Singapore Work Pass Updates: EP and S Pass Salary Hike Coming Jan 2027
- 19 hours ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 5 hours ago
Published: 2026-02-18T18:30+05:30 (IST)
By Xavio
Singapore has announced significant increases to the minimum qualifying salaries for Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass holders, effective from January 2027. The updates were revealed by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during his Budget 2026 speech to Parliament on February 17, 2026, as part of broader efforts to attract high-calibre foreign talent while maintaining a sustainable foreign workforce framework.
The new thresholds reflect adjustments for inflation, wage growth, and Singapore's continued focus on quality over quantity in skilled migration. The changes will apply to new applications and renewals starting January 1, 2027.
Updated Minimum Monthly Salaries (from January 2027)
Category | Current Minimum (2026) | New Minimum (Jan 2027) | Approximate USD Equivalent (2027) |
EP – General Sector | S$5,600 | S$6,000 | ~US$4,745 |
EP – Financial Services | S$6,200 | S$6,600 | ~US$5,220 |
EP – Experienced (45 years & above, General) | S$10,700 | S$11,500 | ~US$9,095 |
EP – Experienced (45+, Financial Services) | S$11,800 | S$12,700 | ~US$10,044 |
S Pass – General Sector | S$3,300 | S$3,600 | ~US$2,847 |
S Pass – Financial Services | S$3,800 | S$4,000 | ~US$3,163 |
S Pass – Experienced (45+, General) | S$4,800 | S$5,100 | ~US$4,033 |
S Pass – Experienced (45+, Financial) | S$5,650 | S$5,650 | ~US$4,468 |
Note: Salaries are fixed monthly figures. The “experienced” category applies to applicants aged 45 and above. Financial services include banking, insurance, asset management, and related roles.
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Professionals
New applications from January 2027 must meet the higher thresholds to be considered.
Existing EP/S Pass holders renewing after January 1, 2027, will need to satisfy the updated minimums at renewal time.
Employers in tech, finance, engineering, and other high-demand sectors may need to adjust salary offers upward to remain competitive.
The unchanged S Pass threshold for experienced financial services workers (S$5,650) indicates continued recognition of sector-specific wage pressures.
These adjustments follow a series of progressive increases since 2022–2023, aimed at ensuring foreign professionals complement rather than compete with local talent.
Indian professionals, who form one of the largest groups of EP and S Pass holders in Singapore, will be directly affected. Many in IT, finance, and engineering roles may need salary reviews during upcoming renewals or job switches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When do the new minimum salaries take effect?
January 1, 2027 – for all new applications and renewals submitted on or after that date.
Q: Do current EP/S Pass holders need to meet the new salaries immediately?
No – only at the next renewal after January 1, 2027. Existing passes remain valid until expiry.
Q: Will the increases affect dependent passes or family applications?
Indirectly – higher principal salaries may improve eligibility for dependent passes, but no direct change to dependent rules.
Q: Are there sector-specific quotas or levies changing too?
No sector-specific salary changes beyond finance vs. general. Foreign worker levies and quotas remain separate.
Q: Where can I find the official announcement?
Refer to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website or the full Budget 2026 speech transcript.
For official details on Employment Pass, S Pass, salary requirements, and application updates, visit the Ministry of Manpower Singapore Employment Pass page.
For the latest Singapore work visa news, salary benchmarks, and guides tailored for Indian professionals (especially from Kerala), explore our dedicated Singapore immigration section.
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