Construction Manager Roles In Singapore: 2026 Visa Eligibility
Are you an experienced Construction Manager who is looking at the skyline of Singapore? The pressure on the city-state to transform its Built Environment Industry Transformation Map is doubling, which means that the pressure on quality project leadership is skyrocketing. By 2026, Singapore is no longer seeking out for builders, but for leaders who are digital-savvy and sustainability-oriented, to handle the next generation of smart skyscrapers and green infrastructure.
Nevertheless, the Red Dot has put the foreign talent to a high level. You have to endure a complicated system of complaints known as the COMPASS points and pass strict new salary standards to land a job. This guide is a breakdown of what you should have to qualify to receive a Singapore work visa in 2026.
The Visa Gateway: Employment Pass (EP) and COMPASS
The Employment Pass (EP) is the major pathway of Construction Managers. All new and renewed applications are going to be under Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) as of January 1, 2026.
The New Salary Threshold
You need to have the minimum qualifying salary that is now pegged to the highest one-third of the local professionals of the same age.
- Minimum Salary: In the case of young graduates, the base salary will be at S$5,600/month.
- Age-Based Scaling: When the quality of a Construction Manager is experienced (usually aged 40 45+), the qualifying salary may well be S10,700toS12,000/month.
Scoring the 40 Points
After going through the gate of the salary, you have to achieve at least 40 points based on four supporting criteria:
Qualifications Industry-Specific and SOL Bonus
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has revised the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) in 2026. When in this list, you will automatically have a 20 bonus points so you are much easier to pass the 40-point hurdle.
Key In-Demand Roles for 2026:
- Digital Construction Manager: Knowledge in 5D BIM and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC).
- Sustainability Project Manager: Bionic Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy (SLE).
Highly Skilled Prefabrication Manager
Project Manager (Civil and Structural): This is specifically in the large-scale marine and underground works.
The “Mid-level” Alternative
The S Pass is a better path to follow in case you are an Assistant Construction Manager or a specialist technician.
- 2026 Salary Threshold: Minimum of S$3,300/month (increasing to S$4,800 of older applicants).
- The Quota Trap: There is a Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC) which restricts the S Pass, as opposed to the EP. One-fifth of the total amount of workforce of a company can be S Pass holders in construction.
- Levy: Your employer has to pay a monthly Foreign Worker Levy of the order of S$650 or about, a high cost consideration in employment.
Important “Gatekeeper” Requirements
Regardless of the high salary and degree, two key gatekeepers can put a hold on your application:
- Educational Verification: MOM has become very strict with third party verification reports of all foreign qualification. When applying, you have to provide evidence that you have a valid degree by use of approved agencies such as DataFlow or RiskManagement.
- The Fair Consideration Framework (FCF): The advertisement of the job should be published in MyCareersFuture over 14 days. In the event of MOM thinking that the firm did not afford the local candidates a fair opportunity, then your qualification will not be helpful in securing the visa.
FAQs
Am I eligible to apply an EP when I do not possess a degree?
Yes, but you will receive 0 points on the category of Qualifications in COMPASS. To compensate such points, you would have to earn a very high salary (top 10% of your age group) to be compensated.
Do you have professional certification such as MCIOB or PMP?
MOM has increased the list of degree-equivalent professional qualifications to 2026. Some advanced engineering and management certifications have started to give out 10 points of Criterion 2.
Am I above the financial sector salary threshold?
Only when it is a financial organization (e.g. property development in a bank). In the case of normal construction companies, the lower non-financial requirement prevails.
May I take my family along to Singapore?
Yes, as long as your monthly salary is fixed at least S $6, 000. You may sponsor a Dependant Pass on your unmarried children and your legal spouse aged below 21.
What is the way to find out whether my university is Top-Tier?
MOM offers Self-Assessment Tool (SAT). In general, Group A consists of global top 100 universities (QS Rankings) and autonomous universities of Singapore.
Final Thought
Singapore construction industry in the year 2026 is a Qualities-First market. The new COMPASS regulations are such that only the best and fairly remunerated international talent will enter the workforce. In order to emerge successful, make an effort to clear your digital construction competencies and make sure that your wage expectations are reflected by the age-based standards of Singapore.
Disclaimer
The information about the job is provided without any commercial purposes. Before applying, please confirm individually by accessing the official employer or government website. The data is informed by 2025-2026 ministry of manpower (MOM) and changes are possible.