# Singapore Employment Pass (EP) and PEP Eligibility in 2026 > Singapore Employment Pass and PEP eligibility in 2026: salary floors, COMPASS scoring, fees, processing time, and renewal rules explained. **URL:** https://migaku.com/blog/language-fun/singapore-employment-pass-ep-and-pep-eligibility-in-2026 **Last Updated:** 2026-05-18 **Tags:** resources, deepdive --- Singapore's Employment Pass (EP) is the main work visa for foreign professionals, managers, and executives earning above the qualifying salary threshold and clearing the COMPASS points test. In 2026, the salary floors set in 2025 still apply, but the COMPASS scoring tables and Shortage Occupation List have been refreshed, and another salary hike is already scheduled for January 2027. *Last updated: May 18, 2026* ## Who Qualifies for the Employment Pass in 2026 The EP is intended for foreign professionals in managerial, executive, or specialized roles. To qualify, a candidate must meet two independent tests: the qualifying salary and the COMPASS points-based assessment. Failing either one will result in rejection, even if the other is comfortably cleared. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) reviews both the candidate's profile and the hiring company's profile. Unlike many other work visas, the foreign candidate cannot apply directly. The Singapore employer (or an authorized employment agent) must submit the application through the myMOM Portal. As a baseline: - The role must be a Professional, Manager, Executive, or Technical (PMET) position. - The candidate must have acceptable qualifications, typically a recognized degree, professional qualifications, or specialized skills. - The fixed monthly salary must meet or exceed the sector-specific floor and be in line with local PMET benchmarks for the candidate's age. - The employer must have advertised the role on MyCareersFuture for at least 14 days under the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF), with limited exemptions. ## Qualifying Salary in 2026 The minimum qualifying salary for new EP applications in 2026 is: | Sector | Minimum fixed monthly salary (age 23 or below) | Top of age band (age 45+) | |---|---|---| | Non-financial services | S$5,600 | S$10,700 | | Financial services | S$6,200 | S$11,800 | The salary floor scales progressively with age. A 40-year-old applying in a non-financial role will not clear the qualifying salary at S$5,600; the figure required is significantly higher and approaches the top-of-band amount. MOM's Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) is the only reliable way to confirm the exact figure for a given age and sector. These thresholds (S$5,600 and S$6,200 at entry) took effect for new applications from 1 January 2025 and apply to renewals for passes expiring from 1 January 2026 onward. MOM confirmed at the Committee of Supply on 3 March 2026 that the floor will rise again to S$6,000 (S$6,600 in financial services) from 1 January 2027, so applications filed late in 2026 should still anticipate the 2027 step-up at renewal time. Note that the qualifying salary is a floor, not a target. To score well on COMPASS C1 (Salary), candidates generally need to earn at or above the 65th percentile of local PMET salaries in their sector. ## The COMPASS Framework In addition to the qualifying salary, EP candidates must score at least 40 points on the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). COMPASS is a points-based system with four foundational criteria and two bonus criteria. - C1 Salary: 10 points if the candidate's fixed monthly salary is at the 65th percentile of local PMET salaries in the sector; 20 points if at or above the 90th percentile. - C2 Qualifications: Points for the candidate's highest qualification. Degrees from MOM's updated qualification list earn the most points. Since September 2023, all qualifications declared must be verified by MOM-approved background screening companies. - C3 Diversity: Points based on the share of the candidate's nationality among PMETs at the hiring firm. Firms with fewer than 25 PMET employees automatically receive 10 points. - C4 Support for Local Employment: Points based on the firm's share of local PMETs compared to industry peers. Small firms (fewer than 25 PMETs) also receive a default 10 points here. - C5 Skills Bonus: Up to 20 bonus points if the role is on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL). - C6 Strategic Economic Priorities Bonus: Points for candidates working at firms partnering with the government on innovation, internationalization, or training initiatives. From September 2025, MOM treats all employees earning at least S$3,300/month as PMETs for COMPASS diversity