COMPASS points-based EP (Employment Pass) application system

Updating this for anyone finding the thread now (October 2026):

COMPASS has applied to new Employment Pass applications since 1 September 2023, and to renewals since 1 September 2024. An EP application now goes through two stages:

Qualifying salary: at least S$5,600 a month (S$6,200 in financial services), rising with age. From 1 January 2027 this goes up to S$6,000 (S$6,600) for new applications.

COMPASS: the application needs 40 points. Four criteria score 0, 10 or 20 each: salary against local PMET pay in the sector (C1), qualifications (C2), how diverse the employer’s foreign workforce is (C3), and how many locals it employs (C4). Two bonus criteria can add more: a job on the Shortage Occupation List (C5) and Strategic Economic Priorities (C6).

You’re exempt from COMPASS if you earn at least S$22,500 a month, are an overseas intra-corporate transferee, or the role lasts one month or less.

How the application works: you can’t apply yourself. Your employer, or an employment agent it appoints, applies through MOM. Most employers must first advertise the job on MyCareersFuture for 14 consecutive days. Employers can check the points with MOM’s Self-Assessment Tool before applying.

Official MOM page: [link under review]

Our EP and COMPASS guide, with the full age-by-age salary tables: [link under review]

Ray Tay

VIVOS Pte. Ltd., Singapore (MOM-licensed employment agency, 24S2425)