Singapore has revised the qualifications criteria for Employment Pass (EP) applications, effective January 1, 2025. The updated COMPASS points system introduces changes to salary benchmarks, educational institution eligibility, and professional qualifications, aiming to attract skilled foreign professionals while ensuring they complement the local workforce

Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has introduced updated qualification standards for its Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS), a points-based evaluation system critical for all Employment Pass (EP) applications.

Effective January 1, 2025, these changes aim to refine how Singapore assesses foreign professionals applying for work opportunities in the country, particularly managers, executives, and other high-level positions

General Sector: Minimum salary raised to SGD 5,600.

Financial Services Sector: Minimum salary raised to SGD 6,200.

Stage 2: COMPASS Points Evaluation: Unless exempted, candidates must pass COMPASS, which evaluates both individual and firm-related attributes. This assessment ensures that EP candidates bring valuable skills to Singapore’s workforce and contribute to a strong local core.