EP vs S Pass: Which Work Pass Do You Need in Singapore?
In Singapore, the Employment Pass (EP) is generally for foreign professionals, managers, executives and technicians, while the S Pass is for skilled workers in associate professional and technician roles. The main differences are the salary requirement, eligibility criteria and employer restrictions. As of 2026, the EP qualifying salary starts from SGD 5,600/month, while the S Pass starts from SGD 3,300/month. Both thresholds increase with age, and financial services roles have higher salary requirements.
At a Glance: EP vs S Pass
| Factor | Employment Pass (EP) | S Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Level | Professionals, managers, executives | Skilled workers / APT roles |
| 2026 minimum salary (general) | From SGD 5,600/month | From SGD 3,300/month |
| 2026 minimum salary (financial services) | From SGD 6,200/month | From SGD 3,800/month |
| Age-adjusted salary | Yes | Yes |
| COMPASS | Yes | No |
| Employer quota | No | Yes (Dependency Ratio Ceiling) |
| Levy (employer pays) | No | SGD 650/month |
*Source: Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Requirements are reviewed periodically.
The Employment Pass (EP) in Brief
The EP is designed for foreign professionals, managers, executives and technicians working in Singapore. This can be particularly relevant for roles where business-level Japanese language skills are commercially valuable, such as sales, finance, IT and roles supporting Japanese clients or companies.
For 2026, the qualifying salary starts at SGD 5,600/month for most sectors and SGD 6,200/month for financial services. The required salary increases progressively with age, reaching up to SGD 10,700 for candidates aged 45 and above.
Most new EP applications must also pass COMPASS, Singapore's points-based assessment framework. Candidates need at least 40 points, based on individual and company-related criteria. See more details: COMPASS Points Framework: How Singapore Scores EP Applicants.
There is no EP quota or monthly levy for employers.
The S Pass in Brief
The S Pass is for skilled foreign workers in associate professional and technician (APT) roles who meet MOM's eligibility requirements.
For 2026, the qualifying salary starts at SGD 3,300/month for most sectors and SGD 3,800/month for financial services. The salary requirement increases with age.
Unlike the EP, S Pass hiring is subject to an employer quota. The S Pass quota is capped at 10% of the workforce in services and 15% in construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard and process sectors. Employers must also pay a SGD 650 monthly levy for each S Pass holder. See more details: Singapore S Pass: Eligibility & Salary for Japanese-Speaking Roles.
Which Pass Should You Target?
Start with the salary and role.
If the offered salary meets the EP qualifying salary for your age and sector, the role may be eligible for an EP, subject to the other requirements including COMPASS.
If the salary is below the EP threshold but meets the S Pass requirement, an S Pass may be possible; but the employer must have sufficient S Pass quota.
For candidates applying for Singapore jobs, the work pass should therefore be considered together with the job level, salary, qualifications, experience and employer's ability to sponsor the pass.
EP vs S Pass: What Candidates Should Know
- EP: No employer quota or levy but must pass COMPASS. A high salary alone does not automatically guarantee approval.
- S Pass: Lower salary threshold, but employers are restricted by their quota and monthly levy.
- Both salary thresholds increase with age. From 1 January 2027, the minimum qualifying salary for new applications will increase to SGD 6,000/month (most sectors) and SGD 6,600/month (financial services) for EP application; and SGD 3,600/month (most sectors) and SGD 4,000/month (financial services) for S Pass application.
If you are also weighing Malaysia, compare markets in Singapore vs Malaysia: Where Should Japanese-Speaking Professionals Work? and see Malaysia's pass tiers in Malaysia Employment Pass Categories I, II & III Explained.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between the EP and S Pass in Singapore?
Is the EP better than the S Pass?
Do I need to pass COMPASS for an S Pass?
Can I switch from an S Pass to an EP later?
Does nationality affect which pass I get?
Which pass do most Japanese-speaking jobs in Singapore use?
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