Singapore raises Employment Pass qualifying salaries and updates COMPASS scoring

Current rules

To qualify for an Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore, candidates must now pass a two-stage eligibility framework: 1. Meet the revised EP qualifying salary, which is benchmarked against the top one-third of local Professional, Manager, Executive, and Technician (PMET) salaries by age. 2. Unless exempted, pass the points-based Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) by earning at least 40 points. The new qualifying salaries apply to new applications from 1 January 2027, and to renewals of passes expiring from 1 January 2028. For most sectors (excluding financial services): - The minimum qualifying salary for new applications and renewals increases from $5,600 (up to $10,700 at age 45+) to $6,000 (up to $11,500 at age 45+). For the financial services sector: - The minimum qualifying salary for new applications and renewals increases from $6,200 (up to $11,800 at age 45+) to $6,600 (up to $12,700 at age 45+). COMPASS scoring criteria include: - C1. Salary: Up to 20 points based on salary percentile against local PMETs. - C2. Qualifications: Up to 20 points for degree-equivalent qualifications from top-tier or highly-recognised institutions. - C3. Diversity: Up to 20 points based on the candidate's nationality share among the firm's PMET employees. - C4. Support for local employment: Up to 20 points based on the organization's local PMET share relative to its sector. - C5. Skills bonus (Shortage Occupation List): 10 or 20 bonus points for jobs on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL), depending on nationality share. - C6. Strategic Economic Priorities (SEP) bonus: 10 bonus points for organisations participating in eligible investment, innovation, or internationalisation activities, or endorsed by NTUC. Candidates are exempt from COMPASS if they: - Have a fixed monthly salary of at least $22,500. - Are applying as an overseas intra-corporate transferee. - Are filling the role for 1 month or less.

Overview

Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has revised the qualifying salary schedule for Employment Pass (EP) applications and updated the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) scoring system. These changes apply to new EP applications immediately, with a later effective date for renewals.

What changed in the latest version

This policy change significantly affects how overseas professionals can get Employment Passes (EPs) in Singapore. Earning the EP qualifying salary is now only the first step. People must also get at least 40 points under the COMPASS framework, unless they are exempt. For employers, this means a more organised and open way to check people. You will need to think about a person's salary and qualifications. You will also need to think about how they add to workforce diversity and support local employment within your organisation. The higher salary levels for new applications (from 1 January 2027) and renewals (from 1 January 2028) in all job areas will make hiring overseas talent more expensive. For overseas professionals, this means it is harder to get an EP. You must meet the higher salary rules. You must also show specific qualities that help Singapore's workforce goals. This includes things like specialist skills (from the Shortage Occupation List) or strong qualifications. Getting an EP now depends on more than just your salary.

Explained simply

Imagine getting a special work permit for Singapore, like an "Employment Pass" (EP). Think of it like getting into a popular club: you used to just need to show you had enough money (your salary). But now, there are two important doors you need to get through. First, the 'Salary Door': You still need to earn a certain amount of money, but the bar has been raised. Starting from 1 January 2027, for new applications, and 1 January 2028, for renewals, you'll need an even higher salary, especially as you get older. So, your paycheck needs to be bigger than before to even be considered. Second, the 'Points Door' (called COMPASS): This is brand new! Even if your salary is high enough, you now need to collect at least 40 points. Think of it like a game where you get points for different things. You get points for: * **How much you earn** compared to others in your job. * **Your education**, especially if it's from a really good university. * **Bringing new ideas** to your company by adding to its mix of nationalities. * **Supporting local jobs** within your company. * **Having skills that are urgently needed** in Singapore (like a special bonus round!). * **Working for a company that's doing something really important** for Singapore's economy (another bonus!). It’s like the government wants to make sure that not only do you earn enough, but you also bring valuable skills and contribute to a diverse and strong local workforce. If you have a really high salary (over $22,500 a month) or are just coming for a short time (less than a month), you might get to skip the 'Points Door' altogether. So, it's not just about money anymore; it's about being a great fit all around!

Version history

1. v1Effective 1 Jan 2027EffectiveHigh impact
   Singapore raises Employment Pass qualifying salaries and updates COMPASS scoring

   The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has changed the qualifying salaries and the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) scoring for Employment Pass applications. These changes affect new applications now. They will affect renewals later.