COMPASS Framework Singapore 2026: Complete Guide for Employment Pass Applications
The COMPASS Framework is Singapore’s points-based assessment system introduced by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to evaluate Employment Pass (EP) applications.
It assesses whether a foreign professional complements the local workforce and contributes to Singapore’s economy beyond salary alone.
In 2026, most Employment Pass applications must meet:
- Minimum qualifying salary
- At least 40 COMPASS points
👉 Employers should always check Employment Pass Singapore Requirements before applying.
What Is the COMPASS Framework?
COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) evaluates Employment Pass candidates using a structured scoring system.
It ensures that foreign hiring supports:
- Economic contribution
- Workforce balance
- Skills relevance
- Local employment growth
Simple definition:
COMPASS is a scoring system used by MOM to decide Employment Pass approval in Singapore.
Who Needs to Pass COMPASS?
Most new Employment Pass applications must pass COMPASS.
Applicants must:
- Meet salary requirements
- Achieve at least 40 COMPASS points
- Satisfy MOM eligibility rules
👉 Read: Employment Pass Application Singapore
COMPASS Scoring System (C1–C4)
C1: Salary
Salary is compared against local PMET benchmarks.
- 20 points → Top salary range
- 10 points → Median benchmark
- 0 points → Below benchmark
Higher salary improves approval chances.
C2: Qualifications
Based on educational recognition by MOM.
- 20 points → Top-tier institution
- 10 points → Recognised qualification
- 0 points → Not recognised
C3: Diversity
Measures nationality balance in the company.
Companies with over-reliance on one nationality score lower.
C4: Support for Local Employment
Assesses how strongly the company hires Singaporean PMETs.
Stronger local workforce = higher score.
Bonus Criteria (C5–C6)
C5: Skills Bonus (Shortage Occupation List)
Extra points may apply if the role is listed in Singapore’s shortage occupations.
Common sectors:
- IT & Cybersecurity
- Engineering
- Healthcare
- AI & Data
- Sustainability
C6: Strategic Economic Priorities Bonus
Companies involved in government-supported economic initiatives may receive additional points.
Example COMPASS Score
| Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Salary | 20 |
| Qualifications | 20 |
| Diversity | 10 |
| Local Employment | 10 |
| Bonus | 0 |
| Total | 60 |
Minimum required: 40 points
Employment Pass Salary Requirements (2026)
Before COMPASS applies, candidates must meet EP salary thresholds:
- From S$5,600/month (general sectors)
- From S$6,200/month (financial services)
Salary increases with experience and age.
👉 Read: Employment Pass Singapore Requirements 2026
Common Reasons for COMPASS Failure
Applications may be rejected due to:
- Salary below benchmark
- Insufficient COMPASS score
- Unrecognised qualifications
- Weak local hiring profile
- Poor workforce diversity
- Missing documents
How to Improve COMPASS Score
Employers can improve approval chances by:
Offer competitive salaries
Higher salary increases scoring.
Use recognised qualifications
Ensure credentials meet MOM standards.
Improve workforce diversity
Avoid over-reliance on one nationality.
Strengthen local employment
Maintain balanced Singaporean PMET hiring.
Target shortage occupations
Leverage bonus point opportunities.
How WorkPass Pte Ltd Can Help
WorkPass Pte Ltd provides professional support for:
- COMPASS assessment
- Employment Pass application
- Employment Pass appeals
- S Pass application
- Work Permit application
- MOM compliance advisory
We help employers identify risks before submission to improve approval success rates.
👉 Apply here: Employment Pass Application Singapore
Related WorkPass Guides
- Employment Pass Singapore Requirements 2026
- Employment Pass Application Singapore
- S Pass Singapore Requirements 2026
- S Pass Application Singapore
- Work Permit Application Singapore
- WorkPass Home (All Services Overview)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum COMPASS score?
- Most Employment Pass applicants must achieve at least 40 points.
Does salary guarantee Employment Pass approval?
- No. Salary is only one part of COMPASS evaluation.
Can bonus points help?
- Yes. Bonus points from shortage occupations or strategic priorities can improve total scores.
Does COMPASS apply to renewals?
- Some Employment Pass renewals may be assessed under COMPASS depending on MOM updates.
Can small companies pass COMPASS?
- Yes. Small companies can still meet requirements if scoring criteria are balanced.
What happens if score is below 40?
- The application is likely to be rejected unless exempted under MOM rules.
Conclusion
The COMPASS Framework is a key part of Singapore’s Employment Pass system in 2026.
Employers must evaluate salary, qualifications, workforce structure, and hiring strategy before submission.
A proper COMPASS assessment significantly improves approval chances and reduces rejection risks.