---
title: "Can I upgrade from a Work Permit to an S Pass or Employment Pass?"
topic: "Work Permit FAQ"
resource: "https://www.eh-immigration.com/faq/work-permit/work-permit-upgrade"
last_updated: "2026-08-12"
---

# Can I upgrade from a Work Permit to an S Pass or Employment Pass?

Last updated: 2026-08-12

Yes — but there is no automatic upgrade. You must have a new employer (or your current employer) submit a fresh S Pass or EP application that meets that pass's requirements — salary threshold, quota or COMPASS, and for EP the qualifying salary for your age band.

## It is a fresh application

S Pass and EP are assessed independently of the Work Permit. The new pass replaces the Work Permit once approved — there is no transfer mechanism between pass tiers.

## Check the current thresholds first

The S Pass qualifying salary is S$3,300 for new applications from 1 September 2025 (rising to S$3,600 from 1 January 2027); the EP requires S$5,600+ (S$6,200 in financial services) plus COMPASS points. A realistic salary and role assessment should come before the application.

## Sources

- [Can a Work Permit Holder Apply for PR in Singapore?](https://www.eh-immigration.com/articles/work-permit-holder-singapore-pr-marriage)
- [MOM — Work Permit](https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-permit-for-foreign-worker)

## Related E&H service

- [Work passes service](https://www.eh-immigration.com/services/work-passes)
- [Employment Pass service](https://www.eh-immigration.com/services/employment-pass)

Canonical page: https://www.eh-immigration.com/faq/work-permit/work-permit-upgrade