EP COMPASS Calculator Singapore
Check an Employment Pass candidate against the qualifying salary for their age and sector, then score the COMPASS points test out of 40.
The candidate
The fixed monthly salary offered, without bonuses or variable pay.
The qualifying salary rises with age from 23 to 45.
A higher qualifying salary applies to new applications from 1 Jan 2027 and renewals of passes expiring from 1 Jan 2028.
A fixed monthly salary of $22,500 or more is exempt automatically.
MOM publishes the sector benchmarks as a download on its C1 page. Look up the benchmark for the sector and age.
Only needed if you need the points.
The organisation
Fewer than 25 PMETs scores 10 points by default for diversity and local employment.
From the Workforce Insights tool on myMOM Portal. Used for diversity (C3) and the skills bonus (C5).
Also from the Workforce Insights tool.
A local share of at least 70% scores at least 10 points on C4.
Bonus criteria
Eligibility
This candidate appears eligible for an Employment Pass.
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| C1 Salary | 10 |
| C2 Qualifications | 10 |
| C3 Diversity | 10 |
| C4 Support for local employment | 10 |
| C5 Skills bonus (SOL) | 0 |
| C6 Strategic Economic Priorities bonus | 0 |
An estimate from MOM’s published rules. MOM decides every application and checks the C1 benchmark, qualifications and workforce profile.
In-depth guide
Employment Pass eligibility: qualifying salary and COMPASS points
The EP qualifying salary by age and sector, the 2027 increase, and how the 40-point COMPASS test scores salary, qualifications, diversity, local employment and bonuses.
Key figures at a glance
- COMPASS exemption salary
- $22,500 a month
- Fixed monthly salary at or above this is exempt.
- Source: MOM
- Qualifying salary, age 23 or below
- $5,600 (all sectors except financial services)
- Rises to $10,700 at age 45 and above.
- Source: MOM
- Qualifying salary from 2027
- $6,000 rising to $11,500 (financial services $6,600 to $12,700)
- New applications from 1 Jan 2027, renewals of passes expiring from 1 Jan 2028.
- Source: MOM
Two stages
- Stage 1: the EP qualifying salary. It depends on age and sector and is benchmarked to the top third of local PMET salaries by age. A candidate below it is not eligible whatever the COMPASS points.
- Stage 2: COMPASS. Unless exempt, the application needs 40 points.
Stage 1: qualifying salary by age
| Age | All sectors except financial services | Financial services |
|---|---|---|
| 23 or below | $5,600 | $6,200 |
| 28 | $6,759 | $7,473 |
| 32 | $7,686 | $8,491 |
| 38 | $9,077 | $10,018 |
| 45 or above | $10,700 | $11,800 |
From 1 January 2027 for new applications, and for renewals of passes expiring from 1 January 2028, the figures rise to $6,000 at 23 or below and $11,500 at 45 or above, and for financial services $6,600 and $12,700. A 32-year-old in an ordinary sector needs $7,686 now and $8,250 from 2027.
Stage 2: COMPASS points
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| C1 Salary: 90th percentile or above / 65th to below 90th / below 65th | 20 / 10 / 0 |
| C2 Qualifications: top-tier institution / other degree-equivalent / none | 20 / 10 / 0 |
| C3 Diversity: nationality under 5% / 5% to under 25% / 25% or more of PMETs | 20 / 10 / 0 |
| C4 Local employment: 50th percentile or above / 20th to below 50th / below 20th | 20 / 10 / 0 |
| C5 Shortage Occupation List: nationality under 1/3 / 1/3 or more of PMETs | 20 / 10 |
| C6 Strategic Economic Priorities bonus | 10 |
An organisation with fewer than 25 PMETs scores 10 on C3 and C4 by default. A local PMET share of 70% or more scores at least 10 on C4.
Exemptions
Candidates are exempt from COMPASS if they earn a fixed monthly salary of $22,500 or more, are overseas intra-corporate transferees, or fill the role for one month or less. The qualifying salary still applies.
Worked examples (from MOM)
- Business manager, foreign degree, 70th percentile salary, nationality 15% of PMETs, local share at the 40th percentile: 10 + 10 + 10 + 10 = 40, pass.
- Bank management associate, salary under the 65th percentile, nationality 3% of PMETs: 0 + 10 + 20 + 10 = 40, pass.
- Software firm, 95th percentile salary, master's degree, nationality 35% of PMETs, Shortage Occupation List job, local share below the 20th percentile: 20 + 10 + 0 + 0 + 10 = 40, pass.
What you look up yourself
MOM publishes the C1 benchmarks by sector and age as a download, and the C3 and C4 figures come from the employer's Workforce Insights tool on myMOM Portal, so the calculator asks for those answers.
Related tools
- Work pass levy calculator — levy for foreign workers.
- Work pass quota calculator — how many you can hire.
- Progressive wage checker — wage floors for local employees.
Frequently asked questions
How many COMPASS points do I need?
40 points, unless the candidate is exempt.
Who is exempt from COMPASS?
Candidates with a fixed monthly salary of $22,500 or more, overseas intra-corporate transferees, and roles of 1 month or less.
What is the EP qualifying salary?
$5,600 at age 23 or below, rising to $10,700 at 45 and above for most sectors; $6,200 to $11,800 for financial services. From 1 January 2027 it becomes $6,000 to $11,500, and $6,600 to $12,700.
Do I fail if my salary is below the qualifying salary but I have 40 points?
Yes. Stage 1 must be met whatever the COMPASS score.
What if my firm has fewer than 25 PMETs?
It scores 10 points by default for both diversity and support for local employment.
Sources
- MOM — Employment Pass eligibility — Qualifying salary by age, COMPASS criteria, exemptions and case studies (updated 28 Apr 2026).
- MOM — COMPASS C1 salary benchmarks — Benchmarks are the 65th percentile of local PMET salaries in the sector, updated each year.
- MOM — COMPASS C5 skills bonus (Shortage Occupation List) — Shortage Occupation List and extra checks.
This guide explains published rules in plain language. It is not financial, legal or official advice — rules change, so confirm with the agency linked above before you commit.