Employment Pass, often known as E Pass and the Skilled Pass known as S Pass are two separate work passes meant for professionals with high-level qualifications and technicians with mid-level skills respectively.
Though both are work passes, there are many differences between these two based on the following criteria.
Free Self-Assessment Tool Check Your Eligibility for EP or S Pass
Applicability
Employment Pass in Singapore applies to highly skilled professionals with high qualifications and job offers in Singapore. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) specifies the standard occupations in this link.
S Pass is applicable for Mid-level skilled staff or technicians.
Eligibility and Minimum Salary Requirements
A foreigner having a university degree, professional qualifications, or specialized skills is eligible for E Pass provided he/she has a job offer in Singapore in a managerial, executive, or specialized capacity with a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 5,000. Older and more experienced candidates need higher salaries.
S Pass is applicable for overseas workers with relevant experience and a degree, diploma, or other technical certificates in a minimum one-year full-time study course. He/she should earn a fixed monthly salary of a minimum of SGD 3,000 while older and more experienced applicants need higher salaries to qualify.
Find Out Your Foreign Employee Quota
Refer to this blog if you have any questions about Singapore E Pass & S Pass. We have covered all relevant details here.
Application for Passes
Validity
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Levy
Levy, the pricing mechanism is applied to regulate the number of foreign workers in Singapore and its rates are periodically reviewed and revised.
For E Pass holders, Skills Development Levy (SDL) applies to both full-time and part-time foreign employees. Employers pay a levy up to the first SGD 5000 of the monthly salary @ 0.25% of 5000 or SGD 2, whichever is higher.
For S Pass holders, both foreign worker levy and Skills Development Levy apply and an employer must pay the levy for all S Pass holders. The levy is enforced from the day of S Pass issuance and only ends with cancellation and expiration of S Pass. For S Pass holders employed in the services sector, the levy rate is as under
|
% of total workforce |
Monthly |
Daily |
||
|
Services Sector |
Tier 1 |
Upto 10% |
SGD 330 |
SGD 10.85 |
|
Tier 2 |
10%- 13% |
SGD 650 |
SGD 21.37 |
|
|
Manufacturing Sectors |
Tier 1 |
Upto 10% |
SGD 330 |
SGD 10.35 |
|
Tier 2 |
10% – 18% |
SGD 650 |
SGD 21.37 |
|
|
Other Sectors |
Tier 1 |
Upto 10% |
SGD 330 |
SGD 10.85 |
|
Tier 2 |
10%-20% |
SGD 650 |
SGD 21.37 |
|
Quota
No Quota applies for E Pass
For S Pass quota applies and is as under
For manufacturing sectors, the S Pass quota is reduced from 20% to 18% and applicable from January 2022. It is further reduced to 15% from January 2023.
You cannot hire more S Pass holders than 13% of the company’s total workforce in the services sector.
For construction, marine, shipyard, and process, the S Pass quota was reduced to 15% from 18% effective January 2023.
What is the Application Process for Employment Pass or S Pass?
- Posting a job ad on a government-approved website matching the occupation as per Employment Pass / S Pass application.
- Submitting the Employment Pass / S Pass application by the employer and must be the same as per the job advertised. The Ad must be open for at least 28 days after publication and another 28 days if changes are made.
On the expiry of the active Job ad, the Employment Pass / S Pass application can be initiated.
No Employment Pass / S Pass application is allowed if the employer takes more than 3 months to fill in the vacancy.
Requisite Documentation
In pursuing an S Pass or Employment Pass application, a collection of mandatory documents necessitates submission to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The prerequisites for each employment visa exhibit subtle variances, yet overall, the subsequent documents are requisite:
- A duly filled-in application form
- Detailed particulars of the applicant’s passport and academic credentials
- An offer of employment encompassing particulars regarding job responsibilities, remuneration, and perks tendered to the applicant, in addition to the period stipulated in the employment accord
- The curriculum vitae of the applicant, coupled with records delineating professional experience
- The corporate profile of the employing company, along with fiscal declarations
It is crucial to bear in mind that MOM may make a requisition for supplementary documentation or data during the application procedure, contingent upon the unique circumstances of the application.
The S Pass and Employment Pass, while both designed for foreign PMETs in Singapore, adhere to distinctive criteria and serve disparate purposes. With a comprehensive comprehension of the regulations and meticulous groundwork, the engagement of foreign talents in Singapore can manifest as a constructive contribution to the expansion of commercial enterprises and the economic landscape.
Feel free to contact IMC Group to discover how we can assist you in establishing your team in Singapore. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to provide expert guidance throughout the entire process.
Useful Links
Free official Self Assessment Tool is available to check eligibility of E Pass or S Pass
