As more high-net-worth individuals flock to Singapore, the country’s popularity as an immigration destination is on the rise. If you’re considering moving to this sunny tropical nation, you’ll need to understand Singapore’s work pass system. Apart from local residents and permanent residents (PRs), foreigners must hold a work visa to legally reside in Singapore long-term.
Key Takeaways
- Salary threshold: non-financial sectors from S$5,600/month (age 23) up to S$10,700 (45 and above); financial services S$6,200–S$11,800 — in effect since 1 January 2025.
- COMPASS: meeting the salary bar is only stage one; stage two requires at least 40 points across four foundational criteria plus two bonus items.
- COMPASS exemptions: a fixed monthly salary of S$22,500 or more, intra-corporate transferees, or roles of one month or less.
- Self-sponsored EP is possible: through your own genuinely operating Singapore company, with real business activity supporting the salary level — not a shortcut that works for everyone.
- EP does not auto-convert to PR: MOM assesses the EP and ICA assesses PR in separate applications — there is no “automatic PR after enough renewals”.
Table of Contents
What Work Passes Are Available in Singapore?
Singapore has three main types of work passes: Work Permit (WP), S Pass (SP), and Employment Pass (EP). The primary difference between them lies in the eligibility criteria, which are typically assessed based on a salary commensurate with the employee’s experience, skills, and qualifications.
What is the Singapore Employment Pass?
The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) is a work pass designed by the Singapore government to attract highly educated and skilled foreign professionals, such as doctors, engineers, managers, and scientists.
EP holders can enter and exit Singapore multiple times during the visa’s validity period. The pass can be renewed upon expiry as long as the holder remains employed. Visa holders can also apply for dependant passes for their spouse and children under 18. The minimum educational requirement for an EP application is a bachelor’s degree. It does not require a company “quota” or a “foreign worker levy.”
The EP is the most common type of visa for fresh graduates under 25 from Singapore’s public universities with bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The EP has a relatively high minimum salary requirement (S$5,600 per month for all sectors except finance, and S$6,200 per month for the finance sector).
Applying for an EP requires a sponsoring company with a formal commercial lease agreement (the company must employ 2-3 local staff and have proof of Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions). Changing jobs will invalidate the existing EP, requiring a new application.
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What are the conditions for applying for an Employment Pass?
According to the new policy from Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Employment Pass (EP) applicants must not only meet the minimum EP salary standards but also score at least 40 points under the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) to be eligible for an EP.
Steps to Apply for an Employment Pass?
To qualify for an EP, applicants must pass a two-stage assessment:
Stage 1 – EP Minimum Salary Threshold:
- For all sectors except financial services, the salary must be at least S$5,600 (starting from age 23 and increasing progressively with age, up to S$10,700 for those aged 45 and above).
- For the financial services sector, the minimum salary is S$6,200 (starting from age 23 and increasing progressively with age, up to S$11,800 for those aged 45 and above).
For EPs expiring on or after September 1, 2024, renewals will require passing COMPASS in addition to meeting the minimum EP salary standards. After submission, you can check your EP application status online at any time.
Stage 2 – COMPASS Assessment
EP applicants must score a total of at least 40 points across four foundational criteria and two bonus criteria in the COMPASS framework. The assessment covers both individual and firm-related attributes, as detailed in the chart below.
C1. Salary
In the first stage, all EP applicants must meet the qualifying salary. In the second stage, COMPASS further considers salary benchmarks across different sectors and ages. Applicants earn points by meeting the benchmark salaries for local PMETs in various industries. These benchmarks are also age-adjusted.
The Ministry of Manpower website lists the income data for local Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians (PMETs) at the 65th and 90th percentiles for 22 industries and ages 23 to 45, for employers’ reference.
C2. Qualifications
Educational qualifications declared to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) must be verified by a background screening company listed on the MOM website.
- Top-tier institutions earn 20 points, including: Universities in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings, and other prestigious universities in Asia; local Singaporean universities; schools highly recognised in specific fields.
