Residency
Singapore — Residency: Work Visa
Singapore's main professional work pass is the Employment Pass (EP), requiring both a minimum qualifying salary and a passing score on the points-based COMPASS framework. For 2026, the salary floor is S$5,600/month (non-financial sectors) or S$6,200/month (financial services) for candidates aged 23 or below, rising progressively with age to S$10,700 (non-financial) or S$11,800 (financial) at age 45+ — the threshold is benchmarked against the top one-third of local PMET salaries. Beyond the salary floor, candidates must also score at least 40 points under COMPASS, which evaluates salary, qualifications, workforce diversity, and local employment support. From 1 January 2027, the minimum qualifying salary rises further to S$6,000 (non-financial) / S$6,600 (financial), with existing pass renewals from 1 January 2028 also needing to meet the new thresholds.
Key facts
- 2026 EP salary floor: S$5,600/month (non-financial, age ≤23) to S$10,700 (non-financial, age 45+); S$6,200-11,800 for financial services.
- Beyond the salary floor, candidates must score at least 40 points under the COMPASS points-based framework (salary, qualifications, diversity, local employment support).
- Salary thresholds are benchmarked against the top one-third of local PMET (Professional, Manager, Executive, Technician) salaries and rise progressively with candidate age.
- From 1 January 2027, minimum qualifying salary rises to S$6,000 (non-financial) / S$6,600 (financial); pass renewals from 1 January 2028 must meet the new thresholds.
Steps
- Secure a sponsoring employer — A Singapore-registered company must apply on the candidate's behalf.
- Confirm salary meets the age-adjusted floor — Check against the 2026 (or 2027, if applicable) thresholds for the relevant sector and age.
- Pass the COMPASS assessment — Score at least 40 points across salary, qualifications, diversity, and local employment support criteria.
Required documents
- Employment contract from sponsoring Singapore employer
- Educational qualifications
- Proof of relevant work experience
Common mistakes
- Meeting the salary floor but failing to check the COMPASS score requirement — both the salary threshold and the 40-point COMPASS score must be satisfied.
- Using a flat salary figure without adjusting for age — thresholds rise progressively with candidate age, benchmarked against local PMET salaries.
- Not planning ahead for the 1 January 2027 threshold increase if applying or renewing near that date.