Singapore remains one of Asia’s most attractive hubs for skilled foreign talent, thanks to its strong economy, stable business environment, and global connectivity. For foreign professionals looking to work here, the Employment Pass (EP) is the key work visa to aim for.
If you’re planning to apply, here’s what you need to know about the latest EP eligibility criteria in 2025.
1. What is the Employment Pass?
The Employment Pass allows foreign professionals, managers, executives, and specialists to work in Singapore. It is issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and is typically valid for 1–2 years, with the possibility of renewal.
2. Core Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for an EP in 2025, applicants must meet both salary and skill requirements.
a) Minimum Fixed Monthly Salary
-
General benchmark: SGD 5,600 per month
-
For financial services: SGD 6,200 per month
-
Higher salaries are required for older and more experienced candidates.
b) Recognised Qualifications
-
A degree from a reputable university is common, but MOM also considers professional qualifications, skills, and relevant work experience.
-
Exceptional skill sets may compensate for the lack of a formal degree.
c) Job Role and Employer
-
The position must be managerial, executive, or specialised in nature.
-
The hiring company must be registered in Singapore and demonstrate genuine business activity.
3. The COMPASS Framework
Since 2023, EP applications are assessed under COMPASS — the Complementarity Assessment Framework — which scores applicants on:
-
Salary level compared to industry peers
-
Qualifications
-
Diversity (bringing varied nationality representation to the company)
-
Support for local employment
Applicants need at least 40 points across these criteria to qualify.
4. Additional Considerations
MOM also reviews:
-
The company’s track record in hiring locals
-
Whether the role could be filled by a local candidate
-
The applicant’s past employment history
5. Why Meeting the Criteria Matters
Failing to meet the stated requirements can result in rejection. Even if you qualify on paper, incomplete applications, vague job descriptions, or missing documents can lead to delays or refusals.
✅ Bottom Line:
The Singapore Employment Pass is designed to bring in highly skilled foreign talent who complement, rather than compete with, the local workforce. Meeting the salary benchmark, having strong qualifications, and scoring well under COMPASS will significantly increase your chances of approval.
Check out our website at https://ebos-sg.com/ to explore more articles and discover how our Cloud Accountant Services can support you on your business.
