Singapore Work Passes & Employment Requirements 2025
In recent years, Singapore has seen significant shifts in its employment strategy, especially concerning the hiring of foreign workers. As a expanding global business hub, Singapore continues to attract international talent. However, recent economic and policy changes have added layers of complexity to the hiring process, presenting both challenges and opportunities for foreign investors and companies.
The Singapore government has implemented various strategic adjustments in work pass policies post-pandemic to maintain a balanced and sustainable workforce. These changes focused on tightening criteria and introducing new passes to adapt to the evolving global economic landscape:
- Progressive increase in salary thresholds for Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass holders. From 1 January 2025, new Employment Pass applications require a minimum monthly salary increased from SGD5,000 to SGD 5,600; and from 1 September 2025, new S Pass applications, and renewals from 1 September 2025, will require a minimum of SGD3,300 (from current rate of SGD3,150).
- Increase in levy rates for S Pass (from September 2025).
- Removal of maximum employment period on work permits from 1 July 2025
- Age limit for new work permit applicants raised to 61
- Points-based Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) applicable to new EP applications from 1 September 2023 and renewals from 1 September 2024. COMPASS introduces foundational criteria covering individual attributes and qualifications as well as firm-related attributes (such as diversity and support for local employment) as well as bonus criteria – EP applications must earn sufficient points under this framework to qualify.
We shares a comparison table of the most common work passes available for skilled foreign workers to aid businesses in understanding which work pass aligns with their hiring needs. By exploring each pass’s distinct criteria and benefits, businesses can better navigate the complexities of employing foreign talent in Singapore.
Common Work Passes for Skilled Foreign Workers in Singapore
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Employment Pass |
EntrePass |
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) |
Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass |
S Pass |
|
Who is it for |
Foreign professionals, managers and executives with a job offer in Singapore who meet the Eligibility Criteria |
For foreign entrepreneurs who are keen to start and operate a business in Singapore that is venture-backed or possesses innovative technologies. |
High-earning Employment Pass holders or overseas foreign professionals. PEP holders have the flexibility to hold a job in almost any sector. The key feature of this pass is that it is personal to the holder, and therefore holders are not required to reapply for a pass if they change jobs. |
Top talent in business, arts and culture, sports, academia and research. |
Skilled workers who meet the eligibility criteria. |
|
Who can apply |
The Employer or appointed employment agent needs to apply on behalf of the candidate. |
Candidate can apply directly |
Candiate can apply directly if they meet the eligibility criteria which includes currently earning a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD22,500. |
Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria, including currently earning a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD30,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currency) for the last 12 consecutive months leading up to the application. Employers and appointed employment agencies can also apply on behalf of their candidate. |
An employer or appointed employment agent must apply on behalf of the applicant. If the pass holder changes jobs, the new employer has to apply for a new pass. |
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Qualifying Salary |
Fixed monthly salary comparable to the top one third of local PMET salaries, from SGD5,000 onwards (depending on the candidate’s age and employer’s business sector). |
No stipulated minimum salary. |
Earn a fixed salary of at least SGD270,00 per calendar year regardless of the number of months the candidate is in employment. |
Candidate will earn at least SGD30,000 under their future employer in Singapore. |
Fixed monthly salary comparable to top one-third of local APT salaries, from SGD3,150 onwards (depending on the candidate’s age and employer’s business sector). |
|
Duration |
First time candidate: Up to 2 years Renewals: Up to 3 years Experienced tech professionals with skills in shortage may be eligible for a longer 5-year duration pass (subject to different qualifying salary thresholds) |
New pass and first renewal: Up to 1 year Subsequent renewals: 2 years |
Up to 3 years |
First time candidate: Up to 5 years Subsequent renewals: Up to 5 years |
First-time candidate: Up to 2 years |
|
Renewal |
Yes |
Yes, upon meeting the renewal criteria (e.g. company ownership threshold, ongoing business activities, satisfying minimum Total Business Spending and Local Workforce criteria etc) |
No, the PEP is only issued once. Upon expiry of PEP, the passholder must obtain an Employment Pass or S Pass to continue working in Singapore. |
Yes, provided that the passholder has: · earned a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD30,000 on average over the past 5 years in Singapore; or · started and is operating a Singapore-based company employing at least 5 locals, each earning a minimum qualifying salary. |
Yes. |
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Other notable Eligibility Criteria |
Meet the requirements of the Fair Consideration Framework, in particular to advertise on MyCareersFuture and consider all candidates fairly.
Unless exempted, the application must earn 40 points to pass COMPASS. Candidates are exempted from COMPASS if they have a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD22,500 or are applying as an overseas intra-corporate transferee. |
At point of application, the candidate must have started or intend to start a Singaporean private limited company (and the pass holder must hold at least 30% ownership), and such company is venture backed or owns innovative technologies. Additionally, the candidate must demonstrate their business acumen and/or the business’ technical expertise. Note: certain businesses are not eligible for an EntrePass. |
PEP holders must not work in certain restricted occupations such as media and religion related occupations. PEP holders are also not allowed to start a business or conduct any form of entrepreneurial activity while on a PEP. |
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Employers are subject to a quota for S Pass employees, determined according to its business sector. Employers must also pay a foreign worker levy (which is a pricing mechanism to regulate the number of foreign workers in Singapore. |
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Passes for Family Members |
Dependant’s Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass for certain eligible family members. |
Dependant’s Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass for certain eligible family members.
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Dependant’s Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass for certain eligible family members.
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Dependant’s Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass for certain eligible family members.
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Pass holders who have a fixed monthly salary of at least $6,000, are eligible for a Dependant’s Pass for their spouse and children. |
PMET: Professionals, Managers, Executives and Technicians
COMPASS: Complementary Assessment Framework, where points are earned based from satisfying foundational criteria covering individual attributes and qualifications as well as firm-related attributes (such as diversity and support for local employment) as well as bonus criteria.
APT: Associate Professionals and Technicians
For any further questions you may have, please reach out to us at singapore@alitium.com
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Disclaimer: This document is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. It does not constitute a comprehensive discussion of the laws and regulations related to the subject matter. Please seek professional counsel for advice tailored to your specific situation. We disclaim any liability arising from the use of the information contained in this document
