How to Work in Singapore as a Foreigner (2026 Guide)
Last updated: · 1 min read
Singapore hires foreign professionals for one reason: the skills aren't available locally. That means the bar is explicit and published — which actually makes planning easier.
The Employment Pass (EP): two stages
Stage one is salary: since January 2025, new EP applications need a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$5,600 in most sectors (S$6,200 in financial services), rising with age up to S$10,700 (S$11,800 in financial services) for candidates 45 and above. If you don't clear the salary for your age and sector, nothing else matters. Stage two is COMPASS, a points system where you need at least 40 points across salary level, qualifications, skills shortages, firm diversity, and local employment support. Some very high earners and intra-company transfers are exempt from COMPASS.
What this means for you
Your Singapore employer sponsors the pass — it's tied to the job. Degrees from well-ranked universities score best on qualifications, and roles on the shortage occupation list earn bonus points. Use the Ministry of Manpower's Self-Assessment Tool before getting excited about an offer: it tells you whether the application is likely to pass.
Finding the job
Competition is real, so target roles where your skills are genuinely scarce. Browse reviewed Singapore listings on Top Notch Spot's Singapore jobs page and apply directly. Salaries in Singapore are quoted monthly in SGD; the EP thresholds above are your reality check for whether an offer can actually convert into a pass.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum salary for a Singapore Employment Pass?
S$5,600/month for most sectors (S$6,200 for financial services) as a starting point, increasing with age.
What is COMPASS?
A 40-point assessment of you and your employer covering salary, qualifications, skills, diversity, and local hiring.
Can I apply for the EP myself?
No — your employer applies. Your part is landing the qualifying offer.
Immigration rules change — verify current requirements with Singapore's Ministry of Manpower before applying.