The Employment Pass (EP) is Singapore's primary work visa for foreign professionals, managers, and executives (PMEs). Since the introduction of COMPASS, qualifying for an EP is about more than just salary — it's a points-based assessment designed to ensure foreign hires complement, rather than substitute, the local workforce.
Two Gates: Salary, Then COMPASS
An EP application must first clear a minimum qualifying salary, then earn enough points under COMPASS.
Gate 1 — Minimum Qualifying Salary
From 1 January 2025, the EP minimum qualifying salary is S$5,600 per month for most sectors and S$6,200 for the financial services sector, rising progressively with age (an experienced professional in their 40s must be paid roughly double the entry benchmark). These are floors — a market-competitive salary is usually needed to score well on COMPASS.
Gate 2 — COMPASS Points
Applicants earning below a high salary benchmark are scored across four foundational criteria (up to 20 points each) plus bonus criteria; 40 points are needed to pass: 1. Salary — benchmarked against local PMET salaries in the same sector 2. Qualifications — recognised degree; top-tier institutions score higher 3. Diversity — the share of the candidate's nationality within the firm (rewarding national diversity) 4. Support for local employment — the firm's local PMET ratio versus industry peers Bonus points are available for hiring in Shortage Occupation List roles and for strategic economic priorities. Candidates paid at or above the high-salary benchmark are exempt from COMPASS scoring.
Application Process
1. The employer submits the application via MyMOM Portal / EP Online 2. Standard processing is typically within 10 business days for online applications, though complex cases take longer 3. On approval, an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter is issued, allowing the candidate to enter Singapore 4. The EP is issued and the candidate completes registration and biometrics; medical examination may be required
Validity and Renewal
A first EP is usually granted for up to 2 years and renewals for up to 3 years. Renewals are re-assessed against the salary and COMPASS rules in force at the time — a pass that qualified at issuance may need a salary increase to renew.
Bringing Family
EP holders earning at least S$6,000 can sponsor a spouse and children on Dependant's Passes; those earning at least S$12,000 can also sponsor parents on a Long-Term Visit Pass.
Common Rejection Reasons
- Falling short on COMPASS points, often due to a weak local-workforce ratio or low diversity
- Salary below the age-adjusted benchmark for the role
- Qualifications from unrecognised institutions or unverifiable credentials
- Thin company profile with little hiring track record
How Gateway of Asia Helps
We pre-assess each candidate's COMPASS score, advise on salary and documentation to maximise approval odds, submit and track the application, and manage renewals and dependant passes.