Introduction
Singapore has recently revamped its Employment Pass (EP) framework to better attract high-quality foreign talent while also supporting the local workforce.
As of 2025, several changes have come into play. This blog will cut straight to the point, helping you understand the key criteria and how to qualify for an EP under the new COMPASS system.
Section 1 ➤ Stage 1
In a nutshell, the COMPASS system is divided into two key stages. You must clear these two stages to collect total of 40 points needed for an EP application.
C1 : The Salary Criterion
Photo source: MOM website
In essence, Stage 1 involves meeting a minimum qualifying salary that varies depending on the candidate’s age and the industry sector. For example, a 25-year-old candidate from China applying under a general sector must meet the minimum qualifying salary of SGD 5,600 to score 10 points. However, offering a higher salary — such as SGD 8,850 — could increase the score to 20 points.
For Malaysian candidates, the qualifying salary criteria may follow slightly different norms.
Section 2 ➤ Stage 2
C2 : Qualifications
The only accurate way to check the score is through the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) provided by MOM.
👉 Check your candidate’s COMPASS score via SAT here
You’ll need to key in all relevant education information to determine how many points your candidate will score under this criterion.
Sample of self assessment result.
Important:
For EP applications, MOM requires official qualification verification to confirm the authenticity of the candidate’s academic certificate.
The market rate for this verification is typically around SGD 150, depending on the country issuing the certificate.
If you engage Anradus recruitment services, we offer this verification at a significantly lower rate through our institutional partnership, helping you streamline the process and reduce costs.
- A foreigner is considered 1 PMET if they earn at least SGD 3,150 in fixed monthly salary (as declared in their work pass application).
- Similarly, a local employee earning at least SGD 3,150 per month will also be counted as 1 PMET.
- If your company has fewer than 25 PMETs, you’ll automatically receive 10 points each for C3 and C4, totaling 20 points.
- If your company has 25 or more PMETs, your points will be calculated dynamically based on market data — simply run the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) to get your updated score.
C3 : Diversify
- Fewer than 25 PMETs, your application will score 10 points by default.
- At least 25 PMETs, your points will depend on the share of your candidate’s nationality among your organisation’s PMETs.
Photo source: MOM website
C4 : Support for Local Employment
- Fewer than 25 PMETs, your application will score 10 points by default.
- At least 25 PMETs, your points will depend on your organisation’s local PMET share relative to its sector.
For Example:
Using an example of an organisation with 25 PMET employees in total.
12 locals
10 Nationality A
3 Nationality B
C3 Calculation
Thus, if your candidate belongs to Nationality A, your firm’s share of PMETs from nationality A would be:
10 (Nationality A PMETs) / 25 (Total PMETs) =40%
Locals proportion = 12/25 = 48%
MOM benchmarks are sector-specific.
If your sector median is below 48%, you will get 20 points.
If your sector median is around 50–60%, you may only get 10 points.
If your sector median is much higher than 48% (say 70–80%), then you may only get 0 points.
👉 Because benchmarks are sector-specific, the interpretation of your C4 percentile may change depending on current sector norms.
Section 3 ➤ Good to Know
Bonus Criteria (C5 & C6)
⭐ C5 : Skills Bonus
- If you’re hiring for roles like AI engineers, cybersecurity specialists, or healthcare professionals, check if the occupation appears on the SOL.
- If yes — and the candidate meets the requirements — you’ll receive +10 bonus points.
⭐ C6 : Strategic Economic Priorities Bonus
- Be involved in innovation or transformation activities, such as participating in industry development projects, R&D, or productivity initiatives.
- Be supported by certain government agencies (e.g., EDB, ESG, IMDA, etc.)
🔔❗ Reminder: FCF job advertising requirement
Before applying for an Employment Pass or S Pass, employers must post the job on MyCareersFuture for at least 14 consecutive days and fairly consider all applicants. No job offers should be made during this period so jobseekers have time to apply and be fairly reviewed.
