Can I renew an existing EP if the salary doesn't meet the 2025 benchmarks?

Existing EP holders are given a grace period. New salary requirements for renewals generally take effect from January 1, 2026 .

Is a degree mandatory for every EP applicant?

While a degree earns points, a candidate can still pass if they score high enough in other categories like salary or the skills bonus (SOL).

How long does it take to process a Singapore work pass?

Most applications are processed within 10 business days , but complex cases can take up to 8 weeks.

Master Singapore Recruitment 2025: Your Guide to S Pass & Employment Pass Success

Navigating Singapore’s talent landscape in 2025 is about more than just finding the right candidate; it’s about mastering the regulatory ecosystem. With the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) implementing significant hikes in qualifying salaries and tightening the COMPASS framework, both employers and PMETs must stay ahead of the curve.

This guide details the essential shifts in Singapore recruitment for S Pass and Employment Pass holders to ensure your hiring strategy remains successful and compliant.

1. The New Era of Employment Pass (EP): COMPASS & 2025 Salary Hikes

The Employment Pass is designed for high-caliber professionals, managers, executives, and specialists. However, as of January 1, 2025, the standards for entry have changed.

EP Qualifying Salary Benchmarks

To qualify for an EP, candidates must meet the following minimum fixed monthly salary thresholds:

General Sectors: $5,600 (Previously $5,000)
Financial Services: $6,200 (Previously $5,500)

Note: These are base rates for younger applicants. For candidates in their mid-40s, the requirement scales up to $10,700 (General) and $11,800 (Finance) to reflect their seniority.

Scoring with the COMPASS Framework

Meeting the salary is only Stage 1. Under the COMPASS Framework (Complementarity Assessment Framework), candidates must score at least 40 points across four foundational and two bonus criteria:

Criterion	What is Checked	Max Points
C1. Salary	Comparison against local PMET peers	20
C2. Qualifications	Degree from a top-tier university	20
C3. Diversity	Nationality mix of your current workforce	20
C4. Local Support	Ratio of local Singaporeans in the firm	20
C5. Skills Bonus	Roles on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL)	+20
C6. Strategic Bonus	Participation in innovation programs	+10

2. S Pass Updates: Quotas and Levies

The S Pass is for mid-level skilled staff, such as technicians and associate professionals. Unlike the EP, the S Pass is governed by a strict Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC), or quota.

Key 2025 S Pass Requirements:

Qualifying Salary: Starting September 2025, the minimum monthly salary will rise to $3,300 ($3,800 for Financial Services).
Foreign Worker Levy: Employers must pay a monthly tax (levy) for each S Pass holder. As of September 2025, the Tier 1 levy is $650/month.
Quota Availability: For most service sectors, the S Pass quota is capped at 10% of the total workforce.

3. Compliance Checklist: Fair Consideration Framework (FCF)

Before applying for an EP or S Pass, you must prove that you provided opportunities to local talent:

Mandatory Advertising: You must post the job on MyCareersFuture for at least 14 consecutive days.
Fair Evaluation: Give local candidates a fair chance and document the reasons if a foreign applicant is selected instead.
Educational Verification: For 2025, all degrees must be verified by MOM-approved third-party agencies during the application process.

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4. Strategic Hiring: Shortage Occupation List (SOL)

If you are hiring in high-growth industries, you can benefit from COMPASS points. Jobs on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) receive an automatic 20-point bonus.

Key 2025 shortage roles include:

AI and Machine Learning Specialists
Cybersecurity Architects
Sustainability Managers
Alternative Protein Food Scientists

5. Step-by-Step: From Recruitment to Approval

Follow this timeline to ensure a smooth approval for your new hire:

Self-Assessment: Use the SAT (Self-Assessment Tool) on the MOM website to check eligibility before making an offer.
FCF Posting: Advertise the role on MyCareersFuture.
Application: Submit the application via the EP eService.
IPA Issued: Once approved, the candidate receives an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, which allows them to enter Singapore.
Card Issuance: Upon arrival, complete medical exams and biometrics to receive the physical pass card.

(FAQs): Singapore Recruitment With S-Pass & Employment Pass

Can I renew an existing EP if the salary doesn’t meet the 2025 benchmarks?
Existing EP holders are given a grace period. New salary requirements for renewals generally take effect from January 1, 2026.
Is a degree mandatory for every EP applicant?
While a degree earns points, a candidate can still pass if they score high enough in other categories like salary or the skills bonus (SOL).
How long does it take to process a Singapore work pass?
Most applications are processed within 10 business days, but complex cases can take up to 8 weeks.

Take the Next Step

Are you ready to grow your Singapore team? Ensure your job descriptions align with the latest MOM guidelines.

Would you like me to generate a COMPASS-compliant job description for a specific role you are hiring for?

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify details from official sources, such as the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website, before making any hiring or immigration decisions.