S Pass Application
WHAT IS AN S PASS?
S Pass is a Singapore work visa for mid-skilled technical staff who meet the eligibility criteria. Application for an S Pass is open to all nationalities.
Unlike Employment Pass, a company that employs S Pass is mandated to comply with the quota requirements and pay the monthly levy from the day the S Pass is issued until the pass is canceled or expired.
From 1 February 2022, candidates must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition for their S Pass approval.
GUIDE BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER THE APPLICATION FOR AN S PASS
1. Consider all candidates fairly
All employers must first advertise the job on MyCareersFuture and consider all candidates fairly before submitting an S Pass application to promote fair employment practices and improve labour market transparency.
Exempted from the advertising requirement
There is no need to advertise the job if any of the following criteria are met:
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The employing company has fewer than 10 employees.
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The fixed monthly salary for the vacancy is $20,000 and above.
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The role is short-term, i.e. not more than 1 month.
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The role is to be filled by a local transferee, i.e. an existing employee from an employing company in Singapore transferring to another related branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in Singapore.
Non-exempted from the advertising requirement
If any of the above criteria is not met, then the Company must advertise the job and the advertisement must be open for at least 28 consecutive days to allow job seekers to view and apply for the vacancy.
S Pass application that is linked to discrimination or does not represent the job accurately will be rejected by MOM.
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The advertisement must not contain discriminatory words or phrases
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The job advertised must match the occupation in the S Pass application.
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The employer submitting the S Pass application must be the same as the one in the job advertisement.
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The salary offered must be clear, specific, and consistent. Therefore the salary range advertised:
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Must be visible to all candidates and cannot be hidden.
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Cannot be too broad, i.e. the maximum salary cannot exceed two times the minimum salary.
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Must contain the salary offered to the S Pass candidate.
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If any advertisement details are changed (e.g. job title, salary, or the number of vacancies), the advertisement must be kept open for at least another 28 consecutive days before the S Pass application is submitted. This is to ensure those job seekers are aware of the updated job details and have a chance to apply for it.
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Job advertisements that have expired or have closed for more than 3 months cannot be used for S Pass applications. The vacancy must be advertised again to reach out to other job seekers.
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If an advertisement is used for multiple S Pass applications, the total number of S Pass applications cannot exceed the number of vacancies in the advertisement.
2. Know the eligibility and requirements
The S Pass is for mid-skilled foreign employees who:
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Have a job offer in Singapore.
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Earn a fixed monthly salary of at least $2,500. Effective 1 Sep 2022, the revised qualifying salary is $3,000 and increases progressively with age, up to $4,500 for those in their mid-40s.
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For the financial sector, effective 1 Sep 2022, the revised qualifying salary is $3,500 and increases progressively with age, up to $5,500 for those in their mid-40s.
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Have a degree or diploma Technical certificates may be considered as long as the certification requires at least 1 year of full-time study.
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Have relevant work experience.
Self-Assessment Tool
The Company may use the Self-Assessment Tool (“SAT”) to check whether the applicant qualifies for S Pass before the submission of the application. MOM’s website states that the SAT is accurate and if the SAT indicates that the applicant is not eligible, the S Pass application should not be submitted as it will be rejected.
3. Know your quota and levy
The number of S Pass holders a company can hire is limited by a quota. The employer must also pay a monthly levy for each S Pass holder.
Quota requirements
Companies who are yet to apply for S Pass before must declare their business activity first to calculate the quota.
Quota is determined by the count of local employees earning the Local Qualifying Salary (LQS) employed by a company under the contract of service, including the company’s director. The Company’s Central Provident Fund (CPF) account is used to count local employees and calculate the S Pass quota.
A Singaporean or Permanent Resident employee employed under a contract of service, including the company’s director, is considered as:
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1 local employee (1 LQS count) if they earn the LQS of at least $1,400 per month.
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0.5 local employee (0.5 LQS count) if they earn half the LQS of at least $700 to below $1,400 per month
Based on the existing quota, the number of S Pass holders your company can hire is capped at:
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In the services sector, 10% of the company’s total workforce.
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In the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard and process sectors, 18% of the company’s total workforce.
New applications and renewals for Pass may be rejected once the Company has exceeded its quota entitlement. Pass may need to be canceled for excess S Pass holders.
Foreign levy
Employers are required to pay the monthly levy for each S Pass holder they employ. It is an employment-related cost in exchange for the benefits of hiring foreign workers. The foreign levy aims to regulate the number of foreign workers in Singapore.
| Sector | Tier | Quota % | Monthly levy rate |
| Services | Basic/Tier 1 | Up to 10% of the total workforce | S$330 |
| All (excluding services) | Basic/Tier 1 | Up to 10% of the total workforce | S$330 |
| All (excluding services) | Tier 2 | Above 10% to 18% of the total workforce | S$650 |
The company may face monetary penalties and legal actions for non-payment of full levy on time.
4. Prepare the documents before the application
The following are the basic set of documents required to apply for S Pass. Additional documents may be requested for further assessment.
