(UPDATE) New MOM Rules: Changes to S Pass Eligibility from Sept 2025

First things first — let’s talk about salaries.

From 1 September 2025, the minimum salary requirements for S Pass holders will be raised.

This will apply to:

• All new S Pass applications submitted from 1 September 2025

• Renewals of passes expiring from 1 September 2026
  
  

Here’s a quick breakdown of the updated S Pass qualifying salary increases:

The candidate’s job offer must also meet the new salary requirements according to their age group.

For example, in sectors other than financial services:

• The qualifying salary starts at SGD 3,300 for candidates aged 23
  
  

This gradually rises to SGD 4,800 for those aged 45 and above.

In the financial services sector:

• Salaries start at SGD 3,800

•  And increase to SGD 5,650 at age 45 and above

f you’re looking for an official MOM S Pass salary calculator to automatically calculate the requirements, there isn’t one.

But don’t worry — it’s still easy to estimate whether your candidate qualifies. Here’s a quick table to help:

Not quite sure where your candidate stands?

You can use the Ministry of Manpower’s Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) — it’s a quick way to check S Pass (and Employment Pass) eligibility before you apply.

With the upcoming changes, staying ahead will save you a lot of time and hassle later.

Here’s what you should focus on:

The minimum salary thresholds are going up.

Review your current salary offers now to make sure they align with the new salary-by-age requirements.

Doing this early will help you avoid delays or rejections when you submit applications or renewals.

A little preparation now can save you major headaches later.

Meeting the salary requirement is important — but so is meeting employer compliance requirements .

This includes staying within your S Pass quota limits and budgeting for the higher levy rates.

Now’s a good time to review your workforce distribution.

You may need to make adjustments to stay within quota limits for foreign workers.

With levy rates increasing, your manpower costs will naturally rise.

Make sure your budgets reflect the new rates across all sectors.

If you’re nearing or exceeding quota limits, it might also be time to re-evaluate how many foreign workers you're planning to hire.

S Pass eligibility rules can (and do) change.

Stay informed by:

• Regularly checking updates from MOM

• Subscribing to relevant newsletters

• Keeping an eye on announcements about foreign manpower policies
  
  

Being proactive will help you stay compliant — and avoid any last-minute scrambles when future changes roll out.

Thinking about upgrading a Work Permit to an S Pass? Our blog on how to convert a Work Permit to an S Pass has all the details to guide you through the process.

Thinking about applying for PR in Singapore while holding an S Pass?

You can — and it’s pretty straightforward. First, you’ll need to have been an S Pass holder for at least six months and be earning a minimum of SGD 2,300 a month.

That said, it’s generally recommended to work in Singapore for at least three years before applying to strengthen your case.

When you’re ready, you’ll submit your application through the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), which will assess you based on their PR criteria — things like your employment history, how long you’ve stayed, and even how well you’ve integrated into the community.

Also, if you’re wondering about S Pass Dependant Pass eligibility, here’s a tip: while it’s not directly tied to PR, earning a higher salary ( SGD 6,000 or more ) could make you eligible for a Dependant’s Pass, allowing you to bring your family to Singapore.

Depending on where you completed your studies, you might also need to verify your qualifications during the application process.

Before applying for PR, it’s good to understand the different passes available for foreign workers in Singapore. The S Pass and Employment Pass are two popular options.

But they each have different eligibility criteria and benefits. Not sure which one applies to you or your candidate?

Check out our blog on the S Pass vs the Employment Pass for a detailed comparison.

Our team is here to support you through the S Pass application process. 

If you have questions or need help adjusting your hiring plans, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

We’re here to make the process smoother for you.