Singapore Employment Pass 2026: SGD 5,600 Salary Rule and PR

Singapore is one of Asia's strongest job markets for professionals, and the Employment Pass (EP) is the main way in. But the salary you need isn't a single number, and meeting it doesn't mean automatic approval. Many older guides also quote figures that are out of date.

This guide explains the current EP rules from Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM), including the salary increase coming in January 2027, how the COMPASS points system works, what it costs and how the route to permanent residence (PR) really works.

What the Employment Pass is

The Employment Pass lets foreign professionals, managers, executives and specialists work in Singapore. MOM's key points:

• Your employer applies, either directly or through an employment agent.
• First passes last up to 2 years. Renewals can last up to 3 years.
• Experienced tech professionals with skills in shortage may get a 5-year EP.
• No quota or foreign worker levy applies to EP holders.
• Family passes are available if you meet the salary threshold.

Singapore also has the S Pass for mid-skilled workers and other passes for specialists and entrepreneurs, but this guide focuses on the EP.

The EP salary rule: SGD 5,600, not a flat SGD 6,000

The EP has a two-stage test. Stage 1 is the minimum qualifying salary. MOM benchmarks it to the top third of local professional salaries, and it rises with age, because older candidates are expected to have more experience.

So the "SGD 6,000" figure you often see online is next year's starting point, not this year's. And it's only the entry level for the youngest candidates. A 40-year-old engineer needs to earn much more than that.

MOM's self-assessment tool shows the exact figure for a candidate's age. Check when the new thresholds apply to renewals, as well as new applications.

How COMPASS works

Stage 2 is COMPASS, the Complementarity Assessment Framework. It scores applications on four core criteria and two bonus criteria. You need at least 40 points to pass.

For C2, MOM counts institutions in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings, or equivalent, as top tier. Firms with fewer than 25 professional employees get a default 10 points each for C3 and C4.

A simple example

Imagine Amara, a 30-year-old data engineer with a degree from a well-regarded university outside the top 100. Her offer puts her salary between the 65th and 90th percentile for her sector and age: 10 points for C1. Her degree earns 10 points for C2.

Her employer is a small startup with fewer than 25 professionals, so it gets 10 points each for C3 and C4. That's 40 points, a pass. If her job were on the Shortage Occupation List, she could earn bonus points too. This is a made-up example, and a real outcome would depend on MOM's full assessment.

Who is exempt from COMPASS

You don't need to pass COMPASS if:

• your fixed monthly salary is at least SGD 22,500
• you're an intra-corporate transferee
• the role lasts one month or less

How to apply for an Employment Pass, step by step

1. Your employer advertises the job. Under the Fair Consideration Framework, most roles must be advertised on MyCareersFuture for at least 14 consecutive days before a job offer is made.
2. You accept a job offer. Check that your fixed monthly salary meets the threshold for your age.
3. Your employer submits the application and pays the SGD 105 application fee.
4. MOM assesses it. MOM says most applications are processed within 10 business days. Overseas companies without a Singapore registration can expect around 6 weeks.
5. You get in-principle approval (IPA). This gives you 6 months to enter Singapore and get your pass issued.
6. Your employer requests the pass. An issuance fee of SGD 225 applies, plus SGD 30 if you need a Multiple Journey Visa.
7. Register your biometrics if required, within 2 weeks.
8. Activate your digital pass in the SGWorkPass app. Your physical card follows within 5 working days.

Common mistakes that sink applications

• Using an outdated salary figure. Many websites still quote old thresholds, or next year's figure as if it applies now. Check MOM's current table for your age.
• Counting bonuses as salary. MOM's thresholds refer to fixed monthly salary, so a large variable bonus won't make up for a low fixed salary.
• Ignoring the employer side of COMPASS. C3 and C4 depend on the firm's workforce, not on you. A strong candidate at a firm with a very high share of one nationality can still struggle.
• Skipping the job advert. Employers shouldn't make a job offer during the mandatory 14-day advertising period. MOM can bar employers who get around the rules from hiring foreign workers for 12 to 24 months, and false declarations can lead to prosecution.
• Resigning too early. Wait for your in-principle approval before you hand in your notice at home.
• Giving inaccurate details. Make sure your qualifications and work history are accurate and can be verified, because MOM checks them.

