Singapore updates COMPASS salary benchmarks for 2027 Employment Pass cases

Singapore has released new sector-based COMPASS salary benchmarks for Employment Pass planning in 2027.

The revised C1 salary benchmarks apply to new Employment Pass applications from 1 January 2027 and to renewals of passes expiring from 1 July 2027. The existing table continues to apply to new applications through 31 December 2026 and relevant renewals through 30 June 2027.

Under COMPASS Criterion C1, a candidate’s fixed monthly salary is compared with local PMET salary levels in the employer’s sector and by age. Salaries at the 65th percentile earn 10 points; those at the 90th percentile earn 20 points. A salary below the 65th-percentile benchmark earns no C1 points.

That does not automatically result in refusal. A candidate may still achieve the required 40 COMPASS points through other criteria and bonus criteria. However, the separate Employment Pass qualifying salary remains a compulsory threshold, irrespective of the COMPASS score.

Employers should review 2027 hires and renewals early, test full COMPASS scores, and identify cases requiring remuneration or workforce-planning adjustments.