What is Singapore's Employment Pass salary requirement and COMPASS score in 2026?
TL;DR: In 2026, Singapore's Employment Pass (EP) requires a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$5,600 for most sectors (S$6,200 for financial services), rising with age up to roughly S$10,700–S$11,800 for applicants 45 and above. On top of salary, candidates must clear COMPASS, a points-based framework requiring 40 out of a possible points total — unless they qualify for a salary-based COMPASS exemption at S$22,500/month or above.
The claim
Singapore's EP process is no longer just "meet the salary and you're in." Since the COMPASS framework was introduced, salary is only the first gate (Stage 1); candidates must then clear a separate points assessment (Stage 2) that scores the job and candidate profile, not just the paycheck.
The evidence
Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) confirms the current qualifying salary structure directly on its official eligibility page: S$5,600/month for most sectors, S$6,200/month for financial services, both rising progressively with age to S$10,700 and S$11,800 respectively at age 45+. MOM has also published a scheduled increase for new applications from January 1, 2027 (and renewals expiring from January 1, 2028): S$6,000 and S$6,600 respectively, rising to S$11,500/S$12,700 at 45+. Separately, COMPASS requires candidates to earn 40 points across criteria like salary relative to local benchmarks, qualifications, workforce diversity, and skills support for locals — unless the candidate's fixed monthly salary is S$22,500 or more, which grants a COMPASS exemption.
Salary thresholds at a glance
| Sector | Current minimum (2026) | From Jan 1, 2027 (new applications) / Jan 1, 2028 (renewals) |
|---|---|---|
| Most sectors | S$5,600/month | S$6,000/month |
| Financial services | S$6,200/month | S$6,600/month |
| Age 45+ (most sectors) | Up to S$10,700/month | Up to S$11,500/month |
| Age 45+ (financial services) | Up to S$11,800/month | Up to S$12,700/month |
| COMPASS exemption threshold | S$22,500/month fixed salary | Same exemption logic applies |
Step-by-step: assessing your EP eligibility
- Confirm your fixed monthly salary meets the current age- and sector-adjusted minimum for the pass — MOM's official age-banded tables show the exact figure for your age.
- If your salary is below S$22,500/month, you'll need to clear COMPASS — check whether your salary is at or above the local PMET benchmark for your sector (this is one of the biggest point contributors).
- Review your qualifications — a degree from a recognized institution generally scores well; assess how your credentials map onto COMPASS criteria.
- Check your employer's local workforce diversity and hiring practices — COMPASS also scores the employing firm's broader nationality mix and support for local skills development, not just your individual profile.
- Add up your expected COMPASS score across all criteria before applying — MOM publishes the framework's point breakdown so you can self-assess before submission.
- If you're under the exemption threshold and short on COMPASS points, consider whether a higher offered salary or a different employer profile would change your outcome.
- Submit through MOM's official EP Online system with all supporting documents once you've confirmed both salary and COMPASS eligibility.
FAQ
Does meeting the salary minimum guarantee EP approval? No — salary is only Stage 1. You must separately clear the COMPASS points assessment in Stage 2 unless you qualify for the salary-based exemption.
What salary exempts me from COMPASS entirely? A fixed monthly salary of S$22,500 or more currently grants a COMPASS exemption.
Will the salary requirement increase again after 2027? MOM periodically reviews and adjusts thresholds; the January 2027/2028 increase is already scheduled, and further changes are possible in future policy cycles — always check MOM's current page before applying.
Is the S Pass different from the Employment Pass? Yes — the S Pass targets mid-skilled roles with a lower qualifying salary (starting around S$3,000, rising with age) and does not use the COMPASS framework the same way.
Does COMPASS penalize employers with mostly foreign staff? Yes — workforce diversity relative to the sector norm is one of the scored criteria, so firms with a lower proportion of local PMET staff may find it harder for candidates to clear 40 points.
Can I appeal a rejected EP application? Yes, MOM allows appeals, but they generally need to address the specific reason for rejection (salary, COMPASS score, or documentation) rather than simply resubmitting the same application.
By Pinal Dave Last updated: 2026-07-31