The Employment Pass (EP) is the primary work pass for foreign professionals, managers, and executives. This article sets out the current eligibility framework, the COMPASS points system, key pass facts, and the Permanent Residence (PR) application process for EP holders.
EP Eligibility: Two-Stage Framework
All EP candidates must clear a two-stage framework. Stage 1 is a qualifying salary benchmark. Stage 2 is the points-based Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS), unless exempted.
Stage 1: EP Qualifying Salary
The qualifying salary is pegged to the top one-third of local PMET salaries by age. It applies to new applications and renewals. The current minimums (before 1 Jan 2027) and the revised minimums (from 1 Jan 2027 for new applications, and for renewals of passes expiring from 1 Jan 2028) are:
All sectors except financial services
- Current minimum: $5,600 at age 23, rising progressively to $10,700 at age 45 and above.
- From 1 Jan 2027: $6,000 at age 23, rising progressively to $11,500 at age 45 and above.
Financial services sector
- Current minimum: $6,200 at age 23, rising progressively to $11,800 at age 45 and above.
- From 1 Jan 2027: $6,600 at age 23, rising progressively to $12,700 at age 45 and above.
Candidates who do not meet the Stage 1 salary are not eligible for an EP, regardless of COMPASS points.
Stage 2: COMPASS
COMPASS requires a total of 40 points across four foundational criteria (C1–C4) and two bonus criteria (C5, C6). Employers can check eligibility using the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT).
C1. Salary
Points are awarded based on the candidate’s fixed monthly salary compared to local PMET salary benchmarks by sector:
- 90th percentile and above: 20 points
- 65th to less than 90th percentile: 10 points
- Below 65th percentile: 0 points
C2. Qualifications
- Degree-equivalent from top-tier institutions (Top 100 QS World University Rankings, other highly-reputed universities in Asia, Singapore Autonomous Universities, or endorsed by a relevant agency): 20 points
- Other degree-equivalent qualifications (foreign bachelor’s-level, recognised professional qualifications, or eligible PEI awards): 10 points
- No degree-equivalent: 0 points (but candidate can still pass via other criteria)
Verification proof must be submitted if points are claimed.
C3. Diversity
If the organisation has fewer than 25 PMETs: 10 points by default.
If 25 or more PMETs, points depend on the candidate’s nationality share among the organisation’s PMETs:
- Less than 5%: 20 points
- 5% to less than 25%: 10 points
- 25% or more: 0 points
C4. Support for Local Employment
If the organisation has fewer than 25 PMETs: 10 points by default.
If 25 or more PMETs, points depend on the organisation’s local PMET share relative to its sector:
- 50th percentile and above: 20 points
- 20th to less than 50th percentile: 10 points
- Below 20th percentile: 0 points
Organisations with a local PMET share of at least 70% (pegged to the 20th percentile economy-wide) score at least 10 points regardless of sector ranking.
C5. Skills Bonus (Shortage Occupation List)
- Job on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) and candidate’s nationality share < 1/3: 20 points
- Job on the SOL and candidate’s nationality share ≥ 1/3: 10 points
The candidate must perform the listed job duties and meet additional checks if the SOL bonus is needed to pass COMPASS or to obtain a 5-year EP for a specific tech occupation.
C6. Strategic Economic Priorities Bonus
- Participation in at least one eligible programme endorsed by an economic agency or NTUC: 10 points
- Valid for up to 3 years or the programme duration, whichever is shorter. Renewal requires at least 10 points on C3 and C4 for each of the 3 months before renewal.
Exemptions from COMPASS
Candidates are exempted if they:
- Earn a fixed monthly salary of at least $22,500
- Are overseas intra-corporate transferees
- Fill the role for 1 month or less
Key EP Facts
- Who can apply: Employer or appointed employment agent. Overseas companies without a Singapore office need a local sponsor.
- Pass duration: First-time candidates up to 2 years; renewals up to 3 years. Experienced tech professionals with skills in shortage may qualify for a 5-year pass.
- Renewable: Yes.
- Medical insurance: Optional for employers.
- Levy and quota: None.
- Family passes: Eligible family members can apply for Dependant’s Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass.
- Tax: Pass holders may be liable for Singapore income tax.
- Relevant legislation: Conditions of Work Pass and Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.
PR Eligibility for EP Holders
An EP holder is eligible to apply for PR. The application is submitted via the ICA e-Service using the applicant’s Singpass.
Fees
- At submission: S$100 per application
- At completion of formalities: S$20 for Entry Permit, S$50 for a 5-year Re-Entry Permit, S$50 for Singapore Identity Card
- All fees are non-refundable. Payment by Visa/MasterCard, AMEX, Internet Direct Debit, or PayNow.
Processing Time
Applications are processed within 6 months if all documents are in order. Some cases may take longer.
Documents Required
Certified true copies of original documents and official translations (for non-English documents). ICA accepts translations from the issuing country’s embassy, a notary public, or privately translated documents attested by the embassy or notarised. Insufficient documentation may lead to non-acceptance.
National Service Liability
All male applicants granted PR are liable for National Service. Those who are granted PR as foreign students or under their parents’ sponsorship must register at 16 and a half years old and enlist at 18. Deferment for university studies is not granted for such applicants.
The EP-to-PR Pathway
- Secure an EP: The employer applies for the EP. The candidate must meet the qualifying salary and pass COMPASS (or be exempt).
- Maintain valid EP status: PR applications are open to current EP holders.
- Apply for PR via ICA e-Service: The EP holder logs in with Singpass and submits the PR application with supporting documents and fees.
- Await outcome: Processing within 6 months. Successful applicants receive an In-Principle Approval and complete formalities to obtain PR status.
- Post-approval: PRs receive a blue Identity Card and require a valid Re-Entry Permit for travel.