Short answer: Each Singapore pass has its own salary, skill and sponsorship rules. The Employment Pass needs a qualifying salary and, for most candidates, 40 COMPASS points. Premium passes such as the ONE Pass and PEP trade higher salary bars for more freedom. Family members join on a Dependant's Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass, which depend on the main pass. Want the short version first? Start with our work pass types overview.
Key takeaways
- COMPASS scores both you and your employer, so a strong candidate can still be held back by the firm's profile.
- The PEP is valid for 3 years and cannot be renewed; plan the next pass early.
- Dependant's Pass holders have needed their own work pass to work since May 2021.
- Family passes end when the main pass is cancelled.
Work Permit
The Work Permit is for semi-skilled foreign workers in specific sectors and is the most common pass in Singapore. It carries the most restrictions.
Eligible sectors
Construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process, services, and migrant domestic work. Each sector has its own approved source countries.
Employer obligations
Employers need available quota, pay a monthly levy, and post a S$5,000 security bond for each non-Malaysian worker.
Not a route to PR. Work Permit holders cannot apply for PR or bring family members on dependant passes, and the permit is tied to one employer. Moving to an S Pass or EP is the usual first step for anyone planning a long-term future in Singapore.
S Pass
The S Pass is for mid-skilled staff, such as associate professionals and technicians. Unlike the EP, it is subject to quota and levy, which makes it more restrictive for employers.
Qualifying salary
From S$3,300 a month (S$3,800 in financial services), rising with age to S$4,800 (S$5,650) at 45 and above. It rises to S$3,600 (S$4,000) for new applications from 1 January 2027.
Qualifications
A degree, diploma or technical certificate, with relevant work experience also considered.
Quota and levy
Employers can only hire S Pass holders up to a sector quota, set as a share of their workforce, and pay a monthly levy for each one.
Moving from S Pass to EP. If your salary rises above the EP qualifying salary for your age and you can pass COMPASS, your employer can apply for an EP for you. That removes the quota constraint, and an EP is often a stronger base for a later PR application.
Employment Pass (EP) and COMPASS
The EP is Singapore's main pass for foreign professionals, managers and executives. Candidates must clear two stages: the qualifying salary, then COMPASS. Failing the salary stage means no EP, however many COMPASS points you would score.
Stage 1: qualifying salary
From S$5,600 a month at age 23 or below (S$6,200 in financial services), rising progressively to S$10,700 (S$11,800) at 45 and above. New applications from 1 January 2027 start at S$6,000 (S$6,600).
Stage 2: COMPASS
Score at least 40 points across individual and firm criteria. Exemptions include a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500 and overseas intra-corporate transferees.
| Criterion | What it measures | Points |
|---|---|---|
| C1 Salary | Your salary against local PMET salaries for the same occupation | 20 at the 90th percentile or above, 10 at the 65th or above |
| C2 Qualifications | The institution and level of your highest qualification | 20 top-tier institution, 10 degree-equivalent |
| C3 Diversity | How common your nationality is among the firm's PMETs | Up to 20; fewer if your nationality is already well represented |
| C4 Support for local employment | The firm's share of local PMETs compared with industry peers | Up to 20 |
| C5 Skills bonus | The role is on the Shortage Occupation List | Up to 20 bonus |
| C6 Strategic priorities bonus | The firm is in an eligible programme run by a sector agency or NTUC | 10 bonus |
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Employer applies
Your employer or appointed employment agent applies online through MOM, after meeting the Fair Consideration Framework job advertising requirement where it applies.
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MOM assesses
MOM checks the qualifying salary, COMPASS and verification checks. MOM publishes current processing times on its website.
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In-principle approval
An approved candidate receives an in-principle approval (IPA) letter, which is used to enter Singapore and complete issuance.
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Pass issued
The employer requests issuance, you register fingerprints and photo if required, and the EP card is delivered. First EPs last up to 2 years, and renewals up to 3 years.
Use MOM's Self-Assessment Tool first. It checks both the qualifying salary and COMPASS before your employer applies. Because C3 and C4 score the firm, not you, it is worth asking a prospective employer how its recent EP applications have fared.
Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass
The ONE Pass is for top talent in business, arts and culture, sports, science, academia and research. It offers the most flexibility of any Singapore work pass.
Who qualifies (any one)
- A fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 in the past year, overseas or in Singapore.
- A Singapore job offer with a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000.
- Outstanding achievements in arts, sports, science, academia or research.
What you get
- 5-year validity, the longest of any work pass.
- Work for several companies at once, and start or run businesses.
- Exempt from COMPASS and the Fair Consideration Framework.
- Your spouse can work with a Letter of Consent.
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
The PEP is for high earners who want to change employers without a new pass application each time.
| Feature | PEP |
|---|---|
| Salary | A fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500: your last drawn salary within 6 months before applying if overseas, or your current salary if on an EP |
| Validity | 3 years Cannot be renewed |
| Tied to an employer | No Switch jobs freely; you can be between jobs for up to 6 months at a time |
| Start a business | No Not for freelancers, the self-employed, or those wanting to run a company |
| Family passes | Yes Dependant's Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass, subject to criteria |
Plan for year three. Because the PEP cannot be renewed, holders must move to an EP with a sponsoring employer, a ONE Pass, or another pass before it expires.
