Guide to Employment Pass (EP) vs S Pass: Key Differences
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Guide to Employment Pass (EP) vs S Pass: Key Differences
The Employment Pass (EP) is for foreign professionals, managers and executives earning a monthly salary of at least S$5,600 (2025 threshold). The S Pass is designed for mid-skilled technical staff; its minimum salary rises to S$3,300 from 1 September 2025. As of December 2023, approximately 195,000 EP holders and 177,000 S Pass holders worked across Singapore’s key sectors (MOM, 2024).
What Are the Minimum Salaries?
EP qualifying salaries were raised on 1 January 2025. The baseline is S$5,600 for most sectors and S$6,200 for financial services. Older applicants must meet progressively higher thresholds – up to S$14,400 for those aged 45 and above.
The S Pass floor currently sits at S$3,150. From 1 September 2025 it steps up to S$3,300 (general) and S$3,800 (financial services). These figures apply across all nationalities.
Quota and Levy
EP has no foreign-worker quota and no monthly levy. Employers can hire EP holders without numerical restrictions.
S Pass is tightly capped by a sub‑Dependency Ratio Ceiling. The quota is 10% of the total workforce for services, 18% for manufacturing, 15% for construction and 15% for process sectors (MOM, 2025). A monthly levy is charged per worker: currently S$330–S$650 depending on how close the employer is to the ceiling. From September 2025 the levy will be renewed at higher rates for the top tier.
Pass Duration and Renewal
First‑time EP applicants typically receive a pass valid for up to 2 years. Renewals can be granted for up to 3 years if the role and salary remain compliant.
S Pass holders receive an initial duration of up to 2 years; renewals are also capped at 2 years. Both passes can be renewed indefinitely, but each renewal re‑evaluates the employer’s quota (for S Pass) and the candidate’s salary progression.
Family Benefits
EP holders earning at least S$6,000 can sponsor Dependant’s Pass for a legal spouse and unmarried children under 21. Those earning S$12,000+ may also bring parents on a Long‑Term Visit Pass.
S Pass holders do not qualify for Dependant’s Pass. If they earn at least S$6,000, they can apply for a Long‑Term Visit Pass for a legally married spouse and their children – but no parental sponsorship is available. This distinction makes EP significantly more family‑friendly.
Medical Insurance and Other Protections
Both passes require the employer to provide medical insurance with a minimum annual coverage of S$15,000 for inpatient care and day surgery. S Pass employers must also comply with the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA), which covers work‑related accidents. EP holders are covered under the Employment Act but not automatically under WICA unless the employer extends it.
Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | Employment Pass (EP) | S Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum salary (2025) | S$5,600–S$14,400 (age‑tiered) | S$3,150 (→S$3,300 from Sep 2025) |
| Quota | None | 10–18% of total workforce |
| Levy | None | S$330–S$650 per month |
| Pass duration | Initial: up to 2 years; renewal: up to 3 years | Up to 2 years (initial & renewal) |
| Family passes | Dependant’s Pass (spouse/children) + LTVP (parents) | LTVP only for spouse/children if earning ≥S$6,000; no parents |
| Medical insurance | Employer‑provided ≥S$15,000/year | Same, plus mandatory WICA coverage |
FAQ
Can an S Pass holder upgrade to an EP?
Yes, if the worker secures a job meeting EP salary and qualification requirements. The employer applies for a new pass.
Does the levy apply to S Pass renewals?
Yes, the monthly levy continues as long as the S Pass remains active.
Is the quota calculated per worksite or per company?
Per company, based on the total local workforce across all worksites.
References
- Ministry of Manpower, Singapore – “Employment Pass eligibility” (2025)
- Ministry of Manpower, Singapore – “S Pass eligibility” (2025)
- Ministry of Manpower, Singapore – “Foreign workforce numbers” (2024)
- Ministry of Manpower, Singapore – “Sectoral Dependency Ratio Ceilings” (2025)
- Ministry of Manpower, Singapore – “Levy rates for S Pass” (2025)
This article reflects rules announced by MOM up to early 2025. Always check the MOM website for the latest updates before making an application.