The official MOM pages provided for this rewrite do not publish any information about an ICA‑MOM data‑sharing initiative, a 2 January 2026 implementation date, real‑time API links between ICA’s e‑PR system and MOM’s Foreign Workforce Management System, or cross‑agency verification of Permanent Residence applications against EP/S Pass records. Officials have not released statistics on auto‑verification volumes, discrepancy rates, processing‑time medians, appeal outcomes, or joint enforcement operations with the CPF Board. The sections below summarise what the provided MOM sources do cover: the current EP and S Pass eligibility frameworks, qualifying salaries, the COMPASS points system, and family‑pass requirements.
Employment Pass Eligibility Framework
EP candidates must clear a two‑stage framework. Stage 1 requires a fixed monthly salary at or above the EP qualifying salary, which is benchmarked to the top one‑third of local PMET salaries by age. Stage 2 requires passing the points‑based Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) with a minimum of 40 points, unless exempted. Candidates who do not meet Stage 1 are not eligible regardless of COMPASS score.
EP Qualifying Salary (Stage 1)
The qualifying salary varies by sector and age, with higher thresholds for financial services. Two schedules apply: the current schedule (for new applications before 1 Jan 2027 and renewals expiring before 1 Jan 2028) and a revised schedule (for new applications from 1 Jan 2027 and renewals expiring from 1 Jan 2028).
All sectors except financial services (current): $5,600 at age 23 or below, rising progressively to $10,700 at age 45 and above.
All sectors except financial services (from 1 Jan 2027): $6,000 at age 23 or below, rising progressively to $11,500 at age 45 and above.
Financial services (current): $6,200 at age 23 or below, rising progressively to $11,800 at age 45 and above.
Financial services (from 1 Jan 2027): $6,600 at age 23 or below, rising progressively to $12,700 at age 45 and above.
Detailed age‑by‑age tables are published on the MOM EP eligibility page.
COMPASS (Stage 2)
COMPASS comprises four foundational criteria (C1–C4) and two bonus criteria (C5–C6). A total of 40 points is required to pass.
C1. Salary – Benchmarks the candidate’s fixed monthly salary against local PMET salaries in the sector by age. Points: 20 (≥90th percentile), 10 (65th to <90th percentile), 0 (<65th percentile). This is separate from the EP qualifying salary floor.
C2. Qualifications – Awards points for degree‑equivalent qualifications. 20 points for degree‑equivalent qualifications from top‑tier institutions: QS top 100 and other highly‑reputed Asian universities, Singapore Autonomous Universities, or agency‑endorsed specialised institutions. 10 points for other recognised degree‑equivalent qualifications (including foreign bachelor’s‑level qualifications assessed via UK ENIC, endorsed professional qualifications, and qualifying PEI awards). 0 points if no degree‑equivalent qualification; candidates can still pass via other criteria. Verification proof is required only if points are claimed.
C3. Diversity – Measures the candidate’s nationality share among the firm’s PMETs. Firms with fewer than 25 PMETs receive 10 points by default. Firms with ≥25 PMETs: 20 points (<5% share), 10 points (5% to <25%), 0 points (≥25%). Nationality is based on passport records.
C4. Support for Local Employment – Measures the firm’s local PMET share relative to its sector. Firms with fewer than 25 PMETs receive 10 points by default. Firms with ≥25 PMETs: 20 points (≥50th percentile), 10 points (20th to <50th percentile), 0 points (<20th percentile). A floor applies: if the firm’s local PMET share is at least 70% (pegged to the 20th percentile economy‑wide), the application scores at least 10 points regardless of sector ranking.
C5. Skills Bonus (Shortage Occupation List) – 20 points if the job is on the SOL and the candidate’s nationality share among the firm’s PMETs is <1/3; 10 points if the share is ≥1/3. The candidate must perform the listed duties, the employer must select an eligible SOL job title, and additional checks apply if the bonus is needed to pass COMPASS or to obtain a 5‑year EP for a tech shortage occupation. Redeployment restrictions apply for candidates who relied on the SOL bonus.
C6. Strategic Economic Priorities Bonus – 10 points for participation in eligible programmes endorsed by economic agencies or NTUC. Awarded at the supporting agency’s discretion; valid for up to 3 years or the programme duration, whichever is shorter. Renewal requires maintaining at least 10 points each on C3 and C4 for the three months before renewal.
