20 COMPASS bonus points
Shortage list occupations receive a decisive bonus that often converts a borderline EP into an approval.
In-demand occupations · 2026
🇸🇬 Singapore in-demand & shortage occupation list
updated for 2026.
18 shortage occupations across 4 sectors, with indicative salaries, official codes and the visa route each one unlocks.
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) · COMPASS SOL 2026 revision
Overview
Shortage Occupation List (SOL) & COMPASS framework
Singapore's COMPASS points framework awards 20 bonus points to candidates whose occupation appears on the Shortage Occupation List — often the difference between an Employment Pass approval and a rejection. The SOL is revised periodically and currently concentrates on technology, healthcare, financial services, sustainability and advanced manufacturing.
How the Singapore shortage list works
- 1Clear the Employment Pass salary floor — from S$5,600 for most sectors and S$6,200 for financial services, rising with age.
- 2Score at least 40 COMPASS points across salary, qualifications, workforce diversity, local employment support and bonus criteria.
- 3A Shortage Occupation List role adds 20 bonus points; a strategic economic priority can add another 10.
- 4Permanent residence can be applied for after roughly two years on an Employment Pass.
Sector-wise demand
Singapore shortage occupations by sector
Technology & digital
| Occupation | Code | Indicative salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software and applications developer | — | S$84,000 – 150,000 | |
| Cyber security specialist | — | S$96,000 – 175,000 | |
| Data scientist and AI engineer | — | S$100,000 – 180,000 | |
| Cloud and infrastructure architect | — | S$110,000 – 190,000 | |
| Product manager (digital) | — | S$110,000 – 190,000 |
Financial services
| Occupation | Code | Indicative salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compliance, AML and regulatory specialist | — | S$96,000 – 170,000 | |
| Quantitative analyst and risk manager | — | S$120,000 – 220,000 | |
| Fintech product and payments specialist | — | S$100,000 – 175,000 | |
| Actuary and insurance analytics lead | — | S$110,000 – 200,000 |
Healthcare & life sciences
| Occupation | Code | Indicative salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse | — | S$45,000 – 72,000 | SNB registration |
| Medical doctor and specialist | — | S$150,000 – 400,000 | |
| Pharmacist and clinical research associate | — | S$70,000 – 120,000 | |
| Biomedical and process engineer | — | S$78,000 – 130,000 |
Engineering, green economy & maritime
| Occupation | Code | Indicative salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sustainability and carbon services specialist | — | S$90,000 – 150,000 | |
| Electrical, mechanical and process engineer | — | S$72,000 – 125,000 | |
| Semiconductor and precision manufacturing engineer | — | S$84,000 – 140,000 | |
| Naval architect and marine engineer | — | S$84,000 – 140,000 | |
| Construction project manager and QS | — | S$78,000 – 135,000 |
Salaries are indicative gross annual figures for 2026 hiring and vary by employer, city, experience and negotiation. Shortage lists are revised by the issuing authority — we re-verify your occupation before any filing.
Why it matters
What a shortage occupation gets you in Singapore
Low tax, high savings
Personal income tax tops out far below Western Europe, with no capital gains tax.
Proximity to India
Direct flights from Pune and Mumbai make family visits straightforward.
Matching visa routes
File under the right Singapore category
Employment Pass (EP)
Singapore's flagship work pass for degree-holders
Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass
5-year personalised pass for top-tier professionals
S Pass
Mid-skilled work pass — SGD 3,150+
Singapore Student Pass
Study at NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD
Documents Required for Singapore
Singapore MOM / ICA documentation checklist
Singapore in-demand occupations — FAQs
What is COMPASS?
+
The Complementarity Assessment Framework — a points system MOM uses for Employment Pass applications, covering salary, qualifications, firm-level diversity, local hiring and bonus criteria including the Shortage Occupation List.
Do I need an offer before applying?
+
Yes. The employer submits the EP application. Singapore also offers the ONE Pass for very high earners and top talent, which allows entry without a single sponsoring employer.
How fast is an EP decision?
+
Typically 3-8 weeks. Adding a shortage-list occupation and strong COMPASS score materially improves both speed and approval odds.
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