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Summary. Singapore employers hiring foreign professionals must pay new Employment Pass (EP) applicants at least S$6,000 a month from 1 January 2027, up from S$5,600, or S$6,600 in financial services. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) raises the qualifying salary with age to S$11,500 at 45 and above, while the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) refreshes C1 salary benchmarks for new applications in January 2027 and renewals from July 2027. HR teams should audit every EP holder’s age, sector, fixed salary and expiry date now, because renewals of passes expiring from 1 January 2028 must meet the new floor and borderline COMPASS scores may drop. Omni HR keeps work pass types, expiry dates, salaries and supporting documents in one employee database with renewal reminders, then applies salary adjustments through Singapore payroll with automated Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions.
Singapore Employment Pass Salary in 2027
The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) minimum salary is S$5,600 a month (S$6,200 in financial services) for applications submitted in 2026. From 1 January 2027, the EP qualifying salary rises to S$6,000 (S$6,600 in financial services) for new applications. Renewals of passes expiring from 1 January 2028 follow the same new floor.
The minimum also rises with age. From 2027, it reaches S$11,500 (S$12,700 in financial services) for candidates aged 45 and above, up from S$10,700 (S$11,800) today.
The Employment Pass is Singapore’s main work pass for foreign professionals, managers and executives. To qualify, your candidate needs to clear two stages set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM):
- Stage 1: Earn at least the EP qualifying salary, which is benchmarked to the top third of local PMET (professionals, managers, executives and technicians) salaries by age.
- Stage 2: Pass the points-based Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS), unless exempted.
This guide covers every EP salary change from 2025 to 2028, the COMPASS updates that took effect in January 2026 and January 2027, and the steps you can take now to keep hiring and renewals on track.
EP and S Pass Qualifying Salary At A Glance
EP Salary Changes: 2025 to 2028 Timeline
Singapore has raised the EP qualifying salary twice in three years, and MOM refreshes the COMPASS salary benchmarks every year. Here is what applies, and when.
The 2025 increase
From 1 January 2025, the EP qualifying salary for new applications rose to S$5,600 for most sectors and S$6,200 for financial services. EPs expiring on or after 1 January 2026 have needed to meet the same floor on renewal.
The 2027 increase announced in Budget 2026
Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong announced the next increase in the Budget 2026 statement on 12 February 2026. From 1 January 2027, the EP qualifying salary rises to S$6,000 (S$6,600 in financial services).
Renewals move to the new floor one year later, for passes expiring from 1 January 2028. That gives you time to adjust salaries for existing EP holders.
What is the EP qualifying salary by age in 2026 vs 2027?
The EP minimum salary rises with each year of age from 23, because MOM benchmarks it against local PMETs of the same age. An older, more experienced candidate needs a higher salary to qualify.
"Current" applies to new applications submitted before 1 January 2027 and renewals of passes expiring before 1 January 2028. For the full table covering every age from 23 to 45, see MOM's EP eligibility page.
What counts as salary: MOM assesses the candidate's fixed monthly salary, so variable components such as bonuses and commissions sit outside the calculation.
How does COMPASS work, and what changed in 2026 and 2027?
COMPASS is MOM’s points-based framework for assessing EP applications. It has applied to new applications since 1 September 2023, and to renewals since 1 September 2024. Your application needs 40 points to pass.
The Six COMPASS Criteria
If your organisation employs fewer than 25 PMETs, your application scores 10 points by default on both C3 (diversity) and C4 (support for local employment).
Under C1, your candidate earns 10 points for a fixed monthly salary at or above the 65th percentile of local PMET salaries in your sector, and 20 points at the 90th percentile. MOM refreshes these benchmarks every August using its annual Comprehensive Labour Force Survey, and each new table takes effect the following January.
Remember: the EP qualifying salary (Stage 1) and the C1 benchmark (Stage 2) are separate tests. Your candidate needs to meet the qualifying salary first, regardless of how many COMPASS points they would score.
The January 2026 COMPASS refresh
Three sets of COMPASS updates took effect for new EP applications from 1 January 2026:
- New C1 salary benchmarks, released in August 2025, which also apply to renewals of passes expiring from 1 July 2026. Most sectors rose by 2 to 6%, with sharper increases in fund management and information and communications technology (ICT) [add the % figures from MOM’s August 2025 release, or cut this clause].
- Refreshed C2 qualification lists, covering degree-equivalent professional qualifications and top-tier institutions, released in November 2025.
- An updated Shortage Occupation List (SOL), with a new employer guide on SOL bonus points and a five-year EP route for eligible tech roles.
The January 2027 C1 update
MOM released its next C1 benchmarks in August 2026. They apply to new EP applications from 1 January 2027, and to renewals of passes expiring from 1 July 2027. For example:
Use MOM's C1 salary benchmarks page to check your sector and your candidate's age.
Who is exempt from COMPASS?
Your candidate skips COMPASS if they meet any one of these conditions:
- Earns a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500
- Is applying as an overseas intra-corporate transferee
- Is filling the role for one month or less
You can check a candidate's eligibility before applying with MOM's Self-Assessment Tool (SAT). Employers also need to meet the Fair Consideration Framework job advertising requirement before submitting a new EP application. The FCF is MOM’s requirement to advertise the role on MyCareersFuture and consider local candidates fairly before hiring a foreign professional.
