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COMPASS Self-Check (Employment Pass)

COMPASS is the points-based eligibility framework for Employment Pass applications. A candidate earns points across four foundational criteria — salary, qualifications, firm diversity and support for local employment — plus bonus points, and needs 40 to meet the threshold. This self-check gives an indicative total from the bands you select. It does not apply to the S Pass or Work Permit.

Indicative self-check

COMPASS Self-Check

Estimate an Employment Pass application's COMPASS points across the foundational criteria and bonus points.

Employment Pass only. COMPASS applies to Employment Pass applications. It does not apply to the S Pass or Work Permit.

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Compiled from officially published Ministry of Manpower information · last reviewed {{ lastReviewed }} · data version {{ dataVersion }}. COMPASS
applies to the Employment Pass only — not the S Pass or Work Permit. C1 salary and C4 local-support are scored against MOM benchmarks that
are refreshed periodically. This is an indicative self-check, not a determination; confirm with MOM’s official COMPASS Self-Assessment Tool
before relying on any figure.
The framework

What is COMPASS?

COMPASS (the Complementarity Assessment Framework) is how MOM assesses most Employment Pass applications beyond the qualifying salary. A candidate scores points on four foundational criteria and can earn bonus points; 40 points meets the threshold. Some applications are exempt — for example, where the fixed monthly salary is very high, for intra- corporate transferees, or for short roles.
The criteria

Which criteria does COMPASS score?

Four foundational criteria, each worth 0, 10 or 20 points: C1 salary (versus local PMET benchmarks for the sector and age), C2 qualifications, C3 nationality diversity within the firm, and C4 support for local employment. Two bonus categories can add points: C5 for jobs on the Shortage Occupation List, and C6 for strategic economic priorities.

C1 · Salary

Fixed monthly salary against local PMET pay for the sector and age band. 0 / 10 / 20.

C2 · Qualifications

The degree and the standing of the awarding institution. 0 / 10 / 20.

C3 · Diversity

How common the candidate's nationality is among your firm's PMETs. 0 / 10 / 20.

C4 · Local support

Your firm's share of local PMETs relative to your industry. 0 / 10 / 20.

C5 · SOL bonus

Bonus where the role is on the Shortage Occupation List. 0 / 10 / 20.

C6 · Strategic priorities

Bonus for firms in qualifying strategic partnerships. 0 / 10.

Small firms

What is the small-firm rule?

Firms with fewer than 25 PMETs are scored the default points on the diversity (C3) and local- support (C4) criteria, because those measures are less meaningful at small scale. The self-check applies this automatically when you select that your firm is under the threshold.
Scope

Does COMPASS apply to the S Pass?

No. COMPASS is for the Employment Pass only. S Pass eligibility is based on the qualifying
salary, quota and levy — not COMPASS. The Work Permit is not assessed under COMPASS either.
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Employment Pass application service

Is this my COMPASS result?

No. This is an indicative self-check based on the bands you choose. Your actual C1 and C4 scores depend on MOM’s salary and local-share benchmarks for your sector, which are refreshed periodically. Confirm with MOM’s official COMPASS Self-Assessment Tool before relying on any figure.

COMPASS self-check — common questions

COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) is Singapore's points-based system for most Employment Pass (EP) applications. It evaluates both the candidate and the employer using factors such as salary, qualifications, workforce diversity, and support for local employment.

To qualify, an application must achieve the required COMPASS score alongside meeting the minimum EP salary requirements. The framework helps ensure that foreign professionals complement Singapore's local workforce while supporting business growth.

To qualify under COMPASS, most Employment Pass applications must score at least 40 points. Points are awarded based on factors such as salary, qualifications, workforce diversity, and support for local employment, with bonus points available in certain cases.
  • Salary – Higher salaries relative to local professionals in the same sector earn more points.
  • Qualifications – Recognised and higher-quality qualifications receive more points.
  • Workforce Diversity – Employers with a diverse workforce are awarded more points.
  • Support for Local Employment – Employers with a strong record of hiring and developing local employees can earn additional points.

Candidates in eligible roles on Singapore's Shortage Occupation List (SOL) may receive bonus COMPASS points, provided they meet the relevant eligibility criteria.

Employers that contribute to Singapore's strategic economic priorities may qualify for bonus COMPASS points under C6, subject to the relevant eligibility requirements.

Employers with fewer than 25 PMET employees are generally exempt from the COMPASS workforce diversity and local employment criteria, helping ensure smaller businesses are assessed fairly.

Some Employment Pass applications are exempt from COMPASS, such as candidates earning at or above the qualifying salary threshold for exemption or certain overseas intra-corporate transferees under applicable trade agreements.

Yes. COMPASS applies only to most Employment Pass (EP) applications and renewals. It does not apply to Work Permit or S Pass applications.

The figures and benchmarks used in COMPASS are based on official data published by Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and other relevant government agencies. They are reviewed and updated periodically to reflect current labour market conditions.

Want a considered read before you file your EP?

Tell us the candidate and the role. We’ll pre-assess against COMPASS, name the weak points, and set out what’s realistic — a fixed fee, quoted upfront.

 
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