The primary distinction is that the S Pass is intended for mid-skilled individuals, whereas the Employment Pass (EP) is intended for highly skilled professionals with higher earnings.
Frequently asked questions
EP requires people with a degree from a well-known university or work experience that fits the qualifications, while SP requires people with a degree, diploma, or technical certificate and work experience relevant to the qualifications
While the S Pass has government quotas and requires employers to pay a monthly levy, the EP gives better opportunities for permanent residency and has neither quotas nor levies.
Eligibility for an EP requires a minimum salary of around S$5,000, while an S Pass requires a minimum salary of about S$3,150-$3,300, varying by age and sector.
People with EPs would have a more direct route to PR with fewer restrictions while people with SP are possible to obtain a PR but would have lesser prospects than people with EPs
