Short answer: Singapore's main work passes form a ladder by salary and skill: the Work Permit for semi-skilled workers, the S Pass for mid-skilled staff, and the Employment Pass (EP) for professionals, managers and executives. Above these sit flexible passes for top earners and founders, such as the ONE Pass and PEP. If your long-term goal is permanent residence, the pass you hold matters: EP and S Pass holders can apply for PR themselves, while Work Permit holders cannot. Confirm current criteria on the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website.
Key takeaways
- EP candidates must meet the qualifying salary and, unless exempted, pass the COMPASS points framework.
- EP and S Pass qualifying salaries rise for new applications from 1 January 2027.
- Dependant's Pass holders need their own work pass to work in Singapore.
- EP and S Pass are the work passes ICA names for its PR scheme for working professionals.
The core work pass ladder
Most foreigners working in Singapore hold one of three passes. Each step up brings a higher salary requirement and more flexibility, including the right to bring family and the option to apply for PR.
Work Permit
For semi-skilled workers in construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process, services and domestic work. Employers need quota and pay a monthly levy, and approved source countries vary by sector.
- No qualifying salary
- No family passes
S Pass
For mid-skilled staff, such as technicians and associate professionals, with relevant qualifications. Employers must have S Pass quota and pay a monthly levy.
- From S$3,300 a month (S$3,800 in financial services)
- Family passes if you earn at least S$6,000
Employment Pass
For professionals, managers and executives with a Singapore job offer. No quota or levy, but candidates must pass COMPASS unless exempted.
- From S$5,600 a month (S$6,200 in financial services)
- Up to 2 years first, renewals up to 3 years
Salary thresholds, now and from 2027
MOM benchmarks the EP qualifying salary against the top third of local professional salaries, and the S Pass against the top third of local associate professional and technician salaries. Both rise progressively with age. Budget 2026 announced the next increase.
| Pass and sector | Current minimum | New applications from 1 Jan 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| EP, all sectors except financial services | S$5,600, rising to S$10,700 at age 45+ | S$6,000, rising to S$11,500 at age 45+ |
| EP, financial services | S$6,200, rising to S$11,800 at age 45+ | S$6,600, rising to S$12,700 at age 45+ |
| S Pass, all sectors except financial services | S$3,300, rising to S$4,800 at age 45+ | S$3,600, rising to S$5,100 at age 45+ |
| S Pass, financial services | S$3,800, rising to S$5,650 at age 45+ | S$4,000, rising to S$5,650 at age 45+ |
COMPASS in one line. Since September 2023, EP candidates must also score at least 40 points on COMPASS, which looks at salary, qualifications, the employer's workforce diversity and local hiring, plus bonus points for shortage occupations and strategic projects. Candidates earning at least S$22,500 a month are exempt. Our in-depth pass guide explains each criterion.
Passes for top earners, founders and tech leaders
These passes offer more freedom than an EP, such as switching jobs without a new application or working for several companies. Most are exempt from COMPASS.
ONE Pass
For top talent across all sectors. Requires a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000, or outstanding achievements in arts, sports, science, academia or research. Valid for 5 years and lets you work for several companies at once.
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
For high earners with a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500. It is not tied to an employer, so you can change jobs. Valid for 3 years and cannot be renewed.
EntrePass
For founders starting an innovative, venture-backed or technology-driven business in Singapore, and for established entrepreneurs and investors. Renewal depends on business milestones such as local hiring and spending.
Tech.Pass
Run by the Economic Development Board (EDB) for established tech founders, leaders and experts. MOM has announced that a new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track will replace it from January 2027.
Family and student passes
Dependant's Pass
For a legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an EP or S Pass holder earning at least S$6,000 a month.
Needs own work pass to workLong-Term Visit Pass
For common-law spouses, unmarried step-children under 21 and handicapped children 21 and above. Parents qualify if the EP holder earns at least S$12,000.
Sponsor from S$6,000Student's Pass
Issued by ICA for full-time study at an approved institution. Students who meet ICA's criteria may later apply for PR under the student category.
Issued by ICAFamily passes depend on the main pass. If the main holder's EP or S Pass is cancelled, for example after leaving a job, the Dependant's Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass are cancelled too. Plan ahead if your employment may change.
Which passes lead to PR
ICA's scheme for Professionals, Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers (PTS) is for Employment Pass and S Pass holders, who apply with their own Singpass and can include a spouse and unmarried children under 21. See our PR eligibility guide for every category.
Apply yourself
- Employment Pass holders
- S Pass holders
- Their spouse and unmarried children under 21, included in the same application
Holders of a PEP, ONE Pass, EntrePass or Tech.Pass should confirm with ICA how their pass is treated before applying.
Not on their own
- Work Permit holders cannot apply for PR.
- Dependant's Pass and LTVP holders are usually included in the main pass holder's application.
- Student's Pass holders need to meet ICA's student criteria, such as passing a national exam.
- EP or S PassBuild a stable work record
- Grow your profileIncome, ties and residency
- Apply for PRICA e-Service with Singpass
- Permanent residentKeep a valid Re-Entry Permit
- CitizenshipUsually after 2+ years as a PR
What PR changes for a work pass holder
Beyond no longer needing a work pass, PR changes your finances in Singapore. These figures are current official rates; our PR and citizenship benefits guide explains each one.
Global Investor Programme (GIP)
The GIP, run by EDB, grants PR to established business owners and investors who will drive business from Singapore. EDB expects a substantial business track record; the investment alone does not qualify you.
Option A: Business
Invest at least S$10 million in a new or expanding Singapore business, with a 5-year business plan and local hiring commitments.
Option B: GIP-select fund
Invest S$25 million in an EDB-approved GIP-select fund that invests in Singapore-based companies.
Option C: Family office
Set up a Singapore single family office with at least S$200 million in assets under management, at least S$50 million of it deployed in EDB-specified investments.
Planning your move from work pass to PR?
Book a free consultation to review your pass, work history and family profile, and decide when to apply. See our support for EP holders and S Pass holders.
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.