Singapore Updates Salary Thresholds for Employment Passes
Starting in 2025 and extending through 2028, Singapore will increase the minimum qualifying salaries for Employment Pass and S Pass applicants. These changes will make it more difficult for mid-to-junior level foreign professionals to secure or renew work visas as the government prioritizes higher-skilled talent.
Singapore Updates Salary Thresholds for Employment Passes
Singapore is raising the bar for foreign professionals again. Following the Budget 2026 announcement, the Ministry of Manpower is set to increase the minimum qualifying salaries for both Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass holders starting January 1, 2027.
The new rules benchmark foreign salaries against the top one-third of local professionals. For the general sector, the minimum EP salary moves from S$5,600 to S$6,000. Those in financial services face a steeper hike, rising to S$6,600. These figures scale significantly with age; a professional aged 45 or older may need to earn up to S$12,700 to qualify for an EP in the financial sector.
Who is affected
These changes primarily impact mid-to-junior expats and those seeking to renew their current status. If you already hold a pass, the new thresholds won't apply to your renewal until January 1, 2028, giving employers a one-year buffer to adjust.
If you are a digital nomad or slow traveler, these updates likely won't change your routine. Singapore still lacks a dedicated digital nomad visa. Most remote workers continue to use the Short-Term Visit Pass, which allows for stays up to 90 days but prohibits local employment. These salary hikes only apply to those sponsored by a Singapore-based company.
What to do next
If you are planning a move to Singapore for a local role, you must ensure your offer meets both the new salary floor and the COMPASS points-based system. This framework evaluates your qualifications, your employer's diversity, and how your skills fill local gaps.
- Check your eligibility using the Self-Assessment Tool on the MOM website.
- Prepare for application fees of approximately S$330 for an EP or S$205 for an S Pass.
- Note that bringing family members requires a minimum monthly salary of S$6,000.
Keep an eye on our nomad news for further visa updates. Read our full Singapore guide for the complete picture.