New Employment Pass Requirements and Changes for 2025

Singapore’s Employment Pass (EP) framework has undergone significant updates to ensure a high-quality workforce while maintaining fair employment opportunities for local professionals. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has introduced stricter salary thresholds and revised eligibility criteria, effective January 1, 2025. These changes are aligned with Singapore’s strategy to attract top-tier global talent while prioritizing local employment.

If you are an employer hiring foreign professionals or a foreign worker looking to secure an Employment Pass, it is essential to understand these new regulations. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the changes, their impact, and the steps to take for a successful EP application in 2025.

For more details on Employment Pass applications, you can learn more at our Employment Pass Services page. 

Key Changes to Employment Pass in 2025

Higher Salary Requirements for EP Applicants

A major update in 2025 is the increase in minimum qualifying salaries across all industries:

✅ General Sectors: From S$5,000 to S$5,600 per month
✅ Financial Services: From S$5,500 to S$6,200 per month

These adjustments are designed to align EP holders with the top one-third of local PMET (Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians) salaries. By raising the salary bar, Singapore aims to attract highly skilled individuals who contribute significant value to the economy.

💡 Did you know? The Employment Pass salary requirement increases with age. By the mid-40s, applicants in general sectors must meet a S$10,700 salary, while financial services professionals need at least S$11,800.

New Timeline for Implementation

For New EP Applicants:

• The new salary criteria will be effective from January 1, 2025.
• All applications must comply with the revised requirements.

For EP Renewals:

• The new salary threshold applies to renewals from January 1, 2026.
• Existing EP holders must meet the revised salary benchmarks upon renewal.

This phased approach gives employers and professionals adequate time to plan and adjust to the new rules.

Why Are Employment Pass Salaries Increasing?

The MOM’s objective with these updates is to maintain a balanced workforce by ensuring that foreign professionals complement, rather than displace, local talent. The new policies address key workforce and economic priorities:

• Ensuring Fair Wages – Aligning EP salaries with local PMET wages prevents unfair competition and wage suppression.
• Attracting Highly Skilled Talent – Raising salary thresholds ensures that Singapore continues to hire top-tier professionals with specialized expertise.
• Keeping Up with Market Trends – The new EP framework reflects economic shifts and salary growth trends in Singapore’s workforce.
• Minimizing Low-Skilled Hiring – The higher salary bar ensures that EP holders possess unique and valuable skills.

By implementing these changes, Singapore reinforces its position as a hub for high-value global talent while safeguarding employment opportunities for local professionals.

How Employers and EP Applicants Can Prepare

With the new salary benchmarks, both companies and foreign professionals must take proactive steps to comply with the updated requirements.

Employers: Adjust Recruitment Strategies

• Review & Adjust Compensation – Ensure salary packages meet the new EP thresholds.
• Plan for Budget Increases – Companies may need to adjust HR budgets to accommodate higher salaries for EP holders.
• Prioritize Highly Skilled Talent – Hire foreign professionals with specialized skills that justify the higher salary criteria.
• Enhance Local Workforce Development – Companies should also consider investing in upskilling local employees to reduce reliance on foreign professionals.

Tip: Use MOM’s Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) to pre-check a candidate’s EP eligibility.

Foreign Professionals: Strengthen Your EP Application

• Ensure Your Salary Meets Requirements – Negotiate your offer based on the new salary benchmarks.
• Highlight Niche Expertise – Showcase your specialized skills in industries like technology, finance, and healthcare.
• Consider Alternative Passes – If you don’t qualify for an EP, explore options like S Pass or Personalised Employment Pass (PEP).
• Build a Strong Professional Profile – Having certifications, professional achievements, and relevant work experience can strengthen your application.

Did you know? The Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) now plays a significant role in EP approvals, assessing candidates based on diversity, skills, and firm-level contributions.

For detailed application tips, check our Employment Pass Application Guide

Stay Updated on MOM Guidelines

1. Follow official updates from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
2. Monitor industry trends and salary benchmarks to stay ahead of changes.
3. Seek professional consultation if you’re unsure about EP eligibility.

By preparing early, both employers and professionals can navigate the new Employment Pass regulations smoothly and secure approvals more effectively.

Employment Pass Alternatives for 2025

For applicants who do not meet the new EP salary criteria, Singapore offers several alternative work passes:

S Pass (Mid-Skilled Workers)

• Salary Requirement: S$3,150 (S$3,650 for financial services)
• Designed for mid-level professionals who do not qualify for an EP.

Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)

• A flexible pass for high-earning professionals with no employer restrictions.
• Requires a minimum fixed salary of S$22,500 per month.

Tech.Pass (For Global Tech Experts)

• Exclusive to top technology professionals and startup founders.
• Ideal for individuals in AI, cybersecurity, fintech, and software development.

By exploring these alternatives, professionals can continue working in Singapore even if they do not qualify for the updated Employment Pass framework.

Conclusion: What This Means for Employers & Foreign Professionals

The 2025 Employment Pass changes will reshape Singapore’s hiring landscape, placing a stronger emphasis on high-skilled talent and competitive salaries.

Key Takeaways:

1. Higher Salary Requirements – EP applicants must meet S$5,600+ (General) or S$6,200+ (Financial Services).
2. Phased Implementation – New salaries apply from 2025 for new EPs, and 2026 for renewals.
3. Age-Adjusted Salary Requirements – Older applicants need to meet higher salary benchmarks.
4. New Regulations Begin January 2025 – Employers must adjust hiring strategies accordingly.

Final Tip: Staying informed and prepared is the best way to navigate the new EP framework. Employers should restructure their hiring strategies, while professionals should enhance their applications to meet MOM’s evolving standards.

Need expert guidance on your Employment Pass application? Contact The Immigration People for a complimentary 1-on-1 consultation today!