Job Spectra
Jobs in Singapore for Indians: Employment Pass and S Pass explained
Indians usually work in Singapore on an Employment Pass (EP) or an S Pass, both applied for by the employer. The Ministry of Manpower says an EP application must meet a minimum salary and then earn 40 points under the COMPASS framework. An S Pass has a lower minimum salary and no points system. Singapore is not on India's list of ECR countries.
What pass do Indians need to work in Singapore?
Indians usually work in Singapore on an Employment Pass (EP) or an S Pass, both applied for by the employer. The Ministry of Manpower says an EP application must meet a minimum salary and then earn 40 points under the COMPASS framework. An S Pass has a lower minimum salary and no points system. Singapore is not on India's list of ECR countries.
Employment Pass vs S Pass
| Employment Pass (EP) | S Pass | |
|---|---|---|
| Test | Two stages: a minimum fixed monthly salary, then COMPASS points. | A minimum fixed monthly salary. MOM's page mentions no points system. |
| Pass mark | 40 points under COMPASS (unless exempted). | Salary threshold, set against the top one-third of local associate professionals and technicians' salaries by age. |
| Who applies | The employer or an employment agent. | The employer. |
| Nationality | Open to foreign professionals. | MOM says it applies to foreign employees of all nationalities. |
Minimum salaries stated by MOM (October 2026)
These are the figures shown on the Ministry of Manpower's eligibility pages when this guide was reviewed. They change, so use MOM's current page and its Self-Assessment Tool before relying on them.
| Pass and sector | Current minimum (fixed monthly) | From 1 January 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| EP, general sectors | S$5,600 at age 23, rising to S$10,700 at age 45 and above | Higher; see MOM |
| EP, financial services | S$6,200 at age 23, rising to S$11,800 at age 45 and above | Higher; see MOM |
| S Pass, general sectors | S$3,300, rising to S$4,800 at age 45 and above | S$3,600, rising to S$5,100 at age 45 and above |
| S Pass, financial services | S$3,800, rising to S$5,650 at age 45 and above | S$4,000, capped at S$5,650 at age 45 and above |
How COMPASS scoring works
An EP application needs 40 points to pass COMPASS. MOM's qualification scoring gives 20 points for a degree from a top-tier institution, 10 points for other degree-equivalent qualifications and 0 for no degree, and a candidate can still pass through the other criteria. Employers and employment agents can use MOM's Self-Assessment Tool to check eligibility before submitting.
Applying safely from India
- The employer applies for the pass. You do not apply for an EP or S Pass yourself, and a real employer does not ask you to buy one.
- Singapore is not one of the 17 ECR countries, so clearance applies only if you are going to one of those countries.
- If an Indian agency recruits you, verify it on eMigrate, and read our guide to overseas job scams. See also our Singapore jobs page.
Official sources
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Information only, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum salary for an Employment Pass in Singapore?
MOM's page shows S$5,600 at age 23 rising to S$10,700 at 45 and above for general sectors, and S$6,200 to S$11,800 for financial services, with higher rates from January 2027.
How many COMPASS points do I need?
An Employment Pass application needs to earn 40 points to pass COMPASS, unless exempted.
Is there a points test for the S Pass?
MOM's S Pass eligibility page lists a minimum salary and mentions no points system.
Can Indians apply for an S Pass?
MOM states the S Pass applies to foreign employees across all nationalities who have a job offer and meet the salary requirement.