Employment Pass Requirements and Salary Changes: Employer Preparation

Singapore Employment Pass requirements depend on the candidate’s age, sector and fixed monthly salary, together with the applicable COMPASS and employer requirements. This guide explains how employers can prepare for current requirements and the announced salary changes.

For detailed scoring and examples, use our EP salary requirements and COMPASS guide.

Current and announced EP salary requirements

The higher amounts apply to new applications from 1 January 2027 and renewals of passes expiring from 1 January 2028. Requirements increase with age. Check the exact age band and relevant date in MOM’s EP eligibility tables; the starting figure is not a universal threshold for every applicant.

Salary eligibility and COMPASS are separate checks

A candidate must meet the qualifying salary first. Unless exempt, the application must also earn at least 40 COMPASS points. Exemptions include qualifying high-salary applicants, eligible overseas intra-corporate transferees and roles lasting one month or less, subject to MOM’s definitions. A qualifying salary or illustrative score alone should not be described as guaranteed approval.

Employer preparation checklist

• Confirm the candidate’s age, sector, fixed monthly salary and intended application or renewal date.
• Review the applicable age-based salary requirement instead of budgeting only for the youngest age band.
• Check the employer information needed for COMPASS and any relevant exemption.
• Review Fair Consideration Framework advertising requirements and exemptions before submission.
• Use MOM’s Self-Assessment Tool and prepare accurate supporting records.
• Assign responsibility for submission and any follow-up information requests.

What if the candidate does not qualify for an EP?

Assess another route against its own criteria. An S Pass requires an eligible offer and employer quota; it is not an automatic fallback. Its current starting salaries are S$3,300 outside financial services and S$3,800 in financial services, with age adjustments. Announced starting amounts are S$3,600 and S$4,000 for new applications from 1 January 2027 and renewals of passes expiring from 1 January 2028. See MOM’s S Pass requirements.

PEP is intended for high earners and has its own higher salary and continuing conditions. It should not be presented as an easier salary route for someone below the EP threshold. Compare the restrictions in our work-pass comparison.

Prepare the application

Our EP application guide covers the submission process. To discuss assistance, visit TIP’s work-pass application service and confirm the scope in your quotation. MOM decides each application.

Policy details checked on 29 September 2026. Follow current MOM guidance and the instructions for your case.