Are you looking to make a career shift to Singapore or want to hire a foreign mid-level skilled staff? Then S Pass can be your answer to meet the visa requirements.
S Pass is a working visa designed for mid-skilled foreigners of all nationalities. Each company can employ a limited number of S Pass holders according to its industry’s Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC).
Eligible S Pass holders can apply for PR after few years.
Consult with our immigration professionals to check your quota.
The MOM assesses an S Pass application on a point-based system.
To be eligible for an S Pass, workers must meet the following essential criteria:
Note: Excluding MOM fee
Up to 10%
$330
$10.85
Up to 10%
$330
$10.85
Above 10% to 18%
$650
$21.37
Here are some of the documents needed for the S Pass application
Note: all documents must be in English or with an English translation done by a certified translation body.
Undergo a free consultation with our expert. We will advise and assist in preparing the SP application and ensure that all necessary supporting documents are included to minimise delays and maximise approvals.
After all the documents are prepared, we will then apply online and ensure that all details are fed in accurately. We will track your application and liaise with MOM if required.
Upon approval, an in-principle approval (IPA) letter will be issued. It serves as a pre-approved single entry visa for the worker to enter Singapore.
When the worker arrives in Singapore, they must complete a medical examination with any Singapore-registered doctor. The employer must also purchase medical insurance for the worker.
A request for issuing the pass must then be made within 60 days after the candidate is in Singapore.
The candidate must register their fingerprints and complete photo-taking at the MOM Services Centre within two weeks. The S Pass card will be delivered within four working days.
S Pass holders cannot simply transfer their existing pass to a new employer.
The new employer must submit a fresh S Pass application on your behalf. There is no need to cancel your current S Pass before the new one is approved.
Each application is assessed on its own merits (salary, quota, qualifications, etc.). Once the new S Pass is approved and issued, your old pass will normally be cancelled (usually on your last day with the previous employer).
Plan the timing carefully to avoid any gap in your legal right to work or stay in Singapore.
Yes, but with conditions.
As an S Pass holder, you can sponsor a Dependant’s Pass (DP) for your legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 (including legally adopted children).
You must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000.
Your employer (or an appointed employment agent) usually submits the DP application. Processing takes about 3 weeks for most cases.
Note: Parents are not eligible for a Dependant’s Pass (they may qualify for a Long-Term Visit Pass only if you earn at least S$12,000). Common-law spouses are also not eligible.
Common reasons include:
Yes, you can apply.
S Pass holders are eligible to submit a PR application through the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) using their Singpass.
Approval is not guaranteed — ICA assesses on a holistic basis (your salary, qualifications, length of stay in Singapore, economic contribution, family ties, integration, etc.). Many people apply after working for at least 6–12 months.
Apply via ICA’s e-Service portal. Processing usually takes several months.
S Pass application (new or renewal): Usually processed or updated within 10 business days for online submissions (most cases). Some take longer.
Yes. S Pass hiring is subject to a quota (sub-dependency ratio ceiling).
In most sectors, the S Pass quota is capped at 10% of the company’s total workforce. Additionally, employers must pay a monthly Foreign Worker Levy for each S Pass holder they employ.
No. Only Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs) are required (and eligible) to contribute to CPF.
As an S Pass holder, you will receive your full gross salary, but you are responsible for filing and paying your Personal Income Tax to IRAS annually.
Generally, yes.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requires educational certificates to be verified by independent screening agencies to ensure they are authentic. For certain technical roles, a specialized Technical Diploma or industry-recognized trade certificates may be accepted in lieu of a university degree.
