Revisions in S Pass Eligibility Criteria

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is set to enhance the qualifications for S Pass holders by progressively increasing the qualifying salaries and levies. This move aims to elevate the quality of S Pass holders to rank among the top one-third of our local Associate Professionals and Technicians (APT) workforce. The implementation of these adjustments will occur gradually, commencing from 1 September 2022. In addition, there have been updates to the S Pass quotas starting from 1 January 2023.

Amendments to S Pass Qualifying Salaries

The minimum required salary for S Pass applications will undergo a three-step increment as outlined below. More experienced applicants will continue to necessitate higher salaries for eligibility.

Industry Breakdown

  • All sectors except financial services:

    • For new applications submitted on or after 1 September 2022, and for renewals from 1 September 2023: Starting at S$3,000 (progressively increasing with age from 23, up to S$4,500 at 45 and above)
    • For new applications from 1 September 2023, and for renewals from 1 September 2024: Starting at S$3,150 (progressively increasing with age from 23, up to S$4,650 at 45 and above)
    • For new applications from 1 September 2025, and for renewals from 1 September 2026: At least S$3,300 (final details pending)

  • Financial services:

    • For new applications submitted on or after 1 September 2022, and for renewals from 1 September 2023: Starting at S$3,500 (progressively increasing with age from 23, up to S$5,500 at 45 and above)
    • For new applications from 1 September 2023, and for renewals from 1 September 2024: Starting at S$3,650 (progressively increasing with age from 23, up to S$5,650 at 45 and above)
    • For new applications from 1 September 2025, and for renewals from 1 September 2026: At least S$3,800 (final details pending)

The final approved qualifying salary will be disclosed closer to the implementation date, based on prevailing local APT wages at that time.

Modifications to S Pass Levy Rates

The S Pass Basic / Tier 1 levy rate will also experience a three-phase elevation as follows:

  • Current Tier 1 levy rate: S$450
  • Starting from 1 September 2023: Increased from S$450 to S$550
  • Starting from 1 September 2025: Further increase from S$550 to S$650

No alterations will be made to the S Pass Tier 2 levy, which will remain constant at $650.

Alterations to S Pass Quota

The S Pass quota for the following sectors will be adjusted from 18% to 15% of the overall workforce, effective from 1 January 2023:

  • Manufacturing
  • Construction
  • Marine Shipyard
  • Process

No changes are planned for the Services sector.