新加坡就业准证与 S 准证：哪一种适合您？
Do you know? According to statistics, as of December 2023, there were 383,900 skilled foreign workers in Singapore. You might have already heard of the Employment Pass (EP) and the S Pass. These are two of the most common work permits for foreigners in Singapore, each with different requirements and benefits. This blog will discuss everything about an Employment Pass and an S Pass and their benefits.
While both passes allow you to work in Singapore, they function under different groups of workers and possess distinct eligibility criteria. Knowing these differences might just help you choose the best one based on your qualifications and your career goals.
What is a Work Pass in Singapore?
The Ministry of Manpower in Singapore issues work permits to foreign nationals who wish to work lawfully in Singapore. There are several types, and each type depends upon the qualification, job description, and expertise. The popular types among foreign professionals or skilled employees are the EP and S Pass, which enable a foreign professional worker to help Singapore's economy grow and contribute to all sectors—from tech to healthcare, engineering, and more.
Employment Pass (EP): A Permit for Professionals
The Employment Pass (EP) is intended for highly skilled professionals, executives, and managers with good academic qualifications, technical skills, or relevant experience. It is commonly used in sectors like finance, technology, engineering, and management.
Eligibility Criteria for Employment Pass
To qualify for an Employment Pass in Singapore, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Job Offer:
Applicants must have a job offer in Singapore and be working in a managerial, executive, or specialized role.
Minimum Salary:
The minimum salary requirement for EP applicants is SGD 5,000 monthly. In certain fields like finance, higher salaries may be expected for experienced candidates.
Educational Qualifications:
Candidates should generally possess a recognized university degree, though professional skills and significant experience may also be considered.
Advantages of the Employment Pass
The Employment Pass offers several benefits for foreign professionals, including:
No Quota Limits:
There are no quota restrictions on EP hires, allowing companies to hire as many qualified candidates as needed.
Family Privileges:
EP holders are eligible to apply for Dependant’s Passes for their spouses and children, making family relocation easier.
Eligibility for PR:
EP holders are often eligible to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) after working in Singapore for a certain period, particularly those in high-demand sectors.
S Pass: A Good Option for Mid-Skilled Workers
The S Pass is designed for mid-skilled foreign workers, particularly those who may not meet the educational qualifications required for an EP but have valuable practical skills and experience. S Pass holders often work in sectors such as manufacturing, construction, hospitality, and healthcare support.
Eligibility Criteria for S Pass
Applicants for an S Pass must meet the following conditions:
Job Offer:
An S Pass applicant must have a job offer in Singapore.
Minimum Salary:
The minimum salary requirement is SGD 3,000, with higher expectations for older and more experienced candidates.
Educational Qualifications:
Applicants should hold at least a diploma or relevant technical certificate requiring at least one year of full-time study.
Relevant Skills and Work Experience:
The S Pass is suited to workers with practical skills and hands-on experience, particularly in healthcare support, construction, and trades.
Benefits of the S Pass:
The S Pass offers several advantages to foreign employees:
Quota and Local Workforce Balance:
The S Pass operates under a quota system, which requires companies to maintain a balanced ratio of local employees to S Pass holders.
Family Eligibility:
S Pass holders earning more than SGD 6,000 monthly are eligible to apply for family passes for their dependents.
PR Eligibility:
Similar to EP holders, S Pass holders can also apply for Permanent Residency, depending on factors such as job role, industry, and experience rather than strictly on educational qualifications.
