Singapore

Key Features of S Pass work pass

• The employer must apply and the sponsor the applicant;
• This work pass category is subjected to the availability of quota for the sponsoring employer and monthly levy is payable. The quota refers to the number of local employees the company must hire first before a certain number of foreigners can be eligible for S Pass sponsorship. The current quota for S Pass sponsorship is up to maximum of 15% of total work force. The current levy payable for each approved applicant is between SGD330 to SGD650 per month for companies in the service industry. Companies in other industries are required to pay higher levies up to SGD1,000 per month per approved applicant. The levy amount is still being reviewed and is expected to increase in the foreseeable future as part of the broader government measures to manage the increasing number of foreigners working in Singapore.
• The minimum entry level salary that allows a company to hire a foreign candidate under this category of work pass is SGD 2,400 per month;
• A higher qualifying salary is required for candidates with extensive work experience and skills.
• The pass is typically issued for a period of up to 2 years after which it can be renewed based on the prevailing criteria then;
• Employers of S Pass holders can sponsor the spouse and children of S Pass holders provided the salary paid to the SP holders is no less than SGD6,000 per month;
• Employers who employ under S Pass are subject to buying medical insurance and paying monthly levies for every employee, as well as meeting quota requirement.

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements

Foreigners from any country can apply for this work pass but each application is subjected to various approving criteria which are not officially disclosed. Some of the key criteria are:

• Salary Requirement: Although the salary threshold must be at least SGD2,400 per month, it must correspond with the person’s age, qualification and experience in relation to the local market salaries. Older or more experienced applicants are expected to meet a higher salary threshold in order to be fair to local job seekers.
• Educational Qualification: Relevant copies of trade certificates, diplomas and any other educational qualifications (in English) are required to be submitted to support the application.
• Relevant Work Experience: Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate skills and sufficient work experience in the job applied with commensurate salary.

The employer is expected to maintain good and proper records with regard to payments of the statutory pension fund contributions known as Central Provident Fund (CPF) for all its local employees. S Pass is an employer-sponsored work pass targeted at mid-level skilled foreigners.

Who Is It For?

Employment Pass (EP) is the highest level of work pass category which a foreigner can be issued to work in Singapore. This type of work pass is targeted at highly skilled and well educated professionals, business people of any nationality to do business or work in Singapore.

Key Features of Singapore Employment Pass Work Pass

All EP application must be sponsored by a local employer. Foreigners are not allowed to apply for EP until the foreigner has found an employer willing to hire him/her. Only the hiring party (employer) or licensed agency is authorised to lodge the applications.

The current qualifying salary benchmark (SGD4,500 per month- typically for fresh graduates) has been raised over the years. For more experienced, senior executives and mature foreign applicants, the salary requirements would be higher according to age and experience.

The initial approval period is typically 2 years but renewable prior to expiry subject to qualifying conditions.

The salary threshold to be able to sponsor dependents is SGD6,000 per month for immediate family members and SGD10,000 per month for parents.

• EP holders are eligible to apply for Permanent Resident status after having worked for several years in Singapore.
• There is no restrictions in terms of quota for EP applications. There is also no levy payable. However, employers with more than 10 employees must advertise the job vacancy in jobsbank (a job portal maintained by the Ministry of Manpower) first for 2 weeks before any EP application can commence.
• EP Holders can be shareholders, partners and directors of local companies employing them.
• If EP holders wish to change an employer during the term of his or her EP, a fresh application is required and this will be subject to rules and criteria at the point of application.