Long a land of immigration, open too foreign labor, singapore has as 2014 developed a more restrictive discourse while preserving a strategic balance: attracting specific skills with high added value to support economic growth while preserving the priority given to Singaporean citizens. The Singaporean government, via the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), for example established the fair Consideration Framework (FCF), which requires companies to demonstrate that they have attempted to recruit locally before employing a qualified foreign worker. Controls are also stricter when granting or renewing work permits.
To work
The Employment Pass (EP) remains the most sought-after permit for qualified executives, engineers, managers, and specialists.In 2025, it requires a minimum salary of around SGD 5,600, increased to SGD 6,200 in finance professions. This threshold is progressive depending on age and experience: a senior profile will need a higher salary – typically around SGD 10,000 or more.As the implementation of the COMPASS system, applications are judged according to a set of criteria: qualifications, rarity of skills, contribution to the local market, and contribution to diversity within the company.
The S Pass is aimed at intermediate employees and qualified technicians. The minimum wage required is lower than that of the EP, but this permit is subject to quotas: a company can only employ a certain ratio of foreign staff in relation to local employees.this pass is often suitable for technical profiles (IT, maintenance, biotech applied, etc.) or specialized professions at middle management level.
Established as January 1, 2023, the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) aims to attract remarkable talent.
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