Singapore’s S Pass and NTS Changes 2026: What Employers Need to Know

Over the years, Singapore’s manpower policies have continually evolved, as the government seeks to balance business needs with workforce quality. Following the recent announcements from Singapore’s Budget 2026 framework, new updates have been introduced to the S Pass qualifying salary and the Non-Traditional Source (NTS) Occupation List.

These new changes are part of Singapore’s broader strategy to ensure that foreign manpower complements the local workforce while maintaining fair and competitive wage standards.

In this article, we break down the key updates and provide employers with insights on how they can plan their hiring strategies moving forward.

Key S Pass Changes in Singapore for 2026

The S Pass is designed for Associate Professionals and Technicians (APTs) and is often used by companies in sectors such as manufacturing, services and technology.

Under the announced changes, the minimum qualifying salary for S Pass holders will increase from S$3,300 to S$3,600. For the financial services sector, the minimum qualifying salary will increase from S$3,800 to S$4,000.

Below is a summary of the updated requirements and their respective effective dates:

Why the S Pass Threshold Is Increasing

The Ministry of Manpower periodically reviews the S Pass salary benchmark to ensure that the cost of hiring foreign workers reflects local wage conditions. The qualifying salary is benchmarked against the top one-third of local APT wages, in an effort to ensure that foreign professionals are complementary, rather than substitutions for local talent.

For employers, these changes highlight the growing importance of workforce planning and salary benchmarking when hiring or renewing S Pass holders in the coming years.

Expansion of Singapore’s Non-Traditional Source (NTS) Occupation List  

Additionally, the Singapore government has also introduced changes to the Non-Traditional Source (NTS) Occupation List.

The NTS framework allows companies to hire Work Permit holders from a broader range of countries for selected occupations that face persistent manpower shortages. Previously, the NTS list was restricted only to several types of occupations, and employers were only able to hire manpower from a selection of approved source countries.

From 1 September 2026, the NTS Occupation List will be expanded to include several new roles. Below are the key updates:

Industry Impact of the 2026 NTS Occupation List Expansion  

With these new roles, businesses will be better positioned to address labour shortages and maintain service standards. For example, in the F&B sector, restaurants and hawker stalls will be able to fill kitchen preparation roles more efficiently. Childcare centres can recruit caregivers and teacher aides to meet the rising demand for early childhood services in Singapore. Meanwhile, hotels and airlines will also be able to maintain manpower for housekeeping and support roles, particularly during peak travel periods.

Currently, Singapore employs around 1.7 million foreign workers, most of whom are concentrated in the construction, manufacturing, and service or retail sectors. The expansion of the NTS Occupation List helps industries that traditionally struggle to attract sufficient local talent broaden their hiring pool, enabling businesses to recruit workers more efficiently and sustain operations as demand grows.

Employer Next Steps for Work Permit and S Pass Workforce Planning  

Now that the the minimum S Pass qualifying salary has been set to increase from S$3,300 to S$3,600 from 2027, employers should ensure that new hires meet the revised salary thresholds.

Businesses may need to:

1. Review Salaries and Hiring Budgets

• Review salaries of existing S Pass holders whose passes may be renewed from 2028 onwards

• Factor higher salary requirements into future hiring budgets

• Align salaries with Ministry of Manpower guidelines

2. Re-evaluate Workforce Structure

As S Pass requirements become more stringent, some roles may be more suitable under the Work Permit scheme instead.

The expansion of the NTS Occupation List provides employers with additional hiring flexibility, particularly for operational roles in sectors facing manpower shortages. Companies should review whether certain positions fall within the newly added occupations.

3. Stay Updated on Regulatory Changes  

As Singapore’s manpower policies are continuously evolving, businesses should stay informed of updates that may affect hiring and workforce planning. Regularly reviewing workforce strategies can help companies remain compliant while managing operational needs effectively.  

How PayrollServe Can Support Your Business  

Navigating evolving work pass regulations can be complex, but PayrollServe is here to help simplify the process. Our Work Pass Management Services support businesses at every stage – from application and renewal to cancellation – ensuring that your work passes are well-tracked, managed and compliant with regulatory requirements.

Our HR Advisory Services also provide strategic workforce planning, helping businesses adapt to regulatory changes while optimising their staffing strategies for long-term growth. We also specialise in business advisory for the F&B, retail and consumer products sectors, where manpower needs and regulatory requirements can be particularly complex, providing tailored guidance to help organisations.

Contact us today to find out more about how PayrollServe can help to manage and support your organisation in building a resilient and future-proof workforce.