News and Updates

Singapore Employment Pass 2026: Higher Salary Threshold

Quick Summary – Employment Pass Changes 2026

Minimum qualifying salary raised to SGD 6,200 per month (from SGD 5,600 in 2025)
SGD 6,200 applies to all new EP applications and renewals in 2026
Higher threshold for older candidates: SGD 7,500+ for applicants aged 45 and above
COMPASS points system remains mandatory – minimum 40 points required for approval
Financial sector & tech roles face even higher benchmarks (SGD 6,800–8,000)
Existing EP holders below new threshold must meet criteria at next renewal (no grandfathering)
Job advertising requirement extended to 28 days on MyCareersFuture for most roles
Processing time: 3–8 weeks for new applications; faster for intra-company transfers

Why Singapore Raised the Employment Pass Salary Bar in 2026

In October 2025, Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced the latest round of Employment Pass (EP) reforms, effective January 1, 2026. The most prominent change is the increase in the minimum qualifying salary to SGD 6,200 per month – up from SGD 5,600 in 2025. This adjustment continues the progressive tightening of EP criteria that began in 2022, aiming to ensure foreign professionals command salaries that reflect local market rates and contribute meaningfully to Singapore's high-wage economy.

The government explains that the hike responds to rising living costs, wage growth among local professionals, and the need to prioritize high-caliber talent in key sectors such as finance, technology, advanced manufacturing and green economy. By raising the bar, MOM seeks to reduce reliance on mid-level foreign workers while encouraging companies to invest more in local talent development and upskilling programs.

We want foreign talent that complements and elevates our local workforce, not competes at the lower end of the salary spectrum.
— Singapore Ministry of Manpower, October 2025

The changes have elicited mixed reactions. Multinational corporations and tech firms generally accept the higher threshold as reasonable for attracting top talent, but smaller companies and startups in non-finance sectors worry about increased costs and talent acquisition challenges. Recruitment agencies report that candidates from India, China, Malaysia and Europe are still applying in high numbers, but mid-career professionals (aged 35–45) with salaries near the old threshold are finding approvals more difficult.

Singapore Employment Pass salary thresholds and age adjustments 2026

New Salary Thresholds & Age-Based Adjustments

From January 1, 2026, the Employment Pass minimum qualifying salary is structured as follows:

General benchmark: SGD 6,200 per month fixed salary (all sectors, all ages)
Age-based supplement: additional SGD 500–1,300 for candidates aged 40–45, and SGD 1,500+ for those 45 and older (exact amount depends on sector)
Financial services & banking: SGD 6,800 minimum (rising to SGD 7,200 for older applicants)
Technology & engineering roles: SGD 6,500–7,000 minimum depending on specialization
Existing EP holders: must meet the new threshold at next renewal (no exemptions for current holders below SGD 6,200)

The salary must be fixed (excluding bonuses, allowances or variable pay). MOM uses the latest salary benchmarks from the National Wages Council and sector-specific data to determine eligibility.

Singapore COMPASS framework and MyCareersFuture job advertising 2026

COMPASS Framework & Job Advertising Requirements

The Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) – introduced in 2023 – continues to be mandatory for all new EP applications and renewals in 2026. Employers must score at least 40 points across four pillars:

C1: Salary relative to local PMETs (Professional, Managers, Executives, Technicians)
C2: Diversity of nationality in the organization
C3: Support for local employment and training
C4: Strategic economic priorities (bonus points for roles in green tech, digital, advanced manufacturing)

Additionally, most employers must advertise the job on MyCareersFuture.sg for at least 28 days before applying for an EP (exemptions for intra-company transfers, short-term assignments and very high-salary roles above SGD 22,500).

Who Is Most Impacted – and Which Roles Remain Attractive?

The changes affect the following groups most:

Mid-level professionals (aged 35–45) earning SGD 5,000–6,000 in non-finance/tech sectors
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) hiring foreign talent in administrative or support roles
Candidates from lower-cost countries who previously qualified at SGD 5,000–5,500

Roles that remain highly attractive and easier to approve include senior finance specialists, AI/machine learning engineers, cybersecurity experts, green energy consultants, biotech researchers and C-suite executives. Salaries in these fields typically exceed SGD 8,000–15,000, easily meeting the new thresholds and earning bonus COMPASS points.

Practical Advice for Employers & Candidates in 2026

Employers: review current foreign staff salaries now – plan renewals or replacements before 2026 deadlines
Candidates: target roles with salaries at least SGD 6,500–7,000 to improve approval chances
Use MyCareersFuture job portal – apply early to roles that have been advertised for 28+ days
Prepare strong COMPASS documentation – highlight unique skills, local training support and strategic value
Consider alternatives: S Pass (for mid-skilled roles) or ONE Pass (for top-tier talent earning SGD 30,000+)
Work with licensed employment agencies or MOM-approved consultants for complex applications

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