Singapore Work Permit Changes 2025: Key Facts for Professionals

Singapore Work Permit Changes 2025

Singapore is implementing major work permit reforms in 2025 to strike a balance between welcoming foreign talent and protecting opportunities for local professionals. These updates affect Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass holders, and introduce higher salary thresholds, compliance deadlines, and a new points-based evaluation system. At uSafe Group, we help businesses stay compliant and competitive in this evolving employment landscape.

1. Increased Salary Requirements for Employment Pass (EP) Applicants

Starting January 1, 2025, the minimum qualifying salary for EP applications will increase:

SGD 5,600 for most industries
SGD 6,200 for financial services roles
Up to SGD 10,700 for experienced professionals in their mid-40s

Current EP holders must meet these new requirements by January 1, 2026. Companies should act now to review and adjust salary packages to avoid renewal issues.

2. Stricter S Pass Criteria and Higher Levy Rates

Effective September 1, 2025, the minimum salary for S Pass holders will rise:

SGD 3,300 for general sectors
SGD 3,800 for the financial sector

In addition, the Tier 1 levy will increase from SGD 550 to SGD 650. The Tier 2 levy remains at SGD 650. All S Pass renewals must comply by September 1, 2026.

3. COMPASS Framework: A New EP Evaluation Method

The new Complementarity Assessment (COMPASS) Framework introduces a transparent points-based system for assessing EP applicants based on:

Salary competitiveness
Academic qualifications
Company workforce diversity
Employer’s local hiring record

Applicants must score at least 40 points to qualify, promoting fair hiring and stronger alignment with national manpower goals.

4. Enhanced Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) Requirements

Under the updated Fair Consideration Framework, employers must:

Advertise all job roles on MyCareersFuture.sg
Show clear evidence of efforts to hire local candidates first

Companies that fail to comply risk being placed on the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) watchlist and facing delays in work pass approvals.

5. Compliance Deadlines You Must Prepare For

To ensure a smooth transition, MOM has set staggered timelines:

January 1, 2026: All current EP holders must meet new salary benchmarks
September 1, 2026: S Pass holders must comply with new salary and levy rates

Employers should review their workforce plans early to avoid disruptions and penalties.

6. Implications for Foreign Talent and Employers

Foreign professionals must now meet:

Higher salary expectations
Age-adjusted benchmarks for mid-career professionals

Employers face:

Rising labor costs
More stringent recruitment documentation requirements
The need for greater transparency in hiring

7. Alternative Work Pass Options for Exceptional Talent

If your company or candidates do not meet standard pass criteria, consider these alternatives:

Tech.Pass – For top-tier tech leaders and founders
Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) – For professionals earning SGD 30,000/month or more
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) – For high-earning EP holders earning SGD 22,500/month or more

These passes offer flexibility for high-performing global talent.

8. How uSafe Group Can Support Your Business

The 2025 reforms are a strategic move toward building a future-ready, inclusive workforce. As the regulatory landscape evolves, uSafe Group provides expert guidance to help businesses:

Navigate new MOM regulations
Review and restructure workforce plans
Ensure fair hiring compliance
Streamline EP and S Pass applications

Stay Ahead with uSafe Group

Singapore’s latest work pass policies raise the bar for both employers and foreign professionals. Don’t risk non-compliance or operational delays.

Contact uSafe Group today to future-proof your workforce and ensure your hiring practices meet the latest MOM requirements.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute any professional advice. Feel free to contact us to consult with our professional advisors team for personalized advice and guidance.

Sources: https://amreddybedcollege.com/singapores-evolving-workforce-landscape/