Singapore Employment Pass: New Salary Requirements Take Effect in 2026

Singapore is set to implement updated salary benchmarks as part of the COMPASS framework. These new regulations will affect Employment Pass (EP) applications beginning January 2026 and renewals from July 2026. Here’s what both employers and applicants need to know about these changes.

Understanding COMPASS

The Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) is a points-based system used by Singapore to evaluate EP applications. It assesses various factors, including salary, qualifications, company diversity, and sector relevance. To qualify, applicants must score at least 40 points in total.

A significant aspect of COMPASS is Category C1, which evaluates whether an applicant’s salary aligns with industry standards. Meeting the benchmark earns 10 points, while exceeding it by a specific margin awards the maximum of 20 points. If the salary falls short, applicants receive zero points in this category and must rely on other COMPASS factors to accumulate the necessary 40 points.

Salary Benchmarking Explained

Each year, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) publishes a salary benchmarking table for COMPASS. These tables establish salary levels by industry based on local worker earnings. Here’s how it functions:

• If an applicant’s salary meets the 65th percentile of local salaries in their industry, they earn 20 points.
• A salary slightly below this threshold may earn 10 points.
• If the salary is beneath the benchmark, the applicant scores 0 points in this category.
• This means employers must compensate for any shortfall in other COMPASS categories to achieve the 40-point requirement.

Existing Salary Rules

Currently, the 2024 salary table is in effect for:

• New EP applications submitted from January 1 to December 31, 2025
• EP renewal applications for passes expiring between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026
• The new 2025 salary table will apply from January 2026 for new applicants and from July 2026 for renewals.

Minimum Salary Considerations

Before the COMPASS framework comes into play, applicants must also meet the Stage 1 EP minimum salary. This basic monthly salary threshold varies based on age and sector and undergoes regular reviews.

Importance of Compliance

If an applicant’s salary does not meet the COMPASS benchmark, they automatically receive a zero under Category C1. This score could significantly impact their application unless the employer compensates with points from other areas. Employers planning to hire foreign workers should verify salary offerings now, especially with 2026 hiring in mind.

Conclusion

For employers looking to hire foreign talent in Singapore or individuals planning to apply for an EP shortly, staying updated on the latest COMPASS salary benchmarks is crucial. Meeting these new requirements is essential for securing approvals and ensuring a smooth application process.