S Pass

S Pass Overview

The S Pass allows mid-level skilled individuals to work in Singapore with a salary of at least $3,000 a month. The application for S Pass is based on the quota eligibility of the company and the qualifications of the applicant.

Key Facts on S Pass

  • Who is this for? Skilled workers who meet the eligibility criteria.
  • Who can apply? An employer or appointed employment agent must apply on behalf of the applicant.
  • What is the duration? Up to 2 years and can be renewed.
  • Passes for family? Yes.
  • Is there a quota or levy? Yes. You are limited by a quota and must pay the monthly foreign worker levy for each S Pass holder you employ.

Documents required for S Pass

You need to upload these documents when submitting an S Pass application:

  • Personal particulars page of candidate’s passport.
  • Company’s latest business profile or instant information registered with ACRA.
  • Applicant’s education certificate and additional documents required for those from India, China, or institution not listed in the application form.
  • Verification proof (if required). You can check them out here.

S Pass Quota Requirements

If you have never applied for a Work Permit or S Pass, you need to declare your business activity for calculating your quota. 
Under the existing quota, the number of S Pass holders your company can hire is capped at:

  • 10% of the company’s total workforce in the services sector.
  • 18% in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, and process sectors.

Levy Rate

For the services sector, the levy rate is as follows:

TierQuota %Monthly levy rateDaily levy rate
Basic / Tier 1Up to 10% of the total workforce$450$14.80

For all sectors (excluding services), the levy rate is as follows: 

TierQuota %Monthly levy rateDaily levy rate
Basic / Tier 1Up to 10% of the total workforce$450$14.80
Tier 2Above 10% to 18% of the total workforce$650$21.37

S Pass Medical Insurance Requirements

Before you can issue or renew an S Pass, you must buy medical insurance for the pass holder.

You must buy and maintain medical insurance for your S Pass holders as long they are under your employment. The insurance coverage must be at least $15,000 per year and cover inpatient care and day surgery. 

You can have a co-pay arrangement with the S Pass holder only if all of the following are met:

  • The co-pay amount is reasonable and does not exceed 10% of the worker’s monthly salary.
  • The duration of the co-payment does not exceed 6 months.
  • The co-payment option is explicitly in the employment contract or collective agreement and has the worker’s full consent.

Application & Processing time

Step Who does this When Result
Submit an application Employer or EA Process within 3 weeks. Some cases will take more time. In-principle approval or rejection letter
Prepare for candidates’ arrival Employer Candidate must buy insurance
Get the pass issued Employer or EA Within 60 days of in-principle approval Notification letter
Register fingerprints and photo (if required) Candidate Within 1 week after the pass is issued (if required) Acknowledgment of card delivery
Receive the card Authorised recipients or candidate Within 5 working days after registration or document verification S Pass card

Passes for Family of Employment Pass holders

  • Pass holders who have a fixed monthly salary of at least $6,000 are eligible for a Dependant’s Pass for their spouse and children.
  • Employers can submit the application together with the S Pass application or separately at a later date.

S Pass Renewal

  • When to renew? You can start renewing up to 6 months before the pass expires. You must renew before the expiry date.
  • Who can renew? Employer or appointed employment agent (EA).
  • What is the duration? Up to 3 years. If the passport is valid for less than 3 years, the duration granted will only be up to 1 month before the expiry date of the passport.
  • How long does it take? Within 3 weeks for most cases.