You’ve just received an offer to work in Singapore, or you found the first offshore talent you’re looking to bring onto your team; now what? Work passes can be a confusing topic to broach, especially when there’s already so much to prepare for as a migrating hire.
With so many passes to choose from, the system can look bureaucratic and confusing. The good news is that this is intentional, a granular system that allows you to know exactly which pass you should apply for. Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has designed different passes for different skill levels, salary bands, and industries, ensuring that every role is held to an equitable standard.
Let’s break it down.
The Three Main Work Passes You Need to Know
Singapore doesn’t issue a generic “work visa.” Instead, MOM administers several distinct passes, each targeting a specific segment of the workforce. For most people, the conversation centres around three:
Pass Type |
Who It’s For |
Salary Threshold (2025) |
Quota/Levy |
| Employment Pass (EP) | Professionals, managers, executives | S$5,000/month (S$5,500 for financial services) | No quota, no levy |
| S Pass | Mid-skilled technical staff | From S$3,300/month (S$3,800 for financial services) | Subject to quota and levy |
| Work Permit | Semi-skilled workers in specific sectors | Varies by sector | Subject to quota and levy |
Employment Pass
The Employment Pass is the most common route for foreign professionals in managerial, executive, or specialised roles. Primarily catering to software engineers, finance managers, creative directors, marketing leads; roles that require degree-level qualifications or significant specialist experience.
Key Requirements
Minimum salary: S$5,000/month for most sectors, S$5,500 for financial services. This threshold increases progressively with age and experience.
Qualifications: A recognised university degree, professional credentials, or demonstrable specialist skills.
Job offer: You’ll need a confirmed offer from a Singapore-registered company before applying.
The COMPASS Framework
Since 2023, most Employment Pass applications go through the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS), a points-based system that evaluates both the candidate and the hiring company.
The framework aims to identify complimentary additions to the workforce, rather than displacing equally qualified local prospects. The framework is scored on criterias like salary benchmarking, qualifications, company diversity, and support for local employment.
However, a migrating candidate earning S$22,500 or more per month, is exempt from the COMPASS framework. Once this threshold is crossed, the skills being added into the workforce have already been deemed of sufficient value.
Why Creatives Should Pay Attention
For those in design, content, media production, or brand strategy, the EP is typically your path in; provided the salary thresholds and qualification requirements are met. Employers hiring for senior creative roles won’t face quota restrictions, which makes the Employment Pass attractive for companies building out their creative teams.
S Pass: Mid-Skilled Technical Roles
The S Pass targets mid-level skilled workers: technicians, junior specialists, supervisors, and operational staff who may not meet Employment Pass thresholds but still bring valuable technical expertise.
Key Requirements
Minimum salary: S$3,300/month (S$3,800 for financial services), with higher thresholds for older or more experienced workers.
Qualifications: A diploma, technical certificate, or equivalent work experience.
Employer obligations: Companies hiring S Pass holders must comply with foreign worker quotas and pay a monthly levy.
Quota and Levy
Unlike the Employment Pass, S Pass holders count toward your company’s foreign worker quota. The exact ratio depends on your industry, but the general principle is that you can only hire a certain number of S Pass workers relative to your local headcount.
There’s also a monthly levy (a fee paid by the employer for each S Pass holder), which varies by tier. This is meant to encourage companies to prioritise local hiring while still allowing access to foreign mid-skilled talent.
Work Permit: Sector-Specific Roles
The Work Permit is designed for semi-skilled foreign workers in labour-intensive sectors like construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, and process industries. It’s less relevant for the typical Cultjobs audience, but worth understanding if you’re working in production, fabrication, or related fields.
Key Points
- Applicants must come from MOM-approved source countries.
- Employers must comply with strict quota limits and levy requirements.
As of July 2025, the maximum employment age has increased to 63, and the cap on employment duration has been removed.
Other Passes Worth Knowing
Beyond the big three, there are a few specialised passes that might apply depending on your situation:
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
For high earners (minimum S$22,500/month fixed salary) or existing Employment Pass holders with strong track records. The Personalised Employment Pass isn’t tied to a specific employer, giving you flexibility to switch jobs without reapplying.
EntrePass
For foreign entrepreneurs looking to start and operate a business in Singapore. You’ll need to demonstrate that your venture is innovation-driven or venture-backed; innovative tech ventures and other equally impactful businesses.
The Fair Consideration Framework
Before applying for an Employment Pass or S Pass, employers must advertise the role on MyCareersFuture.sg for at least 14 days. This is part of the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF), which ensures local candidates get a fair shot at positions before companies look overseas.
For jobseekers, this means you might see roles posted publicly even when an employer already has someone in mind. For employers, it’s a compliance step you can’t skip which further highlights the importance of composing a comprehensive and enticing job description. Read more on writing a job description that actually attracts the candidates you’re looking for here.
Quick Decision Guide: Which Pass Is Right for You?
As a jobseeker:
- Earning S$5,000+ with a degree or specialist experience? → You’re likely looking at an Employment Pass.
- Mid-level technical role with diploma qualifications, earning S$3,300+? → S Pass territory.
- Starting your own venture in Singapore? → Explore the EntrePass.
As an employer:
- Hiring for a senior or specialist creative role? → Employment Pass is your best bet to avoid any quota headaches.
- Need technical support staff but can’t meet Employment Pass thresholds? → S Pass works, but factor in levies and quotas.
- Expanding rapidly and don’t have a local entity yet? → Consider an Employer of Record (EOR) service to handle compliance.
Final Thoughts
The work pass system is rigorously structured, that doesn’t mean it has to be confusing. Simply understanding the salary thresholds, qualification requirements, and employer obligations, turns finding the right pass into a straightforward matching exercise.
The key is to start early, get your documentation in order, and make sure to understand the compliance requirements before submitting anything. MOM processes are generally efficient, but mistakes or incomplete applications can cost you weeks.
Need help navigating the job market in Singapore’s creative industry? Cultjobs connects talented creatives with forward-thinking employers across design, media, marketing, and more.
