Singapore Employment Pass
Singapore's two-stage Employment Pass assessment: first the qualifying salary, which rises with age and differs by sector, then COMPASS — two of whose criteria score the employer's workforce rather than the applicant.
Core requirements
For foreign professionals, managers and executives with a job offer in Singapore.
The employer must advertise the job on MyCareersFuture and consider all candidates fairly before applying.
The qualifying salary rises with age from 23: on current rates, from S$5,600 a month outside financial services and S$10,700 at age 45 and above; financial services starts at S$6,200 and reaches S$11,800.
Higher thresholds apply to new applications from 1 January 2027 and to renewals from 1 January 2028: S$6,000 to S$11,500 outside financial services, and S$6,600 to S$12,700 in financial services.
Unless exempt, the application must also pass COMPASS, which requires 40 points.
COMPASS has five criteria: salary and qualifications score 0 to 20 each, with a top-tier degree scoring 20, another degree 10 and none 0; diversity and support for local employment score 0 to 20 each on the employer's workforce rather than the applicant; and a skills bonus of 10 to 20 applies to Shortage Occupation List roles.
COMPASS is waived for a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500, for intra-corporate transferees, and for roles lasting one month or less.
Issued for up to two years first time and up to three years on renewal; passes are available for eligible family members.
Official sources
- Employment Pass eligibilityMinistry of Manpower (Singapore) · Reviewed 2026-09-06
- Employment Pass key factsMinistry of Manpower (Singapore) · Reviewed 2026-09-06
How immigration works in Singapore — the process in order, the current figures with their dates, and what commonly blocks an application.
General educational information only, not personalized immigration or legal advice. Requirements can change; confirm them with the responsible government authority before acting. Next scheduled review: 2026-12-06.