Singapore Employment Pass Salary Requirements 2026:
As Singapore continues to sharpen its focus on “quality over quantity” for foreign talent, the Singapore Employment Pass (EP) salary requirements for 2026 have reached a new peak. If you are a professional planning a move or an HR manager preparing for renewals, the landscape has shifted significantly.
The Gatekeeper: Stage 1 Minimum Salary Thresholds
Before you even look at points, you must pass the Stage 1 Qualifying Salary. This is a non-negotiable “floor.” If your fixed monthly salary is a single dollar below these figures, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will automatically reject the application.
The 2026 Baseline
For all new applications and renewals expiring on or after January 1, 2026, the following minimums apply:
- General Sectors:Â S$5,600Â per month.
- Financial Services Sector:Â S$6,200Â per month.
COMPASS Model
Assembly the token salary is just the first. Under the Complementizer Assessment Framework (COMPASS), you must score at least 40 points across four foundational and two bonus criteria.
Salary Standard (The NLP Key
The C1 Salary Criterion compares your pay against local PMET (Professional, Manager, Executive, and Technician) wages in your specific sector.
- 20 Points: Your salary is in the 90th percentile or higher for your sector and age.
- 10 Points:Â Your salary is between the 65th and 90th percentile.
- 0 Points: Your salary is below the 65th percentile (even if it meets the Stage 1 minimum).
Educational Qualifications
20 Points: Degree from a Top-Tier Institution (updated for 2026 to include more global and regional universities
10 Points: Degree-equivalent qualification (e.g., ACCA, CPA, or specific technical diplomas).
High-Earner Exemptions & Bonus Points
If your pay is high decent, or your role is caviling enough, the rules change in your favor.
- The S$22,500 Exemption:Â If you earn a fixed monthly salary of S$22,500 or more, you are exempt from COMPASS. You only need to meet the Stage 1 requirements.
- Shortage Occupation List (SOL): Roles in AI, Green Energy, and Healthcare can earn an additional 20 bonus points. For 2026, healthcare roles like Clinical Psychologists have been added, while some digital roles like Product Manager have been removed due to a saturated local talent pool.
- Personal Employment Pass (PEP): For those earning above S$22,500, the PEP offers the highest level of flexibility, allowing you to switch jobs without reapplying for a new pass.
Compliance Checklist for 2026
To see a smooth request, keep these acting ask in head:
- Fixed Monthly Salary Only:Â MOM excludes bonuses, AWS (13th month), and stock options from the qualifying calculation.
- Mandatory Verification:Â All educational qualifications must now be verified by a MOM-approved background screening firm.
- Fair Consideration Framework (FCF): Employers must still advertise the role on MyCareersFuture for 14 days before submitting an EP application.
FAQs
Q: My EP expires in March 2026. Do I status to just the new S$5,600 bound?
Yes. All renewal exit from January 1, 2026, necessary meet the word salary start and transient the SCOPE assessment.
Q: Can I combine my salary with my spouse’s to meet the limit?
No. The salary status applies purely to the single pass holder’s fixed time unit outdo.
Q: What if my university was removed from the “Top-Tier” list in 2026?
You may lose the 20 points for C2. You will need to make up those points through a higher salary (C1) or by working for a company with high diversity (C3) and local support (C4).
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Singapore EP landscape is competitive. Success requires more than just a job offer; it requires a strategic alignment of salary, qualifications, and sector demand. If you’re a high-flyer in a tech or green-economy role, the door remains wide open.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional migration advice. Always refer to the official Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website for the most current regulations
