S Pass in Singapore
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Singapore Acts of Parliament, subsidiary legislation, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
The S Pass is for mid-level skilled foreign workers:
- Eligibility: Minimum fixed monthly salary of $3,150 (as of September 2023; higher for financial services sector at $3,650). Must have relevant qualifications and work experience.
- Quota: Employers can hire S Pass holders up to 10%–18% of their total workforce (varies by sector — services: 10%, manufacturing: 15%, marine/process/construction: 18%).
- Foreign Worker Levy: Employers must pay a monthly levy of $650 per S Pass holder (Tier 1) or $650 (Tier 2), depending on the proportion of foreign workers.
- Duration: Up to 2 years initially; up to 3 years on renewal.
When does it apply?
- You are a foreign skilled worker with a diploma or degree and relevant work experience.
- Your employer meets the quota and levy requirements.
What to Do If Your MOM S Pass Application Is Rejected or Your Employer Cannot Meet the Quota in Singapore
- Ensure your employer has applied and received approval before you start work.
- Check that your salary meets the minimum threshold — if it's below, the application will be rejected.
- If your employment ends, the employer must cancel your S Pass — you will have a short grace period to find new employment or leave.
- Your employer must provide medical insurance coverage of at least $15,000/year.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't work for a different employer than the one on your S Pass.
- Don't agree to "kick back" part of your salary to the employer to help them meet quota costs — this is illegal.
- Don't ignore your pass expiry date — overstaying is a criminal offence.
Common Questions
What is Singapore's S Pass salary threshold?
A minimum fixed monthly salary of S$3,150 (or S$3,650 in financial services), as of September 2023. The S Pass is for mid-level skilled foreign workers with relevant qualifications and work experience. Employers must pay a monthly levy of S$650 per S Pass holder.
What is the S Pass quota in Singapore?
Employers can hire S Pass holders up to 10%-18% of their total workforce depending on sector: services at 10%, manufacturing at 15%, and marine, process, or construction at 18%. If the quota is full, MOM will reject the application regardless of your qualifications. Employers must also provide medical insurance of at least S$15,000/year.
Can an S Pass holder work for another Singapore employer?
No. The S Pass is tied to a specific employer — working for a different employer is a breach. Do not agree to kick back part of your salary to help the employer meet quota costs; this is illegal. Initial duration is up to 2 years, renewable for up to 3 years.
When does it apply — s pass?
You are a foreign skilled worker with a diploma or degree and relevant work experience.Your employer meets the quota and levy requirements.
What should I do if my employer's S Pass quota in Singapore is full and MOM has rejected my work pass application?
Ensure your employer has applied and received approval before you start work.Check that your salary meets the minimum threshold — if it's below, the application will be rejected.If your employment ends, the employer must cancel your S Pass — you will have a short grace period to find new employment or leave.Your employer must provide medical insurance coverage of at least $15,000/year.
What should you NOT do — s pass?
Don't work for a different employer than the one on your S Pass.Don't agree to "kick back" part of your salary to the employer to help them meet quota costs — this is illegal.Don't ignore your pass expiry date — overstaying is a criminal offence.