At a glance
- The Local Qualifying Salary (LQS) rate, which is used to determine the number of local employees who can be taken into account to determine work permit quota entitlements for foreign employees, will rise to SGD1,800 on 1 July 2026.
- From 1 January 2027 onwards, the qualifying monthly salary for new Employment Pass (EP) applications will also rise to at least SGD6,000 (for employers who are not in the financial services sector) or SGD6,600 (for employers in the financial services sector).
- This applies to EP renewal applications as well from 1 January 2028 onwards.
- From 1 January 2027 onwards, the qualifying monthly salary for new S Pass applications will also rise to at least SGD3,600 (for employers who are not in the financial services sector) or SGD4,000 (for employers in the financial services sector).
- This applies to S Pass renewal applications as well from 1 January 2028 onwards.
Local Qualifying Salary thresholds
Companies employing foreign workers have to pay at least the relevant sectoral or occupational progressive wages to local workers in applicable job roles, and at least the LQS to all other local workers.
The LQS is used to determine the number of local employees who can be used to calculate a firm’s work permit and S Pass quota entitlement. The LQS is currently SGD1,600 and will rise to SGD1,800, with effect from 1 July 2026.
Employment Pass thresholds
Foreign nationals (ie non-Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents) who wish to live and work in Singapore must obtain valid work passes prior to commencing work.
There are several types of work pass which are administered and issued by the Ministry of Manpower (eg EP, S Pass, Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass and various Work Permits). The type of work pass required depends on the applicant’s salary, qualifications and skill-level and on the nature of employment sought.
In respect of new EP applications, the current qualifying monthly salary is at least SGD5,600 (for employers who are not in the financial services sector) or SGD6,200 (for employers in the financial services sector) but this increases progressively with age from 23 years old to 45 years old and above) and applies to EP renewal applications as well.
From 1 January 2027 onwards, the qualifying monthly salary for new EP applications will rise to at least SGD6,000 (for employers who are not in the financial services sector) or SGD6,600 (for employers in the financial services sector). This applies to EP renewal applications as well from 1 January 2028 onwards. The qualifying salaries for older EP applicants will rise in tandem.
S Pass thresholds
From 1 January 2027 onwards, the qualifying monthly salary for new S Pass applications will also rise to at least SGD3,600 (for employers who are not in the financial services sector) or SGD4,000 (for employers in the financial services sector). This applies to S Pass renewal applications as well from 1 January 2028 onwards.
These changes are intended to maintain the quality of EP and S Pass holders as local wages rise.
More to explore
