Your essential guide to navigating Singapore’s work permit landscape for business expansion—from Employment Pass to EntrePass and everything in between.
📋 Policy Effective Date Notice: The salary thresholds and application requirements in this article are based on MOM policies effective 1 September 2025, with upcoming changes effective July 2026 noted where applicable. Please verify with the official MOM website before applying.
Planning to expand your business to Singapore? Whether you’re deploying staff, hiring local talent, or personally establishing a market presence, the first step is understanding Singapore’s work visa system.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has strict regulations governing work passes for foreign nationals: working in Singapore without a valid work pass is illegal, with penalties for both employers and employees.
1. Employment Pass (EP)
Target Applicants: Foreign professionals, managers, and executives
The Employment Pass is Singapore’s most common work visa for professionals in managerial, executive, or specialized roles.
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Minimum Salary | S$5,600/month (general); S$6,200 (financial services) |
| Age Adjustment | Up to S$10,700–S$11,800 for applicants 45+ |
| Education | Recognized university degree or professional qualifications |
| COMPASS Assessment | Points-based framework (40 points required) |
| Validity | Up to 2 years (new); up to 3 years (renewal) |
COMPASS Framework
COMPASS is Singapore’s points-based assessment system evaluating applications across six criteria:
Individual Attributes
- Salary benchmark comparison
- Educational qualifications
- Skills in shortage
Company Attributes
- Local employee support
- Nationality diversity
- Shortage occupation list
Each criterion scores up to 20 points; a total of 40 points is required to pass. Applicants earning S$22,500/month or above are exempt from COMPASS.
⚠️ Upcoming Changes (1 July 2026): General sectors minimum salary increases to S$6,000; Financial services increases to S$6,600.
2. S Pass
Target Applicants: Mid-level skilled workers
The S Pass is designed for foreign workers with skills who don’t meet EP requirements, suitable for technicians, assistant supervisors, and similar mid-tier positions.
| Requirement | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Minimum Salary | S$3,300/month (general); S$3,800 (financial services) |
| Age Adjustment | S$4,800–S$5,650 for applicants 45+ |
| Education | Degree, diploma, or 1-year professional certification |
| Validity | Up to 2 years |
Quota and Levy
S Pass holders are subject to employer quotas:
| Sector | S Pass Quota Cap |
|---|---|
| Services | 10% |
| Manufacturing | 15% |
| Construction/Marine/Process | 18% |
Foreign Worker Levy: S$650/month (unified rate from 2026)
3. Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
Target Applicants: High-earning professionals
The PEP offers greater flexibility for high-salary individuals, allowing holders to switch employers without reapplying for a new pass.
Key Requirements
- Current EP Holders: Fixed monthly salary of S$22,500 over the past 12 months
- Overseas Professionals: Fixed monthly salary of S$22,500 (or equivalent)
- Validity: Up to 3 years, non-renewable
- Must find work within 6 months of issuance
💡 Note: PEP holders must leave Singapore if unemployed for more than 6 months. Self-employment and entrepreneurship are not permitted. This is a one-time pass.
4. Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)
Target Applicants: Top-tier talent, high-earning professionals, outstanding achievers
Launched in 2023, the ONE Pass is Singapore’s premier talent visa, offering maximum flexibility for global elites who can work for multiple companies or start businesses simultaneously.
Pathway 1: Salary Criterion
Fixed monthly salary of S$30,000 over the past 12 months, or Singapore employer will pay S$30,000.
Pathway 2: Outstanding Achievements
No salary requirement, but must demonstrate exceptional contributions in Business, Arts, Sports, Science, or Academia.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Validity | 5 years, renewable |
| Employer Restriction | None; can work for multiple companies |
| Entrepreneurship | Can start or invest in Singapore companies |
| Spouse Employment | Spouse can work with Letter of Consent |
| COMPASS Assessment | Exempt |
5. Tech.Pass
Target Applicants: Tech talent, founders, technical leaders
Tech.Pass is designed specifically for tech professionals, allowing holders to be employed and start businesses simultaneously.
