Revised qualifying salary thresholds
Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has announced higher qualifying salary thresholds for the Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass, applying to new applications from 1 January 2027. This is a reminder of an earlier announcement — the change has not yet been implemented.
The revision also affects renewals of passes expiring from 1 January 2028. The trigger is the pass expiry date, not the date the renewal application is submitted.
| Pass / sector | Starting threshold | Age 45 and above |
|---|---|---|
| EP — except financial services | S$6,000 | S$11,500 |
| EP — financial services | S$6,600 | S$12,700 |
| S Pass — except financial services | S$3,600 | S$5,100 |
| S Pass — financial services | S$4,000 | S$5,650 |
Thresholds increase progressively with age from 23. The applicable threshold depends on the candidate's age and sector. Salary alone does not establish eligibility — EP candidates must also pass COMPASS, unless exempt.
Recommended actions for employers and mobility teams
- Review offers and budgets
- Review 2027 offers and assignment budgets against each candidate's applicable threshold.
- Flag 2028 expiries
- Flag relevant 2028 pass expiries now, and build them into the renewal review calendar.
- Confirm COMPASS
- Confirm COMPASS eligibility for EP candidates, alongside the salary threshold.
- Allow processing time
- Allow for processing time when budgeting assignments, particularly where salaries fall close to the new bands.
For assistance, contact info@pathglobal.com.
This client alert is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration requirements and salary thresholds may change. Organisations should confirm the latest position with Singapore's Ministry of Manpower before acting.
- [1] Singapore Ministry of Manpower — 3 March 2026 announcement: https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/2026/0303-partnering-businesses-and-workers-to-thrive-in-a-changed-world
- [2] MOM — EP eligibility and detailed age-band tables: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/employment-pass/eligibility
- [3] MOM — S Pass eligibility and detailed age-band tables: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/s-pass/eligibility