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      Starting 1 January 2026, significant updates under Singapore’s COMPASS framework will take effect for new Employment Pass (EP) applications, affecting renewals beginning 1 July 2026. The Ministry of Manpower (MoM) has made several updates; sector-specific salary benchmarks, the lists of recognised educational qualifications, including degree-equivalent professional qualifications and top-tier institutions have been updated.

      Additionally, the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) now features new eligible roles and added requirements. These changes aim to ensure fair consideration of local talent and maintain alignment with evolving labour market needs.

      For previous coverage on the update, see, GMS Flash Alert 2025-182, Singapore – Updated Salary Benchmarks by Sector under COMPASS (2 October 2025).

      WHY THIS MATTERS

      Higher salary benchmarks may require employers to proactively evaluate and strategically structure compensation packages to obtain COMPASS points under C1 salary criterion.

      Updated qualification lists directly affect COMPASS scoring. Employers may want to thoroughly review and validate candidates’ academic qualifications and professional certifications to confirm their recognition by the MoM. This helps secure eligibility for EP and bonus COMPASS points for top-tier qualifications, streamlining the application process.

      Changes to the SOL affect eligibility for bonus points and, for certain infocomm technology roles, the possibility of a five-year EP, making accurate role alignment essential.

      More Details

      C1 - Sector Salary Benchmarks1

      • Effective for new EPs from 1 January 2026 and renewals from 1 July 2026, applications must meet revised sector-specific salary benchmarks to obtain points under C1 salary criterion.
      • Under COMPASS, the C1 salary criterion awards 10 points at the 65th percentile and 20 points at the 90th percentile of local Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians (PMET) salaries.
      • Failure to meet C1 may require reliance on other criteria or alternative passes like the S Pass, affecting workforce planning and budgets.

      C2 - Education Qualification Lists2

      • The MoM released the updated list of degree-equivalent professional qualifications and refreshed the top-tier institutions list in November 2025. These updates will apply to new EP applications from 1 January 2026.
      • Employers may ensure they select the correct institution and faculty during the application process and provide appropriate verification proof to avoid delays or rejection.

      C5 - Shortage Occupation List3

      The SOL update implements revised occupations and criteria effective from 1 January 2026, with annual updates and a comprehensive review conducted every three years. With at least 40 COMPASS points, selected infocomm technology roles may receive a five-year EP if they meet both SOL and technology EP salary requirements.

      KPMG INSIGHTS

      The upcoming COMPASS updates reinforce Singapore's commitment to workforce quality and diversity.

      Employers might anticipate greater compliance requirements by integrating these changes into their talent acquisition and renewal strategies at an early stage. Revised salary benchmarks may necessitate a comprehensive review of existing compensation structure, while updated qualification lists will demand more rigorous credential verification processes.

      Expanded recognition of professional qualifications serves to broaden the available talent pool; however, discrepancies may result in processing delays or refusals. Updates to SOL will particularly benefit technology roles with extended EP validity, highlighting the importance of accurate role mapping. Early and strategic planning could mitigate risk and help with business continuity within the revised regulatory landscape.If employers have any questions or concerns about this update and appropriate next steps, they should consult with their qualified immigration adviser or a member of the immigration team with KPMG Law in Singapore (see the Contacts section).

      Footnotes

      1  See the MoM webpage, “COMPASS C1, Salary Benchmarks.”

      2  See the MoM webpage, “C2 – Education Qualification Lists & Verification.”

      3  See the MoM webpage, “COMPASS C5. Skills bonus - Shortage Occupation List (SOL).” 

      Related Resources

      Mom webpage, “MoM COMPASS Overview & Criteria,” updated on 21 November 2025.

      MoM webpage, “5-year duration Employment Pass for experienced tech professionals with skills in shortage.”

      Contacts

      Murray Sarelius
      Murray Sarelius

      Head of Personal Tax & Global Mobility Services, Regional Lead, Global Mobility Services, ASPAC

      KPMG in Singapore

      Barbara Kinle
      Barbara Kinle

      Partner

      KPMG in Singapore

      Eugenia Tay
      Eugenia Tay

      Partner

      KPMG in Singapore

      Hallie Toh
      Hallie Toh

      Director

      KPMG in Singapore

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