The Employment Pass (EP) qualifying salary is S$5,600 for most sectors, rising to S$6,000 for new applications from 1 January 2027. You must also pass the COMPASS points system with 40 points to get an EP. This article sets out the two-stage eligibility framework, the salary floors by sector and age, and how COMPASS scores applications.
Stage 1: EP qualifying salary
EP candidates must first meet the qualifying salary. The qualifying salary is benchmarked to the top one-third of local PMET (professionals, managers, executives and technicians) salaries by age. It is a minimum bar. A candidate who fails it is ineligible, regardless of COMPASS points.
The current minimum and the 1 January 2027 level are:
| Sector | Current minimum | From 1 Jan 2027 (new applications) |
|---|---|---|
| All except financial services | S$5,600 | S$6,000 |
| Financial services | S$6,200 | S$6,600 |
The salary rises progressively with age. For all sectors except financial services, it starts at S$5,600 at age 23 or below and reaches S$10,700 at age 45 and above. From 1 January 2027, those figures become S$6,000 at age 23 or below and S$11,500 at age 45 and above. For financial services, the current range is S$6,200 (age 23 or below) to S$11,800 (age 45 and above), rising to S$6,600 to S$12,700 from 1 January 2027. Renewals follow the same schedule: passes expiring from 1 January 2028 fall under the higher figures.
Stage 2: COMPASS points system
COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) is a transparent, points-based system. An application needs 40 points to pass. COMPASS applies unless the candidate is exempt (see below).
Four foundational criteria each award up to 20 points. Two bonus criteria can cover any shortfall.
Foundational criteria
C1. Salary. This benchmarks the candidate’s fixed monthly salary against local PMET salaries in the sector. It is separate from the qualifying salary floor.
- 90th percentile and above: 20 points
- 65th to below 90th percentile: 10 points
- Below 65th percentile: 0 points
C2. Qualifications. Points go to degree-equivalent qualifications.
- Top-tier qualifications (e.g. top 100 universities per QS World University Rankings, Singapore’s Autonomous Universities, or field-recognised institutions): 20 points
- Other degree-equivalent qualifications: 10 points
- No degree-equivalent qualification: 0 points
Candidates without degree-equivalent qualifications can still pass COMPASS by earning 40 points from other criteria. If you do not need C2 points, you do not need to submit qualifications or verification proof. If you do, submit verification proof with the application.
C3. Diversity. This rewards a candidate’s nationality forming a small share of the firm’s PMET employees.
- Fewer than 25 PMETs: 10 points by default
- At least 25 PMETs: less than 5% share = 20 points; 5% to below 25% = 10 points; 25% or more = 0 points
C4. Support for local employment. This rewards firms with a stronger local PMET share relative to their sector.
- Fewer than 25 PMETs: 10 points by default
- At least 25 PMETs: 50th percentile and above = 20 points; 20th to below 50th percentile = 10 points; below 20th percentile = 0 points
If your firm’s local PMET share is at least 70% (pegged to the 20th percentile economy-wide), you score at least 10 points regardless of your standing within the sector.
Bonus criteria
C5. Skills bonus (Shortage Occupation List). A job on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) earns points based on the candidate’s nationality share among the firm’s PMETs:
- Nationality share below one-third: 20 points
- Nationality share one-third or more: 10 points
Candidates who needed SOL bonus points to pass COMPASS, or who applied for a 5-year EP for a tech SOL occupation, can only be employed in that specific shortage occupation. This restriction is stated in the in-principle approval (IPA) letter.
C6. Strategic Economic Priorities (SEP) bonus. Participating in or meeting criteria for an eligible programme earns 10 points. The bonus is valid for up to 3 years or the programme duration, whichever is shorter. For renewal, the firm must earn at least 10 C3 points and at least 10 C4 points for each of the 3 months before renewal.
COMPASS exemptions
A candidate is exempt from COMPASS if any of these apply:
- Fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500
- Applying as an overseas intra-corporate transferee
- Filling the role for 1 month or less
Before you apply
Employers and employment agents should use the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) to check eligibility before applying. Confirm the candidate’s sector, because financial services carries a higher salary floor. Confirm the candidate’s age band, because the qualifying salary rises with age. Check the firm’s C3 and C4 position through the Workforce Insights tool on myMOM Portal. These are planning steps, not additional rules beyond the eligibility framework.
Employers must also meet the Fair Consideration Framework job advertising requirement before submitting new EP applications.
Pass duration and features
A first-time EP is valid for up to 2 years. Renewals are valid for up to 3 years. Experienced tech professionals with skills in shortage may qualify for a 5-year EP. The EP requires no foreign worker levy or quota. Employers may choose whether to provide medical insurance for EP holders.
Related passes
The S Pass has a lower qualifying salary (S$3,300 now, S$3,600 from 1 January 2027, except financial services S$3,800 to S$4,000) but is subject to quota and levy. The Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass requires a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 for the 12 consecutive months before application, or outstanding achievements in sports, arts and culture, academia or research. It is exempt from COMPASS and the FCF job advertising requirement and is valid for up to 5 years. Candidates may apply under the AI and Tech track from 28 January 2027.
