COMPASS

About the COMPASS

The Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) is Singapore's points-based evaluation system for Employment Pass (EP) applications. Introduced by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) with effect from 1 September 2023 for new applications, COMPASS replaced the prior discretionary approach to EP eligibility assessment with a structured, criteria-based scoring model.

COMPASS evaluates EP applicants across four primary criteria: a salary benchmark comparing the applicant's proposed salary against sector-specific local employee salaries (C1); qualifications held by the applicant (C2); the nationality diversity of the employer's existing workforce (C3); and the employer's overall contribution to local employment (C4). Bonus points are available to employers operating in strategic economic sectors identified by the Singapore Economic Development Board or supporting SkillsFuture skills development.

COMPASS applies to the Employment Pass tier only. It does not apply to the S Pass, Work Permit, Personalised Employment Pass (PEP), or Tech.Pass, each of which has a separate eligibility framework. Applications are submitted and assessed through MOM's EP eServices portal. Renewal applications became subject to COMPASS with effect from 1 September 2024.

Key facts

• Points-based framework — four criteria: salary benchmark (C1), qualifications (C2), workforce nationality diversity (C3), local employment support (C4)
• Bonus criterion: employer in strategic economic sectors (Singapore EDB-designated) or supporting SkillsFuture skills development
• Applies to Employment Pass (EP) tier only — does not apply to S Pass, Work Permit, PEP, or Tech.Pass
• Introduced 1 September 2023 for new EP applications; 1 September 2024 for renewal applications
• Replaces the prior discretionary approach to EP assessment with a structured, transparent scoring model
• Administered through Ministry of Manpower's EP eServices portal