Budget 2026: LQS raised to $1,800 for lower-wage workers

PWCS core funding support also increases from 20% to 30%.

Singapore is raising the local qualifying salary for full-time local employees from $1,600 to $1,800, applicable to firms that hire foreign workers, according to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in Budget 2026.

The ‘Progressive Wage Credit Scheme’ (PWCS) will also be enhanced, with core funding support up from 20% to 30%.

“We will also extend the PWCS for two more years to 2028,” Wong said in his speech.

The minimum wage increase required to qualify for PWCS support will also rise from $100 to $200 starting next year.

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SG Budget 2026

Singapore Budget

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