Singapore S Pass Quota, Levy & Salary Guide 2026: The Ultimate Employer Playbook

Navigating Singapore’s workforce landscape in 2026 is definitely more than just a job offer—it requires a strategic understanding of the up-to-the-minute MOM S Pass qualification rules. With the final form of the landmark 2022-2025 updates now fully in effect for all pass kinds, 2026 marks a pivotal year for compliance, particularly regarding reclamation.

Whether you are a local SME or a global transnational, this guide breaks down the Singapore Passing Quota Charge & pay requirements to ensure your hiring scheme remains unassailable.

1. The Pass 2026 Updates: What’s New for New Apps and Renewals?

The most captious update for 2026 is the “Renewal Drop.” While new S Pass users have not yet been subject to higher thresholds since late 2025, S Pass renewals that run out from 1 September 2026 must now meet the ascent salary and levy criteria.

Feature New Use (Effective Now) Reclamation (expiring on 1 Sep 2026) Min. Salary (General): $3,300 $3,300 Min. Salary (Finance) $3,800 Monthly Levy $650 (Harmonized) $650 (Harmonized)

MOM’s Pass Qualification: The Core Criteria

To measure up for an S Pass in 2026, candidates must:

Earn a fixed monthly salary benchmarked against the top one-third of local Associate Professionals and Technicians’ (APT) wages.
Possess a degree, diploma Oregon specialized technical certificate.
Pass the S Pass self-assessment tool (SAT) to confirm qualification before the leader applies.

2. Salary Guide 2026: Decoding the Age-Progressive Normal

The S Pass minimal qualifying salary for 2026 is not a flat rate. MOM uses an age-progressive pay scale to ensure older, experienced foreign workers are not undercutting local wages.

General Sectors

For most industries, the baseline is $3,300. However, for a candidate in their mid-40s, this threshold can grow up to $4,800.

Financial Services Sector

Due to the higher wage standard, the Financial Services S Pass wage threshold starts at $3,800, grading up to $5,650 for senior applicants.

Expert Tip: Always use the MOM SAT for every limited candidate. A 35-year-old skilled worker will require an insignificantly higher offer than a 23-year-old fresh graduate.

3. Quota and Levy: Managing the Costs of Talent

The Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC) remains the crowning portion for hiring. If your company pass its DRC you cannot apply for new passes.

S Pass Quota by Sector 2026

Your number is based on your total workforce (locals + foreigners).

Services Sector: Capped at 10% of total workforce.
The Manufacturing Building, Marine Shipyard, and Process were crowned at 15%.

The Standardised $650 Levy

A leading change for 2026 is the full execution of the Standardized S Pass levy of $650. Previously, conscription was split into Tier 1 and Tier 2. Now, employers face a flat cost per S Pass holder change for budgeting but accelerative standard costs for many.

Also Read:China Sponsored Employment Visa Fees 2026: Step-by-Step Costs

4. Operational Compliance: FCF and LQS

Hiring an S Pass holder involves more than just striking the salary marks. You must comply with the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF).

MyCareersFuture Job Advertisement: You must advertise the role for at least 14 days to guarantee all applicants have a fair shot.
Local Modification Pay (LQS): To count a local employee toward your number, you must pay them at least the LQS of $1,600. Locals earning between $800 and $1,600 only count as “0.5” local workers in your number calculation.
The Medical Security: As of 2026, ensure your S Pass medical insurance necessitates meeting the increased $60,000 annual limit with co-payment property.

5. Plan of action Pathways: M-SEP and NTS

For firms looking to exceed their number, the Strategic Economic Precedence (M-SEP) strategy offers a lifeline. Suitable firms can receive extra quota if they commit to hiring/activity locals or are involved in key economic programs.

Additionally, plane figures like Industry can purchase the Non-Traditional Sources (NTS) business list to fill limited roles that are traditionally hard to staff.

Singapore S Pass Quota, Levy & Salary Guide 2026 (FAQs):

Can I reincarnate an S Pass if the salary is below $3,300?

Only if the pass expires before 1 September 2026. After that date all repetition must meet the new $3,300 (or $3,800 for Finance) threshold.

Does the levy change based on the worker’s education?

Since the harmonization the S Pass levy is a flat $650 careless of the worker’s qualifications.

How do I calculate my actual quota?

Access the WP Online portal or use the MOM Number Calculator to see your “headcount balance.”

Conclusion: Planning for a Compliant 2026

The Singapore S Pass Quota Charge & Salary Guide 2026 highlights a clear trend: Singapore is variable toward a higher-productivity, higher-wage workforce. For SMEs in Singapore, this means workforce preparation must start at least 6 months before pass expiry.

Would you like me to create a custom quota calculation table based on your current headcount of local and abroad staff?

Disclaimer

This article is for knowledge and educational intent only. Readers are advised to sustain details from trusted sources, such as the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM), before making business or hiring conclusions.