The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) of Singapore has announced updates to the salary benchmarks under its COMPASS framework (Complementarity Assessment Framework). These new rules will apply to:
- New Employment Pass (EP) applications filed from January 1, 2026
- Employment Pass renewals where the pass expires on or after July 1, 2026
The changes highlight Singapore’s ongoing strategy to ensure that foreign professionals meet competitive salary levels compared to local employees, strengthening fairness and labor market standards.
What Is COMPASS?
COMPASS is a point-based evaluation system introduced by Singapore to assess Employment Pass applications. Candidates must achieve at least 40 points across multiple categories, including salary, qualifications, firm diversity, and industry relevance.
Category C1 of COMPASS focuses on whether the candidate earns a salary competitive within their sector. This is one of the most critical aspects of the evaluation:
- Meeting the salary benchmark earns 10 points.
- Exceeding the benchmark by a set margin earns 20 points.
- Falling below the benchmark earns 0 points, forcing candidates to rely on other categories.
How the Salary Criteria Works
The MOM publishes an updated income table for COMPASS every year. These benchmarks are tied to the 65th percentile of local salaries in each sector. The scoring works as follows:
- If the candidate’s salary is at or above the 65th percentile → 20 points
- If slightly below the percentile → 10 points
- If below the benchmark → 0 points
This means employers must carefully structure compensation packages to ensure their international hires meet or exceed sector-specific benchmarks.
Existing Income Rules
Currently, the 2024 salary table applies to:
- New EP applications filed between January 1 and December 31, 2025
- EP renewals for passes expiring between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026
From January 2026, the new 2025 salary table will take effect for fresh EP applications, and from July 2026, for renewals.
The Stage 1 Minimum Salary Requirement
Before COMPASS scoring begins, all EP applicants must meet the Stage 1 Employment Pass minimum salary. This is the baseline monthly salary threshold that varies by age and industry. MOM reviews this figure regularly to reflect labor market conditions.
Why This Matters
If a candidate’s salary does not meet the COMPASS benchmark, they receive a zero score under Category C1. This can make or break the application unless the employer secures enough points in other areas. Companies planning to hire international professionals in 2026 should begin reviewing salary structures now to ensure compliance.
Conclusion
The upcoming 2026 changes to Singapore’s Employment Pass salary benchmarks reflect the country’s commitment to maintaining a competitive and fair labor market. For both employers and international professionals, understanding COMPASS salary criteria is essential to securing approval for Employment Pass applications.
FAQ
When will the new Employment Pass salary rules take effect?
The new salary benchmarks will apply from January 1, 2026, for fresh EP applications and from July 1, 2026, for renewals.
What is COMPASS in Singapore’s Employment Pass system?
COMPASS is a points-based system requiring candidates to score at least 40 points across categories such as salary, qualifications, company diversity, and industry relevance.
How does the salary scoring under COMPASS work?
If a candidate’s salary is at or above the 65th percentile of local incomes, they earn 20 points. Slightly below earns 10 points, while below the threshold earns 0 points.
Is there a minimum salary requirement before COMPASS scoring?
Yes. All EP applicants must meet the Stage 1 minimum monthly salary, which varies by age and sector, before being assessed under COMPASS.