Singapore Work Visa 2026: Employment Pass & S Pass Guide
By January 1, 2026, Singapore is already completely in the era of Complementarity Assessment. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has stepped up the pressure on acquiring talents and shifted the focus of the issue to the points framework, which is complex and based on data.
Granted that you may be an international professional considering a relocation to the Lion City, or you are a corporate executive recruiting foreign workers, it is important to remain ahead of the COMPASS framework and the new S Pass levy, which is harmonized. This guide dissects specifically what it takes to qualify in 2026.
The Employment Pass (EP) & COMPASS Framework
In 2026, the Employment Pass, which is earned by well-paid managers and experts, will no longer be about your salary. At this point you are required to go through COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) which is point based system that requires 40 points.
COMPASS Scoring: The 40-Point Threshold
The system assesses four principle standards and two bonus standards.
- C1: Salary Standards (020 pts): The fixed monthly salary received by you is rated against local local PMET (Professional, Manager, Executive, and Technician) in the field where you work. You would have to be in the 90 th percentile of your age and industry to earn the full 20 points.
- C2: Top-Tier Institutions (0 -20 pts): 20 points automatically attach to degrees obtained in “Group A” institutions (e.g., NUS, NTU, Oxford, Harvard)
- C3: Diversity (020 pts): You can earn points in case your nationality constitutes a low percentage of the PMET workforce in your firm. The least score on companies that have less than 5 percent of one nationality.
- C5: Shortage Occupation List (SOL) Bonus (+20 pts): The positions in AI, Green Energy, and Healthcare are highly boosted. By January 2026, such healthcare professionals as clinical psychologists and agritech scientists have been included in the list.
2026 Salary Requirements (EP)
In the case of new applications, the minimum qualifying salary will be S$5,600 (non-finance) and S$6,200 (financial services).
- Critical Note: Singapore is employing Age-Progressive Wages. An applicant in the finance industry aged 45 years will have to earn up to S$11,800 in order to be eligible to hold an EP in 2026.
The S Pass: Mid-Level Quota and Talent
S Pass is created to appeal to mid-range technicians and associate professionals. In the 2026 policy, the emphasis will be placed on the cost-parity with the local workforce.
Qualifying Salary and Levy
- Minimum Salary: Begins with S$3,300 (S$3,800 as a finance). This is also increasing depending on the age of the applicant.
- Harmonized Levy (S$650): Employers can now pay their workers a flat SG 650 per month which simplifies their payroll.
- Quota (DRC): The Dependency Ratio Ceiling will restrict S Pass holders to 10 percent of the overall workforce in the Services industry and 15 percent in Construction or Manufacturing.
Universal Compliance for 2026
- Fair Consideration Framework (FCF): Employers should be advertising on MyCareersFuture (MCF) the role at least 14 days before they apply to an EP or an S Pass.
- So-called Mandatory Verification Proof: MOM does not accept unverified degrees anymore. Any educational document should be screened by MOM approved screening partners (such as Avvanz, Cisive or Veremark) and then submitted.
- Digital Integration: The connection between the MHRSD/MOM is such that in case your real bank-transferred salary is not in accordance with the stated one, the pass will be revoked at once.
FAQs
Would I pass COMPASS without having a degree in a high-rank university?
Yes. Although a top-tier degree earns you 20 points, you can compensate the 40-point minimum with a higher salary (C1) or by an occupation included on the Shortage Occupation List (C5).
How long will the Singapore work visa process take in 2026?
The myMOM Portal Standard applications are typically 3 weeks in the case of local sponsors. Cases with complicated cases or overseas sponsors could take up to 8 weeks.
Does my husband require a distinct working pass to work in Singapore?
Yes. As of 2021, Dependant pass (DP) holders must have their own work pass (EP, S Pass, or Work Permit) in order to work.
So what is the Impact of Age-Progressive Wage on my renewal?
Every time you renew your pass, your salary should be according to the benchmark of your present age. To illustrate, taking the case of an individual who shifted to Singapore at 30 years old but is currently 35 years old, then their remuneration should have improved to the level of 35 years old.
Are small companies entitled to any bonus points?
Yes. The Compass automatically gives 10 points in the Diversity (C3) and Local Support (C4) criteria to firms with less than 25 PMETs.
Final Thought
The Singapore 2026 work visa environment is founded on Complementarity. The government does not simply need workers, but rather specialized talent to address certain deficiencies but at the same time; they are aiding the local workforce. You can be certain that your application is bulletproof by using the MOM Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) at the initial stage before you press submit.
Disclaimer
This paper is no more than informational and educational. It is recommended to the readers that they first consult the sources they trust such as the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) before making decisions.