calculations, which has changed C3 and C4 outcomes for many smaller employers. Candidates earning a fixed monthly salary of S$22,500 or more are generally exempt from COMPASS scoring, as are intra-corporate transferees under Singapore's trade agreement commitments and pass holders applying for renewals of less than one month. ### COMPASS updates effective in 2026 The following COMPASS updates took effect from 1 January 2026 for new EP applications, and apply to renewals from 1 July 2026: - Revised C1 salary benchmarks by sector (the percentiles are recalculated annually). - Updated education qualifications list under C2. - Updated Shortage Occupation List (SOL). The 2026 refresh added healthcare occupations to the SOL and removed several technology roles, including Cyber Risk Specialist, Cybersecurity Operations Specialist, and Product Manager (Digital). Certain technology roles remaining on the SOL may also qualify for a 5-year EP validity instead of the standard 2-3 years. ## Document Checklist The core documents the employer will need to upload through the myMOM Portal include: - Candidate's passport bio-data page (must be valid for at least 7 months at application). - Candidate's educational certificates and transcripts (verified through an approved screening provider). - Employer's latest business profile from ACRA. - Signed employment contract or appointment letter showing the fixed monthly salary, job title, and job duties. - MyCareersFuture job advertisement reference number (where FCF advertising applies). - Candidate's resume detailing prior work history. - Passport-style photograph taken within the last 3 months. - For non-resident applicants from selected countries, additional supporting documents may be requested. Documents not in English must be accompanied by an official English translation. ## Application Steps 1. Confirm eligibility using the Self-Assessment Tool. The employer or agent runs the candidate's profile through MOM's SAT to check both the qualifying salary and COMPASS score before applying. 2. Advertise the role on MyCareersFuture for at least 14 days unless an exemption applies (for example, salaries of S$22,500 or above, intra-company transferees, or specific role categories). 3. Verify educational qualifications through one of MOM's approved background screening companies before submission. 4. Submit the EP application through the myMOM Portal / EP eService. Foreign candidates cannot apply directly. 5. Receive the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter if approved. The IPA is valid for 6 months from the date of issue and allows the candidate to enter Singapore to complete pass formalities. 6. Complete pass formalities in Singapore, including the issuance request, medical examination if required, and biometrics registration at the Employment Pass Services Centre. 7. Receive the physical EP card once issuance is approved and the issuance fee is paid. ## Fees and Processing Time | Item | Amount | |---|---| | EP application fee (non-refundable) | S$105 | | EP issuance fee (per pass) | S$225 | | Multiple Journey Visa (if applicable) | S$30 | Processing time for online applications is typically around 10 business days. Manual applications, which apply mainly to overseas companies without a local Singapore entity, can take up to 8 weeks. Adding family members on Dependant's Passes or Long-Term Visit Passes is a separate process with its own fees. The EP itself is typically valid for up to 2 years for first-time applicants and up to 3 years on renewal. Certain technology roles on the SOL may qualify for a 5-year EP. ## Renewals Renewal applications can be submitted up to 6 months before the EP expires, and MOM must receive the renewal at least 2 weeks before expiry. Renewals are assessed against the current rules, not the rules that applied at the time of the original application. This means EP holders whose passes expire in 2026 or later must meet: - The current qualifying salary floor (S$5,600 or S$6,200 in financial services, with the age-progressive scale). - A COMPASS score of at least 40 points (with the 2026 updates applying to renewals from 1 July 2026). From 1 January 2027, the qualifying salary floor will rise to S$6,000 (S$6,600 in financial services), and renewals filed for passes expiring after that date will need to clear the new floor. ## Bringing Family to Singapore EP holders can sponsor family members on dependent passes if their salaries are high enough: - Dependant's Pass (DP) for a legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21: minimum fixed monthly salary of S$6,000. - Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for parents, common-law spouses, or unmarried