Secured a job offer in Singapore, or thinking about applying for one? If you’re an Indian professional hoping to take the next step in your career, understanding the Singapore Employment Pass requirements can help you prepare with confidence.
Singapore welcomes international professionals, but qualifying for an Employment Pass (EP) involves more than simply having a job offer.
Your salary, qualifications and prospective employer can all influence your eligibility.
Here’s what you need to know about Singapore’s Employment Pass requirements for Indian Workers in 2026.
Can Indian professionals apply for a Singapore Employment Pass?
Yes. Indian citizens can apply for a Singapore Employment Pass if they have an eligible job offer and meet the Ministry of Manpower’s requirements.
The EP is intended for foreign professionals, managers and executives working in Singapore.
There is no separate EP salary threshold specifically for Indian applicants. You are assessed under the same general eligibility framework as other foreign professionals, although nationality diversity is one factor within COMPASS.
Your employer or appointed employment agent must submit the application on your behalf.
What is the minimum salary for an Employment Pass in 2026?
Your fixed monthly salary must meet the minimum threshold for your age and sector.
For new applications submitted in 2026:
| Sector | Starting monthly salary |
|---|---|
| General sectors | S$5,600 |
| Financial services | S$6,200 |
These amounts apply to candidates aged 23 or below. The requirement increases progressively with age.
For example, if you’re 35 and applying for a role outside financial services, the minimum qualifying salary is S$8,382 per month.
Important: From 1 January 2027, the starting minimum increases to S$6,000 for general sectors and S$6,600 for financial services.
Because salary requirements can change, always check MOM’s latest Employment Pass eligibility criteria.
RMI also provides a useful guide to Employment Pass salary requirements and eligibility.
What is COMPASS, and how does it affect your application?
Meeting the salary requirement is only the first stage.
Most Employment Pass applications must also pass the Complementarity Assessment Framework, known as COMPASS.
COMPASS is a points-based assessment that normally requires at least 40 points.
Your application is assessed across four main criteria:
- Salary: How your salary compares with local professionals in your sector.
- Qualifications: Whether you hold recognised degree-equivalent qualifications.
- Diversity: The proportion of employees of your nationality within the hiring company.
- Support for local employment: How the employer’s local workforce compares with its industry.
Certain applications may receive bonus points for eligible shortage occupations or strategic economic priorities.
Some candidates are exempt from COMPASS, including those earning at least S$22,500 in fixed monthly salary.
Your employer can use MOM’s Self-Assessment Tool to estimate whether your application meets the requirements.
Are Indian university degrees recognised for an Employment Pass?
Yes, Indian university degrees can be recognised for Singapore Employment Pass applications.
However, holding a degree from an Indian university doesn’t automatically mean you’ll receive COMPASS qualification points.
MOM assesses whether your qualification meets its degree-equivalency requirements and, where relevant, whether your institution qualifies for additional points.
Under COMPASS Criterion 2 (Qualifications), eligible qualifications can earn:
- 20 points: Qualifying degrees from institutions on MOM’s top-tier list.
- 10 points: Other recognised degree-equivalent qualifications.
- 0 points: Qualifications that do not meet the relevant criteria.
If you’re unsure how your degree may be assessed, RMI’s guide to verifying Indian university degrees provides further information.
Do you need to verify your Indian degree?
If your employer needs to claim COMPASS qualification points, you’ll generally need acceptable verification proof.
Educational qualification verification establishes that your degree is genuine and was awarded by the institution stated on your certificate. Accreditation checks confirm the institution’s recognised status where required.
This is particularly important if your university has changed its name, your academic records contain inconsistencies or your institution is not listed in MOM’s application system.
If your application doesn’t rely on qualifications for COMPASS points, verification may not be required.
For more information, read RMI’s guide to Singapore Employment Pass qualification verification.
What documents should you prepare?
The exact requirements depend on your application, but you may need:
- Your passport biodata page.
- Your university degree or qualification certificate, if applicable.
- Your academic transcripts or marksheets.
- Supporting documents for any name discrepancies.
- Verification proof where required.
Your employer will also need to provide company information and any additional documents requested by MOM.
If your qualifications were awarded in India, preparing your marksheets early can make verification more straightforward.
How long does an Employment Pass application take?
According to MOM, online Employment Pass applications are generally processed or receive an update within 10 business days.
However, this doesn’t include the time needed to prepare your application or complete any required qualification verification.
If MOM requests additional information, the decision may take longer.
You can remain in India while your employer submits the application.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get an Employment Pass without a university degree?
Yes, potentially. You can still pass COMPASS without qualification points if you achieve the required score through other criteria and meet the qualifying salary.
Do Indian applicants need to take an English language test?
There is no general IELTS or TOEFL requirement for an Employment Pass. However, your employer or professional regulator may have separate requirements.
Can you apply for an Employment Pass yourself?
No. Your prospective Singapore employer or appointed employment agent normally applies on your behalf.
Does degree verification guarantee Employment Pass approval?
No. Verification confirms information about your qualifications. MOM considers your overall eligibility before deciding whether to approve the application.
Prepare your qualifications with RMI
If you’re planning to work in Singapore, making sure your educational documents are ready can help your Employment Pass application move forward without avoidable delays.
RMI is listed by MOM as a recognised background screening company and provides qualification verification services for individual applicants.
Explore RMI’s Employment Pass verification service to get your academic documents ready for the next step in your career.