Lucy Wu · Singapore Property

Singapore Employment Pass (EP), COMPASS and Long-Term Passes Explained

By Lucy Wu · Licensed Real Estate Agent (CEA R062904B) · 2 July 2026

To work long-term in Singapore, the mainstream route is the Employment Pass (EP). Per MOM, from 2025 the EP minimum salary is S$5,600 (S$6,200 in financial services), and you must pass the COMPASS points test with at least 40 points. A pass is the first step toward PR — work steadily, then apply.

💡 Lucy’s tip: Many HNW clients land in Singapore by “setting up a company, then getting an EP for themselves or a senior hire”, then buying property and applying for PR. Passes, company and property are usually planned together.

Employment Pass (per MOM)

Two-stage assessment:

  1. Salary threshold:
SectorMinimum (2025)Age 45+
GeneralS$5,600up to ~S$10,700
Financial servicesS$6,200up to ~S$11,800
  1. COMPASS (since Sept 2023): four foundational criteria — salary, qualifications, diversity, support for local employment — each 0/10/20, plus bonuses; total ≥ 40 points.

Other passes

PassFor
S PassMid-skilled workers
EntrePassEntrepreneurs
LTVPFamily members (spouse/child/parent)
DPDependants of EP/S Pass holders

From pass to PR

After stable EP/S Pass employment and tax, apply for PR via the PTS route — see how to get PR.

Summary

  • EP: from S$5,600 (S$6,200 finance) + 40 COMPASS points.
  • Passes: EP, S Pass, EntrePass, LTVP/DP.
  • Path: pass → stable work → PR.
  • Contact Lucy to plan company + pass + property + PR together.

⚠️ Pass policy as per MOM / ICA’s latest rules; apply via your employer and licensed advisers.

FAQ

What is the minimum Employment Pass salary in Singapore in 2025?

Per MOM, from 2025 the EP minimum monthly salary is S$5,600 for general sectors and S$6,200 for financial services, rising with age up to about S$10,700 (S$11,800 for financial services). Beyond salary, applicants must also pass COMPASS.

What is COMPASS and how many points are needed?

Per MOM, COMPASS is the points-based Complementarity Assessment Framework for the EP, in force since September 2023. It scores four foundational criteria (salary, qualifications, diversity, support for local employment) plus bonuses, each 0/10/20, with a minimum of 40 points required.

How do foreigners get a Singapore work pass?

A Singapore employer must apply. Professionals apply for an Employment Pass (EP); mid-skilled workers for an S Pass; entrepreneurs for an EntrePass. After stable employment, holders can apply for PR.

⚠️ Figures are accurate as of the publish/update date and may change. Always verify with official sources (IRAS, URA, SLA, HDB, MAS). This is general information, not specific investment or tax advice — consult a licensed agent and professional advisers. Contact Lucy: WeChat wlx567 · +65 8310 5396.