What to Know About Singapore's Shifting Work Permit Rules

Singapore is tightening its labor regulations to prioritize local employment, a move that will ripple through the city-state's foreign labor market. Starting July 1, 2026, the Local Qualifying Salary (LQS) will rise to S$1,800 per month for full-time local workers.

This change is significant because the LQS determines how many foreign employees a company can hire under the S Pass and Work Permit schemes. By raising the salary floor for locals, the government effectively tightens the quota for foreign staff, as firms will need to pay more locals a higher wage to "unlock" the ability to hire expats or mid-skilled workers.

Who is affected

These updates primarily impact employers and expats seeking mid-skilled roles. If you are a digital nomad working remotely for a company outside of Singapore, these changes likely won't touch your day-to-day life. However, for those looking to transition into the local job market, the barrier for entry is rising.

The S Pass qualifying salary is also slated to rise to S$3,600 in 2027, making these mid-tier visas more competitive. Additionally, the Work Permit for Performing Artistes is being discontinued on June 1, 2026. This ends a specific pathway for foreign entertainers in bars and nightclubs, a move intended to curb previous abuses of the scheme.

What to do

If you are currently working in Singapore or planning a move, keep these visa updates in mind:

• Review your timeline: If you are on a Performing Artiste permit, your pass remains valid until it expires or is cancelled, but no new applications will be accepted after June 1, 2026.
• Check your eligibility: Those seeking S Passes in 2026 and 2027 should prepare for higher salary requirements and stricter company quotas.
• Monitor the PWCS: Employers can look to the Progressive Wage Credit Scheme, which has been extended to 2028, to help offset the costs of these rising local salary floors.

Read our full Singapore guide for the complete picture.