Eligibility (meet any one)
- Salary Criterion: Fixed monthly salary of S$20,000 over the past 12 months
- Company Experience: 5+ years leadership at a tech company valued at US$500M+ or with US$30M+ funding
- Product Experience: 5+ years leading development of products with 100K+ active users or US$100M+ revenue
⚠️ Important Change: From January 2027, Tech.Pass will be replaced by ONE Pass (AI and Tech), with validity extended from 2 years to 5 years.
6. EntrePass
Target Applicants: Innovative entrepreneurs, investors
EntrePass is designed for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start or operate an innovative business in Singapore. No minimum salary requirement, but applications are rigorously assessed for business innovation.
Basic Requirements
- Registered or planning to register a private limited company in Singapore
- Company registered for no more than 6 months
- Hold at least 30% shareholding in the company
Innovation Criteria (must meet at least one)
| Category | Criterion |
|---|---|
| Funding Record | At least S$100,000 in a single round from accredited investors |
| Incubator Support | Supported by recognized incubator/accelerator |
| Track Record | Founded and sold a VC-backed or innovative tech company |
| Intellectual Property | Company owns registered IP |
| Research Collaboration | Partnership with Singapore universities or A*STAR |
❌ Ineligible Business Types: Coffee shops, hawker centres, bars, nightclubs, massage parlours, karaoke, TCM/acupuncture, feng shui, employment agencies, general wholesale/retail trading.
7. Work Permit
Target Applicants: Semi-skilled and low-skilled foreign workers
Work Permits are for semi-skilled or low-skilled workers in specific sectors, with strict source country restrictions and quota requirements.
| Sector | Source Country Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Construction | Malaysia, China, India, Thailand, Bangladesh, etc. |
| Manufacturing | Malaysia, China, India, Thailand, etc. |
| Marine Shipyard | Malaysia, China, India, etc. |
| Services | Malaysia (some positions open to other countries) |
Foreign Worker Quota System
Singapore maintains a strict quota system for foreign workers. Employers must maintain a certain ratio of local employees to hire S Pass and Work Permit holders.
Quota Calculation Basis
Quotas are calculated based on the company’s local employee headcount. Local employees must be:
- Singapore citizens or permanent residents (PR)
- Fixed monthly salary of S$1,600 or above (rising to S$1,800 from July 2026)
- CPF contributions paid by employer for at least 3 months
Sector Quota Caps
| Sector | S Pass Cap | Work Permit Cap | Total Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Services | 10% | 28% | 38% |
| Manufacturing | 15% | 45% | 60% |
| Construction/Marine | 18% | 69.5% | 87.5% |
💡 Startup Challenge: New companies without local employees cannot apply for S Pass or Work Permit. Consider hiring local staff first to establish a quota base. EP holders are not subject to quotas, but COMPASS evaluates company’s local employee support.
Quick Comparison Table
| Pass | Min. Salary | Validity | Employer Tied | Quota |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP | S$5,600 | 2–3 years | Yes | No |
| S Pass | S$3,300 | 2 years | Yes | Yes |
| PEP | S$22,500 | 3 years | No | No |
| ONE Pass | S$30,000 | 5 years | No | No |
| Tech.Pass | S$20,000 | 2 years | No | No |
| EntrePass | None | 1–2 years | Own company | No |
Practical Tips for Business Expansion
Plan HR Arrangements Early
Singapore work pass approvals typically take 2–8 weeks. Start HR planning at least 2–3 months before business launch.
Use MOM’s Self-Assessment Tool
MOM provides an online SAT to evaluate candidate eligibility before formal application, reducing rejection risk.
Mind Localization Requirements
COMPASS assesses employer’s local employee ratio. If planning to hire many foreign staff, ensure adequate local talent foundation.
Position Salaries Appropriately
Salaries must align with local market benchmarks. Offers below industry median may affect COMPASS scores.
Consider Professional Assistance
Singapore work pass policies update frequently. Working with consultants familiar with MOM processes can improve approval rates.
StreamCo Work Visa Support Services
Work pass applications involve numerous judgment calls—from selecting the right pass type to handling supplementary requests. We provide end-to-end support:
- Eligibility pre-screening & COMPASS optimization
- Document preparation & review
- Application filing & follow-up
- Quota planning & compliance