Key updates from the 2026 budget

1. Increase in minimum qualifying salary for Employment Passes (EP)

Please refer to the third column which references the new salary requirements for EPs submitted from 1 January 2027 and for renewal of EPs expiring from 1 January 2028.

2. Increase in minimum qualifying salary for S Passes

Please refer to the fourth column which references the new salary requirements for S Passes submitted from 1 January 2027 and for renewal of passes expiring from 1 January 2028.

3. Speech from Minister for Manpower Dr Tan Lee Seng

On 3 March 2026, the Minister delivered a speech in Parliament as part of COS 2026. Below is a summary of the key updates related to work passes in Singapore:

• COMPASS Framework

Since the implementation of the COMPASS Framework in 2023, two-thirds of EP holders have passed through the framework.

The government suggests that the COMPASS framework is delivering positive results. The share of firms with a higher dependence on foreigners of a single nationality has decreased by 20%, while the share of firms with a higher dependence on foreigners in general has decreased by 37%.

• S Pass Minimum Salary

By around 2030, if the economy continues to grow, the S Pass minimum qualifying salary is expected to be around SGD 4,000 to SGD 4,500 per month, depending on prevailing local wages and economic conditions.

• Simplification of Work Permit (WP) levy tiers

The WP levy framework will have its tiers reduced from 24 to 20, and will continue to be progressively streamlined. More details can be found in the speech here.

• Expansion of NTS-OL

From 1 September 2026, the Non-Traditional Source Occupation List (NTS-OL) will be expanded to include eight more occupations, which are Butchers, Fishmongers, Food/Drink Stall Assistants, Kitchen Assistants, Waiters, Cabin Attendants, Babysitters, Educarers, and Teacher Aides.

• Tech & AI ONE Pass

From 1 January 2027, a new stream will be added for the ONE Pass, referred to as the AI and Tech Track. This is intended to attract exceptional tech and AI talent to Singapore and will replace the Tech.Pass.

From K2’s perspective, the above updates show that the Singapore government is staying on course with regard to the COMPASS Framework. Salary increases have been announced in most years over the last six years, and it is important that companies consider the qualifying salary requirements before placing talent in Singapore.

Secondly, no negative comments were noted in relation to the ONE Pass, and with the introduction of the Tech & AI application stream, it appears that the government’s view of the ONE Pass is positive.

4. Speech by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong

On 26 February, the Minister delivered a speech in Parliament addressing demographic challenges in Singapore. Below is a summary of the key updates:

• Citizenship and low birth rates

Immigration flows will be carefully managed to augment the low birth rate. In 2025, Singapore approved around 25,000 citizenship applications and over the coming five years it is expected that the annual intake of new citizens will be between 25,000 and 30,000. With this adjustment, the government aims to maintain a stable citizenship population, with perhaps modest growth.

• Intake of Permanent Residents (PR)

In 2025, around 35,000 PR applications were approved, and it is expected that around 40,000 PR applications will be approved annually over the next five years.

From K2’s perspective, this may mean that PR and citizenship applications could have a slightly higher chance of approval in the coming five years.

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For more information, please refer to the Minister’s full speech here.

For any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to immigrationsingapore@k2xborder.com.