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Singapore Employment Passes: New Rules, Salary Hikes
& How to Apply Successfully | 2025 Update

Singapore continues to attract top global talent with its competitive business environment, but from 2025, the government is introducing stricter Employment Pass (EP) criteria to raise the quality of foreign professionals and support a stronger local workforce.

Whether you’re an employer hiring foreign professionals or an applicant eyeing a role in Singapore, understanding these updated salary thresholds, the COMPASS point system, and the application process is crucial.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the 2025 EP changes, including eligibility, salary benchmarks, and a step-by-step application process.

What Is the Singapore Employment Pass (EP)?
The Employment Pass (EP) is a work visa issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to foreign professionals, managers, and executives with job offers in Singapore.
Key features:
Typically valid for 1 to 2 years, renewable based on eligibility
Allows dependants to join the EP holder in Singapore
Commonly used by foreign executives, IT specialists, consultants, and engineers
Different from other passes like the S Pass (for mid-level workers) or ONE Pass (for top-tier talent)
What’s New in 2025? Key EP Updates

The 2025 EP changes are significant. They affect both salary requirements and eligibility evaluations, particularly for higher-paid roles in financial services and tech.
Updated Salary Thresholds (Effective 1 Jan 2025):

These thresholds apply to new EP applications from 1 Jan 2025.
For renewals, the new rules will apply to passes expiring from 1 Jan 2026.
This ensures EP holders earn salaries comparable to the top one-third of local PMETs (Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians) in their sectors.
EP Eligibility in 2025: Salary + COMPASS Points System

To qualify for an EP in 2025, applicants must meet salary criteria and pass the COMPASS assessment, which stands for Complementarity Assessment Framework. This is a point-based system introduced to ensure fair hiring and enhance the local workforce’s quality.

Stage 1: Meet the Salary Requirement
Salaries vary based on industry and age.
Use MOM’s Self-Assessment Tool (SAT)
Stage 2: COMPASS – Score at least 40 points
Bonus Criteria:
C5 – Shortage Occupation List (SOL): If the applicant is in a listed in-demand job (e.g., AI engineer, cybersecurity analyst)
C6 – Strategic Economic Priorities (SEP): Firms involved in innovation or key government programs get additional points
How to Apply for an Employment Pass in 2025

Applying for an EP is straightforward but requires proper documentation and compliance with regulations.

Step-by-Step Application Process
Job Offer: Applicant receives a confirmed offer from a Singapore employer.
Document Collection: Employer gathers credentials, qualifications, salary info, job details.
Online Submission: Application is submitted via MOM’s EP Online Portal
MOM Review: Evaluation of salary + COMPASS score.
Outcome Notification: MOM informs of approval, rejection, or request for more info.
Pass Issuance: Upon approval, EP is issued, and the applicant undergoes biometrics for the EP card.
Processing Time & Fees
Timeframe: 3 to 8 weeks
Fees: S$105 (application) + S$255 (issuance)

Common Reasons for EP Rejection (And How to Avoid Them)

Many EP applications are rejected due to simple oversights. Here’s how to avoid common mistakes:

Common Mistakes:
Salary below required threshold
Unrecognised academic qualification by MOM
COMPASS score under 40
Poor diversity or low local hiring score
Missing or incorrect documentation
Job not properly advertised under Fair Consideration Framework (FCF)
Solutions:
Ensure the academic qualification recognized by MOM
Consider applying under bonus categories (e.g., SOL)
Maintain transparent documentation

Renewal Process & Validity Period

EPs are typically granted for an initial 1-2 years. Renewals will follow the new salary and COMPASS criteria from January 2026.

What to Prepare:
Updated salary and job role information
COMPASS score recalculated at renewal
Continued compliance with FCF job posting
Employers should begin reviewing contracts and planning for renewals well in advance.

Expert Tips to Maximize EP Approval Odds

Whether you’re an employer or an applicant, use these strategies to improve your chances:

Pro Tips:
Benchmark salaries against PMET market rates
Use COMPASS and SAT tools before submission
Focus on roles that qualify for the Skills Bonus (C5)
Ensure academic qualifications are certified and recognized
Companies should diversify hires and improve local employment ratios
Partner with a trusted EP filing service provider like Plutus for compliance and efficiency

Get Ready for Successful EP Applications in 2025

The new EP requirements signal a clear shift towards higher quality, strategically aligned foreign talent in Singapore. With salary thresholds rising and the COMPASS system now fully in play, preparation is everything.

Employers must adapt hiring strategies to remain competitive, while foreign professionals should plan proactively to ensure eligibility.

Let our experienced team at Plutus handle the application process from start to finish and ensure compliance, faster approval, and peace of mind. Reach out to us now!

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