Singapore S Pass Application Services | 2025 Latest MOM Updates
At WorkPass Pte Ltd, an MOM-licensed employment agency, we specialize in simplifying the complexities of the Singapore S Pass journey. We provide expert, up-to-date guidance and end-to-end support for both businesses and individuals. Our aim is to ensure your S Pass application is accurate, compliant with the latest regulations, and optimized for approval. Let us help you successfully apply S Pass and achieve your employment goals in Singapore.
S Pass Application Fee
- Inclusive of MOM application and issuance cost
- $30 Multiple Journey Visa - If Applicable
- EP Online filing of S Pass application
- Tracking EP Online filing of application status while under processing
- Liaising with direct MOM officer in charge, if required
- Responding to MOM’s requests for additional information, if any
- Arranging for issuance pass upon in-principle approval (IPA)
- Filing of appeal in case of rejection
Higher Approval Rate, Faster Processing Time!
What is the S Pass?
The S Pass is a work permit designed for mid-level skilled foreign employees who meet specific salary and qualification requirements in Singapore. It plays a vital role in Singapore’s foreign workforce strategy, complementing the Employment Pass (for highly skilled professionals) and Work Permits (for semi-skilled workers).
Securing an S Pass allows foreign professionals to live and work legally in Singapore, benefiting from its robust economy and diverse environment. For employers, the S Pass provides a pathway to bring in crucial talent, though its issuance is regulated by a quota system and a foreign worker levy.
Quick Overview S Pass Application
Step-by-Step Guide
Pre-Application & Eligibility Check : Assess job and candidate eligibility.
Submit S Pass Application : Online submission to MOM.
Processing & In-Principle Approval (IPA) : MOM review and provisional approval.
Arrange For Candidate Arrival : Bring candidate to Singapore.
S Pass Issuance : Official pass approval and issuance.
Card Registration : Biometrics (fingerprints & photo) capture.
Receiving S Pass Card : Physical card delivery.
Pre-Application & Eligibility Check
Job Advertisement (Fair Consideration Framework – FCF): For most S Pass applications, employers must first advertise the job vacancy on MyCareersFuture.sg for at least 14 consecutive days. This is part of the FCF to ensure local candidates are fairly considered.
- FCF Exemptions: This advertising requirement is waived for companies with fewer than 10 employees or for job vacancies with a fixed monthly salary of S$22,500 and above.
Employer Quota & Eligibility Check: WorkPass assists the employer in verifying if they have sufficient S Pass quota available and that the candidate meets all preliminary S Pass eligibility requirements (salary, qualifications, etc.).
Candidate Consent: Ensure written consent is obtained from the candidate to proceed with the S Pass application.
Submit S Pass Application
Who Applies: The employer or an appointed MOM-licensed employment agent (WorkPass Pte Ltd) submits the S Pass application online via MOM’s EP Online portal.
Required Documents: We compile and review necessary documents, which typically include:
- Copy of the applicant’s passport (personal particulars page).
- Applicant’s educational certificates, with mandatory verification proof for univeristy and above.
- Detailed resume/CV.
- Signed employment contract.
- Employer’s latest business profile (ACRA).
- Any industry-specific documents as required by MOM.
Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of S$105 is payable to MOM upon submission of the S Pass application.
Processing & In-Principle Approval (IPA)
Processing Time: MOM typically takes about 10 business days for online applications to process S Pass applications. More complex cases or those requiring additional information may take longer.
IPA Letter: If approved, MOM issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. This letter is valid for 60 days, outlining the conditions for S Pass issuance and serving as a single-entry visa allowing the candidate to enter Singapore. It also specifies any required medical examinations.
Arrange For Candidate's Arrival
After S Pass approved
- Complete these steps to prepare for your workers’ arrival in Singapore.
You should only bring in candidates when the pass is approved. They do not need to be in Singapore when we apply, and MOM will not be able to extend their visit pass.
Before candidate’s arrival
- Buy medical insurance, work injury compensation insurance (if applicable) and Primary Care Plan (for those staying in dormitories or work in Construction, Marine shipyard or Process sectors) for them.
- You must declare that you have bought the Primary Care Plan before the S Pass can be issued.
