What Salary is Required for Singapore EP Application (Professional Analysis)
In the Singapore EP Employment Pass (EP) application process, salary level is one of the important factors determining whether an EP application will be successful. Many applicants mistakenly believe that meeting the minimum salary requirement is sufficient for approval, but in fact, salary level not only affects the score in the COMPASS scoring system, but also needs to match the applicant's work background, education, age, and industry. This article will provide a detailed interpretation of the salary requirements for Singapore EP applications based on the latest official policies, helping applicants set reasonable salaries and improve their EP application success rate.
1. Basic Salary Requirements for Singapore EP
According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations, EP applications have minimum salary standards with the following specific requirements:
| Position Category | Minimum Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Employment Pass Applicants | Starting from S$5,000, financial services sector requires starting from S$5,500 |
| Older Applicants | The older the age, the higher the required salary level to match their experience and industry position |
However, meeting the minimum salary requirement does not guarantee EP application approval. MOM will also conduct a comprehensive assessment through the COMPASS system, where the applicant's salary needs to match their background, industry, and experience, and must be competitive within the industry.
2. Salary Scoring in the COMPASS System
Singapore EP application's COMPASS system (Complementarity Assessment Framework) evaluates applicants through a scoring system, with salary level being one of the important factors affecting the score. The following shows the COMPASS scores corresponding to the applicant's salary percentile within the industry:
| Applicant's Salary Level | COMPASS Score |
|---|---|
| Above 90th percentile of industry | 20 points |
| Between 65th-90th percentile of industry | 10 points |
| Below 65th percentile of industry | 0 points |
To score higher in salary assessment, applicants should ensure their salary level reaches above the 65th percentile of the industry, rather than just meeting the minimum salary requirement. 2022 data shows that the median salary for EP applicants was S$9,200, which can serve as a reference, with EP salaries showing an upward trend.
3. Relationship Between Salary and Applicant Background
- Salary Exemption for Lower Education Qualifications
For applicants with lower education qualifications (such as those without a bachelor's degree), they can obtain COMPASS scoring exemption by increasing their salary level. When an applicant's monthly salary reaches or exceeds S$22,500, they will be eligible for EP application without going through the COMPASS scoring system.Note: While increasing salary can meet exemption conditions, MOM will still evaluate the match between the applicant's work background and salary. If the applicant's professional background and experience are insufficient to support such a high salary, MOM may question the authenticity of the application, leading to application failure. Therefore, simply raising salary for scoring purposes is not a guaranteed strategy for EP approval. - Salary Requirements Based on Age and Experience
Older applicants typically require higher salary levels to match their experience and position. For example, young applicants under 30 may only need S$5,000-7,000, while for experienced older applicants, MOM expects their salary to reach S$12,000-15,000 or higher, especially for senior management positions. - Impact of Industry Median
Different industries have different median salary levels, and applicants should refer to industry standards when setting salaries. According to MOM's official salary benchmarks, the following are reference medians for some industries:
| Industry | Median Salary (S$/month) |
|---|---|
| Financial Services | S$10,000-12,000 |
| Information Technology (IT) | S$9,200-10,500 |
| Manufacturing | S$8,000-9,500 |
| Education and Research | S$7,500-9,000 |
If applicants wish to score higher in the COMPASS system, they should ensure their salary level reaches above the 65th percentile of the industry, thereby increasing their chances of approval.
4. Risks of Setting Salary Too High
While high salaries can earn more points in COMPASS scoring, excessively high salaries can also trigger MOM's scrutiny:
- Mismatch with Background: If the applicant's professional background and experience are insufficient to prove their capability for a high-salary position, MOM may doubt the authenticity of the application. Applicants need to ensure the salary matches their experience, education, and position.
- Large Discrepancy from Previous Salary: If the applicant's previous work experience involved lower salary levels, and they suddenly apply for a much higher-paying position, MOM may question the reasonableness of such a dramatic increase and request additional supporting documents or explanations from the applicant.
5. Recommendations for Setting Reasonable Salary
To ensure EP application success, applicants should set their salary reasonably based on the following factors:
- Slightly Above Industry Median: To score higher in the COMPASS system, it's recommended that applicants set their salary slightly above the industry median (such as above the 65th percentile). For example, financial services industry applicants should set their salary between S$10,000-12,000, while information technology industry applicants should set it between S$9,500-11,000.
- Match with Experience and Education: Salary level must match the applicant's professional background, experience, and education. If an applicant has lower education qualifications but wishes to meet EP requirements through higher salary, they need to ensure their work experience and achievements can support the high salary level.
- Adjust According to Market Level: Based on market and industry trends, applicants' salaries should be adjusted according to market changes. For example, in recent years, the median salary for Singapore EP applicants has continuously risen, so when determining salary, one should refer to the latest market data rather than just meeting the minimum threshold.
6. Conclusion
In Singapore EP applications, salary level is a crucial factor determining application success or failure. What salary is required for Singapore EP application? The applicant's salary not only needs to meet MOM's minimum requirements but should also ensure the salary level matches the industry median, applicant's age, education, and experience according to the COMPASS system scoring standards.
Especially for applicants with lower education qualifications, while raising salary to S$22,500 or above can exempt them from COMPASS scoring, MOM will still evaluate whether the applicant's background and work capability match the high salary. Therefore, when setting salary, one should maintain a reasonable balance, avoiding too high or too low, to ensure smooth EP application approval.
To improve application success rates, it's recommended that applicants set their salary reasonably based on their background and industry trends, and seek help from professional teams to ensure all materials and salary levels meet MOM requirements. If you have questions about EP applications or need further professional guidance, please feel free to contact our team, and we will provide you with personalized application solutions.
