There are new strict salary regulations for foreign workers who want to apply for an S Pass work visa in Singapore. International recruits now have to meet the increased minimum qualifying salary to qualify for an S Pass application because the government has decided to ensure that such people are of high quality.
With their S Pass, employers may bring out-of-the-country professional associates and technicians, meaning skilled foreign workers who do not qualify to have an Employment Pass.
S Pass work visa in Singapore
Now, for the majority of sectors, the salary threshold for S-Pass applicants is $3,150, while the threshold for older applicants varies from $3,650 to $4,650. In addition to that, for applicants who are aged 45 and above, the thresholds will go up to $4,650. For instance, The financial services sector has a salary requirement of $3,650 minimum but can reach up to $5,650 for older applicants.
These thresholds are soon going to be amended, and for most sectors, the minimum is at least $3,300, while for Financial Services, it is at least $3,800. These changes will affect all new applications by September 1, 2025 and for renewals from September 1, 2026. The final figures will be revealed nearer the implementation date, based on the prevailing wages of local APT workers then.
S-Pass applications
Other than that, the changes are the levy rates for the S-Pass holder. Starting September 1, 2025, Tier 1 will increase from $550 to $650, while Tier 2 remains the same at $650.
An S-Pass would need foreign workers to be hired under a job offer in Singapore with salaries falling within the top one-third of the local average APT monthly salary for their age group. The S-Pass makes it possible for employers or authorized employment agents to submit applications. A new application would be needed when an S-Pass holder wishes to switch jobs.
These measures, therefore, improve the quality of S-Pass workers in terms of qualifications as compared to the local top tier of Singapore’s APT labor force.
