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In Singapore, there are many work passes (or work visas), you can apply for depending on your needs and situations.
Alongside the Employment Pass, the S Pass application is among the most popular types of passes many foreigners apply for to work in Singapore.
So, in this guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know about S Pass and the newest MOM updates in 2024.
- What is the Singapore S Pass?
- What is the difference between an Employment Pass and an S Pass;
- Key factors to a successful S Pass application
- How do you apply for your S Pass with a higher chance of success?
Ready to work in Singapore and pass your S Pass assessment? Let's dive in
1. What is a Singapore S Pass?
Singapore S Pass is a pass for foreigners who intend to work in Singapore as skilled workers in important industries (Associate Professionals and Technicians (APTs)).
Every year, Singapore issues a limited quota for S Pass.
The S Pass is usually for:
- Those who wish to apply for an EP but may not meet the criteria;
- Foreigners who intend to work and settle in Singapore
- Employers who apply for an S Pass on behalf of their future employees.
2. What is the difference between an Employment Pass and an S Pass?
In Singapore, the Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass are work visas for foreign professionals, but they cater to different types of workers with varying eligibility criteria.
To see the difference, you can look at the table below showing the key differences between the two:
| Criteria | Employment Pass | S Pass |
| Who is this for? | Professionals, managers, and executives | Mid-skilled workers |
| Minimum salary requirement | At least S$5,000 per month | At least S$3,150 per month |
| Levy for companies | No levy | Levy is required based on the number of S Pass holders |
|
Quota system |
No quota, but approval depends on the applicant’s qualifications |
Subject to a dependency ratio ceiling (DRC), (based on the company’s workforce) DRC is the maximum ratio of foreign workers to the total workforce that a company in a given sector can employ |
| Duration | Up to 3 years or longer, renewable | Up to 3 years, renewable |
| Family Sponsorship | Eligible to sponsor family members under Dependant’s Pass or Long-Term Visit Pas | Eligible if salary exceeds $6,000 SGD per month |
3. What are the eligibility and requirements for a Singapore S Pass?
Only eligible candidates can receive an S Pass. That is why, preparation is important.
There are 8 key factors you and the Singapore company need to remember and prepare for if you wish to earn your S Pass. These are:
- A job offer in Singapore
- A qualifying salary for the role (The most important requirement)
- For most sectors, the minimum salary is $3,150, increasing with age from 23, reaching up to $4,650 at age 45 and older.
- For the financial services sector, the minimum salary is $3,650, increasing with age from 23, reaching up to $5,650 at age 45 and older.
- Acceptable qualifications, required skills and degree, education in the field
- An excellent employment history and high salary.
- Eligibility checks with the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT): If the SAT shows that the candidate is eligible, there is around a 90% chance that you will get a pass.
From the point of view of the Singapore employers and Singapore company, you need to consider this:
- The company’s current quota of foreign workers
- 10% of the company’s total workforce is in the services sector.
- 15% in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, and process sectors.
- S Pass levy: Business owners must pay the levy for all S Pass holders in their company (around 550 - 650 SGD)
- Medical insurance: The company must buy medical insurance for the pass holder. The insurance coverage must be a minimum of $15,000 per year and cover inpatient care and day surgery.
4. What are the required documents for S Pass?
When submitting an S Pass application, you must upload relevant documents such as the candidate's passport page showing personal details.
In detail, the essential documents in English you need to prepare are:
| Documents required | Description |
| Personal particulars page of candidate’s passport | Upload the page from the candidate’s passport that shows their personal details |
| Explanation letter and supporting documents | Provide an explanation letter and documents like a deed poll if the candidate’s name on the passport is different from other documents, p |
| The company's latest business profile | Submit the latest business profile or instant information registered with ACRA |
| Additional documents |
May be required depending on specific circumstances E.g: a food shop license if you are an employee of a food establishment, supporting document from the Singapore Dental Council if you are a dentist |
5. How to apply for an S Pass in Singapore?
Who can apply for the S Pass?
Employer or employment agent (EA) can apply for your S Pass if your job is secured
This section will show how the application process works to get a Singapore EP.
Every step shown here is crucial to getting done exactly step-by-step, from what you need to do before, during, and after applying for an S Pass
Before applying, You should understand the eligibility criteria and prepare the necessary documents for the application process for your job role in Singapore
If you are a foreign business owner, you should require the support of your registered employment agent to handle the S Pass application.
You can submit the S Pass application online. The online submission will require a S$105 fee.
- Get written consent to apply for S Pass from the candidate.
- Complete the candidate’s form. It contains information you’ll need for the application and can be sent to the candidate to fill in.
- Submit the S Pass application and upload the required documents. Select the option to be considered for both the EP and the S Pass.
If the application is approved, applicants will receive the In-Principle Approval (IPA) through the myMOM Portal.
Once the IPA is received, the candidate has 60 days to enter Singapore and get their pass issued.
The employer or the employment agent will have to buy medical insurance and work injury compensation insurance, if applicable.
