Outline
In short: COMPASS is MOM’s points test for Employment Pass applications. A candidate needs at least 40 points across salary (C1), qualifications (C2), firm diversity (C3) and support for local employment (C4), plus bonus points for shortage occupations (C5) and strategic priorities (C6). Firms with fewer than 25 PMEs get a neutral 10 points each on C3 and C4. Candidates earning at least S$22,500 a month are exempt. The EP salary minimum is S$5,600 now (S$6,200 in financial services) and rises to S$6,000 (S$6,600 in financial services) for new applications from 1 January 2027 and for renewals of passes expiring from 1 January 2028. Paul Hype Page has a 96% EP success rate (PHP internal records, 1,000+ applications) and offers a free EP eligibility check.
How COMPASS scores an EP application
| Criterion | What it measures | Points |
|---|---|---|
| C1 Salary | Fixed salary vs local PME salaries in the sector, by age | 0, 10 or 20 |
| C2 Qualifications | Degree from a top-tier institution (20) or degree-equivalent (10) | 0, 10 or 20 |
| C3 Diversity | Share of the candidate’s nationality among the firm’s PMEs | 0, 10 or 20 |
| C4 Support for local employment | Firm’s local PME share vs its industry | 0, 10 or 20 |
| C5 Skills bonus | Job on the Shortage Occupation List | +10 or +20 |
| C6 Strategic economic priorities | Firm in an approved programme | +10 |
Pass mark: 40. SMEs: firms with fewer than 25 PMEs get 10 points each on C3 and C4 automatically. Exempt: fixed salary of S$22,500 a month or more.
What changed for 2026
- MOM’s updated C2 lists (the 20-point institutions and the 10-point degree-equivalent professional qualifications) apply to new and renewal EP applications from 1 January 2026, and are updated once a year.
- To claim C2 points, you must submit verification proof from a background screening company. Once verified, it isn’t needed again at renewal or a change of employer.
- If the candidate doesn’t need C2 points, you don’t need to submit their qualifications.
Salary: the 2027 change
The EP minimum qualifying salary is S$5,600 a month (S$6,200 in financial services). It rises with age, and goes up to S$6,000 (S$6,600 in financial services) for new applications from 1 January 2027 and for renewals of passes expiring from 1 January 2028. Budget for this now if you plan to hire in 2027.
How Paul Hype Page helps
Paul Hype Page has a 96% EP success rate (PHP internal records, 1,000+ applications), offers a free EP eligibility check, and if MOM rejects your EP, we appeal for free. We check the role, salary and COMPASS score before you apply, and directors can sign documents remotely. EP service fees aren’t published, so contact us for a quote. Founders who don’t fit the EP may suit the EntrePass (S$3,800), and families can join on a Dependant’s Pass (S$1,360).
FAQ
How many COMPASS points do I need for an Employment Pass?
At least 40 points, from salary, qualifications, firm diversity and support for local employment, plus any bonus points.
Do small companies get COMPASS points automatically?
Firms with fewer than 25 PMEs get a neutral 10 points each on the diversity (C3) and local employment (C4) criteria.
Who is exempt from COMPASS?
Candidates with a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500 are exempt, as are some short-term and intra-corporate transferee cases defined by MOM.
What is the EP minimum salary from 2027?
S$6,000 a month (S$6,600 in financial services) for new applications from 1 January 2027 and for renewals of passes expiring from 1 January 2028, up from S$5,600 now (S$6,200 in financial services). It is higher for older candidates.
Questions about your company? WhatsApp us or contact us. Free EP eligibility check, and you can sign documents remotely.
Related Employment Pass services
SMEs assessing an Employment Pass under COMPASS can start with our Employment Pass page, including a free eligibility check.
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