A route to research
Employment Pass (COMPASS)
Check salary for your age and sector, COMPASS and the employer’s application.
Before you apply
Confirm the pass your employer proposes, the salary requirements and the steps before you can start. Plan family and living costs separately.
Confirm the employer’s application
An Employment Pass application is submitted by the employer or an appointed employment agent. Confirm who will apply, the documents needed and which role the application covers.
Check salary and COMPASS separately
Employment Pass applicants must meet the qualifying salary and, unless exempt, pass COMPASS. Salary requirements depend on age, sector and relevant dates. The lowest published figure is not everyone’s threshold.
Treat S Pass as a different route
S Pass has its own salary rules and employer quota and levy requirements. Ask the employer to check these before offering this route; it is not an automatic alternative to Employment Pass.
Check the step that allows you to start
For Employment Pass, the notification letter after pass issuance allows work while you await the card. Do not treat an in-principle approval as the same document; confirm your start with the employer.
Check family and partner work rights
Family passes have separate eligibility rules. A Dependant’s Pass does not automatically allow employment. Check the work pass or other permission required for your partner’s intended activity.
Plan your monthly budget
Compare rent, transport, healthcare and school costs with your take-home pay. Ask what the employer pays and when benefits start. Get any moving allowance and repayment terms in writing.
Keep your research current
Employment Pass salary and COMPASS requirements change. Check MOM for the pass category and application date.
Good to know
Are contract roles eligible for passes?
It depends on the pass, pay and employment arrangement. Ask the employer which pass it proposes and check the Ministry of Manpower requirements. The employer does not decide pass approval. Immigration rules change often. This page is general information only (not legal advice). Confirm requirements with an official source or qualified adviser.
Does every listing include a salary range?
Not always. Ask about pay early so you can check the pass requirements. Immigration rules change often. This page is general information only (not legal advice). Confirm requirements with an official source or qualified adviser.
Can specialists help with Singapore passes?
Browse specialists by service and country. Check their relevant registration and experience before requesting help. A directory listing does not guarantee pass approval. Immigration rules change often. This page is general information only (not legal advice). Confirm requirements with an official source or qualified adviser.
