Employment Pass uses current salary bands and 2026 COMPASS benchmarks

In force Visa & immigration In force 1 Jan 2026 · announced 1 Aug 2025

Current EP applicants must first meet the age-progressive qualifying salary—starting at S$5,600 outside financial services and S$6,200 in financial services—and then score at least 40 COMPASS points unless exempt. The 2026 sector salary benchmarks and Shortage Occupation List apply on their published application and renewal dates.

Who it affects

Professional hires and employers sponsoring Employment Pass applications.

Sources

Primary: Ministry of Manpower — Employment Pass eligibility ↗

Corroborating: COMPASS C1 salary benchmarks ↗

Verified 2026-08-02 · methodology

Related changes in Singapore

More recent updates

In force 1 Jan 2027

Announced Visa & immigration

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For new applications from 1 January 2027, the base EP qualifying salary will rise to S$6,000 outside financial services and S$6,600 in financial services, increasing with age. The corresponding renewal settings begin for passes expiring from 1 January 2028.

Who it affects: Employers planning professional hires or renewals across the 2027 transition.

Ministry of Manpower — Employment Pass eligibility ↗ · verified 2026-08-02

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Who it affects: Senior AI and technology leaders planning a Singapore move in 2027 or later.

Ministry of Manpower — 2026 foreign workforce policy factsheet ↗ · verified 2026-08-02

In force 1 Jan 2027

Announced Visa & immigration

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Who it affects: Employers and prospective S Pass holders planning beyond 2026.

Ministry of Manpower — S Pass eligibility ↗ · verified 2026-08-02

In force 1 Jan 2026

In force Visa & immigration

Dependant’s Pass does not itself grant general work rights

A Dependant’s Pass holder working for an organisation needs an appropriate EP, S Pass or DP-Work Permit. A qualifying ACRA-registered business owner may apply for a Letter of Consent. The main EP or S Pass holder normally needs at least S$6,000 fixed monthly salary to sponsor a spouse or eligible child.

Who it affects: Families of Employment Pass and S Pass holders who plan to work or operate a business.

Ministry of Manpower — Working in Singapore on a Dependant’s Pass ↗ · Dependant’s Pass eligibility ↗ · verified 2026-08-02

In force 1 Jan 2026

In force Visa & immigration

ONE Pass remains the five-year multi-activity pass for top talent

The current salary pathway requires at least S$30,000 fixed monthly salary from one employer for the preceding 12 months or qualifying prospective Singapore employment, with established-company tests where applicable. Outstanding-achievement tracks exist for sports, arts and culture, academia and research.

Who it affects: Top global talent seeking an individual rather than employer-tied work pass.

Ministry of Manpower — ONE Pass eligibility ↗ · verified 2026-08-02

In force 1 Sept 2025

In force Visa & immigration

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New S Pass applications from 1 September 2025 use an age-progressive minimum starting at S$3,300 outside financial services and S$3,800 in financial services. Employers remain subject to the applicable foreign-worker quota and monthly levy.

Who it affects: Associate professionals, technicians and their sponsoring employers.

Ministry of Manpower — S Pass eligibility ↗ · S Pass quota and levy ↗ · verified 2026-08-02