The candidate must be in Singapore when the employer carry out these steps to get the pass issued:
- Log in to EP eService, provide the necessary details and documents, and
- Pay the $100 fee per pass using GIRO, Visa, Mastercard, or Amex.
- Once issued, both the employer and the candidate will receive a notification letter by email. The letter is valid for 1 month.
However, the candidate will not receive the card until any required fingerprints and/or photographs are taken as proof of identity (If this is your first time in Singapore).
Check the notification letter to see if the candidate needs to register fingerprints and a photo.
If required, you must complete the registration within 2 weeks after the pass is issued.
To register, make an appointment for the candidate to visit the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC).
For the appointment, you should bring:
- Original passport
- Appointment letter
- Notification letter
MOM will deliver the card to the given address within 5 working days after the candidate registers and gets the document verified.
The employer can use the SGWorkPass app to scan the QR code on your new card to check your status, expiry date, and more.
After 2 unsuccessful deliveries, the candidate or an authorized person can collect at MOM Services Centre – Hall C after 3 working days. They do not need an appointment.
You must bring relevant paper to claim the employment pass card.
For Candidate:
- Original passport
- Notification letter
For Authorized Person:
- Authorization letter from the employer
- NRIC or passport for verification
6. What are your responsibilities after getting your Singapore Employment Pass?
Once you have successfully obtained your Singapore Employment Pass, it's crucial to understand and fulfill certain responsibilities to maintain your legal status and ensure a smooth stay in Singapore.
Some of the key duties you must adhere to after receiving your Employment Pass are:
Now that you have the right to live and reside in Singapore, you have the responsibility to file your income tax return with the IRAS and pay tax on time if you are eligible to be a tax resident in Singapore.
You must inform the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) promptly if any of the following changes occur:
- You update your personal details, like address, passport information, or marital status.
- You switch jobs or move to a different role; your employer must apply for a new Employment Pass (EP) for you.
- The hiring company updates its information, such as the company name or address.
If you have family members on Dependant or Long-Term Visit Passes, make sure their passes stay valid by complying with renewal requirements.
The EP's duration varies based on your application, so apply for a renewal before it expires.
Make sure to check for any new regulations to meet renewal criteria and submit your application on time.
working or leave Singapore, return your Employment Pass card to MOM within one week of cancellation.
You must comply with all local laws and regulations in Singapore, both at work and in your personal life. This includes participating in any mandatory health screenings or vaccinations required by MOM.
7. How to cancel your Singapore S Pass?
You can cancel the S Pass card in these 2 scenarios
- The SP card expires;
- The hiring company or the employment agent cancels your SP within 1 week if you stop working
The cancellation process is as follows:
- The applicant will cancel the pass through the myMOM portal.
- Once canceled, the holder will receive a cancellation acknowledgment letter.
- If still in Singapore, the holder will be issued a Short-Term Visit Pass.
Important note
- You must pay all taxes and obtain tax clearance from IRAS if you cancel your pass.
- All Dependant Passes, Long-Term Visit Passes, letters of consent, and work permits linked to the S Pass will also be canceled.
- The S Pass holder must give the Short-Term Visit Pass to immigration authorities upon leaving Singapore.
- The company must return the S Pass card to MOM within one week after cancellation.
8. How to replace and renew your Singapore ES Pass?
You should, at all times, keep your S Pass card in a safe location or carry it with you as proof as proof of your legal right to work and reside in Singapore.
If you lose, damage the EP, or have it stolen, you should contact your hiring company or the registered agent so that they apply for a replacement card within one week.
The applicant will complete the filing via my MoM portal and pay the relevant fee.
- $60 SGD for damaged cards
- $100 SGD for the first lost card, S$300 for subsequent lost cards
MOM will issue a card replacement letter with collection instructions when it approves the application.
You must collect the new card at the Employment Pass Services Centre within four working days. No appointment is necessary.
Remember to bring one of these documents for collection
- Original passport
- Card replacement letter
- Damaged card (if applicable)
- Completed declaration form for lost or stolen cards
- Police report (for stolen cards)
9. How can we help you obtain your Employment Pass?
With stricter regulations and essential documents to manage, partnering with us is the simplest way to get your EP.
With 10+ years of helping foreigner get their S Pass, we provide expert support throughout the application process.
Reach out to us now if you need assistance applying for an S Passs for yourself or your employees.
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10. FAQs about Singapore Employment Pass
You can download and use the SGWorkPass mobile app to scan the QR code on the S Pass to check its status
Yes, since a work pass is for employment, employers must cancel an employee’s Employment Pass, S Pass, or Work Permit within one week of termination.
You will need to get their prospective employer to apply for a new S Pass.
There is no need to cancel the existing pass before doing so. Each application will be considered based on the merits of the case.
Yes, you can appeal against a rejected S Pass application. You have 3 months to appeal a rejected S Pass application but only do so if you can resolve the reasons for the rejection.
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