Singapore's salary floor for local staff, the Local Qualifying Salary, rose to S$1,800 on 1 July 2026.
The LQS went up from S$1,600. Next comes the S Pass floor: S$3,600 for new applications from 1 January 2027.
Neither changes your own payslip. Both decide how many Work Permit and S Pass holders your employer can keep.
What the LQS does
The LQS is the minimum a firm that hires foreigners must pay its full-time Singaporean and PR staff. Part-timers must get at least S$10.50 an hour.
A firm that fails to pay the LQS, or Progressive Wage rates where they apply, cannot apply for new work passes or renew existing ones, MOM says.
The LQS also sets the firm's quota for foreign workers:
Local worker's monthly pay
Counts toward quota as
S$1,800 and above
1 local
S$900 to below S$1,800
0.5 local
Below S$900
0
A firm with four locals on S$1,650 each had four full counts before July. Without a raise, they now count as two, and the firm's room for foreign workers shrinks.
Who feels it
Lean employers in F&B, cleaning, retail and other services feel it first. Expect more questions at renewal in late 2026.
The S Pass floor
New applications
Renewals
S$3,300 (most sectors)
since 1 Sep 2025
passes renewed from 1 Sep 2026
S$3,600 (most sectors)
from 1 Jan 2027
passes expiring from 1 Jan 2028
Financial services
S$3,800, rising to S$4,000
same timing
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The floor climbs with age, up to S$5,100 for a candidate in their mid-40s from 2027. MOM expects the minimum to reach around S$4,000 to S$4,500 by about 2030.
The Employment Pass floor rises from S$5,600 to S$6,000 on the same timetable.
Work Permit changes
From September 2026, MOM adds eight occupations in food services, social services and air transport to the Non-Traditional Source Occupation List. Filipinos hired under it must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$2,000.
From 2028, levies for basic-skilled Work Permit holders rise by S$100 in marine shipyards and S$150 in the process sector. Services and manufacturing move from three levy tiers to two.
Since 1 July 2023, employers must buy medical insurance of at least S$60,000 a year for each Work Permit and S Pass holder. From 1 July 2025, premiums differ for workers above 50.
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What to do
S Pass holders: find the basic monthly salary on your latest payslip. If it sits below S$3,600 and your pass expires from January 2028, ask your employer now how it plans to clear the new bar.
Work Permit holders: ask HR whether local staff already earn at least S$1,800. Check your renewal date, and keep your skills sheet current; a certificate, a licence or a clean record gives your employer a reason to keep your pass.
Everyone: if a renewal is refused, read your contract for notice and repatriation terms.
