5 Must-Know Work Passes for Singapore Expats and How to Choose the Right One

Singapore expats are drawn to the city-state for its booming economy, career prospects, and global business environment. But before packing your bags, understanding which work pass suits your role and goals is crucial. Choosing the right work pass can impact everything—from your eligibility and job options to your ability to bring your family along. 

In this guide, you’ll discover the five most important work passes every Singapore expats should know before working.

Employment Pass (EP)

If you’re a skilled professional expats aiming to work in a management or executive role in Singapore, the Employment Pass (EP) is likely the right fit for you. Designed for foreign professionals with strong credentials, the EP is applied for by your employer and offers the most flexible and stable employment framework among Singapore’s work passes.

To qualify, you’ll need to earn a minimum monthly salary of S$5,000, which will rise to S$5,600 starting January 2025. If you’re in the financial sector, the bar is higher: S$5,500 currently, increasing to S$6,200. For senior professionals—particularly those in their 40s and beyond—the salary benchmark rises accordingly, maxing out at around S$10,500.

Since 2022, processing time has been improved to around 10 business days, making it a relatively fast route for eligible candidates. Most applicants will be evaluated using the COMPASS framework (Complementarity Assessment Framework). However, applicants earning S$22,500 or more monthly are exempt from this scoring system. 

There’s even a fast-track path for experienced tech talent who meet specific criteria, with EPs valid for up to five years.

Benefits of the EP include: 

• Ability to open a local bank account
• Eligibility to rent or buy property
• Access to local medical insurance
• Pathway to Permanent Residence (PR) after one year of working in Singapore
• Eligibility to bring family under Dependent Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass schemes

The EP is ideal for professionals seeking career growth and long-term settlement in Singapore.

Read more: A Complete Guide to the Employment Pass Application in Singapore

S Pass

For mid-skilled workers—such as technicians or supervisors—the S Pass offers an accessible pathway to employment in Singapore without the high salary thresholds of the EP.

To be eligible, candidates must earn at least S$3,150 per month, with higher requirements for older or more experienced applicants. You must also hold a relevant degree, diploma, or technical certificate, typically earned through at least one year of full-time study. In addition to qualifications, relevant work experience is a must. 

The S Pass is initially valid for up to 2 years, with renewals possible for up to 3 years—contingent on the employer’s ongoing eligibility and compliance with MOM regulations. 

Benefits of the S Pass include:

• Opportunity to gain Singapore work experience in mid-skilled roles
• For higher-earning S Pass holders, eligibility to bring immediate family members
• Stable employment terms if the employer remains compliant

The S Pass serves as a stepping stone for foreign workers who are skilled but don’t yet meet the criteria for an Employment Pass. 

EntrePass

Planning to launch a startup in Singapore? The EntrePass is built for foreign entrepreneurs who want to establish and grow innovative or venture-backed businesses in the country.

Unlike other work passes, the EntrePass doesn’t have a fixed salary requirement. Instead, the focus is on the quality and potential of your business idea. To be considered, your startup should meet at least one of several key criteria, such as:

• Holding or developing intellectual property (IP)
• Receiving funding or investment from recognized venture capital firms
• Collaboration on research projects with local institutions
• Being part of an incubator or accelerator programme in Singapore

Applications are submitted directly by the founder (not the company) and are initially valid for 1 year. After the first renewal, it can be extended for 2 years at a time, assuming the business continues to meet performance and innovation benchmarks. 

EntrePass benefits include:

• No foreign worker quota or levy
• Flexibility in operating and growing your business
• Access to Singapore’s tech ecosystem and investor networks
• A clear path to PR if your business succeeds long-term

This pass is best suited for entrepreneurs looking to base their startup in Asia’s most business-friendly environment. 

Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)

For experienced professionals who value flexibility and independence, the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) stands out as a unique option. 

Unlike the standard Employment Pass, the PEP isn’t tied to a specific employer or industry, giving holders the freedom to explore job opportunities across sectors without having to reapply for a new pass every time they switch roles. 

This pass is designed for high earners. To qualify first-time applicants must have a fixed monthly salary of at least S$18,000, and from September 2023, that threshold increases to S$22,500. Because of its premium positioning, the PEP is not renewable and comes with a maximum validity of 3 years. 

Another key benefit is the flexibility to remain unemployed for up to 6 months while staying in Singapore, allowing time to search for a new role or explore entrepreneurial ventures.