Upon candidate’s arrival
- Send them for medical examination by a Singapore-registered doctor, if applicable.
S Pass Issuance
Once your S Pass application receives In-Principle Approval (IPA), the next critical step is to get the pass issued. This must be done within 60 days of the IPA letter’s issuance. The candidate must be physically present in Singapore for WorkPass to complete these steps on your behalf.
Upon successful issuance, we will email you the notification letter. This letter is crucial as it’s valid for 1 month from its issue date and:
- Allows the candidate to begin work immediately and travel in and out of Singapore while awaiting their physical S Pass card.
- States whether the candidate needs to have their fingerprints and photo taken for card registration.
- Note: If the candidate requires more time to complete the card registration procedures, WorkPass can assist in requesting an extension for the notification letter’s validity.
Documents & Information Required for Pass Issuance:
To facilitate the pass issuance, we will require the following information and documents:
Candidate & Contact Details:
- Full passport details.
- Singapore contact number and email address.
- Current Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) or other immigration pass details (e.g., arrival stamp).
- Singapore residential address (must comply with housing requirements).
- Singapore residential or office address for card delivery.
- Details of up to 3 authorized recipients for card collection (including their mobile number, email, and NRIC/FIN/passport number).
Medical & Insurance Details:
- Completed medical examination form.
- Proof of medical insurance details (required for S Pass holders, minimum S$60,000 annual coverage for hospitalization and surgery).
Required PDF Document Uploads (as applicable):
- Passport page showing the date of arrival in Singapore.
- Completed medical examination form or a medical declaration form.
- Completed declaration form attached to the candidate’s In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. This employer’s declaration must be signed by an authorized HR personnel or an employee holding at least a managerial position.
Important Note for Medical Results: If your candidate is awaiting medical results and needs more time for pass issuance, WorkPass can assist in requesting an STVP extension. This request should ideally be submitted within 1 week before the STVP expires, accompanied by a doctor’s memo stating the medical results collection date.
Card Registration
Card Registration: Biometrics & Photo Capture
For most first-time S Pass holders, or those who haven’t registered their biometrics with MOM in the last five years, a crucial step involves capturing their fingerprints and photo for the physical S Pass card.
WorkPass will assist in scheduling this necessary appointment for the worker.
- When: This registration must be completed within 1 week after the S Pass is issued.
- Where: The appointment will take place at the MOM Services Centre – Hall C.
For the appointment, the candidate should bring:
- Original passport
- Appointment letter
- Notification letter
Receiving S Pass Card
Receiving Your S Pass Card
The final step in the process is the delivery of your physical S Pass card.
- Delivery Timeline: MOM will deliver the S Pass card to the designated Singapore address within 5 working days. This timeline commences either after the candidate completes their card registration (including fingerprint and photo taking at the MOM Services Centre) or, if registration isn’t required, after MOM has verified all submitted documents.
- Delivery Notification: To ensure you’re prepared for the delivery, the authorized recipients you’ve nominated will receive an SMS or email notification with delivery details at least 1 working day before the card’s arrival.
S Pass Eligibility Criteria - Latest MOM Requirements
Before you apply for an S Pass, it’s crucial to understand the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) eligibility criteria, which are periodically updated to maintain a high-quality foreign workforce.
1. Valid Job Offer
You must have a concrete job offer from a Singapore-registered company. The role must align with the S Pass purpose, generally for mid-skilled technical or supervisory positions.
2. Fixed Monthly Salary (Updated Benchmarks for 2025/2026)
Your fixed monthly salary is a primary determinant of S Pass eligibility, with new benchmarks taking effect soon:
For New S Pass Applications Submitted from 1 September 2025:
- All sectors (except financial services): The minimum fixed monthly salary increases from S$3,150 to S$3,300. This benchmark increases progressively with age, reaching up to S$4,800 for candidates aged 45 and above.
- Financial services sector: The minimum fixed monthly salary increases from S$3,650 to S$3,800. This benchmark increases progressively with age, reaching up to S$5,650 for candidates aged 45 and above.
For S Pass Renewal Applications Expiring from 1 September 2026:
- These new salary requirements will also apply.
