Singaporean visa resources
Comparing Singapore's Work Passes
How Singapore's main work passes differ by skill level, salary threshold, employer sponsorship and flexibility.
Important
Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) issues a tiered set of work passes. Which one applies depends mainly on the role's skill level and the worker's salary, and each has different employer obligations.
For skilled professionals, the Employment Pass (EP) is the standard route: it requires a qualifying salary and passing the points-based COMPASS assessment, and it is tied to a sponsoring employer. Mid-skilled staff use the S Pass, which adds a levy and a workforce quota. Semi-skilled workers in sectors such as construction, manufacturing and services come in on a Work Permit from approved source countries, with quota, levy, security bond and insurance obligations on the employer.
For top talent and greater flexibility, the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) and the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) are not tied to a single employer, while the EntrePass supports founders of innovative or venture-backed businesses. Households hiring help use the Work Permit for migrant domestic workers.
At a glance
- Employment Pass – skilled professionals; qualifying salary + COMPASS; employer-sponsored
- S Pass – mid-skilled workers; qualifying salary + levy + quota
- Work Permit – semi-skilled workers from approved source countries; sector rules, levy, quota, bond, insurance
- Personalised Employment Pass – high earners; not tied to an employer; issued once
- ONE Pass – top talent; not tied to an employer; can run multiple companies
- EntrePass – entrepreneurs with innovative or venture-backed businesses
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.