When hiring foreign workers in Singapore, companies have several options depending on the candidate’s role, qualifications, and salary. The three most common types of work passes issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) are the Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, and Work Permit.
Choosing the right type of pass is critical — not only to comply with MOM regulations but also to improve your chances of approval. In this comprehensive guide, we compare the Employment Pass, S Pass, and Work Permit in Singapore for 2025 to help you make an informed decision.
✅ Overview: What Are the Main Types of Work Passes?
Let’s begin with a quick snapshot of the three passes:
| Type of Pass | Target Group | Minimum Salary (2025) | Quota / Levy | Common Employers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass | Professionals, managers, executives | SGD 5,000 and above | No quota, no levy | MNCs, Startups, SMEs |
| S Pass | Mid-skilled workers | SGD 3,150 (new), SGD 3,650 (finance sector) | Quota + levy applies | SMEs, technical roles |
| Work Permit | Semi-skilled / unskilled workers | No minimum salary | Quota + levy applies | Construction, F&B, Cleaning |
Each pass has distinct requirements and is designed to meet specific workforce needs in Singapore’s economy.
✅ What is an Employment Pass (EP)?
The Employment Pass is intended for foreign professionals who are qualified executives, managers, or specialists. It’s typically used when hiring highly-skilled or niche talent.
Key Features:
- Minimum salary: SGD 5,000/month (higher for experienced workers)
- Applicable to: Degree holders, experienced professionals
- Validity: Up to 2 years for first-time applicants, renewable for up to 3 years
- No quota or levy
- Subject to COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework)
Advantages:
- No quota restrictions
- Allows dependent pass for family members
- Can apply for PR (Permanent Residency) after some years
💡 Ideal For: Foreign CEOs, IT professionals, engineers, marketing directors, researchers, and consultants.
✅ What is an S Pass?
The S Pass is aimed at mid-skilled workers such as technicians, supervisors, and junior executives. It balances the need for foreign talent in operational and technical roles, with the government’s push for local workforce development.
Key Features:
- Minimum salary: SGD 3,150/month (increased in 2025), SGD 3,650 for finance roles
- Applicable to: Diploma holders and experienced mid-level professionals
- Validity: Up to 2 years, renewable
- Quota system: Limited to 10% – 15% of the company’s total workforce depending on industry
- Levy payable: Employers pay a monthly levy
Advantages:
- Lower salary requirement than EP
- Suitable for SMEs needing operational talent
- Allows family pass applications for higher-income holders (SGD 6,000+)
💡 Ideal For: Lab technicians, sales coordinators, engineering assistants, junior developers, and logistics supervisors.
✅ What is a Work Permit?
The Work Permit (WP) is for semi-skilled and unskilled foreign workers, commonly used in labor-intensive industries. This pass is tightly regulated with strict dependency ratios and levy structures.
Key Features:
- No minimum salary
- Applicable to: Workers from MOM-approved source countries
- Validity: Up to 2 years
- Quota system: Varies by sector
- Levy payable: Based on dependency ratio and tier
- Medical examination and bond requirement
Advantages:
- Easiest to apply for manual jobs
- No academic qualifications required
- Sector-specific flexibility
💡 Ideal For: Construction workers, cleaners, manufacturing operators, food stall assistants, and domestic helpers.
✅ Comparison Summary: EP vs S Pass vs Work Permit
| Feature | Employment Pass | S Pass | Work Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Salary | SGD 5,000 | SGD 3,150 – 3,650 | None |
| Target Group | Professionals | Mid-skilled workers | Semi-skilled/unskilled |
| Education Requirement | Degree | Diploma | Not required |
| Quota/Levy | No | Yes | Yes |
| Family Dependents | Yes | Yes (SGD 6,000+) | No |
| PR Pathway | Strong | Possible | Difficult |
| Who Applies? | Employer or agent | Employer or agent | Employer only |
✅ Which Work Pass Should You Apply For?
The right pass depends on both the role and the candidate’s qualifications.
- Choose Employment Pass if:
- You’re hiring for managerial, executive, or professional roles
- The applicant has strong academic and work credentials
- The salary meets or exceeds SGD 5,000
- Choose S Pass if:
- The job is technical or operational
- The candidate holds a diploma or has relevant work experience
- You can stay within the quota
- Choose Work Permit if:
- You need semi-skilled labor for manual or support roles
- The company meets the industry-specific quotas
- The worker is from an approved source country
If you’re unsure, a professional work pass services firm in Singapore can help assess eligibility and submit the right application.
✅ Impact of COMPASS on Employment Pass Applications
The Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) affects all new EP applications (unless exempted). Introduced by MOM to improve fairness and transparency, COMPASS scores applications across 4 main pillars:
- Salary Level
- Qualifications
- Diversity (nationality mix)
- Support for local employment
To be approved, an EP application must score at least 40 points under COMPASS. Professional services can help simulate your score and advise on how to increase it.
S Pass and Work Permit applications are not subject to COMPASS but must meet sectoral dependency ratios and levies.
✅ How We Can Help
At [Your Company Name], we specialize in helping employers and foreign professionals with work pass applications in Singapore. Whether it’s your first time applying or you’ve had a rejection in the past, we can assist with:
- ✅ Employment Pass applications under COMPASS
- ✅ S Pass quota and levy calculation
- ✅ Work Permit applications and renewals
- ✅ Document preparation and submission
- ✅ Appeals for rejected cases
Let us take the stress out of your work pass applications. With years of experience and high approval success rates, we’re here to make your hiring process simple and efficient.
✅ Final Thoughts
Understanding the differences between the Employment Pass, S Pass, and Work Permit is critical when planning to hire foreign talent in Singapore. Each pass serves a specific function in the workforce ecosystem, and choosing the right one not only ensures MOM compliance but also improves your hiring strategy.
Still confused? Let the experts handle it. Contact our team today for a free eligibility assessment and let us guide you on the best route forward.