COMPASS framework — points, bonuses, shortage list — Costs and fees breakdown
The COMPASS framework is the points-based system the Ministry of Manpower uses to assess Employment Pass applications, scoring salary, qualifications, employer diversity, local-employment support and skills shortages. This guide explains the points, the bonus categories, the shortage list and the cost implications in Singapore dollars as at June 2026.
Little Big Employment Agency (EA Licence 19C9790) works with a panel of corporate and employment law firms; this article is general information, not legal advice.
What the COMPASS framework is
COMPASS (the Complementarity Assessment Framework) requires an Employment Pass applicant to score at least 40 points across four foundational criteria and two bonus criteria. It complements the qualifying-salary requirement and is applied under the work-pass regime established by the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990. The aim is to weigh each foreign hire against the strength and diversity of the employer’s existing workforce, not just the candidate’s salary.
Who COMPASS applies to
COMPASS applies to most new Employment Pass applications and renewals, with limited exemptions (for example, very high earners above a salary ceiling, or short-term roles). Employers across all sectors should self-assess before applying. For the full pass mechanics, read our Employment Pass vs S Pass vs EntrePass comparison, and for the sponsoring company, Singapore Pte Ltd registration for foreigners.
The points, bonuses and shortage list
The four foundational criteria each award 0, 10 or 20 points: salary relative to local PMET benchmarks, qualifications, the nationality diversity of the firm’s PMET workforce, and local-employment support. Two bonus criteria add up to 20 points each: a skills bonus where the role is on the Shortage Occupation List, and a strategic-economic-priorities bonus for firms in qualifying activities. The Shortage Occupation List identifies roles where local supply is tight, and is reviewed periodically by MOM. A strong COMPASS score can offset a moderate salary, while a weak score can sink an otherwise well-paid application.
Cost implications and timeline
Indicative figures as at June 2026: COMPASS itself carries no separate fee, but it shapes whether an Employment Pass (MOM fees of S$105 plus S$225) is approved. Where a firm needs to improve its diversity or local-support scores, the indirect cost is in local hiring and workforce planning. Advisory support to optimise a COMPASS submission typically runs S$800 to S$2,500. Processing remains the standard 3 to 8 weeks for the Employment Pass once COMPASS is satisfied.
Step-by-step: using the COMPASS framework
Run the MOM self-assessment tool to estimate the candidate’s score. Identify weak criteria, particularly diversity and local-support, which depend on the firm’s workforce rather than the candidate. Check whether the role appears on the Shortage Occupation List for the skills bonus. Adjust the salary or timing where a small uplift crosses a points band. Submit the Employment Pass application, then plan workforce changes to sustain scores for future hires. Budget the full picture with our total cost of hiring foreign professionals guide, and review sector-specific hiring guidance.
Common mistakes and gotchas
Employers often focus only on salary and overlook the firm-level criteria that COMPASS rewards. Small firms with a homogeneous workforce can struggle on diversity points. Another error is assuming a Shortage Occupation List bonus applies without checking the current list. Renewals can fail if the firm’s workforce profile has deteriorated since the original approval.
Related guides
See Employment Pass vs S Pass vs EntrePass, the total cost model for hiring foreign professionals, and sector hiring guides.
Authoritative references: the Ministry of Manpower publishes the COMPASS criteria and Shortage Occupation List, and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority handles related entry formalities.
FAQs
What score does COMPASS require?
At least 40 points across the four foundational criteria, with up to 20 bonus points available from each of the two bonus criteria.
What is the Shortage Occupation List?
A periodically reviewed MOM list of roles where local supply is tight; a qualifying role earns a skills bonus under COMPASS.
Does COMPASS cost anything?
COMPASS has no separate fee, but it determines whether the Employment Pass (S$105 plus S$225 in MOM fees) is approved.
Can a high salary alone secure approval?
Not necessarily. A weak score on diversity or local-support can sink a well-paid application; COMPASS weighs firm-level factors too.
Need help with this? Call, SMS or WhatsApp +65 8501 7133, or email [email protected]. Little Big Employment Agency (EA Licence 19C9790) works with a panel of corporate and employment law firms; this article is general information, not legal advice.