Are you meeting to apply for or renew a Singapore Bosses Pass (BP) in 2026? The landscape is shifting. With the newly released August 2025 benchmarks now in play, the Ministry of Workers (MOM) has greatly raised the bar for salary, qualifications, and the skilled skills needed to thrive in the Lion City.
The Singapore COMPASS System Update 2026 is more than just a some points checklist—it is a strategic “Balance Assessment Framework” designed to ensure that foreign professionals truly complement the local workforce. Whether you are an HR leader or a global candidate, understanding these 2026 refinements is the difference between an approval and a rejection.
2026 Core Process: The Two-Stage Evaluation
Before diving into points, every applicant must pass “Stage 1.” In 2026, the qualifying salary thresholds have been adjusted to reflect rising market wages.
Meet the Minimum Salary
First, you must meet the basic salary requirement. In 2026, MOM has raised these amounts to match higher wages in the market.
- For most sectors: The minimum is S$5,600 per month. This starts on January 1, 2026.
- For financial services sector: It is higher, S$6,200 per month.
These are the starting amounts for young workers. The salary requirement goes up as you get older. For someone in their mid-40s, it can reach S$10,700 or more in normal sectors. In finance, it can be S$11,800 or higher. This makes sure older workers earn like local professionals of the same age.
If you do not meet this salary, your application stops here. You cannot go to the next stage.
Get At Least 40 Points in COMPASS
If you pass the salary check, you go to COMPASS. You need at least 40 points from four main criteria and two bonus ones. The points show how well you fit with Singapore’s needs.
Complementarity Assessment Framework Refinements
In 2026, MOM made big changes to the points system. Here are the four main criteria, called C1 to C4.
Salary Compared to Local Workers
Your monthly fixed salary is checked against local Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians (PMETs) in your sector.
- If your salary is at or above the 90th percentile: You get 20 points.
- If it is between the 65th and 90th percentile: You get 10 points.
- If below the 65th percentile: You get 0 points.
Tip: Check the MOM website for your sector’s exact numbers. Some sectors like transport have seen big increases in these benchmarks.
Qualifications
MOM updated the list of good schools and qualifications for 2026.
- If you have a degree from a top-tier school: You get 20 points.
- If you have a professional qualification that is like a degree: You get 10 points.
The 2026 list has new additions in areas like engineering and health. All qualifications must be checked by approved companies, like Avvanz or others. This verification is now required to claim points.
Diversity (Nationality Mix)
This looks at how many people from your country work as PMETs in the company.
- If your nationality is less than 5% of the company’s PMETs: 20 points.
- If 5% to less than 25%: 10 points.
- If 25% or more: 0 points.
Small companies with fewer than 25 PMET workers get 10 points automatically.
Support for Local Employment
This checks how many local PMETs the company has, compared to others in the sector.
- If the company is in the top half for local workers: 20 points.
- If in the middle range: 10 points.
- If low: 0 points.
Again, small companies get 10 points by default.
These four criteria are the base. You add them up with bonus points if needed.
The “Make or Break” Bonus Points (C5 & C6)
If your base points are low, bonus points can help you reach 40.
Shortage Occupation List (SOL) 2026 Updates (C5)
The SOL gives bonus points for jobs that Singapore needs but has few local workers for.
- If your job is on the list and your nationality is less than one-third of PMETs: 20 points.
- If one-third or more: Only 10 points.
In 2026, MOM added new jobs, especially in healthcare to help with the aging population. Some jobs were removed, like certain cyber risk and digital product manager roles, because more locals can do them now. This bonus is important for special skills in short supply.
C6: Strategic Economic Priorities
Companies in special government programs for growth or innovation can get 10 extra points.
Implementation Strategy: New vs. Renewals
The timing is important.
- New applications: Must use 2026 rules from January 1, 2026.
- Renewals: If your pass expires on or after July 1, 2026, you use the new rules. But some changes like qualification lists apply from January 1, 2026.
Plan early. Check your current pass expiry date.
Quick Points Guide Table
Here is a simple table to see how points work:
| Criterion | Meets (10 Points) | Exceeds (20 Points) |
|---|---|---|
| C1: Salary | 65th to 90th percentile | Above 90th percentile |
| C2: Qualifications | Degree-equivalent qualification | Top-tier university degree |
| C3: Diversity | 5% to 25% share of nationality | Less than 5% share |
| C4: Local Support | 20th to 50th percentile local share | Above 50th percentile |
For small companies, C3 and C4 often give 10 points automatically.
Ready to Secure Your Employment Pass?
The 2026 changes help people who earn high salaries, have degrees from good schools, and work in needed areas like healthcare or green jobs. Before you apply, use the MOM Self-Assessment Tool (SAT). It shows if you can pass. This stops rejections.
Many people apply every year. Knowing the rules well gives you a better chance. Talk to experts if needed. Check the official MOM website for the latest details.
The rules keep changing to match Singapore’s needs. Stay updated.
Would you like help with checking your COMPASS score or tips to improve it?
Disclaimer: This article is for information only. It is not official advice. Always check the latest details on the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website before you decide or apply.