issued.
• MOM-Recognised: The institution must be found within the pre-approved list in MOM’s application portal.

Enhanced Medical Insurance (EMI) – Mandatory Standard

Since July 2025, MOM has significantly increased the insurance requirements to protect both employers and employees from high medical costs.

• Minimum Annual Coverage: $60,000.
• Scope of Coverage: Must include inpatient care and day surgery.
• Direct Settlement: Insurers are now required to pay hospitals directly, reducing the cash-flow burden on employers.
• Co-payment Structure: For claim amounts above $15,000, a co-payment of 75% by the insurer and 25% by the employer is standard.

MOM Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) – The Preliminary Check

Before officially submitting an S Pass application, it is mandatory for employers to use the MOM Self-Assessment Tool (SAT).

• Real-time Algorithm: The SAT uses MOM’s 2026 live data to evaluate the candidate’s age, salary, and company quota.
• 90% Approval Probability: A “Likely to Qualify” result provides high confidence for approval, provided all declared information is accurate and the company has sufficient Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC).

S Pass Quota & Levy – What Employers Need to Know

The S Pass is strictly regulated by quota and levy controls managed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). These mechanisms ensure businesses maintain a balanced ratio of local to foreign employees.

S Pass Quota (Dependency Ratio Ceiling)

The quota limits the number of S Pass holders based on a company’s total workforce. To be counted in the quota, local employees must earn at least the Local Qualifying Salary (LQS), which is $1,600 in 2026.

• Services Sector: Capped at 10% of the total workforce.
• Other Sectors (Manufacturing, Construction, Marine, Process): Capped at 15%.

Foreign Worker Levy (Updated 2026)

Employers must pay a monthly levy for each S Pass holder. As of September 2025, MOM has harmonized the levy rates across all tiers and sectors to simplify the system.

• Monthly Levy Rate: $650 per S Pass holder.
• Daily Levy Rate: $21.37 (applicable for incomplete months of employment).

This levy is a mandatory tax and is non-refundable. Employers should use the MOM Quota Calculator via the myMOM Portal to verify their current availability before submitting any new applications or renewals, as exceeding the quota will lead to immediate rejection.

How to Apply for an S Pass – Step-by-Step Guide

The S Pass application is a fully digital process managed via Singapore’s myMOM Portal (formerly EP eService). Applications can only be submitted by the employer or an MOM-licensed employment agent; candidates cannot apply for themselves.

Step 1 – Submit the Application

The employer initiates the process by submitting the candidate’s details and job offer online.

• Application fee: A non-refundable $105 per application.
• Eligibility check: Employers must use the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) to confirm the candidate meets the 2026 salary and quota requirements.
• Consent: Written consent from the candidate is mandatory before submission.

Step 2 – MOM Review

MOM evaluates the application based on the candidate’s profile and the employer’s quota availability (Dependency Ratio Ceiling – DRC).

• Processing time: Most online applications are processed within 10 business days.
• Tracking: Application status can be monitored in real-time via the myMOM Portal.

Step 3 – In-Principle Approval (IPA)

If approved, MOM issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter.

• Purpose: Acts as a pre-entry approval for candidates outside Singapore.
• Validity: Typically valid for 60 days.
• Conditions: The candidate must meet all requirements stated in the IPA, such as completing a medical examination in Singapore.

Step 4 – Pass Issuance & Biometrics

The candidate must be in Singapore to complete this final stage within the IPA validity period.

• Issuance fee: $100, payable online by the employer.
• Immediate work authorisation: A Notification Letter is issued upon payment, allowing the candidate to start work immediately and travel in/out of Singapore while awaiting the card.
• Biometrics: If required, the candidate must register fingerprints and photographs at the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC).
• Card delivery: The physical S Pass card is delivered to the employer’s address within 5 working days after registration.

How Long Does It Take to Get an S Pass?

The processing time for an S Pass varies depending on the employer’s entity type. In 2026, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) adheres to the following standard timelines:

• Singapore-registered Companies (Online): Applications are typically processed or updated within 10 business days.
• Overseas Companies (No registered office in Singapore): Due to additional vetting, most cases are processed within 8 weeks.
• Physical Card Delivery: You will receive the S Pass card within 5 working days after completing fingerprint/photo registration or document verification.

Note: These timelines may be extended if MOM requires additional documents.

Common Reasons Why S Pass Applications Are Rejected

MOM’s assessment in 2026 is highly stringent. Most rejections occur due to the following non-compliance issues:

• Salary and Age Benchmarks: The offered salary is either below the $3,300 minimum or does not scale appropriately with the candidate’s age and years of experience. High-seniority roles with “entry-level” salaries are frequently flagged.
• Quota and LQS Compliance: The company has exceeded its Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC) or lacks sufficient local employees earning the Local Qualifying Salary (LQS) of $1,600 to support a new S Pass seat.
• Educational Qualifications (if declared): If academic qualifications are declared, they must be from recognized institutions and pass MOM-approved third-party verification (such as DataFlow). Rejections occur if qualifications cannot be verified, are deemed non-equivalent to a degree/diploma, or are irrelevant to the job role.
• Inconsistent Job Profiles: Discrepancies between the declared job duties and the candidate’s actual work history, or a job description that does not reflect an Associate Professional and Technician (APT) level role.
• Employer Track Record: Companies with poor compliance history, such as late CPF contributions or non-adherence to the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) advertising requirements, face higher rejection risks.

