Difference between an EP and an S Pass

As a business owner in Singapore, expanding your team and hiring foreign talents can be a game-changer for your business. However, before starting the hiring process, it is important to understand the differences between the Singapore Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass.

These visas, issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), serve as legal permits for foreign nationals to work in Singapore under a locally incorporated company.

What is S Pass & EPass?

The S Pass and Employment Pass (EP) are work permits designed for foreign professionals in Singapore, but they cater to different levels of skilled workers. Understanding the distinction between these passes is essential for businesses hiring foreign talent, ensuring compliance with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations, and making informed hiring decisions.

The S Pass is intended for mid-level skilled professionals, managers, executives, and technicians (PMETs) who possess relevant qualifications and work experience in their industry. This pass is suitable for technical roles and skilled jobs that require diploma-level education or industry certifications.

On the other hand, the Employment Pass (EP) is designed for highly skilled PMETs, typically holding a degree from a reputable university or possessing significant work experience in a specialized field. The EP is targeted at professionals in senior or managerial positions and those earning higher salaries compared to S Pass holders.

While both passes serve the purpose of enabling foreign PMETs to work in Singapore, they come with different eligibility criteria, salary requirements, quotas, and validity periods. Learning these key differences can help you determine which pass best suits your company’s hiring needs, ensuring compliance with Singapore’s employment laws.

Learning the difference between the two can help you determine which pass is suitable for your organisation’s needs and ensure compliance with MOM’s regulations. Let’s explore the key differences between these two passes.

EP vs. S Pass: What Are the Key Differences?

As a business owner in Singapore, expanding your team with foreign professionals can be a transformative step in scaling your operations and gaining access to specialized skill sets not readily available in the local talent pool. Hiring foreign employees not only allows you to bridge critical skill gaps in your organization but also helps diversify your team, which can lead to more innovative and inclusive solutions. Many companies in high-demand sectors such as technology, finance, engineering, logistics, and advanced manufacturing depend heavily on international expertise to remain competitive.

However, to hire foreign talent in Singapore legally, employers must first understand the work visa system administered by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Two of the most commonly used work visas are the Employment Pass (EP) and the S Pass. Each is designed for a different type of worker and carries unique requirements, restrictions, and benefits. Understanding the key distinctions—such as salary thresholds, qualifications, quotas, and sectoral applicability—between these passes is essential to making informed hiring decisions that align with Singapore’s regulatory standards. It also ensures that your company remains compliant while maximizing the potential of its workforce. Planning early, checking your e pass status in Singapore, and familiarizing yourself with eligibility conditions can prevent administrative delays and improve hiring outcomes.

Who Is the EP and S Pass For Based On MOM’s Standard Occupation List?

The Ministry Of Manpower’s (MOM’s) standard occupation list provides a guide on the types of jobs that are eligible for each Singapore work visa. Typically, employers intend the S Pass for mid-level skilled PMETs with qualifications like diplomas or technical certificates and relevant work experience in their field. These foreign workers typically hold roles such as technicians, supervisors, and executives in sectors like construction, manufacturing, services, and marine.

Employment Pass (EP), on the other hand, is reserved for highly skilled PMETs who possess a degree from a reputable university or have relevant work experience in their field. The EP in Singapore is not restricted to any particular sector and is open to all types of jobs in Singapore including industries such as finance, technology, healthcare, and many others.

Note that MOM’s standard occupation list does not cover all jobs, and some unlisted positions may still qualify for either the S Pass or EP, depending on the individual’s qualifications and experience.

Eligibility Criteria For Each Pass

MOM sets the eligibility criteria for the S Pass and EP to ensure that foreign workers meet specific requirements before working in Singapore.

You should also know that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee that the candidate will be granted the pass. MOM considers a variety of factors when assessing work pass applications, including the candidate’s age, experience, and qualifications, as well as the employer’s track record and compliance with MOM regulations.

Who Can Apply For These Passes?

When it comes to who can apply for these Singapore work visas, there are different requirements that need to be fulfilled by the employer.

For the S Pass, any employer can apply for their foreign employee as long as the employee meets the eligibility criteria. The employer must register for an S Pass account with MOM and submit the relevant application documents. Authorities will assess the application to determine if the candidate meets eligibility criteria and if the employer has complied with relevant regulations.

For the Employment Pass, the employer must be a registered company in Singapore and submit a job advertisement on the national job board, MyCareersFuture.sg, for at least 28 days.

This is to show that they have tried to hire a local candidate for the position before moving on to hiring a foreign employee. The advertisement must demonstrate efforts to hire locally before considering foreign candidates, meeting specific requirements including job details and salary information. After 28 days, the employer can then submit the EP application for their foreign employee.

