EP and S Pass minimum salary thresholds
The Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass both carry a fixed monthly salary floor that rises in steps by age. The gap between the two thresholds is significant.
The EP applies to all sectors except financial services. The current minimum qualifying salary is S$5,600, rising from age 23 and reaching S$10,700 at age 45 and above. For financial services, it is currently S$6,200, rising to S$11,800 at age 45 and above.
The S Pass applies to sectors other than financial services. It is currently S$3,300, rising to S$4,800 at age 45 and above. For financial services, it is currently S$3,800, rising to S$5,650 at age 45 and above.
From 1 January 2027, the revised criteria apply to new applications. The EP (non-financial) rises to S$6,000 (S$11,500 at age 45 and above), and financial services to S$6,600 (S$12,700 at age 45 and above). The S Pass (non-financial) rises to S$3,600 (S$5,100 at age 45 and above), and financial services to S$4,000. For renewals, EP passes expiring on or after 1 January 2028 follow the new criteria, and S Pass passes expiring on or after 1 January 2028 likewise follow the new criteria.
Moving from S Pass to EP is a fresh application
An S Pass cannot be “upgraded” to an EP. An EP must be applied for by the employer or a nominated employment agent; an individual cannot submit the application personally.
Applicants must clear the EP’s two-stage eligibility framework: first meet the EP minimum qualifying salary (stage one), then pass COMPASS scoring (stage two). Those who fail the stage-one salary threshold are not eligible for an EP, regardless of their COMPASS score.
EP must pass COMPASS; S Pass does not
COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) uses a points system; an application needs 40 points to pass. Four foundational criteria each award 0–20 points: salary (C1), qualifications (C2), diversity (C3) and support for local employment (C4). Two bonus criteria add further points: Shortage Occupation List (SOL) skills bonus (C5, up to 20 points) and Strategic Economic Priorities bonus (C6, 10 points).
Some applicants are exempt from COMPASS: a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500, application as an intra-corporate transferee, or an employment period of one month or less.
The S Pass is not subject to COMPASS; it looks only at the salary threshold and a qualifications declaration (qualifications are optional).
Accompanying family: the common line for both passes
EP and S Pass holders with a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000 may each apply for a Dependant’s Pass (DP) for a lawful spouse and unmarried children under 21. Parents may accompany only where the fixed monthly salary is at least S$12,000, via a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP); this rule applies equally to EP and S Pass holders. The LTVP also covers common-law spouses, unmarried disabled children above 21, and stepchildren under 21.
Quota and levy differences
The S Pass is subject to quota and levy. Under the sector Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC), the S Pass ceiling is 10% of a company’s total workforce in services, and 15% in construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard and process industries. The S Pass levy is uniformly S$650 per month from 1 September 2025. The EP carries no foreign worker quota and no levy.
Preparation tips before applying
These are operational tips, not official rules:
First use the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) to check whether the candidate meets the criteria. Confirm that the fixed monthly salary satisfies the EP qualifying salary for the relevant age and sector. If a C2 qualifications score is needed, prepare academic verification documents in advance. You can use the Workforce Insights tool on the myMOM portal to view the company’s scores for C3 and C4.