COMPASS Guide ① Understanding the 6 Criteria

COMPASS Complete Guide Series Part 1: 6 Evaluation Criteria (This Post) | Part 2: C1 Salary Benchmarks | Part 3: C2 Qualifications | Part 4: Exemptions

At a Glance

• The 2-Stage EP Hurdle: Even if you pass the minimum salary (Stage 1), you must score 40 points on the COMPASS scale (Stage 2).
• Major 2026 Changes: Salary benchmarks by sector will rise by approximately 4–5%, and the list of recognized educational institutions will be updated.
• Bonus Point Alert: Some IT roles will be removed from the bonus list, while healthcare roles will be added.

If you are new to Singapore or approaching a visa renewal, the COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) system has likely been on your mind. Gone are the days when a high salary alone guaranteed an Employment Pass (EP). Since its introduction in September 2023, and its subsequent application to renewals, many are asking: "Can I actually hit those 40 points?"

With criteria set to become even stricter starting in 2026, it is crucial to stay informed. Based on the latest data from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), here are 6 key strategies to help you reliably secure your 40 points.

1. How Does Your Salary Rank? (C1 Salary & C2 Education)

Individual merit remains the foundation of the assessment. If you don't score well here, it becomes significantly harder to make up the points elsewhere.

C1 (Salary): This isn't just about the absolute amount; it’s a comparison against local PMET (Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians) peers in your sector and age group. For 2026, benchmarks are expected to rise by 4–5%. For example, a 30-year-old in Administrative Services may need to earn at least SGD 6,839 to get 10 points. To reach the full 20 points (top 10%), the salary would need to be around SGD 12,015.

C2 (Education): Graduates from MOM-designated "Top-tier" universities automatically earn 20 points. Many top Korean and international universities are on this list, but it will be updated in January 2026. Be sure to check if your alma mater is still listed. A standard degree earns 10 points.

2. Company-Driven Points (C3 Diversity & C4 Local Employment)

Your employer’s profile is just as important as your own. The Singapore government encourages workforce diversity and local hiring.

• C3 (Diversity): If your nationality makes up less than 5% of the company's PMETs, you get 20 points. If it exceeds 25%, you get 0 points. If you work at a firm with many fellow Koreans, you might lose points here.
• C4 (Local Employment): This measures how well your company hires local Singaporeans compared to industry peers. Ranking in the top 50% earns 20 points.

Pro-tip! Small firms with fewer than 25 PMET employees automatically receive 10 points each for C3 and C4 (20 points total). This is a significant advantage for those in startups or small branch offices.

3. The Shortage Occupation Bonus (C5 & C6)

If your base points fall short of 40, these bonuses can be your "golden ticket."

• C5 (Skills Bonus): You can earn up to 20 points if your role is on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL). However, big changes are coming in 2026. Several IT roles (such as Cybersecurity and Product Managers) will be removed from the list, while two healthcare-related roles will be added. Check if your specific job title remains on the 2026 list.
• C6 (Strategic Economic Priorities): This offers a 10-point bonus for employees of companies participating in specific government programs. This is generally handled at the corporate level and is less common for individual applicants to control.

4. COMPASS Scoring Table at a Glance (2026 Criteria)

Key Takeaways to Remember

1. High Earners' Exemption: If your fixed monthly salary is SGD 22,500 or higher, you are exempt from the COMPASS scoring system entirely.
2. Use the SAT Tool: The 'Self-Assessment Tool (SAT)' on the MOM website is the most accurate way to simulate your score before officially applying.
3. Prepare for 2026 Renewals: Even if you currently hold an EP, any renewal after January 1, 2026, will be subject to the new salary benchmarks and updated school lists. Start planning early!

Navigating visa requirements is one of the biggest challenges of expat life in Singapore, but it is manageable with the right information. This series covers everything you need to know about COMPASS. Continue reading the rest of the series below!

Read Next

• Part 2: C1 Salary Benchmarks by Sector
• Part 3: C2 Qualifications - Is Your University Top-Tier?
• Part 4: 3 COMPASS Exemption Conditions

References

• MOM - EP Eligibility
• MOM - COMPASS Framework
• MOM - C1 Salary Benchmarks
• MOM - C5 Skills Bonus SOL
• KPMG - COMPASS 2026 Updates
• Fragomen - COMPASS C2 2026 Update