The S Pass is Singapore’s work pass for mid-skilled staff, and the employer applies for it, not the worker. Get the salary, quota, and job-advertising steps right and it is straightforward; miss one and the application is rejected. This guide walks employers through how to apply for an S Pass in 2026, step by step, including the documents, fees, processing time, and what happens after approval.
Quick answer: The employer applies for the S Pass online through MOM’s EP Online (myMOM) portal. First, advertise the role on MyCareersFuture for at least 14 days. Then submit the application with the candidate’s details and documents, and pay the S$105 fee. Most outcomes come within about 10 business days. On approval you get an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, arrange the medical and insurance, pay the S$100 issuance fee, register the candidate, and collect the card.
Before you apply: the eligibility check
The candidate and the employer must both qualify. In brief:
| Requirement | 2026 detail |
| Minimum salary | From S$3,300/month (S$3,800 financial services), rising with age; thresholds are scheduled to increase, so verify with MOM |
| Qualifications | A relevant degree, diploma, or technical certificate |
| Quota | Up to 10% of a services firm’s workforce, or 15% in construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, and process sectors |
| Levy | S$650 a month per S Pass holder, paid by the employer |
Check your live quota in Work Permit Online before applying. For the full criteria, see our guides on the S Pass criteria and S Pass quota.
Step 1: Advertise the job (the 14-day rule)
Before applying, most employers must advertise the role on MyCareersFuture for at least 14 consecutive days, under the Fair Consideration Framework, to give locals a fair chance first. Only after the advertising period can you submit the S Pass application. Some exemptions apply (for example small firms or certain roles), so check MOM’s current rules.
Step 2: Prepare the documents
| From the candidate | From the employer |
| Passport biodata page | Company’s ACRA business profile |
| Educational and technical certificates | Job details and offer |
| Relevant work experience records | MyCareersFuture advertising details |
Non-English documents need an official English translation.
Step 3: Submit the application
The employer, or an appointed agent, applies online.
| Step | What happens |
| 1 | Log in to MOM’s EP Online (myMOM) portal |
| 2 | Complete the S Pass application form |
| 3 | Upload the supporting documents |
| 4 | Pay the S$105 application fee |
| 5 | MOM assesses against salary, qualifications, and quota |
| 6 | You receive the outcome, usually within about 10 business days |
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
| Application | S$105 per S Pass (non-refundable) |
| Issuance (on approval) | S$100 per pass |
| Monthly levy | S$650 per S Pass holder |
Fees are payable by GIRO or card. Figures are current 2026 amounts; confirm with MOM.
Processing time and validity
- Processing: most applications are decided within about 10 business days. Complex cases, or applications from companies without a strong track record, can take up to 6 to 8 weeks.
- Validity: an S Pass is valid for up to 2 years for a first application, and up to 3 years on renewal.
Medical and insurance
- Medical exam. The candidate may need to complete a pre-employment medical examination, if required.
- Medical insurance. The employer must arrange medical insurance with at least S$15,000 a year in coverage for the S Pass holder.
After approval
Once approved:
- Download the IPA letter from EP Online. It is valid for 60 days and lets the candidate enter Singapore if they are overseas.
- Arrange the medical and insurance.
- Pay the S$100 issuance fee and get the pass issued.
- Register the candidate, including biometrics and photo at an MOM services centre.
- Collect the S Pass card, or arrange delivery.
Bringing family
An S Pass holder who earns enough can bring family. A Dependant’s Pass covers a spouse and unmarried children under 21 if the S Pass holder earns at least S$6,000 a month. See our guide on the Dependant Pass vs LTVP.
If the application is rejected
S Pass applications are refused most often for a salary below the threshold, no quota headroom, weak qualification alignment, or incomplete documents. You can appeal within about three months, usually by addressing the specific issue, such as raising the salary or freeing up quota. A refusal is not always final if the cause can be fixed.
S Pass renewal
Renewal is not automatic. At renewal, the salary must still meet the (higher, age-adjusted) threshold, the employment must be ongoing, and the employer must remain within quota and compliant on levy and CPF.
Can an S Pass holder get PR?
Yes. Unlike a Work Permit, an S Pass can support a PR application. S Pass holders apply for Singapore PR under the PTS scheme, usually after two to three years, though it is generally a weaker foundation than an Employment Pass. See our guide on whether an S Pass holder can apply for PR.
How First Immigration can help
An S Pass application depends on getting both the candidate and employer sides right, including the quota and advertising steps. First Immigration helps you:
- Check the candidate and your quota before applying.
- Handle the advertising, documents, and application cleanly.
- Manage the medical, issuance, and renewal.
- Plan ahead toward PR for eligible staff.
Explore our S Pass service, or speak to our consultants through the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for an S Pass in Singapore?
The employer advertises the role on MyCareersFuture for 14 days, then applies online through MOM’s EP Online portal, uploads documents, and pays the S$105 fee. Most outcomes come within about 10 business days.
Who applies for the S Pass, the employer or the worker?
The employer (or an appointed agent) applies. The worker does not apply directly.
How much does an S Pass cost?
S$105 to apply and S$100 to issue per pass, plus a S$650 monthly levy paid by the employer.
How long does an S Pass application take?
Usually about 10 business days, though complex cases can take 6 to 8 weeks.
Do I need to advertise the job first?
Usually yes. Most employers must advertise the role on MyCareersFuture for at least 14 days before applying, under the Fair Consideration Framework. Some exemptions apply.
What is the minimum salary for an S Pass?
From S$3,300 a month for younger candidates (S$3,800 in financial services), rising with age. Thresholds are scheduled to increase, so check current MOM figures.
What documents are needed for an S Pass?
The candidate’s passport, educational and technical certificates, and experience records; and the employer’s ACRA profile, job details, and advertising records.
How long is an S Pass valid?
Up to 2 years for a first pass and up to 3 years on renewal.
Can an S Pass holder apply for PR?
Yes, under the PTS scheme, usually after two to three years, though it is a weaker foundation than an Employment Pass.
