Check the rules for the pass expiry date.
MOM allows renewal applications up to six months before expiry. Submit before expiry and review the salary rules that apply to the expiring pass. COMPASS has applied to renewals of passes expiring from 1 September 2024, unless exempt. The current salary floor applies to expiries from 1 January 2026; the next increase applies from 1 January 2028.
Review salary and COMPASS again.
Most candidates must first meet the age- and sector-dependent Employment Pass salary floor, then score at least 40 points under COMPASS, the Complementarity Assessment Framework. The score includes the candidate’s salary and qualifications, and the employer’s workforce.
- C1 salary: 0, 10 or 20 points against local professional salaries in the candidate’s sector and age group. This is separate from the qualifying salary floor.
- C2 qualifications: 0, 10 or 20 points depending on the qualification; a degree is not universally compulsory.
- C3 workforce diversity and C4 support for local employment: each can score 0, 10 or 20. Firms with fewer than 25 professional employees receive 10 points for each.
- C5 shortage occupation and C6 strategic economic priorities can add points where the specific conditions are met.
A change in age, role, employer workforce or sector benchmarks can affect the assessment. The original salary and points are not necessarily sufficient today. Use the current Self-Assessment Tool and applicable figures.
Keep evidence of actual employment.
- Employment terms and salary-payment records.
- Current role and supporting responsibilities.
- Qualifications and verification where relevant.
- Accurate candidate and employer details.
For founder companies, organise business records.
- Accounts and bank reconciliations.
- Contracts, invoices and receipts showing activity.
- Funding and cash-flow records that support operations and pay.
- Payroll and CPF records where applicable.
MOM may request other documents. There is no published universal requirement that every second renewal must include three years of financial statements. Trading and local hiring do not guarantee renewal.
Responding to MOM queries or a renewal rejection
Standard online renewals are processed or given an update within 10 business days. Further checks may take longer. Follow any document request and approval or issuance instructions. Family-pass renewals have their own applications; plan them alongside the main pass without assuming they renew automatically.
Review changes since the previous application
Prepare a comparison of the previous and current role, salary, company activity and workforce. An unchanged job title can conceal a substantially different job. Conversely, a change of title needs to be explained if the underlying duties have changed. Confirm which salary and COMPASS rules apply to the pass expiry date, rather than applying a rule simply because it was announced this year.
- Check the expiry date and renewal window; do not wait for the last week.
- Reconcile declared salary with payroll and available payment records.
- Update the job description and explain material business changes.
- Review employer COMPASS inputs and any exemption relied on.
- Prepare current business and funding evidence if requested.
A company that relied on anticipated contracts at initial application should now explain what actually happened. If revenue differs from the plan, provide the current position and genuine supporting records. Read company evidence for ways to organise them.
Frequently asked questions
Does a previous approval guarantee renewal?
No. Renewal is assessed against the applicable criteria and current circumstances.
When can I submit a renewal?
Up to six months before expiry under MOM’s guidance. Apply before expiry and check the rules applicable to that pass.
Does the first approval guarantee renewal?
No. Renewal is assessed against the applicable current requirements.
Official sources
Related guides
Enquire about an Employment Pass
Tell us whether you are applying, renewing or appealing, along with the candidate’s age, role and proposed salary.