EntrePass
The EntrePass is for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start and run a venture-backed or innovative business in Singapore. MOM assesses three broad profiles.
Entrepreneur
A new business with innovative technology, backing from a government-recognised investor or incubator, intellectual property, or research ties.
Established entrepreneur
A track record of building and running successful businesses.
Investor
A track record of investing in successful businesses.
Renewals depend on the business's progress, including total business spending and the number of local jobs created. Joining a government-supported incubator or accelerator can strengthen an application.
Tech.Pass
The Tech.Pass, issued by EDB, is for established tech founders, leaders and technical experts. Candidates need to meet at least two of three criteria: a past fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500, at least 5 years in a leading role at a tech company of significant value or funding, or at least 5 years leading the development of a tech product with significant users or revenue. It is valid for 2 years and lets holders run tech companies, consult, mentor and teach.
| Feature | Tech.Pass | ONE Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | EDB | MOM |
| Focus | Tech industry | All sectors |
| Salary benchmark | S$22,500 a month (one of three criteria) | S$30,000 a month, or outstanding achievements |
| Validity | 2 years | 5 years |
Changing in 2027. MOM has announced a new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track from January 2027 that will replace the Tech.Pass. It will let applicants meet the S$30,000 salary criterion with a fixed salary of at least S$22,500 plus vested non-cash pay such as share options.
Dependant's Pass (DP)
The DP lets a legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21, including legally adopted children, live in Singapore with an EP or S Pass holder.
Eligibility
- Main holder has an EP or S Pass.
- Main holder earns a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000, not combined household income.
- Sponsored by an established Singapore-registered company, usually the employer.
Typical documents
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificates for children
- Passport details for each dependant
- Official English translations for documents in other languages
Working on a DP. Since 1 May 2021, DP holders who want to work need their own Employment Pass, S Pass or Work Permit, with the usual salary and quota rules. A Letter of Consent is only available to DP holders who own at least 30% of a business that employs at least one local.
DP holders and PR. A spouse and children on DPs are usually included in the main pass holder's PR application. If the spouse works here on their own pass, their employment, income and tax records add to the family's overall profile. Our family PR application support covers how to present a household together.
Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
The LTVP covers family members who do not qualify for a DP.
Common-law spouse
Of an EP or S Pass holder earning at least S$6,000.
Step-children and handicapped children
Unmarried step-children under 21, and unmarried handicapped children aged 21 and above.
Parents
Of an EP holder earning at least S$12,000 a month.
Family of citizens and PRs
ICA issues LTVPs and LTVP+ to eligible spouses and children of Singapore citizens and PRs. These holders can work with a Letter of Consent.
| Feature | Dependant's Pass | Long-Term Visit Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Legally married spouse; unmarried children under 21 | Common-law spouse, step-children, handicapped children 21+, parents |
| Sponsor salary | S$6,000 | S$6,000, or S$12,000 for parents |
| Working | Own work pass EP, S Pass or Work Permit | Depends Own work pass, or a Letter of Consent for ICA-issued LTVPs of citizens' and PRs' families |
| Validity | Linked to the main pass | Linked to the main pass or sponsor |
Cancellation follows the main pass. If the EP or S Pass is cancelled, for example after resignation or job loss, the family's DPs and LTVPs are cancelled too. Plan ahead if your employment is about to change.
Student's Pass
ICA issues the Student's Pass for full-time study at approved institutions, including the autonomous universities, polytechnics, and private schools with EduTrust certification. Applicants need an offer from an approved institution and the means to pay fees and living costs.
Working while studying
Full-time students at approved institutions may work up to 16 hours a week during term and full-time during official vacations, subject to MOM conditions. Most private school students cannot work, except on approved industrial attachments.
Students and PR
ICA's student category requires, for example, passing a national exam (PSLE, GCE N, O or A Levels) or studying in the Integrated Programme. Graduates who start work usually move to an EP or S Pass first.
Work pass vs PR: what changes
Whichever pass you hold today, PR changes a lot more than paperwork. See our PR and citizenship benefits guide for worked figures.
| Area | Work pass holder | Permanent resident |
|---|---|---|
| CPF | No No CPF contributions | Yes Graduated rates for 2 years, then 17% employer and 20% employee on wages up to S$8,000 |
| Housing | Private only 60% ABSD on any home | Resale HDB Subject to HDB rules; 5% ABSD on a first home |
| School fees | International rates S$595 to S$1,035 a month for primary school in 2026 | PR rates S$330 a month for primary school in 2026 |
| Job mobility | Tied to the pass Usually linked to one employer | Free Work for any employer without a work pass |
| Healthcare | Unsubsidised Private insurance needed | Subsidised MediShield Life cover and government subsidies, lower than for citizens |
Not sure how your pass affects a PR application?
Book a free consultation to talk through your pass, your family's passes and the right timing. See our Singapore PR application service for what end-to-end support includes.
This guide is general information based on publications by MOM, EDB, ICA and other Singapore government agencies, and is not legal advice. Pass criteria, salaries and fees change; confirm current rules with the issuing agency before applying.