2026 Singapore EP Renewal: Will Your Salary Qualify?

Quick Summary

Starting January 1, 2026, the minimum salary for EP renewals will increase to SGD 5,600.

Passing the COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) with at least 40 points will be mandatory.

Pre-verification of educational qualifications is now required to prevent fraud, so early preparation is key.

Anyone working in Singapore has likely felt that familiar sense of anxiety as their visa expiration date approaches. With the Singapore government continuously tightening foreign manpower policies, many are left wondering, "Will my visa actually be renewed this time?"

Starting in 2026, existing EP holders will face much stricter criteria. It’s no longer just about having a high salary; the system now considers complex factors like the company’s nationality diversity and local hiring ratios. Today, we’ll break down the essential changes for EP renewals effective from January 2026.

1. Higher Salary Thresholds: What is the Requirement for Your Age?

The first thing to check is, of course, the numbers. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has raised the minimum salary criteria for EP renewals expiring on or after January 1, 2026. these benchmarks are set based on the top one-third of local PMET (Professional, Managerial, Executive, and Technical) salaries.

General Sector Minimum: Your monthly salary must be at least SGD 5,600 (approx. KRW 6.45 million) to apply for renewal.
Financial Services Sector: Reflecting the higher pay scales in this industry, the threshold is set higher at SGD 6,200 (approx. KRW 7.14 million).
Age-based Scaling: These figures are for young applicants; the required salary increases with age. For those aged 45 and above, the requirement rises to SGD 10,700 for general sectors and SGD 11,800 for financial services.

Category	General Sector	Financial Services
Min. Salary (New/Renewal)	SGD 5,600	SGD 6,200
Min. Salary (Age 45+)	SGD 10,700	SGD 11,800
Effective Date	Renewals from Jan 1, 2026	Renewals from Jan 1, 2026

2. The 40-Point Hurdle: The COMPASS Framework

Meeting the salary requirement is no longer enough. You must now score at least 40 points under the COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) system. While this previously only applied to new applicants, from 2026, those renewing their passes must also pass this evaluation.

C1 Salary Score: You earn 0 to 20 points based on how your salary compares to local PMETs in your specific industry.
C2 Qualifications Score: Degrees from MOM-designated "Top-tier" universities (including SNU and KAIST in Korea) earn 20 points, while other degrees earn 10 points.
C3 Diversity Score: You earn more points if your nationality is underrepresented in your company. If your company has a very high concentration of your own nationality, you may lose points here.
C4 Local Employment: Points are awarded based on how well your company supports local PMET employment compared to industry peers.

If you fall short on basic points, you can earn bonus points through the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) (C5) or by working for a company involved in specific economic priority projects (C6). Note that high earners with a monthly salary of SGD 22,500 or more are exempt from the COMPASS evaluation.

3. Degree Verification: No Longer Optional

In the past, submitting a copy of your graduation certificate was often sufficient. Now, you must have your degree authenticated by an MOM-approved background screening agency. If you are renewing in 2026, failing to do this in advance could lead to significant delays in your visa approval.

Requirement: Any degree used to claim points under COMPASS must be verified.
Agencies: You must use MOM-approved vendors like Avvanz or DataFlow. Generally, the company—not the individual—is expected to cover these costs.
Processing Time: For Korean universities, it typically takes 1 to 2 weeks, but it can take over a month if documents are missing. It is best to start this process at least 3 months before your renewal date.

Once a degree is verified and recorded in the system, you won't need to do it again for future renewals, so it’s worth getting it sorted properly now.

Key Takeaways & Practical Tips

Use the SAT (Self-Assessment Tool): Use the tool on the MOM website. You can check your eligibility for renewal based on your current salary and conditions up to 6 months before your pass expires.
Consult Your HR Early: Factors like C3 (Diversity) and C4 (Local Employment) are beyond your individual control. Ask your HR department if the company currently meets the necessary COMPASS scores.
Check the Shortage Occupation List (SOL): If your role is in a high-growth area like AI or the Green Economy, you may be eligible for 20 bonus points. Always check the latest list.
Check Your Passport Validity: If your passport is near expiry, your renewed visa duration might be shortened. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 2 years before applying for a renewal!