What requirements and COMPASS score are needed for a Singapore Employment Pass (EP)?
Generally, an Employment Pass (EP) applicant must exceed the minimum monthly salary and score at least 40 points under COMPASS, the points-based assessment, to be considered for approval. Even if the criteria are met, final approval depends on MOM's review.
- Stage 1, minimum salary: starts from S$5,600 for most sectors (S$6,200 for financial services) and rises with age. For new applications from 1 January 2027, it starts from S$6,000 for most sectors (S$6,600 for financial services).
- Stage 2, COMPASS: salary, qualifications, the company's nationality mix, local hiring and other factors are scored.
- COMPASS exemption: applicants with a fixed monthly salary of S$22,500 or more, intra-corporate transferees and those working for 1 month or less are exempt.
- For the director of a newly incorporated company: with no local hiring record, some criteria may score low, so it is best to check in advance with MOM's Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) before applying.
Lee Kim Alliance provides an Employment Pass application service.
As of November 2026, source: MOM