Validity Duration

Understanding the validity duration of each pass is crucial for managing renewals and workforce planning. Both the S Pass and the Employment Pass (EP) are generally issued for an initial period of up to two years. However, they differ slightly in terms of renewal conditions and long-term stay implications.

For the S Pass, the initial validity is up to two years and it can be renewed for up to three years per term, subject to the employer still meeting the quota and levy conditions and the pass holder continuing to meet salary and job relevance criteria. Renewal applications must be submitted before the current pass expires, and MOM will reassess eligibility during each renewal.

For the EP, the initial duration is also up to two years, and it can likewise be renewed for up to three years. However, with the implementation of the COMPASS framework, EP holders must continue to meet the required points threshold during each renewal. This includes maintaining a competitive salary and remaining in a qualifying job role. Any changes to the individual’s job title, salary, or employer must also be updated with MOM and may trigger reassessment.

Both passes allow the holders to bring in family members under certain conditions. For S Pass holders earning at least SGD 6,000 monthly, dependant privileges may apply. EP holders at the same salary threshold can apply for Dependant’s Passes, while those earning SGD 12,000 or more can also apply for Long-Term Visit Passes for parents.

Required Documents for Application

Both EP and S Pass applications require comprehensive documentation. Employers must be meticulous in gathering and submitting these documents to improve the chances of approval and expedite the process.

Key documents generally include:

• Completed Application Form: All fields should be accurately filled.
• Candidate’s Passport Biodata Page: A clear copy of the passport with personal details.
• Educational Certificates: These must be relevant to the job role and, in many cases, verified by recognized background screening agencies.
• Employment Contract or Offer Letter: This must outline the job scope, duration, salary, and benefits.
• Detailed Resume or CV: Highlighting the candidate’s professional experience and achievements.
• Company ACRA Profile: Demonstrating that the employer is a registered entity in Singapore.
• Latest Financial Statements: Especially important for newly incorporated companies or companies without a long operating history.

For Employment Pass applications, the salary plays a critical role. The e pass Singapore salary threshold is currently set at SGD 5,000 per month (and SGD 5,500 for the financial sector), and meeting this minimum is crucial. However, for COMPASS scoring, salaries well above this minimum may be required to accumulate sufficient points in the salary criterion.

Employers should ensure that all foreign qualifications are translated into English (if not already) and authenticated where necessary. Submitting accurate and verifiable documents not only speeds up processing time but also improves the odds of approval.

How to Check the Status of Your S Pass and Employment Pass (EP) Application

Once an employer or employment agent submits an S Pass or Employment Pass (EP) application to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), applicants can check their application status online. MOM provides a self-service online portal for applicants to track their work pass applications in real-time.

Steps to Check the Status of Your Work Pass Application

1. Visit the MOM Website

   • Go to the MOM Check Work Pass Status page.

2. Enter Required Details

   • You will need to provide either:
     • FIN (Foreign Identification Number) or Passport Number
     • Application Reference Number (Given upon submission)

3. Review Application Status

   • The system will show one of the following statuses:
     • Pending – The application is still under processing.
     • Approved – The pass has been approved, and the next steps will be provided.
     • Rejected – The application was unsuccessful. Employers may review the reasons and reapply if necessary.
     • Additional Documents Required – MOM has requested additional documents, and further action is needed.

4. Processing Time Estimates

   • S Pass: Typically takes 3 weeks for processing.
   • Employment Pass (EP): Usually processed within 10 business days.
   • Applications requiring additional checks (such as verification of qualifications) may take longer.

5. What to Do If Your Application Is Delayed?

   • If your application is taking longer than expected, you may:
     • Contact MOM through the MOM Contact Portal.
     • Check if your employer or agent has responded to any requests for additional information.

By staying updated on your S Pass or EP application status, you can prepare for the next steps, such as scheduling medical checkups, completing issuance procedures, or making travel arrangements.

Follow MOM’s guidelines, assess candidates thoroughly, and submit required documentation to obtain S Pass or EP for foreign talent.

Conclusion

With the right preparation and guidance, navigating the complexities of work visa applications and regulatory compliance can be simplified.

Paul Hype Page & Co. provides tailored solutions for compliance with current regulations. Whether you need assistance with EP applications, bank account opening, company secretary services, or tax filing or even company relocation and incorporation, we’re here to provide expert support and guidance. Trust us to streamline your immigration and corporate compliance needs, empowering your business to thrive in Singapore’s dynamic environment.