A high salary does not guarantee a pass. Missing qualification evidence, poor diversity or weak local-employment support can leave the total below 40.
Singapore GuidesEmployment Pass
EMPLOYMENT PASS
EP complete guide: salary threshold, COMPASS and common rejection reasons
Short answer
The EP is the main work pass for foreign professionals, but since COMPASS took effect (new applications from 1 September 2023; renewals of passes expiring from 1 September 2024) it is no longer "hit the salary and you pass". You must first clear the minimum salary threshold (S$5,600, or S$6,200 for financial services), then pass COMPASS scoring with at least 40 points across six criteria. Both gates must clear. You cannot apply yourself — the employer (or its appointed employment agent) applies, which is why many founders register the company first, then apply for the EP.
Key thresholds
| Item | 2026 | From 1 Jan 2027 (new applications; renewals expiring from 1 Jan 2028) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum salary (general) | S$5,600 | S$6,000 |
| Minimum salary (financial services) | S$6,200 | S$6,600 |
| Older candidates (45 and above) | Rises with age; S$10,700 general / S$11,800 financial services at 45 and above | S$11,500 general / S$12,700 financial services at 45 and above (Source: MOM, verified 2026-09) |
| COMPASS | Six criteria (4 foundational + 2 bonus), 40 points needed | |
| Validity | Up to 2 years first, up to 3 on renewal | |
| Employer-tied | Yes, one employer only; re-apply to change employer | |
Two gates: clear the threshold, then score
Many assume a high enough salary secures the EP — not true since COMPASS took effect. There are two separate gates:
Gate 1: minimum salary. This is an eligibility line — below it you are not even scored. S$5,600 general, S$6,200 financial services, rising with age; at 45 and above the general threshold is S$10,700 (S$11,500 for new applications from 1 January 2027).
Gate 2: COMPASS 40 points. Clearing the threshold only earns the right to be scored. You then need 40 points across six criteria. Even at S$20,000/month, a COMPASS shortfall means rejection.
How the six COMPASS criteria work
COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) is MOM's points system. It applies to new applications and to renewals — for renewals, to passes expiring from 1 September 2024. MOM refreshes the C1 salary benchmark table each August, so the benchmark your salary is measured against moves year to year; see renewing an EP. Four foundational and two bonus criteria; none is individually mandatory, but the total must reach 40:
| Criterion | What it measures | Points |
|---|---|---|
| C1 Salary | Salary vs local PMET percentile for age/sector: 20 at ≥90th, 10 at ≥65th | 0/10/20 |
| C2 Qualifications | Top-tier institution degree = 20 (MOM updated the list Nov 2025: NUS, NTU, SMU, leading global universities) | 0/10/20 |
| C3 Diversity | Your nationality's share of the firm's PMETs: below 5% = 20, 5% to below 25% = 10, 25% or more = 0; default 10 if the firm has fewer than 25 PMETs | 0/10/20 |
| C4 Local employment | Firm's local PMET share; default 10 points if the firm has fewer than 25 PMETs (C3 also defaults to 10) | 0/10/20 |
| C5/C6 Bonus | C5: role on the Shortage Occupation List = 20 points, or 10 if the candidate's nationality makes up one-third or more of the firm's PMETs; C6: strategic economic priorities = 10 points (Source: MOM, verified 2026-09) | C5 +20 (or +10) / C6 +10 |
MOM offers a Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) — run it before applying. MOM says that if the SAT shows you do not meet the criteria, you should not submit, as the application will be rejected; a passing SAT result does not guarantee approval either.
Common rejection reasons
Application details that do not match ACRA records or qualification evidence trigger red-flag review.
A shell company that "manufactures" an EP will be scrutinised for genuine operations.
The company must exist and have substance before the EP is applied for. Rushing the EP without substance invites rejection.
How we handle it
We run the COMPASS self-assessment and judge whether you can pass before proceeding (the application is filed by the employer or a partner licensed employment agency) — rather than proceeding just because you paid. If the score falls short, we identify whether it is salary, qualifications or the firm, and assess whether adjustments can bridge it. See EP and legal pathway assessment; on sequence, see registration does not equal a pass.
Frequently asked
With a high salary, is my EP guaranteed?
No. For new applications since 1 September 2023 and renewals of passes expiring from 1 September 2024, even at S$20,000/month you must pass COMPASS with 40 points (exemptions apply, e.g. fixed monthly salary of S$22,500 or more). Salary only helps C1; other criteria can still sink it.
What is the EP minimum salary?
2026: S$5,600 general, S$6,200 financial services, rising with age. New applications from 1 Jan 2027: S$6,000 / S$6,600; renewals apply to passes expiring from 1 Jan 2028.
Can I apply for the EP myself?
No. The employer, or an employment agent it appoints, applies on your behalf; individuals cannot self-apply. This is why founders register a company first.
Can an EP work for multiple companies?
No. The EP is tied to one employer; changing employer requires cancelling and re-applying. For multi-employer flexibility, see the ONE Pass.
How do I reach 40 COMPASS points?
Across six criteria: C1 salary percentile, C2 qualifications, C3 diversity, C4 local employment (0-20 each), plus bonuses: C5 Shortage Occupation List role = 20 points (10 if the candidate's nationality makes up one-third or more of the firm's PMETs) and C6 strategic economic priorities = 10 points. Firms with fewer than 25 PMETs get a default 10 points on both C3 and C4.
Sources: MOM (EP eligibility, COMPASS framework, salary thresholds, increase for new applications Jan 2027 / renewals Jan 2028), verified 2026-09. The "common rejection reasons" section reflects industry observation, not MOM statistics; thresholds change — follow MOM's latest. General information, not immigration or legal advice.
Want to know if your COMPASS clears 40?
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