Singapore immigration rule changes

Singapore Employment Pass: COMPASS also applied to EP renewals from 1 September 2024, meaning existing EP holders whose passes come up for renewal must also pass the COMPASS framework, not just meet the salary threshold.

Singapore Employment Pass: COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) became mandatory for all new Employment Pass applications from 1 September 2023. COMPASS adds a points-based assessment on top of the salary threshold, evaluating salary vs peers, qualifications, nationality diversity, and local employment support. Minimum 40 points required to pass.

Singapore Employment Pass: EP minimum qualifying salary raised to SGD 5,600/month (general) and SGD 6,800/month (financial services sector), up from SGD 4,500 and SGD 5,000 respectively. Older applicants require proportionally higher salaries.

Singapore EntrePass: Singapore expanded the list of accredited incubators qualifying for EntrePass to include more technology-sector incubators. Check current MOM list for latest accredited organisations.

Singapore EntrePass: MOM tightened EntrePass eligibility criteria, requiring that VC/angel investment be from MAS-licensed VCs or an updated list of Singapore-recognised business angels. Informal investment arrangements excluded.

Singapore ONE Pass (Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass): Singapore ONE Pass (Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass) officially launched in January 2023. Replaces the older "Personalised Employment Pass" (PEP) for the top talent tier. 5-year validity, renewable, allows multiple employers and business ownership simultaneously, SGD 30,000/month salary threshold.

Singapore ONE Pass (Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass): ONE Pass spouse work rights: the dependent spouse of a ONE Pass holder is automatically authorised to work in Singapore without requiring a separate work pass application — an explicit new entitlement not available under the prior Personalised Employment Pass.

Singapore Tech.Pass: Tech.Pass launched by EDB with an initial cap of 500 places, targeting senior tech leaders, founders, and investors as part of Singapore's push to attract top global tech talent.