Singapore EP: Salary or COMPASS Matters More

2026-07-24

Popular Q&A: Which is more important, salary or COMPASS , when applying for an EP?

Many applicants who are preparing to apply for the Singapore EP Employment Permit have doubts: if the salary standard is not up to standard and the COMPASS score is increased to 40 points based on education, resume, and other content, can they submit for approval? Based on MOM's official hard rules, there is a clear priority for the two assessment requirements, and this article provides a clear answer.

EP Tiered Salary Benchmark Standard

The minimum salary for EP is determined based on the top one-third of the local PMET group's salary, and the salary value increases synchronously with the applicant's age

General industry: The basic minimum monthly salary is SGD 5600, and the salary threshold increases year by year after the age of 23. Applicants aged 45 and above have a maximum salary requirement of SGD 10700.

Financial industry: The benchmark monthly salary is SGD 6200, and the salary standard will be raised in sync with age. The maximum threshold for applicants over 45 years old is SGD 11800.

Two Assessments are Mandatory Parallel Requirements

EP approval must meet two mandatory criteria simultaneously: salary reaching the minimum standard for the corresponding age, and COMPASS evaluation score ≥ 40 points, both of which are indispensable.

The official rule of the Ministry of Human Resources is clear: even if the total COMPASS score far exceeds 40 points, the application will still be directly rejected if the salary does not meet the prescribed bottom line. Salary is the basic threshold for admission, and scoring is the second level of screening and review criteria.

Summary

The bottom line of salary is the admission ticket for EP application, and COMPASS scoring is a bonus review item. Salary not meeting standards, high scores cannot be remedied; To qualify for the basic application, one must have a qualified salary and a qualified score. Both conditions are equally important and need to be met together.

Professional EP Processing | Singapore Skyline Business

The EP salary calculation, COMPASS sub item scoring planning, and data sorting and submission process are complicated, and individuals who apply on their own are prone to qualification evaluation errors, resulting in application rejection records.

Skyline Business was established in 2013 as a legitimate institution registered with the Singapore MOM, with a large number of successful practical cases of EP and self-employed EP. We provide comprehensive services for the application and renewal of various types of residence permits, including entrepreneurship permits, EP/SP/WP, DP, and LTVP. We rely on official review logic to customize application plans and improve transit rates.

For EP qualification evaluation and permit processing needs, please add WeChat for consultation and communication.

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