EP vs S Pass: which work pass fits your hire?
The S Pass is Singapore’s work pass for mid-skilled foreign staff, such as technicians and specialised support roles. It has a lower qualifying salary than the EP, plus quota and levy requirements. Choosing the right pass early saves you a rejected application.
Both qualifying salaries increase with age, so older candidates need higher salaries for either pass.
Other passes to know
- Dependent Pass (DP): lets the spouse and children of eligible EP and S Pass holders live in Singapore. Since 1 May 2021, DP holders who want to work need to qualify for their own work pass, such as an EP, S Pass or Work Permit.
- Miscellaneous Work Pass: covers short-term assignments of up to 60 days, such as giving a seminar or conference talk.
How do you apply for an Employment Pass?
Employers, or an appointed employment agent, submit EP applications online through MOM's application portal. Most applications are processed within 10 business days.
Step-by-step application process
- Check eligibility. Confirm your candidate meets the EP qualifying salary for their age and sector, then use the Self-Assessment Tool to estimate their COMPASS score.
- Submit the application. Apply online with the required documents and pay the application fee.
- Receive the In-Principle Approval (IPA). The IPA letter serves as a pre-approved, single-entry visa for your candidate to enter Singapore, and states whether they need a medical examination.
- Request pass issuance. Once your candidate is in Singapore and has completed any required medical examination, ask MOM to issue the pass and pay the issuance fee.
- Receive the notification letter. This letter confirms issuance. You can extend its validity if your candidate needs more time for registration.
- Register fingerprints and photo. If the notification letter requires it, your candidate registers at MOM.
- Receive the EP card. The card is delivered within 5 working days of registration or document verification.
Documents required
- Passport: a clear copy of the personal particulars page.
- Educational certificates: copies of degrees or diplomas. Documents in other languages need official English translations. If your candidate needs C2 points, include verification proof from an approved background screening company or the awarding institution.
- Employment history: a summary of past roles, with reference letters where available.
- Job offer letter: stating the job title and fixed monthly salary.
- Company details: business registration number and profile, plus the candidate’s written consent for you to apply on their behalf.
- Recent passport-sized photograph: meeting MOM’s specifications.
- Additional documents: for example, marriage or birth certificates if family members will apply for Dependent Passes.
Processing times and fees
Most EP applications are processed within 10 business days. Applications from overseas companies without a Singapore-registered office can take up to 8 weeks.
The application fee is S$105 per pass and the issuance fee is S$225 per pass.
How To Prepare For The 2027 EP Salary Increase
The 2027 changes reach your workforce at three different points:
- New hires from January 2027
- C1 benchmarks for renewals from July 2027
- The new qualifying salary for renewals from January 2028
A short audit now lets you budget for each one.
- List every EP and S Pass holder with their pass type, age, sector classification, fixed monthly salary and pass expiry date. In Omni HR, this is one filtered report from the employee database, sorted by expiry date.
- Check 2027 offers against the S$6,000 / S$6,600 EP floor for the candidate’s age, and against the August 2026 C1 benchmarks.
- Flag renewals expiring from 1 July 2027. Re-run their COMPASS score against the new C1 benchmarks, since a salary that scored 10 points in 2026 may score fewer in 2027.
- Flag renewals expiring from 1 January 2028. Compare each salary with the new qualifying salary for the employee’s age at renewal.
- Test borderline cases in MOM’s Self-Assessment Tool before you apply.
- Build the adjustments into your 2027 headcount budget, including Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions and levy impacts, so salary increases arrive as planned decisions. Our guide to the cost to hire in Asia breaks down total employer costs.
Manage Employment Pass Salary Compliance for 2027 with Omni HR
With Omni HR, pass types, expiry dates, salaries and supporting documents such as qualifications and written consent all sit in one employee database. You can pull a list of every EP holder whose renewal falls under the 2027 or 2028 rules in minutes, then track each case against its deadline.
Employees upload and update their own documents through the self-service portal, and expiry reminders keep renewals visible well ahead of time. When salary adjustments go through, Omni HR's Singapore payroll software applies them with automated CPF contributions and tax calculations, so your payroll stays aligned with MOM's requirements.
Hiring in Singapore without a local entity? An Employer of Record can sponsor the EP and run compliant payroll on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
From 1 January 2027, new EP applications need a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000, or S$6,600 in financial services. The threshold rises with age to S$11,500 (S$12,700 in financial services) for candidates aged 45 and above.
Renewals of passes expiring from 1 January 2028 must meet the 2027 qualifying salary. Separately, renewals of passes expiring from 1 July 2027 are scored against MOM’s August 2026 C1 benchmarks under COMPASS.
No. MOM assesses the candidate’s fixed monthly salary only. Bonuses, commissions and other variable pay are excluded.
An EP application needs at least 40 points across COMPASS’s criteria, after the candidate first meets the EP qualifying salary for their age and sector.
Candidates earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500, overseas intra-corporate transferees, and candidates filling a role for one month or less are exempt. They still need to meet the EP qualifying salary.
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