3. Educational Qualifications & Experience
Generally, candidates should possess:
- A diploma or a degree.
- Relevant technical certificates (requiring at least 1 year of full-time study) combined with good relevant work experience may also be considered.
- Mandatory Qualification Verification: As of 1 September 2023, verification of educational qualifications is mandatory for all S Pass applications for qualifications at post-secondary diploma level and above. WorkPass assists in ensuring proper verification processes are followed.
4. MOM’s Self-Assessment Tool (SAT)
WorkPass supports employers by leveraging MOM’s S Pass Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) to conduct a preliminary evaluation of a candidate’s eligibility. This helps determine whether the candidate meets the fundamental criteria before proceeding with the application.
S Pass Quota and Levy - Key Employer Considerations
The S Pass is subject to a quota, which limits the proportion of S Pass holders a company can employ relative to its total workforce (local employees and other work pass holders).
Under the existing quota, the number of S Pass holders your company can hire is capped at:
- 10% of the company’s total workforce in the services sector.
- 15% in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard and process sectors.
This S Pass sub-quota operates within your company’s broader sector-specific Dependency Ratio Ceiling for all foreign workers.
2. S Pass Levy Rates (Updated for 2025)
Employers must pay a monthly Foreign Worker Levy (FWL) for each S Pass holder. These rates are designed to regulate the number of foreign workers and are set to be harmonized:
Effective from 1 September 2025 (for new applications and all existing S Pass holders):
- The Basic / Tier 1 levy will increase from S$550 to S$650 per month.
- The Tier 2 levy will remain at S$650 per month.
- This change means the S Pass levy rate will be standardized at S$650 per month for all S Pass holders, regardless of the company’s dependency ratio, from this date.
WorkPass can help you understand your company’s available quota and calculate your potential levy burden to ensure compliance before you apply S Pass for your desired candidate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Have more questions about the Singapore S Pass? Find answers to common queries below, or contact WorkPass for personalized assistance to apply S Pass.
For new applications submitted from 1 September 2025, the minimum fixed monthly salary will be S$3,300 (general sectors) or S$3,800 (financial services), increasing progressively with age. These new salaries will apply to renewal applications for passes expiring from 1 September 2026.
Generally, a diploma or degree is required. Relevant technical certificates (at least 1 year of full-time study) and good work experience may also be considered. Mandatory verification of post-secondary diplomas and higher qualifications is required.
MOM typically processes online S Pass applications about 10 business days. However, more complex cases may take longer.
Yes, S Pass holders can apply for a Dependant Pass (DP) for their legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old, provided the S Pass holder earns a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$6,000. Long Term Visit Passes (LTVP) may be applicable for other family members, subject to higher salary thresholds.
The S Pass is subject to a quota (Dependency Ratio Ceiling – DRC). It limits S Pass holders to 10% of a company’s total workforce. If your company exceeds this, you cannot hire more S Pass holders until your local workforce numbers increase or other foreign workers leave.
From 1 September 2025, the S Pass levy rate will be standardized at S$650 per month across all sectors, as the Tier 1 levy increases from S$550 to S$650.
The FCF requires employers to advertise job vacancies on MyCareersFuture for at least 14 days before submitting an S Pass application, to fairly consider local candidates. Exemptions apply for companies with fewer than 10 employees or jobs paying S$22,500 and above.
Yes, in some cases. If an S Pass holder’s salary, qualifications, and role evolve to meet Employment Pass (EP) criteria, they can apply for an EP. S Pass holders may also be eligible to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) after gaining sufficient work experience in Singapore and meeting other PR criteria.
If your S Pass application is rejected, MOM will provide reasons. You usually have 3 months to submit an appeal addressing those reasons with additional supporting documentation or clarification. WorkPass can assist you in preparing a strong appeal.
Let’s Get Started!
Don’t let the complexities of the S Pass application process deter you. WorkPass Pte Ltd is dedicated to providing seamless, expert assistance, ensuring your application is handled efficiently and effectively. Whether you’re a company seeking to hire essential mid-skilled talent or an individual looking to apply S Pass to work in Singapore, we are your trusted partner.
Contact WorkPass Pte Ltd today for a consultation and let us help you secure your S Pass in Singapore.