EP vs S Pass in Singapore: Which One Should You Apply For?

Singapore is a prime destination for global professionals and skilled workers. Whether you’re a foreign individual seeking employment in Singapore or an employer looking to hire overseas talent, understanding the types of work passes available is crucial. Among the most common options are the Employment Pass (EP) and the S Pass.

Each pass serves a different purpose, and choosing the right one depends on factors such as salary, qualifications, and job role. In this article, we’ll dive into a detailed comparison of EP vs S Pass in Singapore, helping you determine which pass suits your profile or hiring needs.

If you need assistance with either pass application, you can consult https://employmentpassapplication.sg/ — a trusted Singapore-based consultancy for all work pass matters.

What Is an Employment Pass (EP)?

The Employment Pass (EP) is a work visa issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for foreign professionals, managers, executives, and specialists.

Key Features of the EP:

• Minimum fixed monthly salary of SGD 5,000 (as of 2025)

• For degree holders or highly skilled professionals

• No foreign worker quota or levy

• Renewable for up to 3 years depending on MOM’s discretion

• Allows you to sponsor Dependant’s Passes for family members

The EP is typically issued to candidates taking on senior or skilled roles in sectors like IT, finance, engineering, healthcare, and marketing.

What Is an S Pass?

The S Pass is designed for mid-level skilled foreign workers who may not meet the strict EP criteria but are still essential to Singapore’s workforce.

Key Features of the S Pass:

• Minimum monthly salary of SGD 3,150 (higher for older applicants)

• Typically for diploma holders or technicians

• Subject to a foreign worker quota (Dependency Ratio Ceiling)

• Subject to monthly foreign worker levies

• Renewable for up to 2 years

• Limited family sponsorship privileges (only if salary ≥ SGD 6,000)

S Pass holders are often found in sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, and F&B.

Key Differences: EP vs S Pass

Let’s explore the core differences between these two work passes:

Who Should Apply for an EP?

Apply for an Employment Pass if:

• You are being hired as a manager, executive, or specialist

• Your monthly salary is SGD 5,000 or more

• You hold a recognized university degree or professional qualification

• You work in a high-skill sector or possess niche expertise

• You wish to bring family (spouse, children) under Dependant’s Pass or LTVP

Employers hiring EP holders should ensure the job scope reflects a genuine need for foreign professional talent and adheres to Singapore’s Fair Consideration Framework and COMPASS assessment.

For help optimizing your EP application, https://employmentpassapplication.sg/ offers tailored consultancy to ensure strong submissions under MOM guidelines.

Who Should Apply for an S Pass?

Apply for an S Pass if:

• You are a mid-level skilled worker

• Your monthly salary is SGD 3,150 or more

• You hold a diploma or technical certification

• You are entering fields such as manufacturing, services, or operations

• You don’t yet qualify for an EP but have valuable work experience

Companies should be aware that S Pass applications are subject to quota limits, meaning they can only employ a certain number of S Pass holders based on their total workforce size.

Moreover, foreign worker levies — a monthly cost per S Pass holder — must be factored into hiring decisions.

Application Process: EP vs S Pass

The application process for both passes is similar in many respects:

1. Employer applies through MOM’s EP Online system

2. Supporting documents are submitted (passport, education, job offer, etc.)

3. MOM processes and reviews the application

4. Upon approval, an In-Principle Approval (IPA) is issued

5. The pass is issued upon completion of medical checks (if required)

However, for S Passes:

• Employers must track their quota

• Employers are required to pay levies monthly

• Companies in industries like construction or marine face stricter allocation limits

Dependant Privileges: A Key Consideration

One of the major differences between EP and S Pass lies in the ability to bring family members to Singapore.

EP Holders:

• Can sponsor Dependant’s Passes for spouses and children

• Can apply for Long Term Visit Passes (LTVP) for parents or common-law spouses

• Must earn at least SGD 6,000/month for DP and SGD 12,000/month for LTVP (parents)

S Pass Holders:

• Can sponsor Dependant’s Passes for spouses and children only if they earn SGD 6,000/month or more

• No LTVP for parents or common-law spouses

This makes the EP a more favorable choice for professionals planning to relocate with family.

Career Progression and PR Consideration

Another factor in deciding between the EP and S Pass is your long-term career goals in Singapore. If you intend to apply for Singapore Permanent Residency (PR) in the future, holding an EP may offer better prospects.

MOM and ICA generally favor:

• EP holders in professional roles

• Those with stable income, leadership roles, and long-term contributions to the economy

S Pass holders may still apply for PR, but approval chances are generally lower unless they progress into higher-level roles or switch to an EP in the future.

What If You Don’t Qualify for Either?

If you fall short of both EP and S Pass criteria, alternative passes include:

• Work Permit (for unskilled or low-skilled workers in specific sectors)

• Personalized Employment Pass (PEP) — for high-earning professionals with flexible job mobility

• ONE Pass — for top-tier global talent in business, science, and tech

However, these have very specific and selective criteria.

Conclusion

Choosing between an Employment Pass and an S Pass in Singapore depends on your qualifications, salary, job role, and long-term goals. The EP offers more flexibility, higher prestige, and family-friendly benefits, while the S Pass suits mid-skilled workers and companies hiring at scale within quota limits.

Before applying, assess your profile or job offer carefully. It’s also advisable for employers to consult experts to ensure that their applications comply with MOM’s evolving standards and policies.

If you need professional guidance on which pass to apply for — or support in preparing and submitting your application — reach out to https://employmentpassapplication.sg/ for dedicated assistance and faster approvals.