Understanding the New Employment Pass Criteria

Significant changes to the Employment Pass (EP) salary requirements in Singapore took effect from 1 January 2025. These updates are designed to attract highly skilled professionals while promoting fair job opportunities for local residents.

Key Changes on New Employment Pass Criteria:

• Updated Minimum Salary Requirements:

  • For new EP applicants across all sectors, the minimum qualifying salary will increase from SGD 5,000 to SGD 5,600 per month. In the financial services sector, this threshold will rise from SGD 5,500 to SGD6,200.

• Enhanced Salary Criteria for Experienced Professionals:

  • The salary requirements increase progressively with age, reflecting greater experience and seniority expectations.

  • For those aged 45 and above, the qualifying salary for all sectors will be SGD 10,700, while professionals in the finance sector will need to meet a threshold of SGD 11,800.

  • This age-adjusted approach ensures that salary expectations align with the level of expertise and responsibility typically associated with older professionals.

Implications for Employers and Foreign Professionals:

• For Employers:

  • Companies will need to reassess their compensation packages to meet the new EP criteria, which may lead to increased operational costs and internal equity concerns. Employers are encouraged to invest in training programs to elevate the skills of local employees, aligning with national workforce development goals.

• For Foreign Professionals:

  • Prospective EP applicants must ensure their offered salaries meet the updated thresholds. Those currently holding EPs should be aware that renewal applications may also be subject to the new criteria, necessitating discussions with employers about potential salary adjustments.

Note: This information is accurate as of the point of publishing.

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