EP Salary Requirements & COMPASS Framework 2025 Singapore
The Singapore Employment Pass salary requirements for 2025 have increased significantly, with minimum thresholds now at $5,600 for most sectors and $6,200 for financial services. Combined with the COMPASS framework, EP applications are now evaluated on multiple dimensions beyond just salary. This guide covers the latest requirements, how COMPASS scoring works, and what these changes mean for your PR application prospects.
2025 EP Salary Thresholds by Sector
Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) sets different minimum qualifying salaries based on the sector. The financial services sector has higher thresholds to reflect the higher wage levels in that industry.
All Sectors (General)
Most industries
$5,600
per month (minimum)
Financial Services
Banks, insurance, fintech
$6,200
per month (minimum)
Important Note
These are base minimums for young applicants in their 20s. Older candidates need progressively higher salaries to qualify. The thresholds also serve as inputs to the COMPASS salary criterion scoring.
What Counts as Salary?
MOM considers your fixed monthly salary when assessing EP eligibility. This includes:
Included
- Base salary
- Fixed monthly allowances
- Fixed monthly commissions
Not Included
- Variable bonuses
- Overtime payments
- Reimbursements
- Stock options
Salary Requirements by Age
EP salary thresholds increase progressively with age. MOM expects candidates with more experience to command higher salaries. This age-salary benchmark system ensures EP holders are paid competitively with local PMETs at similar career stages.
| Age Range | All Sectors | Financial Services |
|---|---|---|
| 23-26 years | $5,600 | $6,200 |
| 27-30 years | $6,500 - $7,500 | $7,100 - $8,100 |
| 31-35 years | $8,000 - $10,500 | $8,600 - $11,100 |
| 36-40 years | $10,500 - $13,000 | $11,100 - $13,600 |
| 41-45 years | $13,000 - $15,000 | $13,600 - $15,600 |
| 45+ years | $15,000+ | $15,600+ |
Age-Based Progression
These figures are approximate benchmarks. MOM uses a continuous calculation based on your exact age. You can use MOM's Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) to check your specific qualifying salary based on your age and sector.
Check Your Eligibility: MOM Self-Assessment Tool
What is COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework)
COMPASS is Singapore's points-based evaluation framework for Employment Pass applications, introduced by MOM in September 2023. It ensures EP holders complement rather than simply replace the local workforce by assessing candidates across multiple dimensions.
COMPASS at a Glance
Complementarity Assessment Framework
40
Points needed to pass
4
Foundational criteria
2
Bonus criteria
Each foundational criterion scores 0, 10, or 20 points. Bonus criteria score 0 or 10 points each. You need at least 40 points total to qualify for an EP.
Why COMPASS Was Introduced
COMPASS addresses several policy objectives:
- Fair Wages
Ensures EP holders are paid competitively with locals at similar career stages
- Workforce Diversity
Prevents over-reliance on workers from any single nationality
- Local Employment
Incentivizes companies to hire and develop local talent
- Quality Over Quantity
Attracts high-caliber professionals with relevant qualifications
Exemptions from COMPASS
Not everyone needs to pass COMPASS. Exemptions include: candidates earning $22,500+ per month, intra-corporate transferees under trade agreements, short-term EP holders (30 days or less), and ONE Pass holders.
COMPASS Points Breakdown
COMPASS evaluates candidates across four foundational criteria, each worth up to 20 points. Two criteria assess the individual (salary, qualifications) and two assess the hiring company (diversity, local employment).
Salary
Max 20 ptsHow candidate salary compares to local PMET salaries in the sector
Qualifications
Max 20 ptsEducational background of the candidate
Diversity
Max 20 ptsNationality diversity within the firm
Support for Local Employment
Max 20 ptsFirm's share of local PMETs compared to industry
Example COMPASS Score
Bonus Points Pathways
Beyond the four foundational criteria, COMPASS offers two bonus pathways that can add up to 20 additional points to your score. These bonuses reward skills in shortage occupations and companies contributing to Singapore's strategic priorities.
Skills Bonus
Up to 10 points
Awarded when either condition is met:
- Job on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL)
- Salary in top 10% of EP holders in same sector
Strategic Economic Priorities
Up to 10 points
Awarded when company meets criteria:
- Partnership with government on innovation/R&D
- Significant investment in local workforce development
Shortage Occupation List (SOL)
The SOL identifies roles where Singapore faces talent shortages. Jobs on this list automatically qualify for the Skills Bonus. Current shortage occupations include roles in:
Maximizing Your Score
Even if you score only 30 points on foundational criteria, bonus points can help you reach the 40-point threshold. Candidates in shortage occupations or high earners have a significant advantage.
How COMPASS Affects PR Applications
While COMPASS is an EP requirement (not a PR requirement), it indirectly affects your PR prospects. A strong COMPASS profile often correlates with factors ICA values in PR applications.
Salary Correlation
High COMPASS salary scores indicate you are earning well above sector benchmarks. ICA views higher earners as making greater economic contributions through taxes and spending. EP holders in the top salary percentiles have historically higher PR approval rates.
Qualifications Signal
Strong qualifications that score well on COMPASS also strengthen PR applications. ICA values professionals with recognized credentials who can contribute to Singapore's knowledge economy. Degrees from top-tier institutions are viewed positively in both assessments.
Skills in Demand
If you qualified for the Skills Bonus because your occupation is on the Shortage List, this signals you possess skills Singapore needs long-term. This can positively influence your PR application as ICA considers the country's workforce needs.
Employer Quality
Working for a company with good COMPASS scores (high local employment share, workforce diversity) suggests stable, reputable employment. ICA considers employer reputation when assessing PR applications.
COMPASS is Not a PR Requirement
PR applications are assessed by ICA using different criteria than COMPASS. You do not need to submit COMPASS scores or reference them in your PR application. However, the underlying factors (salary, qualifications, skills) matter to both assessments.
Comparison with Previous Requirements
EP requirements have tightened significantly over recent years. Understanding this progression helps you appreciate the current landscape and anticipate future changes.
| Year | Min Salary (General) | Min Salary (Finance) | COMPASS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $3,900 | $4,500 | Not applicable |
| 2022 | $4,500 | $5,000 | Not applicable |
| Sep 2023 | $5,000 | $5,500 | Introduced |
| Jan 2024 | $5,000 | $5,500 | Required for all new EPs |
| 2025 | $5,600 | $6,200 | Required |
Key Changes Over Time
- 1Salary Thresholds Up 44%
From $3,900 in 2020 to $5,600 in 2025 - a significant increase in just 5 years
- 2COMPASS Added Multiple Criteria
Pre-2023, only salary and qualifications mattered. Now diversity and local hiring count too
- 3Company-Level Assessment
For the first time, employer hiring practices affect individual EP applications
- 4Age-Based Salary Progression
Older applicants now face substantially higher salary requirements than before
Future Outlook
MOM has indicated that EP requirements will continue to be reviewed regularly. Salary thresholds are expected to increase further in line with local wage growth. If you are planning to apply for PR, building a strong profile now is advisable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum EP salary in Singapore for 2025?
What is COMPASS and how does it affect EP applications?
How does COMPASS scoring work?
Does EP salary affect PR application approval?
What are the EP salary thresholds by age in 2025?
Can I get bonus points under COMPASS?
Are there any exemptions from COMPASS?
How often do EP salary thresholds change?
Official MOM Resources
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ClearCase Editorial Team
Immigration Documentation Specialists
Our team monitors MOM policy updates and salary threshold changes to keep our guides current. We help EP holders understand how evolving requirements affect their path to Permanent Residency.