S Pass — quota, levy and skills-based assessment — Costs and fees breakdown
The S Pass is a Singapore work pass for mid-skilled foreign workers, subject to a qualifying salary, a quota (dependency ratio ceiling), a monthly levy, and a points-based assessment. This guide explains the quota, levy tiers and costs in Singapore dollars as at June 2026.
Little Big Employment Agency (EA Licence 19C9790) works with a panel of corporate and employment law firms; this article is general information, not legal advice.
What the S Pass is
The S Pass is issued by the Ministry of Manpower to mid-skilled workers who meet the qualifying salary and skills criteria. Unlike the Employment Pass, the S Pass is subject to a quota and a levy. The work-pass framework operates under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990, which empowers MOM to set quotas, levies and conditions for foreign manpower.
Who the S Pass is for
It suits technicians, mid-level staff and skilled workers earning below the Employment Pass threshold but above the S Pass floor. Employers comparing routes should read our Employment Pass vs S Pass vs EntrePass comparison. Salary benchmarking is set out in our 2026 Singapore salary benchmarks.
S Pass quota, levy and skills-based assessment
As at 2026, the S Pass qualifying salary starts at S$3,150 a month (higher for the financial services sector) and rises with age, with further increases scheduled. The quota, or dependency ratio ceiling, caps S Pass holders as a share of the firm’s total workforce, with sector-specific limits (for example, lower in services than in manufacturing). The levy is tiered: the Tier 1 levy is S$650 a month, rising in higher tiers as the firm’s reliance on S Pass holders increases. A points-based skills assessment may also apply to confirm the candidate’s qualifications and occupation.
Costs and timeline
Indicative figures as at June 2026: MOM fees are S$105 at application and S$105 on issuance. The monthly levy is S$650 at Tier 1 and higher in elevated tiers, payable for the duration of employment, which is a material recurring cost the Employment Pass does not carry. Advisory support typically runs S$500 to S$1,500 per application. MOM generally processes S Pass applications within about 3 weeks. Passes are usually granted for up to two years and renewed subject to the prevailing criteria.
Step-by-step application process
Confirm the role meets the S Pass qualifying salary and that the firm has quota headroom. Check the levy tier the hire will fall into. Prepare the candidate’s qualifications and occupation evidence for the skills assessment. Submit the application through MOM’s portal. On approval, complete issuance, any medical examination, and card collection. Budget the recurring levy into the total employment cost, and compare against the Employment Pass route using our Employment Pass vs S Pass vs EntrePass comparison. Foreign-owned employers should confirm the entity via Singapore Pte Ltd registration for foreigners.
Common mistakes and gotchas
Common errors include exceeding the quota, under-budgeting the recurring levy, and offering a salary that meets today’s floor but not the scheduled increase. Employers also overlook that the levy tier rises as S Pass reliance grows, increasing marginal cost. Skills-assessment evidence is sometimes left incomplete, delaying approval.
Related guides
See the S Pass qualifying salary 2026–2027 employer action plan, the 2026 Singapore salary benchmarks, and the Employment Pass vs S Pass vs EntrePass comparison.
Authoritative references: the Ministry of Manpower publishes the S Pass quota, levy and salary rules, and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority handles entry formalities.
FAQs
What is the S Pass qualifying salary in 2026?
From S$3,150 a month, higher for financial services and rising with age, with further increases scheduled. Confirm the current figure with MOM.
How much is the S Pass levy?
The Tier 1 levy is S$650 a month, rising in higher tiers as the firm’s reliance on S Pass holders increases.
Is the S Pass subject to a quota?
Yes. A dependency ratio ceiling caps S Pass holders as a share of the workforce, with sector-specific limits.
How long does an S Pass take?
MOM generally processes applications within about three weeks, with passes usually granted for up to two years.
Need help with this? Call, SMS or WhatsApp +65 8501 7133, or email [email protected]. Little Big Employment Agency (EA Licence 19C9790) works with a panel of corporate and employment law firms; this article is general information, not legal advice.