A high salary does not guarantee a pass. Missing qualification evidence, poor diversity or weak local-employment support can leave the total below 40.
Singapore GuidesEmployment Pass
EMPLOYMENT PASS
The EP is the main work pass for foreign professionals, but since 2026 it is no longer "hit the salary and you pass". You must first clear the minimum salary threshold (S$5,600, or S$6,200 for financial services), then pass COMPASS scoring with at least 40 points across six criteria. Both gates must clear. You cannot apply yourself — the company applies as employer, which is why many founders register the company first, then apply for the EP.
| Item | 2026 | From Jan 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum salary (general) | S$5,600 | S$6,000 |
| Minimum salary (financial services) | S$6,200 | S$6,600 |
| Older candidates (~45) | Rises with age, up to ~S$10,700 general / ~S$11,800 financial services | Adjusted upward |
| COMPASS | Six criteria (4 foundational + 2 bonus), 40 points needed | |
| Validity | Up to 2 years first, up to 3 on renewal | |
| Employer-tied | Yes, one employer only; re-apply to change employer | |
Many assume a high enough salary secures the EP — not true since 2026. There are two separate gates:
Gate 1: minimum salary. This is an eligibility line — below it you are not even scored. S$5,600 general, S$6,200 financial services, rising with age; around 45 the general threshold can reach ~S$10,700.
Gate 2: COMPASS 40 points. Clearing the threshold only earns the right to be scored. You then need 40 points across six criteria. Even at S$20,000/month, a COMPASS shortfall means rejection.
COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) is MOM's points system, applying to new applications from January 2026 and renewals from July 2026. Four foundational and two bonus criteria; none is individually mandatory, but the total must reach 40:
| Criterion | What it measures | Points |
|---|---|---|
| C1 Salary | Salary vs local PMET percentile for age/sector: 20 at ≥90th, 10 at ≥65th | 0/10/20 |
| C2 Qualifications | Top-tier institution degree = 20 (MOM updated the list Nov 2025: NUS, NTU, SMU, leading global universities) | 0/10/20 |
| C3 Diversity | Whether your nationality is over-represented in the firm | 0/10/20 |
| C4 Local employment | Firm's local PMET share; auto 10 points if firm has fewer than 25 PMETs | 0/10/20 |
| C5/C6 Bonus | Shortage Occupation List roles, strategic economic priorities | +10 each |
MOM offers a Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) — run it before applying. If the SAT says "No", the application is auto-rejected.
A high salary does not guarantee a pass. Missing qualification evidence, poor diversity or weak local-employment support can leave the total below 40.
Application details that do not match ACRA records or qualification evidence trigger red-flag review.
A shell company that "manufactures" an EP will be scrutinised for genuine operations.
The company must exist and have substance before the EP is applied for. Rushing the EP without substance invites rejection.
We run the COMPASS self-assessment and judge whether you can pass before filing — rather than filing just because you paid. If the score falls short, we identify whether it is salary, qualifications or the firm, and assess whether adjustments can bridge it. See EP and legal pathway assessment; on sequence, see registration does not equal a pass.
No. Since 2026, even at S$20,000/month you must pass COMPASS with 40 points. Salary only helps C1; other criteria can still sink it.
2026: S$5,600 general, S$6,200 financial services, rising with age. From Jan 2027: S$6,000 / S$6,600.
No. The company applies as employer; individuals cannot self-apply. This is why founders register a company first.
No. The EP is tied to one employer; changing employer requires cancelling and re-applying. For multi-employer flexibility, see the ONE Pass.
Across six criteria: C1 salary percentile, C2 qualifications, C3 diversity, C4 local employment (0-20 each), plus C5/C6 bonuses (+10 each). C4 auto-gives 10 if the firm has fewer than 25 PMETs.
Sources: MOM (EP eligibility, COMPASS framework, salary thresholds, Jan 2027 increase). Verified July 2026; thresholds change — follow MOM's latest. General information, not immigration or legal advice.
Salary, qualifications and the firm decide your score. Tell us your situation and we run the self-assessment first, then decide whether to file.
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