Which jobs qualify

Any professional, managerial or executive role can qualify if the salary and COMPASS criteria are met. In practice, strong candidates tend to be in:

• technology, including software, data, AI and cybersecurity
• financial services, including banking, insurance, risk and compliance
• biomedical sciences, pharmaceuticals and research
• engineering, including advanced manufacturing and infrastructure
• healthcare and specialist services

MOM's Shortage Occupation List gives bonus COMPASS points for certain skilled roles. Check the current list on MOM's website, because it's updated periodically.

Bringing your family

To sponsor family members, you must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 6,000. This is based on your own salary, not household income.

• Dependant's Pass: for your legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21, including legally adopted children.
• Long-Term Visit Pass: for some family members who don't qualify for a Dependant's Pass.

MOM says Dependant's Pass applications are processed within 6 weeks, though some take longer. If your spouse wants to work, check MOM's current rules for Dependant's Pass holders, because they usually need their own work pass.

Costs of living and working in Singapore

Income tax

Singapore's personal income tax is low by international standards, but it isn't zero. The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) explains:

• Tax residents generally stay or work in Singapore for at least 183 days in a year. They pay progressive rates, with the first SGD 20,000 of chargeable income taxed at 0%.
• The top resident rate is 24%, on chargeable income above SGD 1 million, from year of assessment 2024.
• Non-residents pay 15% on employment income or the resident rates, whichever gives more tax.

Health insurance

MOM doesn't require employers to buy medical insurance for EP holders. Check what your employer's package includes, and consider private cover for you and your family.

CPF and savings

The Central Provident Fund (CPF), Singapore's compulsory savings scheme, applies to citizens and permanent residents. EP holders don't contribute, so plan your own retirement savings.

Housing, schooling and banking

Housing is usually the biggest cost. Most EP holders rent privately. International school fees can also be high if you have children, so ask whether your offer includes a relocation or education allowance.

Once your pass is issued, you can open a local bank account. To send money home, compare exchange rates and fees between banks and licensed remittance companies.

The route to permanent residence

EP holders can apply for Singapore PR online through the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) e-Service.

• Fee: SGD 100 to submit. If approved, extra fees apply for the entry permit, re-entry permit and identity card.
• Processing time: ICA says within 6 months, though some applications take longer.
• Assessment: ICA looks at family ties to Singaporeans, economic contribution, qualifications, age, family profile and length of residence. It assesses your ability to contribute, integrate and put down roots.

There's no points threshold or fixed waiting period, and ICA doesn't guarantee approval. Older guides that promise PR "after 6 to 12 months" are wrong. A longer, stable work history in Singapore, community ties and family settled with you can help show commitment, but nothing guarantees an outcome.

If you want a route with clearer published criteria, compare Australia's points-tested skilled visas or New Zealand's Green List pathways. For high-salary options in Europe, see our Switzerland jobs and permits guide.

Is the Employment Pass right for you?

The EP works well for some professionals and is a stretch for others. Think about where you fit.

It's a strong fit if you:

• earn, or can command, a salary well above the minimum for your age
• have a degree, ideally from a highly ranked institution
• work in technology, finance, life sciences or another field where Singapore competes for talent
• are happy with a fast, employer-led process and don't need PR guaranteed

It's a harder fit if you:

• are older, because the salary threshold rises with age
• would be paid close to the minimum, which scores few COMPASS points
• plan to join a firm where your nationality already makes up a large share of professionals
• need a predictable route to permanent residence

If you're close to the line, the S Pass for mid-skilled workers may be worth checking on MOM's website. It has its own salary rules and quotas.

Your Employment Pass checklist

1. Find your minimum salary for your age and sector on MOM's self-assessment tool, and note the 2027 increase.
2. Estimate your COMPASS score using the criteria above.
3. Target employers and roles where your salary and skills stand out, including Shortage Occupation List jobs.
4. Get a written offer that shows your fixed monthly salary.
5. Let your employer apply and pay the fees.
6. Check family eligibility if you'll bring dependants.
7. Budget for rent, schooling, insurance and tax.
8. Plan for PR as a possibility, not a promise.

Singapore rewards well-qualified professionals with a clear, fast system. Check every threshold on mom.gov.sg before you apply, because MOM updates them regularly.