2026 Singapore Employment Pass Guide: Salary, COMPASS & Approval Tips

Navigating the Singapore Employment Pass in 2026? Learn about the new S$5,600 salary floor, COMPASS scoring criteria, and how to guarantee your application’s success.

Introduction: The New Era of the Singapore EP

As of January 1, 2026, the landscape for the Singapore Employment Pass (EP) has fundamentally changed. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has raised the barrier for entry to ensure only high-caliber global talent joins the local workforce. Whether you are an employer hiring your first foreign professional or an expat planning a move, understanding the two-stage eligibility framework is no longer optional—it is critical.

Step 1: The New 2026 Qualifying Salary (Stage 1)

Before you even look at points, you must meet the salary floor. MOM benchmarks the EP salary against the top one-third of local PMET (Professional, Manager, Executive, and Technician) wages.

Pro Tip: Use the MOM Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) before submitting. If the SAT says "No," your application will be rejected automatically.

Step 2: Mastering the COMPASS Framework (Stage 2)

Even if you earn S$20,000, you must still pass the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). You need at least 40 points across these six criteria:

Foundational Criteria (0–20 points each)

1. C1. Salary: How your pay compares to local peers in the same sector.

   
   

2. C2. Qualifications: Points are awarded for degrees from "Top-Tier" institutions or "Degree-Equivalent" professional qualifications.

   
   

3. C3. Diversity: Does your nationality make up a high percentage of your firm? (MOM rewards firms that don't rely on a single nationality).

   
   

4. C4. Support for Local Employment: Firms with a higher share of local PMETs compared to their sub-sector score more points.

Bonus Criteria

• C5. Shortage Occupation List (SOL): +20 points if the role is in a high-demand niche like AI, Cybersecurity, or Healthcare.

  
  

• C6. Strategic Economic Priorities: +10 points if the company is part of an approved investment or innovation program (e.g., with EDB or ESG).

Major 2026 Updates You Need to Know

• Mandatory Verification: All educational qualifications declared for COMPASS points must be verified by a MOM-approved background screening company (e.g., Avvanz, Verity Intelligence).

  
  

• Renewal Rules: Starting January 1, 2026, existing EP holders must meet the new 2026 salary benchmarks to renew their passes.

  
  

• Tech 5-Year EP: Experienced tech professionals in "shortage" roles earning at least S$10,500 may be eligible for a 5-year pass instead of the standard 1–2 years.

The Application Process: Timeline & Costs

1. Job Advertising: The employer must first advertise the role on MyCareersFuture for 14 days (Fair Consideration Framework).

   
   

2. Submission: Applied via EP eService by the employer or an agent.

   
   

3. Cost: S$105 (Application) + S$225 (Issuance).

   
   

4. Processing Time: 10 business days for most cases; up to 8 weeks for complex ones.

Common Reasons for EP Rejections

• Mismatched Job Title: The salary offered doesn't match the seniority of the job title.

  
  

• Verification Issues: Submitting a degree without the mandatory third-party verification report.

  
  

• Nationality Concentration: The hiring company already has a high percentage of employees from the applicant’s home country.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I apply for an EP myself?

No. A Singapore-registered company or an authorized Employment Agency must apply on your behalf.

What is the minimum salary for a Dependant’s Pass (DP)?

To bring a spouse or children, the EP holder must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000.

Do I need a degree to get an EP?

Not necessarily. While a degree helps score points in COMPASS (C2), you can still pass by scoring high in Salary (C1) or if your company has excellent Diversity (C3) and Local Support (C4) scores.

Singapore Employment Pass 2026: A Complete Guide by Bestar HR Consulting

2026 Singapore Employment Pass Guide: Salary, COMPASS & Approval Tips

Master the 2026 Singapore Employment Pass with Bestar HR Consulting. From the S$5,600 salary floor to COMPASS scoring, our authorized experts ensure your approval.

Why the EP Landscape is Shifting in 2026

The Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has entered a "Quality over Quantity" phase. With the full implementation of the COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework), securing an Employment Pass (EP) is no longer just about meeting a salary number—it’s about proving your value to Singapore’s economy.

As an authorized Employment Agency, Bestar HR Consulting helps businesses and professionals navigate these complex regulatory waters with a 99% success mindset.

1. The Two-Stage Eligibility Test

To qualify for an EP in 2025, an applicant must pass two distinct "gates":

Gate 1: The Salary Threshold

The qualifying salary is age-dependent and sector-specific. For the Financial Services sector, the bar is higher.

Gate 2: The COMPASS Scorecard

You must score at least 40 points across four foundational and two bonus criteria.

2. Why Use an Authorized Agency like Bestar?

While you can apply directly, the risks of rejection have never been higher. Bestar HR Consulting provides a strategic layer that the MOM website doesn't offer:

• Pre-Assessment Audits: We run your candidate through a simulated COMPASS test to identify point gaps.

  
  

• Educational Verification: MOM now requires third-party verification for all qualifications. We manage the entire verification process with approved agencies like Avvanz or Verity.

  
  

• Sector-Specific Benchmarking: We advise if your offered salary is competitive enough for your specific industry to pass C1 (Salary) benchmarks.

  
  

• Appeals Management: If you’ve received a rejection, we analyze the "non-disclosed" reasons and draft robust appeals.

3. Critical Documentation Checklist

To avoid delays, ensure you have the following ready. Bestar ensures every document is "MOM-ready":

1. Passport particulars page (valid for at least 6 months).

   
   

2. Educational certificates (digitally verified).

   
   

3. Detailed Job Description (crucial for C5 Bonus points if it's a Shortage Occupation).

   
   

4. Company Financials (to prove the ability to pay the declared salary).

4. Strategic Advantages of Bestar HR Consulting

We aren't just a filing service; we are a strategic HR partner.

• ACRA & MOM Licensed: We are fully registered filing agents and licensed employment consultants.

  
  

• Holistic Support: Beyond the EP, we assist with Dependant’s Passes (DP), Letter of Consent (LOC), and even Permanent Residency (PR) planning.

  
  

• 24/7 Responsiveness: Unlike government portals, our team provides real-time updates and direct access to senior consultants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if my degree isn't from a 'Top-Tier' university?

Yes. You can make up the 20 points in other categories, such as a higher salary or if the company has a strong local hiring record. Bestar specializes in building cases for candidates with non-traditional backgrounds.

How long does the process take?

Most applications take 10 business days, but if your case requires a "niche" review, it can take up to 8 weeks. We monitor your application status daily.

Get Your Free EP Assessment Today

Don't leave your Singapore career to chance. The rules are stricter, and the stakes are higher.

Would you like me to draft a custom "Job Description" for your role that maximizes your chances of scoring Shortage Occupation (C5) bonus points?