Key Differences Between the Employment Pass and S Pass
Here's a quick breakdown of the main differences between the Employment Pass and S Pass Singapore to help you decide which is best for you:
| Category | 就业准证（EP） | S Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Who It Is For | Highly skilled professionals, managers, and executives | Mid-skilled workers in industries like construction, healthcare, and manufacturing |
| Minimum Salary | SGD 4,500/month (higher for finance professionals) | SGD 2,500/month (increases with experience) |
| Educational Qualification | University degree or equivalent; exceptions for special skills | Diploma or technical certificate |
| Quota | No quota limits for hiring | Quota system applies; companies must balance local-to-foreign ratio |
| Family Eligibility | Eligible to bring family members on Dependant’s Pass | Must earn at least SGD 6,000/month to sponsor family members |
| Pathway to PR | Faster PR eligibility | Similar PR pathway as EP holders, though it may take longer based on experience |
| 申请流程 | Requires job offer; employer submits online through MOM | Similar to EP; job offer and employer application required |
| Processing Time | ~3 weeks for approval | ~3 weeks or faster in some cases |
Employment Pass Application and S Pass Application Process
Both EP and S Pass holders have the opportunity to apply for PR, which depends largely on their contribution to Singapore’s workforce rather than solely on educational qualifications. While the PR pathway for EP holders can be relatively quick, S Pass holders also qualify under similar criteria. However, PR eligibility may take longer due to factors like job role and duration of stay. Importantly, neither pass requires a bachelor's degree for PR eligibility. Both passes involve similar application steps, but here's what you should know about each process:
Employment Pass Application Process
Find a Job in Singapore:
To apply for an EP, you need a job offer from a Singapore employer. Your employer will handle most of the application process.
Submit the Application:
Your employer or a licensed employment agency will submit the application online through the Ministry of Manpower portal.
Approval Time:
It usually takes three weeks to process. However, this may change with the seasons of application.
Start Working:
After approval, you will receive an IPA letter, which allows you to come to Singapore and start work.
S Pass Application Procedure
Get a Job Offer:
Just like the EP, you must be granted a job offer by a company based in Singapore in order to apply for the S Pass.
Online Application:
The employers will apply for an S Pass through MOM's portal
Work Processing Time:
It usually takes three weeks, although these days, it's been less than three weeks because of many factors.
Starting the Job:
After your letter of approval, IPA, you will begin working in Singapore immediately by entering the country.
The decision between an Employment Pass and an S Pass will depend on your background and long-term plans in Singapore.
The Levy and Quota System for S Pass Holders
For companies hiring S Pass holders, a foreign worker levy applies, along with quota restrictions based on the workforce composition. Here are the levy details:
| Tier | S Pass Quota (% of Total Workforce) | Monthly Levy Rate | Daily Levy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic / Tier 1 | Up to 10% | $330 | $10.85 |
| Tier 2 (services sector) | Above 10% to 13% | $650 | $21.37 |
| Tier 2 (all other sectors) | Above 10% to 20% | $650 | $21.37 |
The daily levy rate applies to S Pass holders who don’t work a full calendar month, calculated as:
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Note: Unlike the S Pass, the Employment Pass (EP) does not have a quota system, which means employers can hire as many EP holders as they need, provided that each candidate meets the eligibility criteria.
Minimum Document Requirements for Applications:
Both S Pass and Employment Pass applications require the following documents:
Passport:
Copy of the candidate’s personal particulars page
Business Profile:
Latest profile of the employing company registered with Singapore’s Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)
Educational Certificates:
Relevant degree, diploma, or technical certificates
Job Posting:
Proof of a job advertisement if required, especially for the Fair Consideration Framework
It’s essential to have these documents prepared, as requirements may change over time. For the latest updates, refer to the MOM website.
Self-Assessment Tool for Eligibility
To check eligibility for either pass, both employers and candidates can use the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) on the Ministry of Manpower’s website. It’s a quick and effective way to gauge if you or your prospective employee qualifies for the EP or S Pass.
How to Choose the Right One?
The choice between an Employment Pass and an S Pass will depend on your qualifications, experience, and career aspirations in Singapore.
Choose the Employment Pass if you have specialized skills, a strong educational background, and a job offer in sectors like finance, IT, or management. The EP also offers faster access to PR and family privileges.
Consider the S Pass if you have mid-level skills and practical experience in industries such as construction, healthcare, or manufacturing. The S Pass is a good option for skilled trade workers, with PR eligibility similar to the EP pathway, though it may take longer.
结论
Need Help? E&H Immigration Consultancy Can Guide You
At times, the decision of which pass to apply for is very confusing, but with the proper guidance, you avoid any mistakes. E&H Immigration Consultancy has an experienced team ready to help you choose the proper work pass Singapore offers, prepare your application, and make it all smooth sailing.