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Passport with at least 7-month validity
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Degree/diploma certificate
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For India certification, transcripts or mark sheets for all semesters stating the college attended;
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For China certification, verification proof of degree/diploma certificate
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If the institution is not found in the application forms dropdown list, verification proof from a background screening company is required
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Company’s latest business profile or instant information registered with ACRA
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Skills/professional certificates (if any)
Where a document is in a foreign language, the document must be translated into the English language.
Documents may be required to be verified. Please see the verification requirements here.
5. Apply for the Pass before the candidate arrives in Singapore
The employer or the appointed employment agency may apply for the pass on behalf of the candidate. The application will be done online through myMOM portal. This service is available for 24 hours.
Typically online applications are processed by MOM within 3 weeks or may take longer if additional information or documents will be required by MOM.
Each application is evaluated on its own merit, based on a wide range of factors such as the candidate’s salary, track records, work experience, skill sets and global and countries’ rankings of institutions.
6. Prepare for the candidate’s arrival
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The employer buys medical insurance, work injury compensation insurance (if applicable) and Primary Care Plan (for those staying in dormitories or working in Construction, Marine shipyard and Process sectors) for them. Primary Care Plan (PCP) must be purchased within 30 days after the S Pass is issued.
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The employer ensures the candidate complies with the travel requirements based on their vaccination status:
a. Fully vaccinated
Prepare proof of vaccination
Obtain additional entry documents (if required)
Fill SG arrival card up to 3 days before arrival
Immigration clearance in Singapore
Comply with local health protocols
b. Non-fully vaccinated
Pre-Departure Requirements
- Obtain Entry Approval
- Obtain Additional Travel-Related Documents
- Submit SG Arrival Card up to 3 Days before Arrival
- COVID-19 Pre-Departure Test (PDT)
- Secure Stay Home Notice (SHN) Accommodation for at least 7 days
Requirements on Arrival
- Immigration Clearance
- Commute to declared Stay-Home Notice (SHN) accommodation
Stay-Home Notice and COVID-19 Testing Requirements
- Stay-Home Notice (SHN) Requirements
- Testing Positive for COVID-19
Comply with Local Health Protocols
Got questions about travel requirements based on vaccination status, Contact Us Now and we will be glad to help you.
7. Bring the candidate to Singapore and get the pass issued
When the candidate arrives in Singapore, send them for medical examination by a Singapore-registered doctor, if required by MOM.
Once the in-principle approval from MOM is received, the pass can be issued. Do note that the candidate must be in Singapore when this step is carried out.
After the issuance, the notification letter (valid for 1 month from the date of issue) that allows the candidate to start work and travel out of Singapore while waiting for the pass card will be received. The notification letter states if the candidate needs to have a fingerprint and photo taken for card registration.
The following information and documents are needed to get the pass issued:
- Candidate's passport details
- Candidate’s Singapore contact details
- Candidate’s medical insurance details
- Candidate’s completed medical examination form. If certified fit to work, buy the Primary Care Plan for those who are required to have it.
- Candidate’s work injury compensation insurance details
- Candidate's current Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) or immigration pass details
- Candidate's Singapore residential address, which must meet the housing requirements
- Singapore residential or office address to receive the candidate’s card
- Details of up to 3 authorised recipients to receive the card (their mobile number, email address, and NRIC number / FIN/passport number)
The PDF copies of these documents may also need to be uploaded:
- Candidate’s passport page showing the date of arrival in Singapore
- Completed medical examination form or medical declaration form
- Completed declaration form (attached to the candidate's in-principle approval letter). The employer’s declaration of the form should be signed by an authorised human resource personnel, or an employee holding at least a managerial position.
8. Register fingerprints and photo
Check the notification letter whether the candidate is required to have his/her fingerprints and photo registered. If required, an appointment must be made for the candidate to visit MOM Services Centre – Hall C and make the registration within 1 week after the pass is issued.
The candidate should bring along these documents for the appointment:
- Original passport
- Appointment letter
- Notification letter
9. Receive the card
The card will be delivered to the given address 4 working days after the candidate registers and gets the documents verified.
The authorised recipients will get an SMS or email with the delivery details at least 1 working day before the delivery.
After 2 unsuccessful deliveries, the card must be collected personally from MOM Services Centre-Hall C within 3 working days after the second attempted delivery.
POST-APPLICATION STEPS (if required)
1. Notify MOM of any changes in pass holder’s and company’s particulars
The employer needs to notify MOM under these circumstances:
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Change in Company’s name or financial information
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Change in Company’s address
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Change in business entity
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Change in pass holder’s personal particulars
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Change in pass holder’s salary
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Transfer of pass holder to a related company
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Change in pass holder’s occupation
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If a pass holder goes missing
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Change in pass holder’s residential address or contact details
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Change in application details after the pass is approved
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Provide a reference for your pass holder
Renew an S Pass
Employers can apply for renewal if they want the pass holder to continue working with them. Quota and other requirements will be taken into consideration upon renewal.
