EP, S-pass and Work permit for migrant worker: Here’s The different:

Every entrepreneur in Singapore dreams of having foreign workers, and even the foreign workers themselves aspire to work in Singapore. However, it’s good to know and be aware that there are three specific types of visa worker that are necessary for hiring foreign workers. In this article OASS (One accounting Services Singapore) will share the difference of EP ( Employment Pass ), S-pass and Work permit for migrant worker. Based on the regulation by ministry of Manpower (MOM)

What is EP ( Employment Pass )

Employment pass is a type of visa issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for foreign professionals working in Singapore. This visa is suitable for individual worker title managerial, executive and director positions. With EP you can live and work in Singapore and without need for an entry visa when traveling in and out of the country. The EP is valid for 1-2 years and can be renewed up to 3 years, EP holders also have privilage of sponsoring their family members to have legalty reside in Singapore. Family members can apply for Dependent Pass (DP) and Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) but you need to earn a minimum fixed salary of $6000. This sponsorship is only exclusive to EP holders and not available for other work visas in Singapore.

Eligibility criteria employment pass

When applying for the Employment Pass as a foreign employee, there is a minimum salary requirement of at least $5000 for all sectors. This minimum salary gradually increases with age, starting from 23 years old and reaching up to $10,500 at the age of 45, except for the financial services sector. In the financial services sector, the minimum salary is $5500 and also increases progressively with age, starting from 23 years old and reaching up to $11,500 at the age of 45. It’s important to take note that in addition to meeting the salary criteria, candidates must also pass the COMPASS test in order to be eligible for the Employment Pass.

You can see for the requirements that must be met to pass the COMPASS test in here

To get eligibility for an Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore, candidates must meet several criteria:

Job offers: Candidate must have job offer from a Singapore employer
Job Position: The job must be in a managerial, executive or specialized role
Salary: The candidate must earn a minimum fixed monthly salary, which varies depending on their age and experience. As of 2024, the minimum salary is SGD $5000 All sectors and the financial services sector is $5500 for younger candidates and increases with age and experience.
Qualification: the candidate should have acceptable qualifications, typically a good university degree, professional qualifications, or specialist skills. In some cases, significant work experience and a strong track record may compensate for the lack of formal qualifications.
COMPASS ( Complementarity Assessment framework ): candidate must pass the COMPASS assessment, witch evaluates both individual and firm-related attributes
Employer’s Justification: The hiring employer must demonstrate that the EP candidate is required for the job role and that they have made efforts to hire local candidates where possible.

For your information from 1 January 2025, the EP qualifying salary for new applications will be revised to at least $5,600, and at least $6,200 for the financial services sector, base on information from MOM.

You also can read this : Understand how much quota is needed to work in Singapore and how it works.

What is S-pass

S pass is a work visa issued by the ministry of manpower (MOM) in Singapore for mid-level skilled workers. It is designed for individuals who are not citizens or permanent residents of Singapore but have the necessary qualifications and skills to contribute to the workforce. The candidate of s pass can work and stay in Singapore, the application is open for any nationalities for duration up to 2 years and also candidates of s pass are also required to buy medical insurance for the pass holder before applying for the s pass.

Eligibility Criteria S-pass

The S pass is a work visa for mid skilled foreign Employees in Singapore and to be eligible for an S pass in Singapore you need to have minimum fixed monthly salary $3150 and have education qualification degree, diploma or Technical certificate that must be relevant to the job and meet the requirements. The applicant should have relevant work experience in the field they are applying for and more experienced applicants may be given some flexibility regarding the educational qualifications.

To be eligible for an S pass, applicants must meet several criteria related to salary, education, and relevant work experience. Here are the key eligibility requirements:

The S pass holder must have a fixed monthly salary at least $3150 ( $3650 For financial Services ). Older applicants may need to meet higher minimum qualifying salaries. The salary should be commensurate with the applicant’s qualifications and relevant work experience.
Candidates should have proper educational qualifications, such as a university degree, diploma, or technical certificates from courses lasting at least one year. The qualifications should be relevant to the job position.
Work Experience: Relevant work experience is necessary for S Pass eligibility. The specific work experience requirements may vary depending on the job position and industry.
Job Offer: The applicant must have a job offer from a Singapore-based employer. The employer is responsible for applying for the S Pass on behalf of the applicant.
Quota Availability: The Singapore government imposes a quota on the number of S Pass holders that an employer can hire. The availability of quota can affect the approval of S Pass applications. Quotas are determined based on the industry and size of the company.
Employer Sponsorship: The employer must fulfill certain obligations, such as providing medical insurance coverage for the S Pass holder.

For your information there are upcoming changes for new applications from 1 sep 2025 and from 1 sep 2026 for renewals S pass eligibility, MOM will continue to raise the qualifying salaries and levies for S Pass holders. For all sectors except Financial services at least $3300 and for financial services at least $3800. You can check this information in here.

What is work permit for migrant worker

Work Permits are for semi-skilled or unskilled foreign workers in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, services, marine, and others. There are different types of Work Permits based on the sector and skill level of the worker, including the Work Permit for foreign domestic workers, Work Permit for construction workers, and Work Permit for foreign workers in the services sector.

Eligibility criteria Work permit for migrant worker

if you are interested in obtaining a work permit as a migrant worker in Singapore, here are the key eligibility criteria to consider:

Type of Worker: Work permits in Singapore, also known as Work Permits (WP), are generally issued to unskilled or semi-skilled migrant workers.
Duration: The Work Permit is typically valid for a duration of two years, subject to the validity of the worker’s passport, the security bond, and the worker’s employment period, whichever is shorter.
Employer Restriction: Workers holding a Work Permit are only allowed to work for their specific employer and in the designated occupation. Switching employers or changing job positions may require the worker to apply for a new Work Permit.
Salary Requirement: Unlike higher-skilled work passes such as the Employment Pass (EP), there is no minimum salary requirement for Work Permit holders. However, employers must comply with the prevailing sector-specific requirements and guidelines set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Domestic Workers: If you are applying for a Work Permit as a domestic worker, there are additional criteria to be met. Employers of migrant domestic workers must meet specific eligibility requirements and be prepared to purchase a security bond for the domestic helper.
Quota and levy: Employers are limited by a quota for their industry and have to pay a monthly for each worker. You can find out more information about Quota and Levy in here

It is important to note that the process and requirements may change, so it is advisable to refer to the official website of the Ministry of Manpower in Singapore for the most updated and accurate information regarding work permit applications.

EP, S-pass and Work permit for migrant worker