EP qualifying salary by age and sector
| Age | 2026: general sectors | 2026: financial services |
|---|---|---|
| 23 or below | $5,600 | $6,200 |
| 30 | $7,223 | $7,982 |
| 40 | $9,541 | $10,527 |
| 45 or above | $10,700 | $11,800 |
These are fixed monthly salary floors for new applications from 1 January 2025 and renewals of passes expiring from 1 January 2026. The floor rises for each year of age; use MOM’s Self-Assessment Tool for the exact age and application. From 1 January 2027, new applications use entry floors of $6,000 and $6,600. The corresponding renewal change applies to passes expiring from 1 January 2028.
COMPASS C1 salary points
C1 compares fixed monthly salary with local professional, managerial, executive and technical salaries in the relevant sector and age group. At or above the 90th percentile scores 20; the 65th to below 90th percentile scores 10; below the 65th percentile scores zero. The published sector and age benchmarks differ from the EP minimum.
How qualifications affect the salary decision.
If a candidate earns C2 qualification points, fewer C1 points may be needed to reach 40 overall. Without qualification points, other foundation criteria or bonuses may compensate. Never reduce pay below the qualifying floor simply because the candidate has a degree. Choose a sustainable salary for the genuine role and evaluate the complete profile.
The $22,500 exemption.
A fixed monthly salary of at least $22,500 exempts a candidate from COMPASS and the mandatory job-advertisement requirement under the Fair Consideration Framework. It does not guarantee an Employment Pass. Fair hiring and the remaining application requirements still apply.
The proposed salary should fit the role, the candidate’s experience and the business’s ability to pay. MOM may request further evidence, including proof that the declared salary will be paid. Depending on MOM’s request, supporting documents may include signed contracts and their values, bank statements and available funds, ongoing business records, company information or a website, and the candidate’s background and expertise. MOM does not require all of these documents for every application.
What counts as fixed monthly salary?
Use the salary definition in MOM’s assessment: basic monthly salary plus qualifying fixed monthly allowances. Bonuses, variable commissions and benefits are not a substitute for the fixed amount. Employment terms and actual payments should match the declaration.
Salary justification and the company’s ability to pay
Budget salary alongside operating costs and the timing of customer receipts. A higher salary may improve C1 or qualify for an exemption, but still needs credible employment and funding. Paid-up capital is not the same as cash available today. Keep evidence consistent and avoid declaring pay solely to reach a threshold without a plan to pay it.
Use the candidate’s age and the correct effective date
Record the candidate’s age, the employer’s sector, proposed fixed monthly salary and whether the submission is a new application or renewal. For a renewal, check the expiry date to identify the applicable rule. Do not compare a senior applicant with only the youngest-age salary floor.
Fixed monthly salary is not the same as total annual compensation. Check how fixed allowances are treated and keep variable bonuses, commissions and reimbursements distinct. Use the employer’s actual classification when assessing the financial-services requirement; the job title alone should not determine the sector.
The qualifying salary is one test. COMPASS C1 uses sector salary benchmarks and can produce a different result. A salary that clears the age-adjusted minimum does not automatically earn C1 points. Likewise, a qualification does not reduce the salary minimum. Work through both using the COMPASS guide and MOM’s assessment tools.
Frequently asked questions
Can bonuses make up a fixed monthly salary shortfall?
Do not count variable payments as fixed monthly salary. Apply MOM’s salary definition to the proposed package.
Can a degree waive the salary floor?
No. Qualification points affect COMPASS, while the EP salary floor still depends on age and sector.
Can variable bonuses count towards the fixed salary?
Variable bonuses and commissions are not a substitute for the qualifying fixed monthly salary. Use MOM’s salary definition.
Official sources
Related guides
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