Employment Pass Estimator & COMPASS Guide 2026
Singapore's Employment Pass (EP) uses a two-stage framework from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Stage 1 requires meeting the EP qualifying salary — benchmarked to the top one-third of local PMET salaries by age and sector. Stage 2 is COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework), a 40-point scoring system unless exempted (e.g., salary ≥ S$22,500/month). From 1 January 2027, minimum qualifying salaries rise to S$6,000 (general) and S$6,600 (financial services).
Reference: MOM EP eligibility & COMPASS framework · Not legal advice
borderline EP eligibility (simplified)
Salary is S$100 below simplified benchmark. Consider negotiating or checking COMPASS points.
Benchmark: S$7,100/month
EP qualifying salary thresholds 2026
| Sector / age | Current minimum | From Jan 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| All sectors (age 23) | S$5,600 | S$6,000 |
| Financial services (age 23) | S$6,200 | S$6,600 |
| Age 45+ (general) | S$10,700 | S$11,500 |
| Age 45+ (financial) | S$11,800 | S$12,700 |
COMPASS scoring criteria (40 points required)
| Code | Criterion | Points | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | Salary | 0 / 10 / 20 | Fixed monthly salary vs local PMET 65th/90th percentile in sector |
| C2 | Qualifications | 0 / 10 / 20 | Degree-equivalent or top-tier institution on MOM lists |
| C3 | Diversity | 0 / 10 / 20 | Nationality diversity within firm's PMET workforce |
| C4 | Local employment | 0 / 10 / 20 | Firm's share of local PMETs vs subsector peers |
| C5 | Skills bonus | 0 / 10 / 20 | Shortage occupations on COMPASS Shortage Occupation List |
| C6 | Strategic economic | 0 / 10 | Firm pursuing economic priorities (selected activities) |
How to use this estimator
- Enter your offered fixed monthly salary (exclude variable bonus unless guaranteed).
- Select the closest job role — benchmarks differ for tech vs finance.
- Add years of experience — our simplified model adjusts for seniority.
- Compare result with MOM Self-Assessment Tool before employer lodges EP.
- Cross-check role pay on our salary dashboards.
2026 COMPASS salary benchmark update
MOM refreshed C1 salary benchmarks effective 1 January 2026 for new applications and 1 July 2026 for renewals. Average increases: ~5% at 65th percentile, ~4% at 90th percentile nationally — but sector deviations exist (financial services, ICT, healthcare differ).
Employment Pass FAQ 2026
What is the minimum EP salary in 2026?
S$5,600/month for general sectors at age 23, rising with age to S$10,700 at 45+. Financial services starts at S$6,200. From January 2027: S$6,000 and S$6,600 respectively.
How many COMPASS points do I need?
40 points from foundational (C1–C4) and bonus (C5–C6) criteria. Exemptions apply if fixed salary ≥ S$22,500/month or for certain shortage occupations.
Does CFA or AWS certification help COMPASS?
Certifications may support C2 (qualifications) if recognised as degree-equivalent by MOM. They do not replace salary thresholds.
Can I switch employers on the same EP?
EP is employer-specific. A new employer must lodge a fresh application meeting current salary and COMPASS criteria.
What is ONE Pass vs Employment Pass?
ONE Pass requires S$30,000/month fixed salary (or exceptional achievement track). It allows multi-employer flexibility. EP is employer-tied.
Is this tool official MOM advice?
No. Use MOM's Self-Assessment Tool and official eligibility page for definitive guidance. This estimator uses simplified benchmarks for orientation.