Guide For Singapore S Pass
Singapore S Pass
Key facts on S Pass in Singapore
The S Pass allows mid-level skilled staff to work in Singapore. Candidates need to earn at least $2,400 a month with effect from 01-January-2020 and have the relevant qualifications and work experience.
Get an overview and key facts about the S Pass for hiring technical staff to work in Singapore.
| Who it is for |
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| Who can apply |
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| Minimum salary |
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| What is the duration |
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| Is it renewable |
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| Passes for family |
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| Quota or levy |
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| Medical insurance |
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| Relevant legislation |
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Eligibility for S Pass
Only eligible candidates will be considered for an S Pass. Criteria include a minimum salary of $2,400 with effect from 01-January-2020 and acceptable qualifications. Use the Self-Assessment Tool to check a candidate’s eligibility before you apply.
Who is eligible
The S Pass is for mid-skilled foreign employees (e.g. technicians) who meet these criteria:
- Fixed monthly salary of at least $2,400. The salary should reflect work experience. Older, more experienced applicants need higher salaries to qualify.
- A degree or diploma. MOM may consider technical certificates, such as courses for qualified technicians or specialists.
- The certification should include at least 1 year of full-time study.
- Years of relevant work experience.
- Application for an S Pass is open to all nationalities.
Use the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) to check if the applicant qualifies for the pass.
Note: You cannot employ foreign workers to work at a food stall in a hawker centre, coffee shop or food court. Such operations are small scale and should be manned by owners or family members.
Objectionable or Ineligible Occupations for an S Pass in Singapore
The list of objectionable occupations includes masseurs, bar and lounge hostesses. Food stall owners with an Singapore Food Agency (SFA) or National Environment Agency (NEA) licence are also not eligible to apply for an S Pass.
Who can apply
An employer or authorised third party has to apply for a candidate’s S Pass.
Self-Assessment Tool
MOM encourages you to use the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) to get an indication of whether an applicant meets the requirements. Candidates can also use the tool to assess their eligibility.
If the SAT shows that the candidate is not eligible, you shouldn’t apply for the S Pass because it will be rejected.
If the SAT shows that the candidate is eligible, there is around a 90% chance that the candidate will get a pass.
Passes for Family Members
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. If you are legally married or have children, you may be eligible for a Dependant’s Pass.
From 1 January 2018, work pass holders will need to meet a minimum salary criteria of $6,000 to enjoy dependant privileges.
Eligibility for Long Term Visit Pass
Eligible S Pass holders can bring certain family members to Singapore on a Long Term Visit Pass.
You can apply for a Long Term Visit Pass for your family if you meet these requirements:
- Hold an Employment Pass or S Pass.
- Earn a minimum fixed monthly salary of $6,000.
- Are sponsored by an established, Singapore-registered company (usually your employer).
You can get a pass for the following family members:
- Common-law spouse.
- Unmarried handicapped children above 21 years old.
- Unmarried step-children under 21 years old.
- Parents – only for those earning a fixed monthly salary of at least $12,000.
Employers can submit the application together with the S Pass application or separately at a later date.
Stages of Pass
Get an idea of what you need to do before, during and after you apply for an S Pass.
Before Applying:
- Know the eligibility and requirements
- Know your quota and levy
- Declare business activity (applicable for first time employers)
- Check the documents required for applying
Before candidate arrives in Singapore:
- Apply for pass
After candidate arrives in Singapore
- Buy medical insurance and submit details
- Get the pass issued
- Register fingerprints and photo
- Receive the pass card
As and when required:
- Notify with any changes
- Renewal of pass
- Replace a lost or damaged pass card
- Cancel a pass
S Pass quota and levy requirements
The number of S Pass holders you can hire is limited by a quota. You must also pay a monthly levy for these workers.
Learn more about S Pass quota and levy requirements
Calculate Foreign Worker Quota
Use the quota calculator below to plan how many Work Permit and S Pass holders your company can hire based on your sector and workforce.
Note: If you’re checking for services sector, please remember to choose the correct year, e.g. 2020.
https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-worker/foreign-worker-levy/calculate-foreign-worker-quota
Levy Waiver For Foreign Worker
You can get a waiver for your foreign worker levy payments only in certain specific situations. These include overseas leave and hospitalisation leave.
Learn more about Levy Waiver For Foreign Worker
Renewal of S Pass
You can apply to renew an S Pass if you want the pass holder to continue working for you. This is provided you still meet the quota and other requirements as set by MOM.
Learn more about renewal of S Pass
Cancellation of S Pass In Singapore
You must cancel an S Pass if the pass holder no longer works for you or when the pass expires. You must also return the cancelled pass card.
Learn more about cancellation of S Pass
Please refer to MOM website at www.mom.gov.sg or www.cpf.gov.sg for more detailed information and up-to-date guidelines with regulations.