Important notes about the renewal of S Pass
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The employer must buy a Primary Care Plan for Construction, Marine shipyard and Process workers or those staying in dormitories within 30 days after the S Pass is renewed.
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Pass holders must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to be considered for S Pass renewal.
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S Pass can be renewed up to 6 months before the pass expires.
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The pass is normally renewed for up to 3 years. If the passport is valid for less than 3 years, the duration granted will be only up to 1 month before the expiry date of the passport.
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Renewals are not guaranteed. Applications will be evaluated against current eligibility criteria.
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When the renewal is missed and the pass expires, a new pass is needed to be applied.
Submit the renewal early
The employer or the appointed employment agency may submit the renewal on behalf of the candidate. The application will be done online through myMOM portal. This service is available for 24 hours. Typically online renewals are processed by MOM within 3 weeks (for more cases) or may take longer if additional information or documents will be required by MOM.
After the renewal
If the renewal was successful:
An In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter which is valid for 60 days will be received.
Proceed to issue the pass before the IPA or current pass expires, whichever occurs first. The duration of the renewed pass will start when the current pass expires.
After the pass is issued
Check the notification letter to see whether the pass holder will continue using the existing card or get a new card. If the pass holder needs to get a new card, the old card must be cut in half and discarded to prevent misuse after the new card has been received.
3. Replacement of an S Pass card
In case of a lost, stolen, or damaged pass card, the pass holder must get the employer to apply for a replacement within 1 week.
The application for the replacement of the S Pass card will be done online through EP Online portal.
If the request is approved, print the card replacement letter for the instructions on collecting the replacement card.
The replacement card can be collected 4 working days after the approval from MOM Services Centre – Hall C. An appointment is not needed for card collection.
Important notes for replacement of an S Pass card
| Stolen card | Lost card | Damaged card |
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4. Cancellation of an S Pass
The S Pass must be canceled if the pass holder no longer works for the employer.
Before cancellation
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Give reasonable notice of the pass holder’s repatriation.
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Seek tax clearance from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).
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Settle all outstanding employment issues that the pass holder may raise, including salary payment.
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Buy an air ticket and pay for any connecting transport costs to the international port of entry in your pass holder’s home country nearest to their hometown, unless the pass holder agrees in writing to bear the cost.
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Before booking the flight, please check whether the airline has any requirements for boarding (e.g. pre-departure COVID-19 test) and ensure the pass holders comply with them. Otherwise, they may not be allowed to board.
Important notes for cancellation of an S Pass
Request for cancellation of a pass can be submitted up to 14 days in advance. Or 1 week after the pass holder’s last day of notice.
A request for a short visit pass (STVP) is needed if the pass holder is still in Singapore after the cancellation. The pass holder needs to show the STVP and a valid passport to the immigration officer when leaving Singapore.
If the pass holder has left Singapore permanently, the S Pass must be canceled within 1 week from the departure date, unless it has expired.
Once the S Pass is canceled, all the related Dependant's Passes, Long Term Visit Passes, Letters of Consent, and Work Permits for the family will also be canceled.
Once the pass is canceled, please cut the pass card in half and discard it to prevent misuse.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is the existing pass automatically canceled once an S Pass holder changes the job?
No. S Pass holder changes jobs and the new pass is approved, MOM does not automatically cancel the existing work pass. This is so that the current employer has a notice period and employer and pass holder settle all employment issues. The employer needs to cancel the pass using EP Online.
2. Will the company be penalized for late payment of foreign levy?
Yes. Late or non-payment of the foreign levy is subject to the following penalties:
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The company will be charged a late payment penalty of 2% per month or $20, whichever is higher. Your total late payment penalty will be capped at 30% of the outstanding levy.
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The existing S Pass will be canceled.
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The Company won’t be allowed to apply for or issue S Pass, or renew existing S Pass.
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You may face legal action to recover the unpaid levy.
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If you, your partners or directors head other companies, these companies may not be allowed to apply for S Pass.
3. What are the methods of payment for paying the salary of S Pass holders?
The following electronic methods may be used for paying S Pass salaries:
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General Interbank Recurring Order (GIRO) with your designated bank.
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Internet funds transfer.
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ATM funds transfer.
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Standing order.
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Funds transfer through bank counters.
4. Can the employer appeal against a rejected S Pass application?
Yes. The employer has 3 months to appeal an unsuccessful S Pass application but should do so only if the reasons for rejection can be addressed.
5. Why does a Company need a CPF account when applying for S Pass?
The Company’s Central Provident Fund (CPF) account is used to count local employees and calculate the S Pass quota.
Choose the right corporate service provider to help your business succeed.
Our S Pass Application and Renewal Services include:
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Pre-application information and advice about S Pass
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Online filing of S Pass application
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Tracking S Pass application status while under processing
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Responding to MOM’s requests for additional information as necessary
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Arranging for issuance of S Pass card upon in-principle approval (IPA)
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Filing of appeal in case of initial rejection of S Pass application
Talk to our specialist now.