(Among the 120 top-tier institutions announced by Singapore, 6 are from mainland China: Fudan University, Peking University, Tsinghua University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, University of Science and Technology of China, and Zhejiang University. Graduates from these universities will have a significant advantage in future EP applications.)
- Degree-equivalent qualifications earn 10 points, including: Foreign qualifications assessed to be comparable to a UK bachelor’s degree (MOM refers to internationally recognised bodies like the UK National Information Centre for the Recognition and Evaluation of International Qualifications and Skills (UK ENIC) for determination). Professional qualifications that are industry-recognised and endorsed by relevant sector agencies.
- Candidates without degree-equivalent qualifications earn 0 points. Applicants without an equivalent degree can still pass COMPASS if they score a total of at least 40 points on other criteria.
C3. Firm’s Diversity
If the applicant’s nationality share among the firm’s PMETs is:
- Below 5% (Exceeds Expectations), 20 points
- 5% – 25% (Meets Expectations), 10 points
- 25% and above (Does Not Meet Expectations), 0 points
C4. Firm’s Support for Local Employment
Firms that hire more local PMETs compared to their peers will score higher. Firms with fewer than 25 PMETs in total will receive a default score of 10 points.
- 50% and above (Exceeds Expectations), 20 points
- 20% – 50% (Meets Expectations), 10 points
- Below 20% (Does Not Meet Expectations), 0 points
C5. Skills Bonus
EP applicants whose job is on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) can earn 20 bonus points.
However, if the applicant’s nationality makes up one-third or more of the firm’s PMETs, the bonus points will be reduced from +20 to +10.
C6. Strategic Economic Priorities Bonus
If the applicant’s firm participates in the Strategic Economic Priorities (SEP) scheme, collaborates with financial institutions, engages in investment, innovation, and internationalisation activities, or is recognised by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) as a strong partner in workforce transformation activities, it can earn 10 bonus points. For example, the Economic Development Board’s International Headquarters (IHQ) Programme.
Which Employment Pass applicants are exempt from the COMPASS assessment?
EP applicants are exempt from the COMPASS assessment if they meet any of the following conditions:
- Have a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500;
- Are an overseas intra-corporate transferee holding a senior management position (the applicant must have worked for at least one year in a managerial, executive, or specialist role in the company outside Singapore before being posted to Singapore); or
- Are filling a short-term position of 1 month or less.
How to Score High in the COMPASS Assessment?
For many applicants, the top priority is to excel in the COMPASS assessment. So, what are your opportunities to earn bonus points?
- Shortage Occupation List. Applying for a position on the SOL, such as an investment advisor for a Singapore single-family office. Since financial/investment advisor is on Singapore’s SOL, applicants for family offices can gain bonus points under the C5 Skills criterion by taking on the corresponding investment advisor role, thereby increasing their chances of a successful application.
- Seek collaboration opportunities with the government in innovation or internationalisation. These opportunities can earn the Strategic Economic Priorities bonus.
- The importance of qualifications and work skills. A degree from a top-tier institution or many years of experience in a specialised field will be beneficial to the application.
- Increase salary level. Maximise points in the C1 criterion by increasing your salary to 20 points, which can compensate for potential shortfalls in qualifications and skills.
- Firm diversity. If you come from a diverse national and cultural background, it will also help your application.
How to Increase the Success Rate of an Employment Pass Application?
Applicants can find the transparent COMPASS assessment criteria on the MOM website.
Therefore, carefully studying the COMPASS criteria, identifying your strengths, and showcasing them in your application will help you earn higher points and increase your chances of obtaining an EP. Foreigners intending to apply for or renew an EP should plan ahead and, if necessary, consult with professionals for personalised advice.
Official Sources & References
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM) · Employment Pass Eligibility
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM) · COMPASS C1 Salary Benchmarks
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM) · EntrePass Eligibility
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM) · Foreign Workforce Numbers
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM) · If I’m an EP holder, can I apply to be a Singapore PR?
- Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) · Becoming a Permanent Resident
- Competition and Consumer Commission (CCCS) · CCCS Court Orders Against Immigration Consultancy Businesses
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