Singapore Employment Pass and COMPASS (Ministry of Manpower)

The Employment Pass (EP) is Singapore's main work pass for foreign professionals, managers, executives and technicians. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) runs it, and its pages are the only place to trust for the current rules.

Who it is for

A CS graduate or developer from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria or elsewhere who wants a software job in Singapore. You cannot apply for an EP yourself: an employer, or an employment agent it appoints, applies on your behalf. Overseas companies without a Singapore office must apply through a local sponsor.

The two tests, as of October 2026

1. Minimum qualifying salary. MOM's eligibility page says:

• Until the end of 2026, the minimum is S$5,600 a month for most sectors (S$6,200 in financial services), rising with age to S$10,700 (S$11,800 in financial services) at 45 and above.
• From 1 January 2027, it rises to S$6,000 a month (S$6,600 in financial services), rising with age to S$11,500 (S$12,700) at 45 and above.

Because the minimum rises with age, a younger graduate faces the lowest bar.

2. COMPASS. Most applicants must score at least 40 points across four main criteria, each worth up to 20 points: salary compared with local benchmarks, qualifications, diversity of nationalities at the firm, and the firm's support for local employment. There are bonus points for roles on the Shortage Occupation List and for firms in strategic economic priorities. Candidates earning a fixed S$22,500 a month or more, overseas intra-corporate transferees and roles of one month or less are exempt from COMPASS.

How long a pass lasts

A first EP lasts up to 2 years and a renewal up to 3 years. MOM notes that experienced tech professionals with skills in shortage may be eligible for a 5-year pass.

How to use the pages

• Use MOM's self-assessment tool with a realistic salary before you get your hopes up about an offer.
• Read the COMPASS page to see which criteria your employer controls. A good degree and a fair salary help, but the firm's own workforce mix counts too.
• Check that the job was advertised on MyCareersFuture, which most EP applications need first.

Common mistakes and scams

• Paying an agent for an EP. The employer applies. Licensed agents work for employers, and you should never pay to be "placed".
• Using last year's salary figure. The minimum changes, including on 1 January 2027. Check the page on the day.
• Ignoring COMPASS. Meeting the salary alone is not enough for most applications.
• Fake job offers on messaging apps. Verify the company on its own website and expect a proper interview process.

Where to go next on Sefism

• Plan the move step by step with the Tech jobs abroad roadmap and keep its cheat sheet open while you apply.
• Read How to find companies that sponsor visas.