EP eligibility uses a two-stage framework: salary threshold plus COMPASS scoring
EP applications must clear both stages: first meet the EP qualifying salary, then pass the COMPASS points-based assessment. If the salary threshold is not met at stage one, the applicant is not eligible regardless of COMPASS score.
Stage 1: EP qualifying salary (by age and sector)
All sectors except financial services currently set the minimum salary at S$5,600 (rising with age from 23, reaching S$10,700 at 45 and above). The financial services sector currently sets the minimum at S$6,200 (reaching S$11,800 at 45 and above).
For new applications submitted from 1 January 2027, and renewals expiring from 1 January 2028, the thresholds rise: non-financial sectors from S$6,000 (S$11,500 at 45 and above), financial sectors from S$6,600 (S$12,700 at 45 and above). Exact figures for each age band are in the official salary table.
Stage 2: COMPASS requires 40 points
COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) comprises four foundational criteria (C1–C4) and two bonus criteria (C5, C6). Each foundational criterion is worth up to 20 points; each bonus criterion 10–20 points.
| Criterion | Basis for scoring | Key bands and points |
|---|---|---|
| C1 Salary | Fixed monthly salary vs same-sector local PMET salary percentile | ≥90th percentile 20 points; 65–90th percentile 10 points; <65th percentile 0 points |
| C2 Qualifications | Qualification level and institution recognition | Top 100 global universities / Singapore autonomous universities / institution-backed professional qualifications 20 points; other degree-equivalent qualifications 10 points; no degree-equivalent qualification 0 points |
| C3 Diversity | Candidate’s nationality share among the firm’s PMETs | Firms with <25 PMETs default to 10 points; for ≥25 PMETs: <5% earns 20 points, 5–25% earns 10 points, ≥25% earns 0 points |
| C4 Support for Local Employment | Firm’s local PMET share percentile within its sector | Firms with <25 PMETs default to 10 points; for ≥25 PMETs: ≥50th percentile 20 points, 20–50th percentile 10 points, <20th percentile 0 points. Firms with local PMET share ≥70% score at least 10 points |
| C5 Skills Bonus | Role on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) and candidate’s nationality share <1/3 | 20 points; share ≥1/3 gives 10 points |
| C6 Strategic Economic Priorities | Participation in qualifying programmes endorsed by economic agencies or the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) | 10 points, valid for up to 3 years or until the programme ends |
COMPASS is waived if the fixed monthly salary is ≥S$22,500, for overseas intra-company transferees, or for engagements of under one month.
Employers can use the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) to estimate the score before applying, and can view the firm’s live C3 and C4 scores via the Workforce Insights tool in the myMOM Portal.
S Pass eligibility: salary threshold + quota + levy
S Pass is for associate professionals and technicians (APT); the salary threshold is tiered by age and sector.
Salary threshold (rising again from 2027)
Non-financial sectors currently start at S$3,300 (S$4,800 at 45 and above), financial sectors at S$3,800 (S$5,650 at 45 and above). From 1 January 2027 for new applications and 1 January 2028 for renewals expiring: non-financial sectors from S$3,600 (S$5,100 at 45 and above), financial sectors from S$4,000 (S$5,650 at 45 and above). Exact figures for each age band are in the official salary table.
Declaring qualifications is optional; if declared, the employer must ensure they are genuine and from a recognised institution in the drop-down list.
Quota: Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC) and S Pass sub-quota
| Sector | DRC (cap on foreign workers as share of total workforce) | S Pass sub-quota (cap as share of total workforce) |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | 83.3% | 15% |
| Process | 83.3% | 15% |
| Marine Shipyard | 75% | 15% |
| Manufacturing | 60% | 15% |
| Services | 35% | 10% |
Quotas are computed from the firm’s average local workforce over the last three months (based on CPF contributions), refreshed every Saturday. The Local Qualifying Salary (LQS) determines how many local workers count.
Levy: flat levy of S$650 per month
From 1 September 2025, the S Pass levy is a flat S$650 per month across all sectors. Partial months are charged daily: (650×12)/365 = S$21.37 per day. The levy runs from the pass issue date to cancellation or expiry and must be deducted via GIRO.
Dependant’s Pass (DP) and Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
Both EP and S Pass holders can apply for a DP or LTVP for eligible family members, provided the fixed monthly salary is ≥S$6,000 and a Singapore-registered established company (usually the employer) sponsors the pass.
Dependant’s Pass (DP)
| Family member | Pass granted |
|---|---|
| Legally married spouse | DP |
| Unmarried children under 21 (including legally adopted) | DP |
Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
| Family member | Pass granted | Additional requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Cohabiting partner | LTVP | — |
| Unmarried disabled children above 21 | LTVP | — |
| Unmarried stepchildren under 21 | LTVP | — |
| Parents | LTVP | EP holders only, with fixed monthly salary ≥S$12,000 |
S Pass holders do not qualify to apply for an LTVP for their parents. If a family member is not eligible for a DP, an LTVP application may be made instead. EP holders applying as overseas intra-company transferees (ICT) generally do not qualify their family members for a DP/LTVP, unless provided otherwise by the relevant free trade agreement.
Applications are submitted separately by the employer via eService, either together with the main pass application or later on their own. The pass is valid for the duration of the main pass, not exceeding the main pass’s remaining validity.