Quick answer: The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) is for foreign professionals, managers and executives with a qualifying job in Singapore. Meeting the headline salary is only the first stage: unless exempt, the candidate must also pass COMPASS, and the employer must satisfy the Fair Consideration Framework job-advertising rules.

Who can qualify for an Employment Pass?

An EP candidate must have a genuine professional, managerial, executive or specialised role with a Singapore employer. The employer or its appointed employment agency submits the application. An overseas company without a Singapore-registered office generally requires a local sponsor.

There is no EP quota or foreign worker levy. However, there is no automatic right to an EP merely because a candidate meets the minimum salary, owns shares or has incorporated a Singapore company.

EP qualifying salaries: current and announced thresholds

MOM benchmarks the qualifying salary by the candidate’s age. The figures below are the lowest bands for candidates aged 23 or below and the upper bands for candidates aged 45 or above.

Application period All sectors except financial services Financial services
Current: new applications before 1 January 2027; renewals of passes expiring before 1 January 2028 S$5,600, rising progressively with age to S$10,700 S$6,200, rising progressively with age to S$11,800
Announced: new applications from 1 January 2027; renewals of passes expiring from 1 January 2028 S$6,000, rising progressively with age to S$11,500 S$6,600, rising progressively with age to S$12,700

The age-adjusted amount—not just the lowest figure—must be checked. “Fixed monthly salary” has a specific MOM meaning and is not the same as take-home pay or a package containing variable bonuses. Employers should use MOM’s current Self-Assessment Tool before applying.

Stage 2: COMPASS

Unless exempt, an EP application must earn at least 40 points under the Complementarity Assessment Framework, or COMPASS. Its foundational criteria assess:

  • the candidate’s salary compared with local professional salaries by sector and age;
  • degree-equivalent or recognised professional qualifications;
  • the candidate’s nationality diversity within the employer’s professional workforce; and
  • the employer’s support for local professional employment compared with its sector.

Bonus points may be available for an eligible role on the Shortage Occupation List or for an employer participating in an eligible Strategic Economic Priorities programme. An application may be exempt from COMPASS where the candidate earns at least S$22,500 in fixed monthly salary, qualifies as an overseas intra-corporate transferee, or fills a role lasting one month or less. A COMPASS exemption does not necessarily create an exemption from job advertising.

Fair hiring and MyCareersFuture advertising

Before most new EP applications, the employer must advertise the vacancy on MyCareersFuture for at least 14 consecutive days and fairly consider all applicants. The occupation, employer, vacancies and visible salary range must match the subsequent application. The maximum advertised salary generally cannot exceed twice the minimum advertised salary.

Advertising exemptions include employers with fewer than 10 employees, vacancies paying at least S$22,500 fixed monthly salary, roles lasting no more than one month, and certain local transfers or qualifying overseas intra-corporate transfers. Fair and non-discriminatory hiring obligations continue even when an exemption applies.

Application, fees and duration

  • The employer or employment agency obtains the candidate’s written consent and submits the application through EP eService.
  • MOM generally processes the application or provides an update within 10 business days. Cases requiring additional information take longer.
  • The MOM application fee is S$105.
  • After approval, issuance costs S$225, plus S$30 for a Multiple Journey Visa if applicable.
  • A first EP may be granted for up to two years. Renewals may be granted for up to three years.
  • Certain experienced technology professionals in qualifying shortage occupations may be eligible for a five-year EP.

Approval is not guaranteed, and a renewal is assessed against the rules applying to that renewal. An in-principle approval normally allows six months for the candidate to enter Singapore and complete issuance.

Family members

An EP holder earning at least S$6,000 fixed monthly salary may generally apply for a Dependant’s Pass for a legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21. Other eligible family members may use a Long-Term Visit Pass. Bringing parents generally requires a fixed monthly salary of at least S$12,000. Special restrictions apply to some overseas intra-corporate transferees.

Starting a Singapore company and applying for an EP

A foreign founder may establish a genuine Singapore business and the company may later apply for an appropriate work pass for the founder. Incorporation does not itself authorise work or guarantee an EP. The role, salary, company operations, ability to pay, COMPASS profile and any advertising requirement must still be credible and compliant.

For incorporation and corporate-administration support, see Raffles Corporate Services and Singapore Secretary Services. These services are separate from MOM’s decision on any work-pass application.

Employment contracts and legal planning

The employment agreement should accurately reflect the role, employing entity, fixed and variable pay, benefits, relocation arrangements, notice, termination rights, confidentiality, intellectual property and any post-employment restrictions. A contract that conflicts with the work-pass application—or promises work before the pass is issued—can create immigration, employment and commercial risk. Changes of employer normally require a fresh EP application.

Official MOM sources

Accurate as at and last reviewed: 15 July 2026. Rules and salary benchmarks can change; check the linked MOM pages before applying.