COMPASS points system
Since Sept 2023, all EP applications assessed on Complementarity Assessment Framework — score 40 points across salary, qualification, diversity, workforce contribution.
Overseas Jobs · Asia-Pacific
Employment Pass & S Pass — Asia's top financial and tech hub

Overview
Singapore hosts a 700,000-strong Indian community, including one of the largest expat professional workforces in Asia. Singapore's Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, ONE Pass and Personalised Employment Pass frameworks — administered by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) — offer clear, salary-anchored work visa routes for Indian professionals across banking, tech, healthcare, engineering, aviation and hospitality.
Employment Pass (EP): minimum monthly salary S$5,600 (S$6,200 for financial services), issued for 2 years initially, renewable to 3 years. EP holders can bring dependants and apply for PR after 2 years.
S Pass: mid-skilled workers earning S$3,150+ monthly with post-secondary qualification, subject to employer quota and levy.
Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass: 5-year pass for top talent earning S$30,000+/month or with global standing in arts, science, sports, business — no employer sponsor needed.
Work visa route
EP: 2-year renewable to 3-year, salary S$5,600+. S Pass: 2-year renewable, S$3,150+, quota-based. ONE Pass: 5-year self-sponsored, S$30,000+/month or exceptional talent.
Step 1
MOM COMPASS framework scores candidate on salary, qualification, diversity, local hiring.
Step 2
Employer files via MOM EP Online portal.
Step 3
MOM issues IPA within 3-8 weeks.
Step 4
Enter Singapore, complete biometrics and medical.
Step 5
Physical EP/S Pass card issued.
In-demand occupations
MOM's 2024 Shortage Occupation List plus active tech and financial services hiring for 2026.
| Occupation | Indicative salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer / Developer | S$5,500 – 12,000/mo | |
| AI / ML Engineer | S$8,000 – 18,000/mo | |
| Cybersecurity Specialist | S$7,000 – 15,000/mo | |
| Data Scientist / Data Engineer | S$7,500 – 15,000/mo | |
| Cloud Architect | S$9,000 – 18,000/mo | |
| Investment Banker / Wealth Manager | S$10,000 – 30,000/mo | |
| Risk / Compliance / Actuarial | S$7,000 – 18,000/mo | |
| Registered Nurse | S$3,200 – 5,500/mo | |
| Specialist Doctor | S$12,000 – 30,000/mo | |
| Civil / Mechanical / Electrical Engineer | S$5,500 – 11,000/mo | |
| Aircraft Maintenance / Aviation Engineer | S$5,000 – 10,000/mo | |
| Chef / F&B Manager (S Pass route) | S$3,200 – 6,500/mo |
Salary bands are indicative gross figures for 2026 hiring, subject to employer, experience and negotiation.
2026 policy desk
Since Sept 2023, all EP applications assessed on Complementarity Assessment Framework — score 40 points across salary, qualification, diversity, workforce contribution.
General EP threshold S$5,600; financial services S$6,200 as of Jan 2025. Older applicants pay higher threshold.
5-year self-sponsored pass for S$30,000+/month earners or exceptional talent in arts, science, sports, business.
Indian PRs and citizens now eligible for SkillsFuture Level-Up programme credits.
S$3,150 – 30,000+/month. Cost of living: S$3,500-5,500/month single, S$6,500-9,500/month family (accommodation is the largest expense).
Timeline: 6 – 12 weeks from CV shortlisting to Singapore landing.
Cost: Professional fees ₹1,00,000 – 2,50,000 (EP filing coordination + MOM appeal support if needed).
Documents required
Singapore combines Asia's most business-friendly regulatory environment, English as the working language, deep bilateral ties with India (including a tax treaty), and world-class education infrastructure. For Indian banking, tech, healthcare and engineering professionals, Singapore is the highest-paying professional destination in Asia outside the Middle East, with a genuine 2-5 year path to PR that consolidates long-term family stability.
COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) scores EP applications on 6 criteria: salary vs local benchmark, qualification, diversity, workforce contribution (local hiring), plus 2 bonus criteria (Shortage Occupation List, Strategic Economic Priorities). Minimum 40 points required.
You become eligible to apply after 6 months on EP, but realistic approval typically requires 2-3 years of continuous EP employment. Higher salary, stable employment and Singaporean spouse improve approval odds.
Ethical placement · MEA compliant
Honest eligibility read within 24 hours. Written scope, written fees, and a single accountable case manager from day one to landing.
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