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Singapore Employment Pass

Employment Pass (EP) with COMPASS

In short

The Employment Pass is for foreign professionals, managers and executives. Candidates must earn at least the EP qualifying salary (SGD 5,600 a month in 2026, SGD 6,200 in financial services, rising with age) and, unless exempt, score 40 points under COMPASS. The employer applies; first passes last up to two years and renewals up to three.

Apply on myMOM Portal (Ministry of Manpower) checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
First pass up to 2 years; renewals up to 3 years (5 years for experienced tech professionals in shortage skills)
Fee
SGD 105Application fee per pass; issuance fee SGD 225 per pass, plus SGD 30 for a Multiple Journey Visa if applicable.
Funds required
SGD 5,600 per monthMinimum fixed monthly salary in 2026 for candidates aged 23 or below outside financial services, rising to SGD 10,700 at 45+; SGD 6,000 (up to SGD 11,500) for new applications from 1 January 2027.
Processing time
Within 10 business days for most online applications (overseas companies without a Singapore entity: within 6 weeks)
Work
Yes, for the sponsoring employer
Family
Dependant's Pass for spouse and children if the salary is at least SGD 6,000; LTVP for parents if at least SGD 12,000
Path to permanent residence
EP holders may apply to ICA for permanent residence
Where to apply
Employer or employment agent applies online via myMOM Portal; candidate can be abroad

Stage 2: COMPASS

Unless exempt, the application must earn 40 points under the Complementarity Assessment Framework. Four core criteria compare the salary with sector benchmarks (C1), assess qualifications, with more points for top-ranked universities (C2), reward nationality diversity in the firm (C3) and the firm's local professional share (C4); firms with fewer than 25 professionals get default points for C3 and C4. Bonuses are available for jobs on the Shortage Occupation List (C5) and for firms in strategic economic priorities (C6). Candidates earning at least SGD 22,500 a month are exempt from COMPASS.

Stage 1: EP qualifying salary

The qualifying salary is benchmarked to the top third of local professional salaries by age. For new applications before 1 January 2027 (and renewals of passes expiring before 1 January 2028) it is SGD 5,600 a month at age 23 or below, rising progressively to SGD 10,700 at 45 and above; in financial services SGD 6,200 rising to SGD 11,800. From 1 January 2027 for new applications (and 1 January 2028 for renewals) the floors become SGD 6,000 (up to SGD 11,500) and SGD 6,600 (up to SGD 12,700). Candidates below this bar cannot get an EP regardless of COMPASS points.

Application

The employer must first meet the Fair Consideration Framework job advertising requirement, then applies on myMOM Portal with the candidate's passport and, where qualifications earn points, the certificates with verification proof. The SGD 105 application fee is paid on submission; most online applications are processed within 10 business days. After approval the employer pays the SGD 225 issuance fee and the candidate travels with the in-principle approval letter.

  1. The employer advertises the job under the Fair Consideration Framework and checks eligibility with MOM's Self-Assessment Tool.
  2. The employer applies on myMOM Portal and pays SGD 105.
  3. MOM decides, usually within 10 business days for online applications.
  4. After approval the employer requests issuance and pays SGD 225; the candidate enters with the approval letter and SG Arrival Card.
  5. The candidate registers fingerprints and photo if required and receives the card within five working days.

After approval: card and registration

MOM e-mails an in-principle approval or notification letter, which the holder shows on arrival together with the SG Arrival Card submitted within three days before arrival. If required, the holder registers fingerprints and a photo at the Employment Pass Services Centre within two weeks of the pass being issued, and the card is delivered within five working days after registration or document checks. Changes of address or employment must be updated with MOM.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Candidate's passport personal particulars page

Work

  • Job offer and employment details (the employer submits the application)
  • Proof that the Fair Consideration Framework job advertisement was made, where required

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Study

  • Degree certificates with verification proof, if points are claimed under C2

Frequently asked questions

What salary do I need for a Singapore EP in 2026?

At least SGD 5,600 a month at age 23 or below (SGD 6,200 in financial services), rising with age to SGD 10,700 (SGD 11,800 in finance) at 45 and above.

How many COMPASS points are needed?

40 points, unless the candidate is exempt, for example with a salary of at least SGD 22,500 a month.

How long is the EP valid?

Up to two years for first-time candidates and up to three years on renewal; experienced tech professionals with skills in shortage may get five years.

Can my family join me?

Yes, with a Dependant's Pass if you earn at least SGD 6,000 a month; parents can join on a Long-Term Visit Pass if you earn at least SGD 12,000.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Singapore

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: Set by the immigration officer on arrival and shown in the e-Pass

Business and self-employment

Study and training

  • Student visa Processing time: Institutes of higher learning: within one week (two weeks if a visa is required). Private institutions: within one month, or two weeks for EduTrust-certified schools.

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: First pass up to 2 years; renewals up to 3 years (limited to 1 month before passport expiry)
  • Working holiday visa Maximum stay: 6 months

Family

Residence

Singapore visa guide