Singapore Salary & Visa Rules 2026

Do you intend to develop your career in Singapore in 2012? The work pass scenario has changed drastically as of January 1, 2026. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has narrowed the salary limits and completely adopted the COMPASS points-based system of new applications as well as renewal.

Being an executive and want an Employment Pass (EP) or technician and want the S Pass, it is no longer only about having a job offer, but undergoing actually-age-indexed pay scales and institutional quality tests. This manual decomposes whatever you should know in order to secure your future in Singapore.

Employment Pass (EP): New 2026 Salary Floors

The biggest transformation in 2026 is that the increased salary standards that were formerly applied only to new applicants are now used all the renewals that expire on or after January 1, 2026.

Progressive Salary Scales (Due to aging)

Singapore operates a system where the age scale is progressive, that is, more money is required by the older candidates to make them remain competitive to local talent of the same experience.

General Sectors: Begins at S/H/5,600 (when the age is 23) and increases to S/H/10,700 (when the age is 45+).
Financial Services: Begins at S16, 200 (at age 23) and increases to S11, 800 (at age 45 and above).

Passing COMPASS

You should not fall short of the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS): even at the minimum salary, you have to get 40 points:

C1 Salary (0-20 pts): The remuneration depends on the relation of your salary with the fellow PMETs in your area.
C2 Qualifications(0-20 pts): 20 points Top-Tier tradition; 10 points Degree-equivalent.
C3 Diversity (0-20 pts): Rewards companies that have diverse mix of nationalities.
C4 Local Support (0-20 pts): The points allow those resolute that have a larger proportion of express workers.
C5 Skills Bonus (SOL): +20 points when your job position is listed on the 2026 Shortage Occupation List (AI, Sustainability, Healthcare).

S Pass and Work Permit Renewals: Mid Level Talent

The 2026 concern of mid-level skilled workers is still largely on the quota (Dependency Ratio Ceiling) and monthly pay.

S Pass Salary: S3,300 minimum (S4,800maximum in Finance) S Pass Salary increases with age, up to S4,800 maximum in those aged 45+.
Harmonised Levy: By the year 2026, the S Pass levy becomes uniform at S $650 per month to all sectors, making it easier to do business with the Small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Local Qualifying Salary (LQS): In order to include a local on your quota, the employer has to pay the local at least S$1,600.

2026 Mandatory Compliance: Verification and FCF

The documents needed to apply to a visa in 2026 are higher than ever.

Compulsory Education Authority: Verification of all degrees presented to receive COMPASS points should be carried out by agencies which have been approved by MOM such as Avvanz, DataFlow or Accurate.
Fair Consideration Framework (FCF): The role should be advertised by the employers in the MyCareersFuture over the course of 14 days. They are not required to take this requirement and COMPASS, provided that the job has a remuneration of more than S$22,500.
5-Year Tech EP: In the event that you work in a Shortage Occupation (e.g., AI Architect) in 2026, and earn a minimum of S$10,500, your sponsor will be eligible to apply to a 5-year duration pass.

FAQs

My EP will lapse in mid 2026; will I be required to meet the new salary of S$5, 600?

Yes. All renewals that expire January 1, 2026 must have the new qualification salary and pass the COMPASS test.

What is the exemption threshold of the COMPASS?

In case you earn a fixed monthly salary of S$22,500 or above, then you are not subject to the COMPASS points system and the job advertising of the FCF mandate.

Is Singapore having a minimum wage on work permits?

Singapore lacks a standard minimum wage, but it applies the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) to such industries as cleaning, security, and landscape to provide the locals with fair salaries, which indirectly establishes the minimum standards of foreign workers.

Would I be able to bring my family in S Pass in 2026?

Yes, as long as your monthly fixed salary is not less than S$6,000. This gives you the chance to apply Dependant Pass (DP) on your spouse and children.

What is the maximum time the visa application will take?

The majority of applications through the myMOM Portal take 3 weeks to be processed in case of well-established local sponsors.

Final Thought

The 2026 regulations have a clear message that Singapore is well open to the best of the world, but the entry barrier is increased. To get ahead, make sure that your degree is in a reputed institution and salary package is also benchmarked according to your age. Download the MOM Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) and use it before you are used it has a 90 per cent success rate in determining approval.

Disclaimer

The employment information is provided as an educational and informational aid. Before making an application, ensure you confirm on the official employer or government web site.