Employment Pass vs S Pass vs EntrePass: Eligibility Criteria and Key Differences in Singapore

Singapore is one of Asia's leading business and employment destinations, attracting skilled professionals, international talent, entrepreneurs, and foreign investors. With its strong economy, business-friendly environment, and global opportunities, many foreigners consider Singapore an ideal place to work or establish a business.

However, before moving to Singapore for employment or business purposes, it is important to understand the different work pass options available.

The Singapore government offers several work passes for foreign professionals and entrepreneurs, with the Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, and EntrePass being three important options.

Although all three allow eligible foreigners to work or conduct business in Singapore, they serve different purposes and have different eligibility requirements, salary criteria, and application conditions.

In this article, we will explore the differences between the Employment Pass, S Pass, and EntrePass, including their eligibility criteria, key benefits, and how to choose the right option.

1. What Is an Employment Pass (EP)?

An Employment Pass (EP) is a Singapore work visa designed for foreign professionals, managers, executives, and specialists who have secured a job offer from a Singapore-based employer.

It is generally suitable for individuals with relevant qualifications, professional experience, and the salary level required by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Foreign professionals who want to work in industries such as finance, information technology, engineering, consulting, and management commonly consider this pass.

Key Features of an Employment Pass:

• Designed for foreign professionals, managers, and executives.

• Requires a job offer from a Singapore-based employer.

• Subject to minimum qualifying salary requirements.

• No foreign worker quota or monthly foreign worker levy.

• Eligible applicants may apply for dependent passes for qualifying family members.

• Initially valid for up to two years for a new application, with renewals generally valid for up to three years.

An Employment Pass is particularly suitable for experienced professionals who want to build their careers in Singapore.

2. What Is an S Pass?

An S Pass is a Singapore work pass designed for skilled foreign employees, particularly Associate Professionals and Technicians (APTs).

It is generally suitable for mid-level skilled employees who have secured employment with a Singapore-based company but may not meet the higher salary requirements of an Employment Pass.

Industries such as manufacturing, construction, healthcare, hospitality, and technical services commonly employ S Pass holders.

Key Features of an S Pass:

• Designed for skilled foreign employees and technicians.

• Requires a valid job offer from a Singapore employer.

• Applicants must meet the minimum qualifying salary.

• Subject to foreign worker quota restrictions.

• Employers must pay a monthly foreign worker levy.

• Employers must provide the required medical insurance.

• Initially valid for up to two years, with renewals generally valid for up to three years.

The S Pass is a suitable option for skilled foreign workers who want to work in Singapore in technical, operational, or associate professional roles.

3. What Is an EntrePass?

The EntrePass is a Singapore work pass designed for foreign entrepreneurs, innovators, and experienced investors who want to establish and operate an innovative business in Singapore.

Unlike the Employment Pass and S Pass, which are primarily employment-based, the EntrePass supports individuals who want to build a business rather than simply join an existing company.

However, not every business owner qualifies for this pass. The business must meet specific innovation, investment, or entrepreneurial criteria.

Key Features of an EntrePass:

• Designed for foreign entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors.

• Suitable for individuals establishing innovative or venture-backed businesses.

• Applicants must establish or intend to establish a Singapore private limited company.

• The applicant must hold at least 30% of the company's registered shares.

• No fixed minimum monthly salary requirement.

• No foreign worker quota or monthly foreign worker levy for the pass holder.

• Initially valid for up to one year, with renewals subject to business activity and performance requirements.

The EntrePass is particularly relevant for entrepreneurs planning to introduce innovative technologies, develop new products, or build scalable businesses in Singapore.

4. Employment Pass vs S Pass vs EntrePass: Key Differences

Although all three passes allow eligible foreigners to work in Singapore, their purposes, eligibility requirements, and application conditions are different.

Here is a comparison to help you understand which pass may be suitable for your situation.

Salary figures are the current starting qualifying salaries for most sectors as of October 2026. Higher thresholds apply to financial services and salaries increase with age. EntrePass approval depends on specific business eligibility criteria.

5. Eligibility Criteria for Employment Pass, S Pass and EntrePass

Understanding the eligibility requirements is essential before choosing a Singapore work pass. Each pass has a different assessment process.

A. Employment Pass Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for an Employment Pass, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Minimum qualifying salary

Applicants must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$5,600 in most sectors. For financial services, the minimum starts at S$6,200.

The salary requirement increases progressively with age. Experienced professionals are expected to earn higher salaries.

2. COMPASS assessment

Most Employment Pass applicants must pass the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS), a points-based system.

Applicants generally need at least 40 points across the assessment criteria:

• Salary

• Qualifications

• Diversity

• Support for local employment

Additional points may be available through relevant skills and strategic economic priorities.

3. Job offer from a Singapore employer

Applicants must secure a job offer from a Singapore-registered employer. The employer or an appointed employment agent submits the application.

4. Relevant professional qualifications and experience

Although a degree is not compulsory in every case, recognised qualifications, professional expertise, and relevant work experience can strengthen an application.

B. S Pass Eligibility Criteria

The S Pass has different requirements because it targets skilled foreign employees.

1. Minimum qualifying salary

As of October 2026, the minimum qualifying salary starts at:

• S$3,300 per month for most sectors.

• S$3,800 per month for the financial services sector.

The required salary increases with the applicant's age.

2. Job offer from a Singapore employer

Applicants must have a job offer from a Singapore employer. The employer or an appointed employment agent must submit the application.

