S Pass salary thresholds: current, 2027 hike and age table

The S Pass uses a dual-track sector salary threshold: the general sector and the financial services sector each set their own minimum qualifying salary, which rises with age. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has published new standards taking effect from 1 January 2027. Beyond salary, employers must also meet mandatory requirements such as quota, levy and medical insurance. The COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) scoring framework does not apply to the S Pass.

Current minimum qualifying salary (before 1 January 2027)

The general sector (non-financial services) minimum qualifying salary is S$3,300, rising with age from 23 and reaching S$4,800 at 45 and above. The financial services sector minimum qualifying salary is S$3,800, reaching S$5,650 at 45 and above. These amounts are fixed monthly salaries and apply to both new applications and renewals.

Source: MOM S Pass eligibility page, “Select your sector to view the S Pass qualifying salary by age” — two tables.

New standards taking effect from 1 January 2027

New applications submitted from 1 January 2027, and renewals expiring from 1 January 2028, are subject to the new standards: the general sector starting salary is S$3,600 (S$5,100 at 45 and above), and the financial services sector starting salary is S$4,000 (S$5,650 at 45 and above). The financial services sector cap above 45 remains unchanged.

Source: the same page, “For new applications submitted from 1 Jan 2027” — two tables.

Basis for sector classification

The financial services sector is defined by Singapore Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC) codes, covering entities regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) such as banks, insurers, fund managers and payment service providers. Employers can confirm their classification via MOM’s FAQ page, “How do I know if my company is considered part of the financial services sector?”

Educational qualifications: declaration is voluntary

Declaring educational qualifications is voluntary. If an employer chooses to include a candidate’s qualifications in the application, it must ensure the qualifications are genuine and that the issuing institution appears in the application form’s drop-down list. MOM does not impose a qualification threshold.

Self-Assessment Tool (SAT)

Employers or employment agents can use the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) to check a candidate’s eligibility before applying. If the SAT shows “not eligible”, you should not submit the application (it will be rejected). When the SAT shows “eligible”, MOM guidance indicates approximately 90% chance of approval.

Pass validity

• First approval: up to 2 years
• Renewal: up to 3 years
• Pass validity must not exceed one month before the passport expiry date

Quota (Dependency Ratio Ceiling)

S Pass quota counts towards the total foreign worker quota (DRC) and is tiered by sector:

Quota is determined by the average number of local employees, calculated from the company’s CPF contribution records over the past three months. The Local Qualifying Salary (LQS) determines how many local employees can be counted towards the quota. Quota balance is updated every Saturday and can be checked on WP Online on the next working day.

Levy

From 1 September 2025, all sectors and all levy tiers are unified at S$650/month. For partial months, the levy is calculated daily: S$21.37/day (formula: monthly levy × 12 ÷ 365, rounded up to the cent). The levy runs from the pass issuance date until cancellation or expiry. Payment must be made via GIRO.

Medical insurance and Primary Care Plan (PCP)

• Medical insurance: Employers must purchase medical insurance for every S Pass holder and submit policy details online.
• Primary Care Plan (PCP): The following two groups of workers must purchase a PCP and declare it on the myMOM Portal before the pass can be issued or renewed:
  1. Workers housed in dormitories of seven or more people
  2. Workers in the construction, marine shipbuilding and process (CMP) sectors

Dependant’s Pass

S Pass holders with a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000 may apply for a Dependant’s Pass (DP) for their spouse and children. The employer can submit this together with the S Pass application or separately at a later time.

Employer obligations to complete before applying

1. Fair Consideration Framework (FCF): Advertise on MyCareersFuture and fairly consider all candidates (applies to new applications).
2. First-time S Pass employers: Must complete the “business activity declaration” on the myMOM Portal, on which MOM bases the sector classification.
3. Use the SAT to pre-check whether the candidate’s salary, age and sector meet the requirements.

Official reference pages

• S Pass eligibility: salary thresholds, age-based table, 2027 new standards, SAT, qualification declaration, Dependant’s Pass
• S Pass key facts: validity, quota, levy, medical insurance, PCP, legislative basis
• S Pass quota and levy requirements: DRC sector table, S Pass sub-ceiling, levy rates, quota calculation rules