Singapore is preparing for significant changes to its work visa and S Pass policies to support workforce stability and address the skills shortage. Find out what changes expats in Singapore can expect in 2025

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Singapore is set to make significant changes to its work permits and S Pass to improve workforce stability and address a shortage of highly skilled workers. The reforms, announced by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), will come into effect from 1 July to 1 September 2025 and will focus on expanding employment opportunities for foreign workers, clarifying S Pass requirements and increasing the number of workers in different sectors.

These changes will be welcome news for citizens of Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Nepal and other countries whose residents dream of working in Singapore. We will tell you about the key changes to Singapore's migration laws in this article.

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The list of countries whose citizens can apply for a Singapore work visa has been expanded

From 1 June 2025, Singapore will expand the list of countries from which it is allowed to attract workers to address the shortage of workers. The new list includes:

- Bhutan

- Cambodia

- Laos

Important! Currently, citizens of the following countries can obtain a work permit in Singapore: Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

These changes are aimed at expanding opportunities for employers and ensuring a stable flow of labor for key sectors of the Singapore economy.

Maximum duration of employment in Singapore has been abolished

From 1 July 2025, Singapore will abolish the maximum duration of employment for work permit holders. Previously, employment periods could be limited to 14 to 26 years depending on the level of skill, industry and country of origin of the worker. This change aligns the rules for all workers, including those coming from Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea and Taiwan, where there are no longer restrictions on the duration of employment.

Maximum age for work permit holders increased

From 1 July 2025, the maximum age for employment of work permit holders will be raised from 60 to 63, in line with the local retirement age in Singapore.

The maximum age for new work permit applicants will also be raised from 50 to 61 for non-Malaysians and from 58 to 61 for Malaysians. These changes will help businesses retain experienced workers and address the labor shortage in strategic sectors.

List of most popular occupations in Singapore expanded

From 1 September 2025, Singapore will expand the list of occupations that can be filled by foreign workers. In particular, expats will be able to hold one of the following positions: cook, heavy vehicle driver, production operators, etc.

Employers are required to pay a minimum wage of S$2,000 and ensure a labour dependency ratio of no more than 8% to ensure fair wages and avoid over-reliance on foreign workers.

Salary requirements for S Pass holders revised

In an effort to attract skilled workers, Singapore will raise the minimum qualifying salary for S Pass holders from S$3,150 to S$3,300. The changes will take effect from 1 September 2025 for new applications and from 1 September 2026 for renewals.

Also, for workers in the financial services sector, the minimum salary threshold will be raised to S$3,800, with a gradual increase to S$5,650 for experienced candidates aged around 40.

S Pass Fees Increased

The Tier 1 S Pass fee, which applies to 10% of a company’s workforce, will increase from S$550 to S$650 from 1 September 2025. This is in line with the Tier 2 fee, which applies to the next 5% of the workforce.

These changes reflect Singapore’s commitment to finding a balance between economic growth and local workforce development. The easing of work permit restrictions, the increase in age limits and the adjustment of salary requirements are aimed at attracting skilled foreign workers while creating a level playing field for local workers.

Book a consultation with a migration lawyer to find out the current rules for moving and working in Singapore in 2025.

Reminder! Singapore is one of the best places to start a business, as it has a stable government and economy, as well as excellent trade agreements with many countries around the world. We have already told you how a foreigner can start a business here.