Securing an S Pass in Singapore For Foreigners in 2024

In the cosmopolitan business hub of Singapore, the S Pass has emerged as a vital gateway for foreign professionals seeking employment opportunities.

This guide provides an in-depth look at the process of securing an S Pass, catering to those aiming to integrate their expertise into Singapore’s dynamic workforce.

Why Do Foreigners Love Working in Singapore?

Singapore consistently ranks as a top destination for international talent, thanks to its dynamic economy, multicultural environment, and high quality of life. Here’s a quick rundown of the key factors:

• Thriving Job Market: Singapore boasts a booming economy with diverse job opportunities across various industries, offering competitive salaries and career growth prospects.
• Global Hub: As a major financial and business center, Singapore attracts multinational companies and startups, providing foreigners exposure to international projects and networks.
• Multicultural Tapestry: Singapore’s diverse population and embrace of different cultures create a welcoming and inclusive environment for foreign workers.
• Liveability Paradise: Singapore is renowned for its clean and safe environment, excellent healthcare system, and convenient public transportation, ensuring a high quality of life.
• Strategic Location: Singapore’s central location in Southeast Asia provides easy access to the region’s growing markets and business opportunities.

Exploring the Types of Employment Passes in Singapore

Singapore offers a variety of employment passes to cater to different categories of foreign professionals, each with its unique criteria and purpose. Understanding these various types helps in determining the most appropriate pass for an individual’s professional qualifications and career aspirations.

1. Employment Pass (EP)

• Target Group: Highly skilled foreign professionals, managers, executives, and specialists.
• Requirements: Applicants typically need to have a job offer in Singapore, hold a managerial, executive or specialized job, and earn a higher salary, generally above S$4,500.
• Key Feature: It’s for individuals with higher qualifications and offers greater flexibility.

2. S Pass

• Target Group: Mid-level skilled foreign employees, like technicians and similar roles.
• Requirements: A minimum fixed monthly salary of S$2,500 and relevant qualifications and work experience.
• Key Feature: Aimed at mid-tier skilled workers, it has a quota system and levies imposed by the government.

3. Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)

• Target Group: High-earning existing EP holders or overseas professionals.
• Requirements: Not tied to a specific employer and is designed for individuals earning a high salary (at least S$12,000 for overseas candidates and S$18,000 for current EP holders).
• Key Feature: Offers greater flexibility as it’s not linked to one specific employer.

4. EntrePass

• Target Group: Entrepreneurs looking to start and operate a new business in Singapore.
• Requirements: Must have a viable business plan and fulfill certain criteria related to company spending, local employment, etc.
• Key Feature: Specifically designed for entrepreneurs, facilitating the start-up and growth of new businesses in Singapore.

5. Tech.Pass

• Target Group: Top-tier foreign professionals and entrepreneurs in the tech industry.
• Requirements: Candidates must have a track record of success in tech companies or in developing tech products and solutions.
• Key Feature: It’s tailored for leaders in the tech industry, offering flexibility in employment and business activities.

Understanding the nuances of each type of employment pass is crucial for any foreign professional or entrepreneur looking to work or start a business in Singapore.

Each pass caters to specific skill sets and career levels, ensuring that Singapore’s workforce remains dynamic and diverse.

Eligibility Criteria for S Pass

To qualify for an S Pass, applicants must be foreign professionals with relevant work experience and specialized skills. The minimum fixed monthly salary requirement stands at S$3,000, and for those in the financial services sector, it’s S$3,500.

Additionally, older applicants need to meet progressively higher qualifying salaries.

Sector	Minimum qualifying salary for renewals from 1 Sep 2023	Minimum qualifying salary for new applications from 1 Sep 2023, and for renewals from 1 Sep 2024	Minimum qualifying salary for new applications from 1 Sep 2025, and for renewals from 1 Sep 2026
All (except financial services)	$3,000 (increases progressively with age from age 23, up to $4,500 at age 45 and above)	$3,150 (increases progressively with age from age 23, up to $4,650 at age 45 and above)	At least $3,300 (to be finalised)
Financial services	$3,500 (increases progressively with age from age 23, up to $5,500 at age 45 and above)	$3,650 (increases progressively with age from age 23, up to $5,650 at age 45 and above)	At least $3,800 (to be finalised)

1. Upcoming Changes in Qualifying Salary: From 1 September 2025, there will be changes to the qualifying salary for the S Pass. Applicants should stay updated with the Ministry of Manpower for the latest requirements.
2. Restrictions in Employment Settings: S Pass holders are not permitted to work in food stalls at hawker centers, coffee shops, or food courts. These are typically small-scale operations expected to be managed by the owners or their family members.
3. Vaccination Requirements: Successful S Pass candidates must meet specific vaccination requirements to have their pass issued, aligning with Singapore’s health and safety standards.
4. Dependant’s Pass Eligibility: S Pass holders earning a fixed monthly salary of at least $6,000 are eligible to apply for a Dependant’s Pass for their spouse and children.
5. Application Process for Dependant’s Pass: Employers can submit the Dependant’s Pass application concurrently with the S Pass application or at a later date, offering flexibility in managing family relocation needs.
6. Quota and Levy for S Pass Holders: The number of S Pass holders a company can employ is limited by a quota, and employers are required to pay a monthly levy for each S Pass worker they hire.

Step-by-Step Application Procedure

1. Employer-led Application: The process begins with the employer or an authorized Employment Agency (EA) submitting the S Pass application on behalf of the foreign employee through the Ministry of Manpower’s website.
2. Gathering Necessary Documents: Applicants must provide a range of documents, including personal and passport details, academic qualifications, and work experience credentials.

In-Principle Approval (IPA) and Preparations for Arrival

Upon approval, an IPA letter is issued. This letter serves as a pre-approved single-entry visa for the candidate to enter Singapore.

Before the candidate’s arrival, employers should ensure compliance with vaccination and travel requirements and arrange the necessary insurance coverage.

Issuing the S Pass

Once in Singapore, the employer must complete the formalities to issue the S Pass, including paying the associated fee and providing details of the candidate’s medical insurance and residential address. The candidate must be present in Singapore during this process.

Registration of Fingerprints and Photo

If required by the MOM, the candidate must register their fingerprints and photo within a week after the pass is issued. This involves making an appointment at the MOM Services Centre – Hall C.

Receiving the S Pass Card

The S Pass card is delivered within 5 working days after registration or document verification. In the event of unsuccessful delivery, arrangements can be made for collection at the MOM Services Centre.

Renewal and Cancellation

The S Pass can be renewed for an additional two years, provided the employer continues to require the services of the overseas employee.

However, MOM reserves the right to deny renewal requests. The S Pass may be canceled if employment is terminated or circumstances change.

Final Steps to Securing Your S Pass

Navigating the S Pass application process is a crucial step for foreign professionals aiming to contribute their skills to Singapore’s workforce.

For those considering a broader move, such as a foreigner looking to register a company in Singapore, understanding the nuances of employment passes can be integral to their business growth strategy.

Familiarizing oneself with essential aspects like the company UEN number in Singapore and the role of a corp sec in Singapore can further smoothen the transition into Singapore’s business landscape.

This guide aims to streamline the S Pass application process, ensuring that foreign professionals are well-equipped with the knowledge to successfully embark on their career journey in Singapore.