Key benefits of the PEP:

• Not employer-dependent — switch jobs without reapplying
• Broad employment flexibility across sectors
• Up to 6 months of job-seeking time without invalidating the pass
• Access to many of the same benefits as EP holders, including applying for PR

The PEP is ideal for global executives, high-earning professionals, or seasoned Singapore expats who want the freedom to manage their career on their own terms.

Work Permit for Migrant Workers

At the end of the spectrum is the Work Permit (WP), which allows low-skilled or semi-skilled workers from approved source countries to work in essential industries like construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process, and selected service sectors.

Work Permits are employer-sponsored and come with stricter conditions. There’s no minimum salary requirement, but employers must adhere to industry-specific quotas and pay a monthly levy for each foreign worker they employ.

These permits are valid for up to 2 years, depending on factors such as the worker’s passport validity, employment contract, and the employer’s compliance record. Renewals are allowed, provided all eligibility criteria continue to be met. 

Unlike other passes, WP holders cannot bring their family members to Singapore. Employers must also provide medical insurance and ensure workers are covered under a Primary Care Plan (PCP) — a healthcare scheme mandatory for those in dormitories or working in high-risk sectors. 

While the WP offers freer benefits compared to other passes, it plays a vital role in supporting Singapore’s infrastructure and essential services by offering legal employment for foreign workers in critical sectors.

How to Choose the Right Work Pass

Choosing the right work pass as a Singapore expats depends on several key factors: your profession, qualifications, salary, long-term plans, and whether you’re planning to bring your family. Here’s a simple comparison table to help you decide: 

 

Pass Type	Who It’s For	Min. Salary	Family Passes	Employer Tied	Quota/ Levy	Best For
Employment Pass (EP)	Professionals, executives, and managers	S$5,000-S$6,200+	Yes	Yes	No	Career-driver professionals seeking PR
S Pass	Mid-skilled workers	S$3,150+	Limited (higher earners)	Yes	Yes	Skilled workers not yet EP-eligible
EntrePass	Entrepreneurs with innovative/venture backed startups	N/A	Yes	No	No	Startup founders and innovation-driven business
Personalised EP (PEP)	High-earning EP holders or overseas professionals	S$18,000-S$22,500	Yes	No	No	Senior executives wanting job flexibility
Work Permit (WP)	Low-skilled workers in specific sectors	No minimum	No	Yes	Yes	Manual workers in industries like construction

This table is a good starting point, but it’s always best to evaluate your situation with a professional, like One Tax if you’re unsure. Work pass regulations in Singapore can  be complex and constantly evolving. 

Ready to Work in Singapore? Let One Tax CM Make It Simple

Applying for a work pass in Singapore can feel overwhelming—especially with evolving rules, industry-specific nuances, and application requirements that shift with time. That’s where One Tax CM comes in.

Whether you’re an inspiring entrepreneur, a mid-career professional, or a skilled worker looking to relocate, our experienced team helps you navigate the maze of paperwork, eligibility checks, and government procedures.

Let us simplify your journey to working as Singapore expats. Contact One Tax CM today at +65-6708-9369 or visit www.onetaxcm.com to make your transition seamless. 

FAQ

• What is the difference between an Employment Pass (EP) and an S Pass in Singapore?

The Employment Pass (EP) is designed for professionals, managers, and executives earning a minimum of S$5,000/month, while the S Pass is for mid-skilled workers earning at least S$3,150/month. EP holders have more flexibility and benefits, including easier eligibility for Permanent Residence (PR) and family passes.

• Can I switch jobs in Singapore without reapplying for a work pass?

Only Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) holders can switch employers without reapplying, as the pass is not tied to any company. Other pass holders, like those on EP or S Pass, must reapply through their new employer when changing jobs.

• Do all work passes in Singapore allow me to bring my family?

No, only certain passes allow family sponsorship. EP and PEP holders can bring their spouse and children if they meet the minimum salary requirement. S Pass holders may be eligible if they earn a higher salary. Work Permit holders are not allowed to bring dependents. 

• Which work pass is best for entrepreneurs planning to start a business in Singapore?

The EntrePass is the most suitable for foreign entrepreneurs starting a new, innovative, or venture-backed business in Singapore. It doesn’t have a salary requirement but requires the business to meet specific innovation or investment criteria.

• How do I know which work pass is right for me?

Choosing the right work pass depends on your role, salary, qualifications, and long-term goals. Refer to our comparison table or speak with a professional agency like One Tax CM for personalized advice and to avoid delays or rejection.