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Revisions in S Pass Eligibility Criteria
Current rules: checked 7 September 2026
This article was originally published on 2023-08-22. The update below supersedes the original pass requirements and salary figures.
S Pass
Current S Pass salaries start at S$3,300 monthly, or S$3,800 in financial services, and increase with age. This scale applies to renewals of passes expiring from 1 September 2026. New applications from 1 January 2027 start at S$3,600 or S$4,000; the new scale applies to renewals expiring from 1 January 2028. The S Pass quota is 10% in services and 15% in construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard and process. The monthly S Pass levy is S$650. Read the current guide.
Sources: the linked current guides cite the relevant Ministry of Manpower eligibility and application pages.
Original article, retained for historical reference
Historical content: The original text below is not current application guidance. Use the dated update above.
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:
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.
If you have any company-related queries, you may email us at [email protected]. When in doubt, seek legal advice or consult an experienced licensed Employment Agency with the Ministry of Manpower.
Yours Sincerely,
The editorial team at Singapore Employment Agency
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