Quick answer: To get a Singapore Employment Pass (EP), you need a job offer paying at least S$5,600 a month (or S$6,200 in financial services), rising with age to S$10,700 (S$11,800 in finance) for candidates aged 45 and above. Your application must also score 40 points on the COMPASS framework. From 1 January 2027, new applications face higher minimums: S$6,000 (S$6,600 in finance), rising to S$11,500 (S$12,700 in finance) at 45+. Candidates earning S$22,500 or more a month are exempt from COMPASS.
Singapore is Asia’s leading hub for finance, technology, shipping and regional headquarters, and EP holders enjoy low personal income taxes and a high quality of life. In return, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) runs a two-stage test designed to ensure foreign professionals complement the local workforce. Knowing how both stages work lets you judge whether an offer will pass before you resign from your current job.
Employment Pass at a Glance
| Who it is for | Foreign professionals, managers and executives with a Singapore job offer |
| Who applies | The employer or an appointed employment agent |
| Stage 1 | Minimum qualifying salary (by age and sector) |
| Stage 2 | COMPASS points test (40 points to pass) |
| First pass | Up to 2 years |
| Renewal | Up to 3 years |
| Tech professionals in shortage | May qualify for a 5-year pass |
| COMPASS exemption | Fixed salary of S$22,500+/month, intra-corporate transferees, or roles of 1 month or less |
Stage 1: Minimum Qualifying Salary
| Sector | Now (new applications before 1 Jan 2027) | From 1 Jan 2027 (new applications) |
|---|---|---|
| All sectors except financial services | S$5,600 (age 23 or below) to S$10,700 (age 45+) | S$6,000 to S$11,500 |
| Financial services | S$6,200 (age 23 or below) to S$11,800 (age 45+) | S$6,600 to S$12,700 |
The salary rises progressively with age between these two points. For renewals, the current thresholds apply to passes expiring before 1 January 2028, and the new ones to passes expiring from that date. If your salary is below the threshold for your age, your application fails regardless of COMPASS points.
Stage 2: How COMPASS Points Work
COMPASS awards up to 20 points on each of four foundational criteria, plus two bonuses. You need 40 points in total.
| Criterion | 20 points | 10 points | 0 points |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 Salary (vs local PMETs in the same sector) | 90th percentile and above | 65th to below 90th percentile | Below 65th percentile |
| C2 Qualifications | Degree-equivalent from a top-tier institution | Other degree-equivalent | No degree |
| C3 Diversity (your nationality’s share of the firm’s PMETs) | Below 5% | 5% to below 25% | 25% or more |
| C4 Support for local employment | Local PMET share at or above sector median | 20th to below 50th percentile | Below 20th percentile |
Firms with fewer than 25 PMETs automatically get 10 points each for C3 and C4.
Bonus points
- C5 Skills bonus: 20 points if your job is on the Shortage Occupation List and your nationality makes up less than a third of the firm’s employees in that role, or 10 points otherwise.
- C6 Strategic Economic Priorities bonus: 10 points if the firm participates in an eligible government programme.
Worked Examples
Software engineer at a mid-sized tech firm: salary at the 70th percentile (10), a degree from a recognised university (10), a diverse team (10), and a role on the Shortage Occupation List (20) gives 50 points. That is a pass.
Analyst at a large firm with many staff of the same nationality: salary at the 65th percentile (10), a regular degree (10), nationality share above 25% (0) and an average local hiring record (10) gives 30 points. That fails, unless a bonus applies or the salary is raised to the 90th percentile.
Bringing Your Family
EP holders earning enough can apply for a Dependant’s Pass for a spouse and unmarried children under 21, and a Long-Term Visit Pass for some other relatives. MOM sets the salary criteria on its “Passes for family” page, so check the current amounts there.
How to Apply: Step by Step
- Use MOM’s COMPASS self-assessment tool with your expected salary and the employer’s details.
- Your employer or its agent submits the EP application online with your documents.
- Wait for an in-principle approval letter.
- Arrive in Singapore, complete any medical check and registration, and receive your pass card.
The Fine Print
- Only fixed monthly salary counts, not bonuses or allowances that may vary.
- Degree verification: MOM checks qualifications, and false claims can result in a permanent ban.
- The 2027 increase affects renewals too, for passes expiring from 1 January 2028. Plan salary reviews accordingly.
- Your EP is employer-specific. Changing jobs requires a new EP application by the new employer.
Is the Singapore Employment Pass Worth It?
For mid-career and senior professionals in tech, finance, logistics and regional management, Singapore offers some of the best after-tax pay in Asia, excellent safety and infrastructure, and a gateway to the whole region. COMPASS makes outcomes more predictable: if you know your salary percentile and the employer’s team mix, you can estimate your score in advance. Junior candidates and those working at firms with a heavy concentration of one nationality will find it harder, so negotiate salary with the C1 percentile in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum salary for a Singapore Employment Pass in 2026?
S$5,600 per month for most sectors and S$6,200 for financial services, rising with age up to S$10,700 and S$11,800 respectively.
How much will the EP salary be from 2027?
New applications from 1 January 2027 need at least S$6,000 (S$6,600 in financial services), rising to S$11,500 (S$12,700) at age 45+.
How many COMPASS points do I need?
40 points.
Who is exempt from COMPASS?
Candidates earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500, overseas intra-corporate transferees, and those filling a role for one month or less.
How long is an Employment Pass valid?
Up to 2 years for a first pass and up to 3 years on renewal. Some experienced tech professionals in shortage areas may qualify for 5 years.
Official source: Ministry of Manpower Singapore, Employment Pass eligibility and COMPASS, at mom.gov.sg. This site is not affiliated with MOM and never charges any fee for job information.