Introduction to Singapore EP Scoring (Understanding Singapore EP Application COMPASS Scoring System)

Singapore EP scoring is a prerequisite for EP application. Singapore EP (Employment Pass) is a work pass issued to highly skilled foreign professionals, typically for foreigners employed in managerial, executive, or professional positions. To ensure Singapore attracts truly valuable global talent, the Singapore government introduced the COMPASS scoring system (Complementarity Assessment Framework) in 2023, implementing a more stringent scoring assessment for EP applications. It's important to note that meeting the Singapore EP scoring requirements only provides eligibility to apply, while the approval follows a different set of criteria.

Singapore EP Scoring System (COMPASS)

The COMPASS scoring system aims to assess whether foreign applicants can complement Singapore's labor market needs, with scoring based on four key criteria and two bonus criteria. Applicants need to score at least 40 points in the core criteria to meet EP application eligibility.

Singapore EP Core Scoring Criteria (Four Main Dimensions):

1. Individual Attributes
   • Salary: Salary is an important indicator for assessing applicant capabilities. The applicant's monthly salary must meet EP minimum requirements. Those with salaries above industry average will receive more points.
     • Above 65% of industry median: 20 points
     • Between 40%-65% of industry median: 10 points
     • Below 40% of industry median: 0 points
   • Qualifications: Educational background is an important factor in measuring professional capability. Those holding degrees from Singapore-recognized institutions (such as top 100 global universities) will receive higher scores.
     • Top 100 global university degree: 20 points
     • Recognized bachelor's degree: 10 points
     • No qualifying education: 0 points
2. Employer Company Contributions
   • Workforce Diversity: The higher the proportion of local employees in the employer company, the higher the score, aimed at encouraging companies to hire more local talent.
     • Local employee ratio above industry median: 20 points
     • Local employee ratio near industry median: 10 points
     • Below industry median: 0 points
   • Economic Contributions: This assesses the employer company's contribution to Singapore's economy, particularly if the company belongs to industries prioritized by the Singapore government, which will receive more points.
     • Industry is a priority development sector: 20 points
     • Industry is not a priority development sector: 0 points

Singapore EP Bonus Points (Two Additional Criteria)

1. Skills Bonus
   • If the applicant possesses scarce or important technical skills and holds qualifications or certifications recognized by Singapore official agencies, they will receive an additional 20 bonus points.
2. Strategic Economic Priorities Bonus
   • If the applicant's company participates in industry transformation projects promoted by the Singapore government, or supports innovation, research and development, the company's EP applicants will receive an additional 20 bonus points.

Singapore EP Self-Assessment

Applicants and employers can conduct EP self-assessment through the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) online tool to check if applicants meet the COMPASS scoring criteria. This helps applicants determine their scoring situation before formal submission.

Summary:

Singapore's EP scoring system comprehensively evaluates individual qualifications and employer company economic contributions to ensure Singapore attracts and retains high-quality foreign professional talent. Through the COMPASS scoring framework, applicants can better understand their position in the application process and improve their success rate. If you intend to apply for Singapore EP, be sure to fully understand this scoring mechanism, conduct self-assessment in advance, and ensure your application materials are complete and meet standards. Again, it's emphasized that meeting Singapore EP scoring requirements only provides eligibility to apply, while approval follows different criteria. Besides scoring, approval criteria involve many factors including age, work background, and more. It's essential to consult professionals for evaluation.