The Employment Pass (EP) renewal criteria in Singapore have undergone significant updates for 2025. These revisions align with Singapore's continued commitment to strengthening its workforce and its economy. This article provides an in-depth look at the key aspects of EP renewal, including changes to the EP qualifying salary, the COMPASS framework and exemptions, as well as the key stages involved in EP renewal process.
1. Meet Minimum Qualifying Salary for Employment Pass Renewal
One of the most important factors for EP renewal in 2025 is meeting the updated EP qualifying salary. Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has increased the minimum salary thresholds for EP holders seeking Employment Pass renewal. The new salary bands for renewal are as follows:
Passes expiring from 1 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025
Non-financial Sector: minimum S$5,000 per month, up to S$10,500.
Financial Sector: minimum S$5,500 per month, up to S$11,500.
Passes expiring from 1 Jan 2026 onwards
Non-financial Sector: minimum S$5,600 per month, up to S$10,700.
Financial Sector: minimum S$6,200 per month, up to S$11,800.
The minimum qualifying salary increases progressively with age from age 23 up to age 45.
These changes are part of Singapore's goal to attract higher-caliber talent, at the same time ensuring the EP holders still meet the country’s competitive salary requirement for Employment Pass.
2. Score the COMPASS Framework Criteria
The introduction of the COMPASS framework has significantly reshaped the criteria to eligible for an Employment Pass. The COMPASS framework is a points-based system designed to evaluate the EP application based on several factors that contribute to Singapore's economic growth and diversity.
These factors include:
C1. Salary: The salary offered to the candidate must meet or exceed sector-specific salary benchmarks.
C2. Qualifications: The candidate's eligibility is evaluated based on their educational qualifications, with preference given to those with recognized qualifications in their respective fields.
C3. Diversity: Companies must demonstrate their commitment to workforce diversification, including the proportion of Singaporean professionals employed.
C4. Support for Local Employment: Companies are assessed based on their efforts to hire, train, and promote local employees.
C5. Skills Bonus: Points are awarded to candidates who possess skills that are in high demand within Singapore’s labor market.
C6. Strategic Economic Priorities Bonus: Additional points are awarded for roles aligned with Singapore’s strategic economic priorities.
To renew an EP, candidates must also meet the COMPASS framework criteria, ensuring they secure a minimum of 40 points. Employers can use the Self-Assessment Tool provided by MOM to evaluate the candidate's eligibility before submitting the EP renewal application.
Exemption from COMPASS Framework
EP holders who are earning at least S$22,500 in fixed monthly salary are exempt from the COMPASS assessment. This exemption allows highly paid professionals to bypass the points-based evaluation for EP renewal and allowing them to continue contribute to the economy.
Qualification Verification Again? Nope
Once a candidate’s qualifications have been verified by MOM, re-verification is not required during EP renewals or when changing employers unless prompted by MOM. This is to simplify the renewal process and ensure its efficiency.
3. Unchanged in Job Role and Employer
As part of the EP renewal criteria, candidates must demonstrate that they continue to work for the same employer in a managerial, executive, or specialised job. This ensures that the EP holder is fulfilling their role in a capacity that aligns with the requirements set by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for Employment Pass holders. The renewal process evaluates whether the EP holder's job duties are in line with the initial application and whether they continue to meet the professional standards expected for the position. If there are significant changes in the job role, employers must update the details in myMOM Portal to ensure the renewal is compliant with MOM’s guidelines.
Prepare for EP Renewal Process in Singapore
Employers need to be aware of the EP renewal process to ensure the EP renewal request is done properly.
Here's a summary of the key stages involved in the renewal process:
Timing of EP Renewal: The EP renewal application can be submitted up to 6 months before the pass expires. It is advisable to renew early as the renewed duration will count after the existing pass expires, there is no need to take the last-minute risk.
Supporting Documents: Employers must ensure that all necessary documentation, including the company’s financial turnover information for the past 3 years has been updated. Proper documentation is critical to avoid any delays or rejection of the EP renewal.
EP Renewal Submission: Employers must submit the EP renewal request via myMOM Portal. This paperless process greatly reduces the processing time and allow employers to keep track of the renewal status easily.
By following the above mentioned, employers ensure that the EP holder can continue to work in Singapore with their renewed pass without disruptions.
Importance of EP Renewal Compliance
The updated EP renewal criteria emphasize Singapore’s dedication to maintaining a high-caliber, diverse workforce. Strict adherence to the updated EP renewal criteria is essential to avoid complications such as application rejection or delayed renewals. If a candidate fails to meet the required EP qualifying salary or does not score enough points under the COMPASS framework, their EP renewal application may be rejected. This could lead to significant business disruptions, including the inability of the EP holder to continue working in Singapore. Employers must ensure that they are up-to-date with the eligibility criteria and MOM’s guidelines to make sure smooth and successful renewal for their EP holders. Proper preparation and compliance will ensure that both the company and its employees can continue contributing to Singapore's thriving economy.
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