Tourlife Consultants Private Limited has been supporting Japanese entrepreneurs since 2009 with recruitment, executive search, payroll, HR support, work pass applications, and relocation services. With our bilingual expertise (Japanese, English, and Chinese) and SME 500 Awards 2023 & 2024 recognition, we ensure that foreign businesses entering Singapore stay fully compliant with the 2026 COMPASS framework to secure top global talent.
📑 Table of Contents
- What is the COMPASS Framework?
- Gate 1: The 2026 Qualifying Salary
- The 4 Foundational Criteria (C1-C4)
- The 2 Bonus Criteria (C5-C6)
- Scoring Summary Table
- 💼 How Tourlife Consultants Can Help
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📘 What is the COMPASS Framework?
As of 2026, the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) is the mandatory points-based system for all new and renewal Employment Pass (EP) applications. To succeed, candidates must pass a two-stage process: meeting a qualifying salary “Gate” and scoring a minimum of 40 points across six criteria.
🚪 Gate 1: The 2026 Qualifying Salary
Before points are even considered, the candidate must meet the age-adjusted salary floor. For renewals expiring from January 1, 2026, these higher thresholds now apply across the board.
| Age Group | All Sectors (Min Monthly) | Financial Services (Min Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| New Graduates (Age 23 & below) | $5,600 | $6,200 |
| Mid-30s | Approx. $7,500+ | Approx. $8,000+ |
| Age 45 & above | $10,700 | $11,800 |
1️⃣ The 4 Foundational Criteria (C1-C4)
These criteria look at both the individual candidate and your company’s workforce profile.
- C1. Salary: Compares the candidate’s salary to local PMET (Professional, Manager, Executive, and Technician) norms in the same sector.
- C2. Qualifications: Points are awarded based on the institution. Note: As of Jan 2026, MOM has updated the “Top-Tier” list to include more specialized technical and maritime faculties.
- C3. Diversity: Rewards firms where the candidate’s nationality improves the overall mix (e.g., scoring higher if they represent < 5% of your PMETs).
- C4. Local Support: Points based on your firm’s share of local (Singaporean/PR) PMETs compared to the sector average.
2️⃣ The 2 Bonus Criteria (C5-C6)
Bonus points can help an application “pass” if foundational points are low.
- C5. Skills Bonus (+20 pts): For roles on the 2026 Shortage Occupation List (SOL). New 2026 additions include specific Healthcare, Agritech, and Green Economy roles (e.g., Carbon Project Managers).
- C6. Strategic Economic Priorities (+10 pts): For firms participating in innovation or internationalization programs with agencies like EDB or ESG.
🎯 Scoring Summary Table
To pass, you need a total of 40 points. Points can be “traded off” between categories.
| Criterion | 0 Points | 10 Points | 20 Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1. Salary | < 65th % | 65th – 90th % | > 90th % |
| C2. Qualifications | No Degree | Degree Equiv. | Top-Tier Degree |
| C3. Diversity | ≥ 25% share | 5% – 25% | < 5% share |
| C4. Local Support | < 20th % | 20th – 50th % | ≥ 50th % |
💼 How Tourlife Consultants Can Help
With the 2026 updates to the Shortage Occupation List and institution tiers, navigating COMPASS is more complex than ever. We provide:
- EP Simulation: We run your firm’s data through MOM’s latest benchmarks to predict approval.
- Verification Services: Ensuring your C2 qualifications are verified by MOM-approved agencies.
- Diversity Planning: Strategic advice on hiring to maintain a high C3 diversity score.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Are existing EP holders affected in 2026?
Yes. If your EP expires on or after January 1, 2026, you must meet the new salary benchmarks and pass COMPASS to renew.
Q2. What if my company has fewer than 25 PMETs?
Small firms automatically score 10 points for C3 (Diversity) and C4 (Local Support) by default.
Q3. Can I get a 5-year EP?
In 2026, tech professionals in SOL roles earning at least $10,500 may qualify for a longer 5-year duration pass.
Q4. Who is exempted from COMPASS?
Candidates earning at least $22,500 per month are exempted from the points system, though they must still meet the qualifying salary gate.
Q5. Has the SOL changed recently?
Yes. For 2026, MOM added Healthcare and Green Economy roles while removing some ICT roles like “Product Manager (Digital)” as local talent supply has increased.
✨ Need a 2026-ready assessment for your foreign talent? Contact Tourlife Consultants today for a COMPASS evaluation at enquiry@tourlife.sg or WhatsApp us directly at +65 9380 7956.
