Employment Pass vs S Pass: Which Work Pass Does Your Foreign Employee Need?
When hiring foreign employees in Singapore, the two most commonly used work passes for non-manual labour roles are the Employment Pass (EP) and the S Pass. Each targets a different tier of worker, and choosing the wrong one can result in a rejected application or unnecessary costs.
This guide sets out the key differences between the two passes, the eligibility criteria, and what employers need to be aware of before applying.
Employment Pass (EP)
The Employment Pass is for foreign professionals, managers, and executives. It is the primary work pass for white-collar roles in Singapore and carries no quota or levy for employers.
Eligibility
- Fixed monthly salary of at least S$5,000 (S$5,500 for the financial services sector)
- Acceptable qualifications, typically a recognised university degree, professional qualifications, or demonstrable specialist skills
- A job offer from a Singapore-registered employer
- Pass the COMPASS assessment (see below)
The COMPASS Framework
Since 1 September 2023, all new EP applications are assessed under the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). COMPASS is a points-based system: applicants must score at least 40 points to be eligible for an EP.
Points are awarded across four criteria groups, each worth up to 20 points:
C1: Salary
How the applicant's salary compares to local PMET salaries in the same occupation. Higher relative salary earns more points.
C2: Qualifications
Based on the quality of the applicant's educational institution (using a global ranking framework).
C3: Diversity
Whether hiring this applicant would improve or maintain nationality diversity among the company's EP holders.
C4: Support for Local Employment
Based on the company's PMET (professionals, managers, executives, technicians) local hiring ratio relative to industry peers.
Bonus points are also available for applicants filling a shortage occupation on the Strategic Economic Priority (SEP) list, or for companies sponsoring a high-quality training programme.
S Pass
The S Pass is for mid-skilled foreign workers, typically technicians, supervisors, and specialists who do not qualify for an EP. Unlike the EP, the S Pass is subject to a quota and a monthly levy.
Eligibility
- Fixed monthly salary of at least S$3,150 (S$3,650 for the financial services sector)
- Relevant qualifications and work experience appropriate to the job
- A job offer from a Singapore-registered employer with available S Pass quota
Quota
Employers may only hold a certain number of S Pass holders as a proportion of their total workforce. The quota varies by sector:
| Sector | S Pass Quota |
|---|---|
| Services | 15% of total workforce |
| Construction, Marine & Process | 15% of total workforce |
| Manufacturing | 15% of total workforce |
Monthly Levy
Employers pay a monthly levy for each S Pass holder. The levy rate depends on the sector and the proportion of S Pass holders relative to the quota:
Services Sector (illustrative)
- Tier 1 (within basic quota): S$550 per S Pass holder per month
- Tier 2 (above basic quota, within higher tier): S$650 per S Pass holder per month
Levy rates and tiers are subject to periodic revision by MOM. Confirm current rates on the MOM website before budgeting.
EP vs S Pass: Side by Side
| Criteria | Employment Pass | S Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Target worker | Professionals, managers, executives | Mid-skilled technicians, supervisors |
| Minimum salary (most sectors) | S$5,000/month | S$3,150/month |
| Financial services | S$5,500/month | S$3,650/month |
| Qualifications required | Degree or equivalent | Diploma or relevant experience |
| COMPASS assessment | Yes (from Sep 2023) | No |
| Employer quota | None | Yes (varies by sector) |
| Monthly levy | None | Yes (S$550 to S$900+) |
| Validity | 1 to 2 years (initial) | 1 to 2 years (initial) |
| Dependant entitlement | Dependant's Pass for spouse/children if earning ≥ S$6,000/month; LTVP otherwise | Dependant's Pass requires salary well above S Pass minimum (≥ S$6,000/month) |
Applying for an EP or S Pass
Applications are submitted by the employer (or an authorised employment agent) through MOM's EP Online portal. Key steps:
Fair Consideration Framework (FCF)
Before applying for an EP, employers with 10 or more employees must advertise the job on MyCareersFuture for at least 28 days, unless the role is exempt (e.g., executive positions earning above S$20,000/month, intra-company transfers).
Submit application
Submit via EP Online. Typical processing time is 3 weeks for EP and 3 weeks for S Pass. Expedited processing is available in some circumstances.
In-Principle Approval (IPA)
If approved, MOM issues an In-Principle Approval letter. The employee must then enter or remain in Singapore and complete the issuance of the pass.
Pass issuance
The employee must register biometric data at an Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC), after which the pass card is issued.
Need help with work pass applications?
Adpeco Integrated Services handles Employment Pass, S Pass, and other work pass applications, including renewals and appeals, navigating MOM's requirements on your behalf.