3. Foreign worker quota

Unlike the Employment Pass, the S Pass is subject to quota restrictions.

The quota depends on the employer's industry:

• Services sector: Up to 10% of the company's workforce.

• Manufacturing, construction, marine shipyard, and process sectors: Up to 15% of the company's workforce.

4. Foreign worker levy and medical insurance

Employers must pay the applicable monthly S Pass levy and provide medical insurance for their S Pass employees.

5. Qualifications and experience

Applicants can declare their qualifications, but declaring them is optional. Relevant skills, professional experience, and the nature of the job remain important considerations.

C. EntrePass Eligibility Criteria

The EntrePass has a different eligibility framework because it is intended for entrepreneurs and business innovators.

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

1. Establish or plan to establish a Singapore company

Applicants must have started or intend to start a private limited company registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).

The EntrePass applicant must hold at least 30% of the company's registered shares.

2. Meet at least one qualifying entrepreneurial criterion

Applicants must demonstrate that they meet at least one of the recognised criteria, such as:

• Funding: Raised at least S$100,000 in a single funding round from recognised investors for a past or current business.

• Incubator or accelerator: Participated in a recognised incubator or accelerator programme.

• Intellectual property: Own intellectual property that is registered or legally protected and relevant to the proposed business.

• Research collaboration: Have a qualifying research collaboration with a recognised research institution.

• Entrepreneurial experience: Have relevant experience founding and growing successful businesses.

• Investment experience: Have experience investing in or supporting successful businesses.

3. Innovative or venture-backed business

The proposed business must be venture-backed or own innovative technologies. Traditional businesses such as coffee shops, bars, massage parlours, and employment agencies are among the businesses that do not qualify.

4. Business activity and renewal requirements

EntrePass holders must actively develop their businesses in Singapore and meet the applicable business spending, local employment, and other renewal criteria.

6. Which Singapore Work Pass Should You Choose?

Choosing the right work pass depends on your employment goals, professional background, salary, and business plans.

Here is a simple way to understand which option may be appropriate.

Choose an Employment Pass if:

• You are a qualified professional, manager, executive, or specialist.

• You have received a job offer from a Singapore company.

• Your salary meets the Employment Pass qualifying threshold.

• You can meet the COMPASS assessment requirements, where applicable.

• You want to pursue long-term professional career opportunities in Singapore.

Choose an S Pass if:

• You are a skilled employee or associate professional.

• You have secured a job with a Singapore-based employer.

• Your salary meets the S Pass qualifying threshold.

• Your employer has sufficient foreign worker quota.

• You are looking for employment in technical, operational, or skilled occupations.

Choose an EntrePass if:

• You want to establish and operate a business in Singapore.

• You have experience building or growing innovative businesses.

• You have access to qualifying funding or support from recognised incubators.

• Your business owns innovative technology or qualifying intellectual property.

• You want to contribute to Singapore's startup and innovation ecosystem.

Important: An EntrePass is not a general-purpose business visa. Simply registering a Singapore company or becoming a shareholder does not automatically make someone eligible.

7. What Are the Important Factors to Consider Before Applying?

Before submitting an application, applicants and employers should evaluate several factors to avoid unnecessary delays or rejection.

1. Check the latest salary requirements

Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regularly reviews qualifying salary thresholds. Applicants should check the requirements applicable to their age, industry, and application date.

For example, the Employment Pass minimum salary for most sectors is scheduled to increase from S$5,600 to S$6,000 for new applications from 1 January 2027.

Similarly, the S Pass minimum for most sectors will increase from S$3,300 to S$3,600 from the same date.

2. Understand the employer's responsibilities

For Employment Pass and S Pass applications, the employer plays an important role in the application process.

Employers should check their eligibility to hire foreign employees, fulfil applicable advertising requirements, and prepare the necessary supporting documents.

3. Evaluate business eligibility for EntrePass

Entrepreneurs should prepare a detailed business plan and supporting evidence of their funding, innovation, intellectual property, or other qualifying achievements.

A conventional business model may not satisfy the EntrePass requirements.

4. Prepare the required documents

Depending on the pass type, applicants may need to provide:

• Passport details and personal information.

• Educational certificates and qualification verification, where applicable.

• Employment history and professional experience.

• Employment offer and salary details for EP or S Pass.

• Business plan and company registration details for EntrePass.

• Supporting evidence of funding, intellectual property, or research collaborations for EntrePass.

5. Understand renewal and compliance requirements

Obtaining a work pass is not the end of the process. Employers and pass holders must comply with Singapore's employment and immigration regulations.

For EntrePass holders, continued business activity and meeting the applicable renewal criteria are particularly important.

8. Get Professional Support for Setting Up Your Business in Singapore with Tianlong Services

Choosing the right Singapore work pass is an important step, but establishing a business in Singapore also involves understanding company registration, corporate compliance, taxation, and ongoing statutory responsibilities.

Whether you are an international entrepreneur planning to establish a new company or a business owner expanding into Singapore, having the right corporate support can make the process easier.

Tianlong Services Pte Ltd provides professional corporate services to businesses looking to establish and manage their operations in Singapore.

With support for services such as:

• Singapore company incorporation.

• Corporate secretarial services.

• Corporate compliance and statutory filing.

• Corporate income tax filing.

• Ongoing company administration and compliance support.

Tianlong Services helps businesses manage their corporate responsibilities while focusing on growth and operations.

Planning to establish your business in Singapore?

Connect with Tianlong Services to understand your company incorporation and corporate compliance requirements.