Detailed Explanation of Singapore EP Application COMPASS Exemption Conditions and Salary Requirements

When applying for a Singapore Employment Pass (EP), applicants typically need to pass the COMPASS system's point assessment to ensure they possess skills that meet Singapore's economic needs. However, under certain conditions, applicants can be exempted from the COMPASS system's scoring requirements through specific pathways. While one important pathway is meeting high salary conditions, this does not mean salaries must be raised to extremely high levels. Additionally, meeting COMPASS scoring requirements or obtaining an exemption does not guarantee EP approval, as the review process involves multiple factors.

This article will explore in detail the COMPASS exemption conditions and related salary requirements, with special emphasis on how raising salary does not necessarily guarantee EP application success.

1. COMPASS Exemption Conditions and Salary Requirements

According to Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations, applicants who meet the following conditions can be exempted from COMPASS system scoring requirements:

1. Monthly salary of at least SGD 22,500
   From September 1, 2023, when an applicant's fixed monthly salary reaches or exceeds SGD 22,500, they will automatically be exempted from COMPASS system scoring requirements. This applies to high-salary positions, typically executives or highly skilled technical specialists.
2. Senior managers or technical specialists in intra-corporate transfers
   Employees in intra-corporate transfers who meet the requirements of the **World Trade Organization General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS)**, such as senior managers or technical specialists, can also be exempted from COMPASS scoring.
3. Short-term positions of 1 month or less
   For short-term assignments (not exceeding 1 month), applicants can also be exempted from COMPASS system scoring requirements.

2. High Salary Exemption: Is SGD 22,500 Always Necessary?

While a monthly salary of SGD 22,500 can exempt COMPASS scoring, in practice, it is not necessarily required to raise salaries to this level to meet COMPASS scoring requirements. Typically, if an applicant's salary is between SGD 15,000 and SGD 20,000, it may already be sufficient to meet COMPASS system scoring requirements. The COMPASS system's salary bonus mechanism allows high-salary applicants to earn higher scores, thereby reaching the minimum score required for EP applications.

It is important to note: Simply raising salary to meet COMPASS scoring does not mean the EP application will definitely be approved. COMPASS system scoring and exemptions are merely the basic threshold for EP applications. Actual approval involves many other factors, including the applicant's professional background, industry demand, and position suitability.

3. Raising Salary Does Not Guarantee EP Application Approval

While salary is an important factor in COMPASS system scoring, raising salary does not necessarily guarantee EP application success. Even if applicants meet COMPASS scoring requirements or are exempted from the COMPASS system by raising their salary, whether they ultimately pass EP review depends on various factors.

1. Applicant Background and Position Compatibility
   During the review process, MOM not only examines the applicant's salary level but also evaluates whether the applicant's work experience, education, and professional qualifications match the position applied for. If the applicant's background does not match the position requirements, the EP application may be rejected even if COMPASS scoring requirements are met.
2. Industry Demand and Position Reasonableness
   MOM also considers supply and demand within the industry. If certain industries do not urgently need foreign employees, MOM may more strictly review the reasonableness of positions. Particularly for self-employed EP or high-salary positions, if MOM believes the position setup is unreasonable or the salary level is too high and inconsistent with market conditions, the application may be rejected.
3. Company Operating Status and Employment Capability
   MOM also reviews the employer's company background and operating conditions to ensure the company can afford high salaries and that the employer's hiring needs are genuine. If the company's operations are unstable or hiring needs are unclear, the EP application may be rejected due to lack of credibility.

4. How to Ensure EP Application Success?

To improve EP application success rates, applicants and employers should prepare thoroughly before submitting applications. The following points deserve special attention:

1. Set Salary Levels Reasonably
   While salary increases can help meet COMPASS scoring or exemption requirements, it is not recommended to dramatically and unreasonably raise salaries to obtain EP approval. Salary levels should match industry standards, the applicant's background, and company operating conditions.
2. Comprehensively Assess Applicant's Professional Background
   Before submitting applications, employers and applicants should carefully assess the applicant's professional background and position requirements to ensure the applied position highly matches the applicant's work experience and skills. Especially for high-salary positions, applications should provide sufficient documentation to ensure the position setup is reasonable.
3. Consider Professional Assessment Services
   MOM's EP review procedures are very strict. It is recommended that applicants seek help from professional service teams for comprehensive assessment before submitting EP applications. Professional teams can propose personalized application strategies based on the applicant's background, salary level, and industry demand, ensuring EP application compliance and reasonableness.

5. Conclusion

In Singapore EP applications, while the salary exemption condition requires a monthly salary of SGD 22,500, in practice it is not necessarily required to raise salaries to this level to meet COMPASS scoring requirements. Typically, salaries between SGD 15,000 and SGD 20,000 can already meet COMPASS system scoring needs. However, meeting COMPASS scoring or exemption conditions does not mean applications will definitely be approved. MOM also comprehensively considers factors such as the applicant's background, position compatibility, and company operating conditions.

If you have questions about EP applications or need further assessment of your application situation, we recommend contacting us. Our professional team will provide personalized consultation and support to help improve your EP application success rate.