Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has released the 2027 COMPASS C1 salary benchmarks that will be used to assess Employment Pass (EP) candidates under the COMPASS points framework.
Effective dates
- New EP applications: 1 January 2027
- EP renewals for passes expiring from 1 July 2027
C1 salary points
| Points | Salary requirement (fixed monthly) |
|---|---|
| 20 points | Meets or exceeds the 90th percentile of local PMET salaries for the candidate’s age and the employer’s sector |
| 10 points | Meets or exceeds the 65th percentile |
| 0 points | Falls below the 65th percentile |
The benchmarks are updated annually, so a salary that earned points in previous years may no longer do so for 2027 applications or renewals.
Distinction from EP qualifying salary
From 1 January 2027 the minimum qualifying salary for an EP will be:
- S$6,000 per month for all sectors except financial services
- S$6,600 per month for the financial services sector
These thresholds rise progressively with the applicant’s age. An applicant must first satisfy the applicable qualifying salary before the COMPASS points are applied. Unless exempted, the application must achieve at least 40 COMPASS points in total.
Salary exemption
Candidates with a fixed monthly salary of S$22,500 or more are exempt from the COMPASS assessment altogether.
Practical steps for employers
- Verify the organization’s MOM sector classification.
- Identify the age‑specific C1 benchmark for the candidate.
- Determine whether the proposed salary yields 0, 10, or 20 C1 points.
- Re‑calculate the candidate’s overall COMPASS score (minimum 40 points required).
- Pay special attention to cases that sit near the 65th or 90th percentile thresholds, as small salary adjustments can change the points awarded.
Early salary planning is essential for candidates who rely on C1 points to meet the overall COMPASS requirement. The update underscores that meeting the minimum EP qualifying salary does not guarantee a successful application; the COMPASS score remains a decisive factor.
Source article: newlandchase.com
