For many foreigners working or investing in Singapore, the natural next step after settling in is to apply for Permanent Residence (PR). PR confers most of the lifestyle benefits of citizenship — the right to live and work without a pass, access to HDB resale flats (with restrictions), Medisave/CPF for those who contribute, and the [...]
Singapore's Employment Pass (EP) framework changed fundamentally on 1 September 2023 when the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) took effect. The shift from a flat qualifying salary test to a points-based system has caught out countless employers and candidates — particularly those whose applications would have sailed through under the old rules. The good news is [...]
Becoming a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) is a goal for many foreign professionals and their families who have built their lives in Singapore. PR status offers significant benefits: access to subsidised healthcare and education, HDB housing eligibility, greater employment stability, and a clearer pathway to citizenship. Yet the process is often misunderstood — there is [...]
Singapore is one of Asia's most sought-after destinations for foreign professionals. Whether you are a mid-career executive, a seasoned entrepreneur, or a globally recognised talent, navigating the work pass landscape can be daunting. Three passes dominate the conversation: the Employment Pass (EP), the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP), and the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE [...]
For foreign professionals seeking to work in Singapore and for the employers who wish to hire them, the Employment Pass (EP) remains the most widely used work authorisation route. Administered by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the EP is designed for foreign professionals, managers, and executives who meet defined salary and qualifications criteria. This guide [...]
A comprehensive guide to Singapore's COMPASS framework for Employment Pass applications in 2026. Covers salary thresholds, all six scoring criteria (C1–C6), the Shortage Occupation List updates, Fair Consideration Framework requirements, and practical tips for employers.
For senior executives, founders and globally recognised specialists, the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) is Singapore's most prestigious work pass. Launched in January 2023 to draw "top-tier" talent into the Republic, it is the only pass that lets a single individual work for multiple employers concurrently, start their own Singapore company, and even [...]
Introduction Singapore has long been recognised as one of the best places in the world to start a business. With its stable political environment, transparent regulatory framework, and pro-business policies, it continues to attract entrepreneurs from around the globe. For foreign entrepreneurs who wish to start and operate an innovative business in Singapore, the EntrePass [...]
What Is the COMPASS Framework? The Complementarity Assessment Framework, commonly known as COMPASS, is Singapore’s points-based system for evaluating Employment Pass (EP) applications. Introduced by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on 1 September 2023, COMPASS is designed to ensure that foreign professionals hired in Singapore genuinely complement the local workforce rather than displace it. Under [...]
Introduction The Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) is Singapore's points-based system for evaluating Employment Pass (EP) applications. Introduced by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in September 2023, COMPASS ensures that EP holders complement Singapore's local workforce by assessing candidates across multiple criteria — not just salary alone. Starting from 1 January 2026, MOM has implemented several [...]