Singapore Work Permit Updates 2025: Singapore has introduced major updates to its work permit regulations for 2025, which will significantly impact foreign workers and employers across various industries. These changes focus on raising salary thresholds, modifying Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass eligibility criteria, revising levy rates, and reinforcing fair hiring practices.
These new policies aim to ensure a competitive and balanced workforce, providing opportunities for local professionals while maintaining Singapore’s status as a hub for highly skilled foreign talent. This guide will help foreign workers, employers, and businesses understand the latest requirements and their impact on hiring and employment in Singapore.
Singapore Work Permit Updates 2025
| Update | Details |
|---|---|
| Employment Pass (EP) Salary Increase | SGD 5,600 minimum (previously SGD 5,000); SGD 6,200 for financial sector |
| S Pass Minimum Salary | SGD 3,300 (previously SGD 3,150); SGD 3,800 for financial sector |
| COMPASS Framework for EP Applications | Points-based system to assess salary, qualifications, diversity, and local hiring commitment |
| S Pass Levy Rate Increase | Tier 1: SGD 650 (from SGD 550); Tier 2 remains SGD 650 |
| EP & S Pass Renewal Deadlines | EP: January 1, 2026 |
| Workforce Fair Hiring & Compliance | Stricter regulations to ensure prioritization of local workforce |
| Official Source | Ministry of Manpower (MOM) |
Singapore’s 2025 work permit updates reflect its ongoing commitment to balancing local and foreign talent in the workforce. With higher salary requirements, stricter hiring regulations, and the COMPASS framework, these changes aim to maintain Singapore’s global competitiveness while prioritizing local employment opportunities.
Employers and foreign workers should prepare in advance by adjusting salary structures, improving qualifications, and ensuring compliance with new hiring regulations. These changes mark a significant shift in how work permits are granted in Singapore.
Major Changes in Singapore’s Work Permit Rules for 2025
1. Revised Salary Requirements for Employment Pass (EP)
The Employment Pass (EP) is intended for foreign professionals, executives, and managers. Starting January 1, 2025, new salary thresholds apply:
- SGD 5,600 per month (up from SGD 5,000) for most industries.
- SGD 6,200 per month for professionals in the financial sector.
- Higher salary requirements for older applicants (e.g., SGD 10,700 for applicants in their mid-40s).
- The salary criteria will apply to renewals by January 1, 2026.
2. Increased Minimum Salary for S Pass Holders
The S Pass is issued to mid-skilled foreign workers. Effective September 1, 2025, new salary and levy requirements include:
- SGD 3,300 per month (previously SGD 3,150) for most industries.
- SGD 3,800 per month for financial sector employees.
- Employers must pay a higher levy rate, increasing from SGD 550 to SGD 650 per worker.
By September 1, 2026, existing S Pass holders will also be required to comply with the revised criteria.
3. Introduction of the COMPASS Framework for EP Applications
The Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) is a new points-based system for EP applications. It evaluates applicants on multiple criteria to ensure they contribute positively to Singapore’s economy. Employers and foreign workers must accumulate at least 40 points based on the following:
- Salary Competitiveness (compared to local professionals in similar roles).
- Educational Qualifications (higher degrees score more points).
- Company Workforce Diversity (supporting a mix of local and foreign talent).
- Support for Local Hiring (companies must demonstrate commitment to employing Singaporeans).
4. Stricter Fair Hiring & Compliance Measures
Singapore is reinforcing its Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) to ensure local professionals have priority access to job opportunities before companies hire foreign workers. Employers must:
- Advertise job positions on MyCareersFuture before hiring foreign employees.
- Provide evidence of genuine efforts to recruit Singaporeans before applying for foreign work passes.
- Adhere to transparent hiring practices to prevent discrimination based on nationality.
Failure to comply may result in penalties, including delays in work pass approvals and potential placement on the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) watchlist.
5. Work Pass Renewal Deadlines & Transition Periods
To ease the transition, the government has set renewal deadlines for existing pass holders:
- Employment Pass (EP) holders must meet the new salary requirements by January 1, 2026.
- S Pass holders must meet revised salary and levy conditions by September 1, 2026.
Employers should start adjusting salary structures and workforce planning to comply with these upcoming regulations.
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Impact on Foreign Workers & Employers
For Foreign Workers:
- Increased salary requirements make it crucial to negotiate competitive pay with potential employers.
- Older applicants need to ensure they meet age-adjusted salary thresholds.
- Higher qualifications and in-demand skills improve chances of securing an EP or S Pass.
- Fewer opportunities in lower-skilled jobs as hiring preferences shift towards local employees.
For Employers:
- Increased costs due to higher salary thresholds and levy rates.
- Tighter hiring regulations requiring more documentation and compliance.
- Stronger competition for work passes, necessitating better employee benefits to attract foreign talent.
- Potential delays in work pass approvals if fair hiring practices are not followed.
Employers should review hiring strategies, salary structures, and compliance measures to align with Singapore’s updated regulations.
FAQs On Singapore Work Permit Updates 2025
1. Who will be affected by Singapore’s new work permit rules?
All foreign workers applying for an Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass in 2025 must meet the new salary thresholds and COMPASS assessment criteria.
2. What are the deadlines for existing work pass holders?
- Employment Pass (EP) holders must comply by January 1, 2026.
- S Pass holders must comply by September 1, 2026.
3. How do I qualify for an EP under the COMPASS framework?
Applicants must earn at least 40 points, assessed on salary, education, workforce diversity, and local hiring contributions.
4. Can an EP or S Pass holder apply for Permanent Residency (PR)?
Yes, but meeting higher salary thresholds, having strong qualifications, and securing long-term employment will improve PR eligibility.
5. How can I check if my employer follows fair hiring rules?
Visit the Ministry of Manpower’s watchlist, which lists companies that fail to comply with fair employment practices.
6. Are there any exemptions from the new rules?
There are no full exemptions, but some industries may have alternative hiring criteria under sector-specific schemes.