handicapped children over 21: minimum fixed monthly salary of S$12,000. Dependant's Pass holders who wish to work in Singapore must obtain their own work pass; the previous Letter of Consent route for DP holders was phased out in 2021. ## The Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) The Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is a non-renewable work pass tied to the individual rather than a specific employer. Key 2026 rules: - Minimum fixed monthly salary requirement: S$22,500 (in effect since 1 September 2023). - Validity: 3 years, non-renewable. - PEP holders may switch employers without reapplying for a new pass. - PEP holders must not be unemployed in Singapore for more than 6 continuous months and must earn a fixed annual salary of at least S$270,000 each calendar year. - Sole proprietors, partners, or directors with substantial shareholding cannot hold a PEP. The PEP suits senior professionals who want mobility between employers without binding themselves to a single sponsor. ## The ONE Pass For top-tier candidates, the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) is an alternative to the EP and PEP. It requires a fixed monthly salary of S$30,000 (or proven equivalent earned in the past 12 months), is valid for 5 years, and is exempt from COMPASS. MOM announced at COS 2026 that a new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track will be introduced in January 2027, aimed at attracting senior AI and technology talent who may not strictly meet the standard S$30,000 salary benchmark but have outstanding records. ## Common Pitfalls - Treating the qualifying salary as a target. Hitting the floor will clear the salary gate but will earn 0 points on COMPASS C1. Aim for at least the 65th percentile. - Ignoring the MyCareersFuture advertising requirement. Skipping or shortening the 14-day FCF advertising window is a frequent reason for rejection. - Submitting unverified qualifications. Since September 2023, qualifications declared for COMPASS C2 must be verified by an MOM-approved screening provider before submission. - Filing renewals against old rules. A pass renewed in 2026 must meet 2026 rules, not the rules in force when it was first issued. - Assuming the IPA equals the pass. The IPA only permits travel to Singapore for pass issuance; the EP itself only takes effect after issuance formalities are completed. - Underestimating diversity penalties. Firms with a high concentration of one foreign nationality among PMETs may lose all C3 points, which can drop a borderline candidate below 40. ## Frequently Asked Questions Can I apply for the EP myself? No. Only a Singapore-registered employer or an authorized employment agent can submit the EP application through the myMOM Portal. How long is the EP valid? Up to 2 years for first-time applicants and up to 3 years on renewal. Certain technology roles on the Shortage Occupation List can qualify for a 5-year pass. Does the EP lead to permanent residency? The EP itself does not grant PR. EP holders can separately apply for PR through the ICA, with eligibility assessed on multiple factors including length of stay, earnings, and family ties. Is COMPASS the same for all sectors? No. The C1 salary benchmarks differ by sector, and they are revised annually. The 2026 update took effect on 1 January 2026 for new applications. What happens if my COMPASS score is below 40? The application will be rejected unless the candidate qualifies for an exemption (for example, a salary of S$22,500 or above, or eligible intra-corporate transferee status). Can my spouse work on a Dependant's Pass? Dependant's Pass holders need their own work pass to work in Singapore. The Letter of Consent route for DP holders was discontinued in 2021. How does the EP compare to other relocation routes? If you are still weighing options, it is worth comparing Singapore's EP against routes such as the [Germany Chancenkarte Opportunity Card](https://migaku.com/blog/language-fun/germany-chancenkarte-opportunity-card-2026-requirements), the [Spain Digital Nomad Visa](https://migaku.com/blog/language-fun/spain-digital-nomad-visa-2026-eligibility-steps-income), or the [China Z Visa and work permit](https://migaku.com/blog/language-fun/how-to-apply-for-a-china-z-visa-and-work-permit-in-2026), each of which has very different salary, qualification, and dependent rules. If you are moving to Singapore, English will get you through work, but a working knowledge of Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil will open up daily life, local clients, and family conversations. [Try Migaku](https://migaku.com/signup) to learn from the shows, news, and content Singaporeans actually watch.