COMPASS Exemptions
Candidates are exempt from COMPASS if they: earn a fixed monthly salary of at least $22,500; are overseas intra‑corporate transferees; or fill the role for one month or less.
COMPASS Tools
- COMPASS Guidebook – Overview and application tips.
- Workforce Insights Tool (on myMOM Portal) – Lets employers check their firm’s C3 and C4 scores, sector classification, and workforce benchmarks.
- Self‑Assessment Tool (SAT) – Lets employers and employment agents check a candidate’s eligibility before applying.
- Case Studies – Published examples (A‑1, A‑2, B, C) showing how applications score across criteria.
S Pass Eligibility Framework
The S Pass is for foreign skilled workers (Associate Professionals and Technicians) with a job offer in Singapore. Eligibility requires a fixed monthly salary comparable to the top one‑third of local APT salaries by age.
S Pass Qualifying Salary
Two schedules apply, with higher thresholds for financial services.
All sectors except financial services (current): $3,300 at age 23 or below, rising progressively to $4,800 at age 45 and above.
All sectors except financial services (from 1 Jan 2027): $3,600 at age 23 or below, rising progressively to $5,100 at age 45 and above.
Financial services (current): $3,800 at age 23 or below, rising progressively to $5,650 at age 45 and above.
Financial services (from 1 Jan 2027): $4,000 at age 23 or below, rising progressively to $5,650 at age 45 and above.
Detailed age‑by‑age tables are published on the MOM S Pass eligibility page.
Qualifications
Declaring qualifications is optional. If declared, the employer must ensure the qualification is authentic and awarded by an accredited institution in the application drop‑down list.
Self‑Assessment Tool (SAT)
Employers can use the SAT to check eligibility. If the SAT shows the candidate is not eligible, the application will be rejected. If eligible, MOM states there is around a 90% chance the candidate will get a pass.
S Pass Quota and Levy
Quota (Dependency Ratio Ceiling): Services 35%, Manufacturing 60%, Marine Shipyard 75%, Construction 83.3%, Process 83.3%. Within the quota, S Pass holders are capped at 10% of total workforce in Services and 15% in Construction, Manufacturing, Marine Shipyard, and Process. A PRC sub‑quota also applies.
Levy: Since 1 September 2025, the S Pass levy rate is harmonised at $650 per month across all sectors and tiers. Daily rate is $21.37. Levy liability starts on pass issuance and ends on cancellation or expiry. Payment must be via GIRO.
Medical Insurance and Primary Care Plan
Employers must provide medical insurance for all S Pass holders. A Primary Care Plan (PCP) is required for workers staying in dormitories (7+ occupants) or working in CMP sectors; the PCP purchase must be declared on myMOM Portal before pass issuance or renewal.
Family Passes for EP and S Pass Holders
Dependant’s Pass (DP)
Eligible EP or S Pass holders earning a fixed monthly salary of at least $6,000 can apply for a DP for: legally married spouse; unmarried children under 21 (including legally adopted). The employer (Singapore‑registered) sponsors the application. Family members not eligible for DP may qualify for an LTVP.
Long‑Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
Eligible EP or S Pass holders earning at least $6,000 can apply for an LTVP for: common‑law spouse; unmarried handicapped children aged 21 and above; unmarried step‑children under 21. Parents require the pass holder to earn at least $12,000. The employer sponsors the application. LTVP duration is tied to the main pass validity or the requested duration, whichever is shorter. Eligible LTVP holders may be allowed to work in Singapore; no foreign worker levy or quota applies.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Pass | Typical Duration (First) | Typical Duration (Renewal) | Quota | Levy | Medical Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP | Up to 2 years | Up to 3 years | No | No | Employer’s choice |
| S Pass | Up to 2 years | Up to 3 years | Yes (sector DRC + S Pass sub‑cap) | Yes ($650/month) | Mandatory |
Experienced tech professionals with skills on the Shortage Occupation List may be eligible for a 5‑year EP duration.
Official References
- MOM – Eligibility for Employment Pass
- MOM – Key facts on Employment Pass
- MOM – Eligibility for S Pass
- MOM – Key facts on S Pass
- MOM – S Pass quota and levy requirements
- MOM – Passes for families of Employment Pass holders
- MOM – Eligibility for Dependant’s Pass
- MOM – Eligibility for Long‑Term Visit Pass
- MOM – Key facts on Long‑Term Visit Pass