Singapore is changing the salary criteria for Employment Pass from 2026. Find out how the COMPASS system works, what scores applicants need and what employers should consider

New minimum salary rules for foreign professionals applying for an Employment Pass (EP) will come into effect in Singapore from 2026. They are based on the updated COMPASS system, which assesses applications based on points and affects both new permits and renewals.

When will the new salary rules for the Employment Pass in Singapore come into effect?

- From 1 January 2026 for new EP applications.

- From 1 July 2026 for renewals of existing passes.

Until then, the 2024 salary table remains relevant and applies to applications in 2025.

What is COMPASS?

The COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) system is a points-based model for assessing candidates for an Employment Pass. It takes into account four key factors: salary level, qualifications, diversity in the company, and the employer’s field of activity.

To be granted an EP, an applicant must score at least 40 points.

One of the key parts of COMPASS is the C1 category, which checks whether the applicant receives a competitive salary depending on his industry.

The salary level is separately assessed in comparison with local workers:

- 20 points - if the salary meets the 65th percentile in the industry,

- 10 points - if it is slightly lower,

- 0 points - if the salary does not meet the criterion.

This indicator is one of the key ones, because in the case of zero points in the C1 category, the employer will have to compensate for the shortfall through other criteria.

How does salary benchmarking work?

Every year, the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) publishes salary tables that determine the minimum threshold depending on the industry. They are based on statistics on the earnings of local specialists.

Thus, before submitting an application, the employer should check whether the salary offer meets current data.

Minimum salary for EP remains mandatory

In addition to the COMPASS criteria, all candidates must meet a basic monthly salary threshold, which depends on the employee’s age and field of activity. This minimum is regularly reviewed and remains the first barrier to obtaining an EP.

Why are the criteria for Employment Pass important?

The changes in 2026 mean that employers need to plan salary offers for foreign professionals in advance. Failure to meet the new indicators may complicate the process of approving an Employment Pass application.

If you plan to work in Singapore or hire foreign professionals, keep a close eye on updates to the COMPASS system. Timely adaptation to the new rules will help avoid refusals and ensure successful obtaining an EP in 2026.

Obtaining an Employment Pass in Singapore is becoming increasingly difficult due to the new COMPASS rules. Our migration specialists will help:

- assess your chances of obtaining an EP;

- prepare a complete package of documents;

- choose the optimal strategy taking into account the new salary criteria.

Contact us today to prepare for the changes in 2026!

Reminder! Singapore is preparing for significant changes to its work visa and S Pass policies to support workforce stability and address the skills shortage. We have already told you what changes expats in Singapore can expect in 2025.

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