Singapore Employment Pass 2026: the complete guide for UK graduates

The Employment Pass (EP) is the work visa that allows foreign professionals to work in Singapore. If you accept a professional role in finance, consulting, or technology in Singapore, your employer applies for one on your behalf. Since 2023, the process has operated under COMPASS, a points-based framework that changed how the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) evaluates applications.

For most UK graduates accepting offers at recognised employers in high-demand sectors, the EP process is relatively straightforward. But understanding what COMPASS actually requires, and where applications can become complicated, is worth doing before you arrive in Singapore rather than after.

What is the Singapore Employment Pass COMPASS framework?

COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) assesses EP applications across five criteria. You need a minimum of 40 points to qualify:

1. Salary (up to 20 points): how your salary compares to local PMET (professional, managerial, executive, technical) workers of the same age in your sector
2. Qualifications (up to 10 points): whether you hold a recognised degree from an accredited institution
3. Diversity (up to 10 points): how your nationality adds to your employer's workforce diversity
4. Support for local employment (up to 10 points): your employer's track record of hiring Singapore citizens and PRs
5. Skills bonus (up to 10 points): whether your occupation is on Singapore's shortage occupation list

Bonus points are available for roles in strategic sectors (financial services, technology, built environment, and others). The maximum possible score is 60 points.