If you are a foreign professional considering a move to Singapore, or a multinational employer planning a Singapore posting, you will quickly come across three different work pass options that are often confused: the standard Employment Pass (EP), the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass), and the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP). All three allow [...]
For foreign professionals, executives and entrepreneurs eyeing a move to Singapore in 2026, the work-pass landscape has narrowed to three serious contenders: the Employment Pass (EP), the ONE Pass, and the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP). Each has a different sponsor model, salary floor and validity period, and choosing the wrong one can cost you months [...]
Since September 2023, the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) has been the gateway test for almost every Employment Pass (EP) application in Singapore. From 1 January 2026, MOM has refreshed both the qualifying salary thresholds and the institution lists used in scoring — meaning many employers and candidates who passed COMPASS comfortably in 2025 will need [...]
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 [...]
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.
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 [...]