S Pass Renewals & Cancellations

Proper management of S Pass validity is essential to ensure compliance and avoid legal penalties.

S Pass Renewals

• When to Apply: Up to 6 months before expiry.
• Eligibility: Candidates must meet the current 2026 salary and quota requirements, regardless of their initial application criteria.
• Medical Insurance: Coverage must comply with the Enhanced Medical Insurance (EMI) 2026 standards.
• Processing Time: Usually 10 business days, similar to new applications.

S Pass Cancellations

• Timeline: Must be cancelled within 1 week of the employee’s last working day or contract termination.
• Levy Obligations: Employers are liable for the monthly levy until the pass is officially cancelled in the myMOM Portal.
• Stay Period: Upon cancellation, a 30-day Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) is typically issued to allow the employee to settle affairs.
• Tax Clearance: Employers must file the Form IR21 with IRAS and withhold the employee’s final salary for tax clearance before departure.

S Pass Benefits & Limitations

The S Pass offers mid-level foreign professionals the opportunity to live and work legally in Singapore, while balancing regulatory requirements. Understanding its benefits and limitations is key for both employees and employers.

Key Benefits

• Legal Work & Residency: Live and work in Singapore legally for the duration of your S Pass.
• Family Sponsorship: Eligible holders can sponsor spouses, children, and certain dependents, subject to salary and MOM approval.
• Mandatory Healthcare: Employers provide medical insurance covering inpatient care and day surgery, ensuring peace of mind.
• Path to Permanent Residency (PR): Consistent employment and contribution in Singapore may allow S Pass holders to apply for PR.

Important Limitations

• Employer-Specific: S Pass is tied to one employer. Changing jobs requires a new S Pass application from your new employer.
• Quota & Levy Restrictions: Employers must comply with the S Pass quota and pay the monthly levy for each holder.
• Salary Benchmarks: To remain eligible, your salary must meet MOM’s age and experience benchmarks for mid-skilled professionals.
• Business Ownership Restrictions: S Pass holders generally cannot register or run a company in Singapore.

Pro Tip for Professionals: If your qualifications and salary grow significantly, consider upgrading to an Employment Pass (EP). This removes quota limits and eliminates the monthly levy for your employer, giving you more career flexibility.

Can S Pass Holders Bring Family Members to Singapore?

Yes! If you are an S Pass holder, you can bring your immediate family to Singapore through a Dependant’s Pass (DP) or Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) – provided you meet certain criteria.

Sponsorship: Your company must be established and registered in Singapore, as only employer-sponsored applications are accepted.

Minimum Salary Requirement: To sponsor your family, you must earn at least SGD 6,000 per month (personal income only, not household combined).

Eligible Family Members:

• Dependant’s Pass (DP): Your legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21, including legally adopted children.
• Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP): Your common-law spouse, unmarried step-children under 21, or unmarried handicapped children aged 21 and above.

Special Case – Parents: Only available for those earning a fixed monthly salary of at least $12,000.

Bringing your family to Singapore can make your relocation more comfortable and help you settle in smoothly. Make sure to check all eligibility criteria before applying to avoid delays.

S Pass vs Employment Pass in Singapore – Which Work Visa Is Right for You?

Feature	S Pass (Mid-Skilled)	Employment Pass (High-Skilled)
Minimum Salary	From SGD 3,300 (SGD 3,800 for Finance sector)	From SGD 5,600 (SGD 6,200 for Finance sector)
Quota & Levy	Subject to quota + SGD 650 monthly levy	No quota + No levy
Assessment System	Fixed eligibility criteria	COMPASS (points-based framework)
Family Sponsorship (DP/LTVP)	Minimum salary SGD 6,000	Minimum salary SGD 6,000
Parents (LTVP)	Minimum salary SGD 12,000	Minimum salary SGD 12,000

Which One Should You Choose?

• S Pass is suitable for technical, skilled, or supervisory roles with mid-range salaries. Employers must have an available quota and be prepared to pay the monthly levy.
• Employment Pass (EP) is ideal for managers, executives, and specialists. Although salary requirements are higher, it offers greater flexibility for employers (no quota or levy) and stronger family sponsorship options for the pass holder.

Pro Tip: If you qualify for both passes, the Employment Pass is generally the better choice, as it removes quota restrictions and monthly levy costs for your employer, and provides more long-term flexibility for you.

Get Expert S Pass Assistance with Koobiz

Applying for an S Pass can be complex due to strict salary benchmarks, quota limits, and detailed documentation requirements. Even small errors may result in delays or rejection.

Koobiz provides end-to-end support for employers and professionals, including:

• S Pass eligibility and quota assessment
• Application and renewal submission
• Document review and preparation
• Dependant’s Pass (DP) and Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) applications

With in-depth expertise in MOM regulations, Koobiz ensures your S Pass process is accurate, compliant, and completed efficiently saving you time and reducing risk.

FAQs About S Pass in Singapore

What is the minimum salary required for an S Pass?

The minimum starts at $3,300 ($3,800 for the Finance sector). The exact requirement scales upward based on the applicant’s age and experience, reaching up to $4,800+ for older candidates.

Can an S Pass holder apply for Singapore PR?

Yes. S Pass holders are eligible to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) via the PTS scheme. Approval is at the discretion of ICA, based on factors like salary, qualifications, and length of stay.

Does an S Pass allow me to work in Singapore?

Yes, but only for the specific employer that sponsored the pass. To change jobs, your new employer must apply for and obtain approval for a new S Pass before you can start.