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Singapore Employment Pass 2026: Salary Thresholds, COMPASS & What Actually Gets Approved

The EP minimum is S$5,600 in 2026. But salary alone doesn't get you approved. Here's how the COMPASS points system actually works — and what gets applications rejected.

SingaGuide Editorial TeamPublished 1 April 2026Last updated 15 April 20267 min read
Singapore Employment Pass 2026: Salary Thresholds, COMPASS & What Actually Gets Approved

The Employment Pass is Singapore's work visa for professionals and executives. The application process changed significantly in 2023 with the introduction of COMPASS — and the most common reason applications fail today has nothing to do with salary.

S$5,600
Min salary, most sectors
S$6,200
Financial services
40 pts
COMPASS pass threshold

The COMPASS Framework

Every new EP application since September 2023 is scored against four criteria. You need 40 out of 80 points to pass automatically.

  1. C1
    Salary benchmarking
    Your salary vs median local PMET wages in the same occupation. Earning at the median = 10 pts. Above the 80th percentile = 20 pts. Below the 20th percentile = 0 pts.
  2. C2
    Qualifications
    University ranking matters. Top-tier globally ranked institutions score 20 pts. Mid-tier 10 pts. Unrecognised institutions = 0 pts.
  3. C3
    Nationality diversity
    Whether your nationality is already over-represented in the company. If your nationality group makes up >25% of EP holders at the firm, you score 0 on this criterion.
  4. C4
    Local workforce support
    Ratio of Singaporean/PR employees vs total headcount. Companies with strong local hiring scores score well here. Firms with very low local ratios score 0.

Salary Thresholds (2026)

SectorMinimum Monthly Salary
Most industriesS$5,600
Financial servicesS$6,200
Age 40–44 (general)~S$7,000+
Age 45+ (general)~S$8,500+

The age-adjusted thresholds are approximations — MOM's benchmarks are occupation-specific and updated annually. Use the COMPASS self-assessment tool to get an accurate read before submitting.

The Application Process

Applications are submitted by the employer via the EP eService on MyMOM Portal. You cannot self-apply.

After submission: MOM issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, valid for 6 months. Once you're in Singapore, register biometrics at the Employment Pass Services Centre, then collect your card.

Typical processing: 3–8 weeks. Complex cases involving C3 or C4 concerns can run longer.

Dependant Pass Eligibility

  • Earn S$6,000+ → can sponsor spouse and children under 21 on a Dependant's Pass
  • Earn S$12,000+ → can apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass for parents
If your application is rejected You have 3 months to appeal. Your employer submits the appeal with supporting documentation. Approval on appeal is uncommon — invest the time to get the initial submission right. A rejected application stays on record and can affect future applications to different employers.

After Your EP Is Issued

Set up SingPass on day one — it's the key to almost every government service in Singapore. For sending money home, Wise consistently beats local bank transfer rates by a significant margin.

Source: Ministry of Manpower. Salary thresholds are reviewed annually and may change.

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Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or immigration advice. Singapore government policies change regularly — always verify information with official sources or a qualified professional before making decisions.

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