Singapore Employment Pass COMPASS Calculator 2026
Check your Employment Pass eligibility across both stages: the qualifying salary floor, then the COMPASS points test (40 points minimum across 6 criteria) — unless you earn S$22,500+/month and skip COMPASS entirely.
Qualifying salary by age: 2026 vs from January 2027
⚠️ The qualifying salary floor rises with candidate age above 23 — older candidates need materially higher pay to clear Stage 1, independent of the COMPASS score.
Singapore Employment Pass — 2026 Two-Stage Eligibility
Every EP application must clear two independent gates: Stage 1, the qualifying salary floor, and Stage 2, the COMPASS points framework (unless exempt).
| Gate | 2026 Threshold |
|---|---|
| Qualifying salary — General sector | S$5,600/month (age-23 baseline; rises with age) |
| Qualifying salary — Financial services | S$6,200/month (age-23 baseline; rises with age) |
| From 1 January 2027 (new applications) | S$6,000 general / S$6,600 financial, up to S$11,500 / S$12,700 at age 45+ (Budget 2026) |
| COMPASS exemption | S$22,500+/month, or qualifying intra-corporate transferee |
| COMPASS pass mark | 40 points minimum, summed across C1–C6 |
How COMPASS Points Are Scored
Four foundational criteria — C1 Salary (vs. local PMET benchmark), C2 Qualifications, C3 Diversity, C4 Local Employment Support — each score 0, 10, or 20 points. Two bonus criteria add further points: C5 rewards roles on the Shortage Occupation List (+20), and C6 rewards firms in approved strategic economic programmes (+10). All six sum to your total COMPASS score.
Worked Example
A candidate earning at the 90th percentile for their sector (C1: 20) with a top-tier university degree (C2: 20), at a firm with diverse nationality mix (C3: 20) and above-benchmark local hiring (C4: 20) scores 80 points — well clear of the 40-point threshold, with no bonus points needed.
Assumptions
- Salary figures refer to fixed monthly salary only, excluding variable bonuses, unless otherwise specified by MOM.
- The C1–C4 selections assume you can accurately estimate your standing on each criterion — in practice, MOM's Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) uses firm-level and sector data you may not have direct access to.
Limitations
- This tool does not replace MOM's official Self-Assessment Tool (SAT), which is the authoritative pre-check before submitting a real application.
- The qualifying salary rises with age, from S$5,600 at 23 to S$10,700 at 45+ (financial services S$6,200 to S$11,800). MOM publishes the endpoints but not every age step, so the values in between are a straight-line estimate. From January 2027 new applications need S$6,000 rising to S$11,500 (financial services S$6,600 to S$12,700), and renewals follow a year later.
- Top-tier institution lists, degree-equivalent qualification lists, and the Shortage Occupation List are all reviewed periodically by MOM and can change without notice.
This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration advice. Page last reviewed 29 October 2026.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Singapore Employment Pass
What is the minimum salary for a Singapore Employment Pass in 2026?
S$5,600/month for most sectors, or S$6,200/month for financial services. These floors rise with the candidate's age above 23, and are scheduled to increase to S$6,000 and S$6,600 respectively from 1 January 2027.
How many points do I need to pass COMPASS?
40 points minimum across the four foundational criteria (salary, qualifications, diversity, local employment support) plus two bonus criteria (Shortage Occupation List, strategic economic priorities). Each criterion scores 0, 10, or 20 points.
Can I skip COMPASS entirely?
Yes, if your fixed monthly salary is S$22,500 or above, or if you're applying as an intra-corporate transferee under an applicable trade agreement. Everyone else must clear the 40-point COMPASS threshold in addition to the qualifying salary.
Sources
Singapore EP/COMPASS Calculator results are estimates only and do not constitute immigration or legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently — always verify the current rules and use MOM's official Self-Assessment Tool on MOM before submitting any application or paying any fees. For complex cases, consult a licensed immigration professional.