S Pass
Work in Singapore for Mid-Skilled Workers
The S Pass is a work pass designed for mid-skilled foreign workers who wish to live and work in Singapore. The pass allows employers to hire foreign talent for roles that require specific technical skills, such as in the construction, manufacturing, service, and healthcare industries. It provides foreign workers with the opportunity to contribute to Singapore’s growing economy while benefiting from the nation’s world-class infrastructure and high standard of living.
What is the S Pass?
The S Pass is a work visa that allows mid-skilled foreign workers to work in Singapore. Unlike the Employment Pass (EP), which is aimed at professionals, the S Pass is designed for individuals in roles that require specialized skills or technical expertise but do not require the higher qualifications expected of EP holders.
The S Pass has a more specific set of requirements, including salary thresholds, educational qualifications, and a capped number of passes that employers can use based on their workforce composition. Employers are also required to pay a monthly levy to the government for hiring S Pass holders.
Types of Jobs that Qualify for the S Pass
The S Pass is typically issued for mid-skilled jobs in sectors that require technical expertise but do not necessarily require a degree. Some of the most common industries and job roles for S Pass holders include
01
Manufacturing
Technicians
Engineers
Machine operators
Quality assurance professionals
02
Construction
Civil engineers
Safety coordinators
Site supervisors
Construction project managers
03
Healthcare
Medical laboratory technicians
Radiographers
Physiotherapists
Nursing professionals
04
Information Technology
Network engineers
IT support technicians
Software developers
System administrators
05
Service Industries
Restaurant managers
Hotel and hospitality workers
Retail supervisors
Customer service managers
01
Job Offer
You must have a confirmed job offer from a company in Singapore that is willing to sponsor your S Pass application.
02
Salary Requirements
The minimum salary for S Pass applicants is typically SGD 2,500 per month. However, higher salaries are required for more experienced candidates. The minimum salary is adjusted periodically by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and is subject to changes based on the demand for foreign workers in various sectors.
03
Qualifications
Applicants must possess diplomas or technical certificates in relevant fields, such as engineering, IT, healthcare, manufacturing, or construction. In general, you should have at least a recognized diploma or equivalent qualifications.
04
Work Experience
While it is not mandatory to have years of work experience, the more relevant and specialized experience you have in your field, the higher your chances of being approved for the S Pass.
It is also important to demonstrate that the job you are applying for requires skills that are difficult to fill with the local labor force.
02
Quota and Dependency Ratio Ceiling
Employers in Singapore are subject to a quota system, which limits the number of foreign workers they can employ, including S Pass holders. This quota is determined by the Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC), which is the maximum percentage of foreign workers that an employer can have in their workforce.
Renewal of the S Pass
The S Pass is valid for a period of 1 to 2 years. To ensure continuous employment in Singapore, the pass must be renewed before its expiration date. Employers will need to submit a renewal application before the pass expires, and you may need to provide updated documents or meet the current eligibility requirements. The renewal process is generally quicker than the initial application process, but the Ministry of Manpower will still conduct a thorough review.
