As of January 2026, things have changed a lot for renewing a Singapore Employment Pass (EP). It is not only about paying some fees now. You also need to follow the full rules of COMPASS and meet higher salary levels. For companies and people who hold an EP, the year 2026 is all about choosing quality people over just numbers. This simple guide explains the exact costs, new rules for who can qualify, and important dates. It helps make sure your job in Singapore continues without any break.
Official Fees & Transactional Costs 2026
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) keeps the main fees quite the same. But you must plan for them when you renew your EP.
- MOM Application Fee (S$105) This is a fee you pay when you send the renewal form online through the myMOM Portal. It is not refundable, even if your application gets rejected.
- Pass Issuance Fee (S$225) After MOM approves your renewal, you pay this fee. It covers making the new digital pass and the physical card.
- Multiple Journey Visa Fee (S$30) Some nationalities need this visa to enter Singapore many times. If it applies to you, MOM adds this fee to the issuance cost.
- Card Replacement Fee (S$65.40) This can happen if you lose your old card or return it when it is not needed. The fee includes 9% GST. Many people pay this by mistake in 2026.
Key Fact: For a normal EP renewal in 2026, the basic total cost is S$330. This is the application fee plus the issuance fee. Other small fees may add more if needed.
These fees stay stable, but the real challenge is meeting the new eligibility rules. MOM wants only high-quality foreign workers. So, even with money ready, you must pass other checks.
COMPASS & Eligibility Benchmarks (2026 Updates)
The biggest change in 2026 is the COMPASS system. It is now fully required for all EP renewals, not just new ones. From January 1, 2026, every renewal must go through this points test.
COMPASS is a points system. You need at least 40 points to pass. There are two stages.
The New 2026 Salary Floor
First, your salary must meet a minimum level based on your age. This is the basic qualifying salary. It goes up as you get older.
- General Sectors (not financial services): Starts at S$5,600 for younger people. It can go up to S$10,700 for those aged 45 and above.
- Financial Services: Starts at S$6,200. It can go up to S$11,800 for those aged 45 and above.
This minimum salary is the first step. If your pay is below this, MOM will not even look at the points.
Scoring 40 Points
After meeting the salary floor, you get scored on four main areas. You must get at least 40 points total.
- C1. Salary: This looks at how your salary compares to the 65th percentile of local professional salaries in your sector and age group. If you meet the 65th percentile, you get some points. Higher salary gives more points (up to 20).
- C2. Qualifications: If you have a degree from a top university (Group A or B), you can get 20 points. MOM updated the list of good universities in 2026. Some schools moved to different groups. You need to check the latest list.
- C3. Diversity: Points come if your nationality is not too many in your company’s professional staff (PMETs). If your nationality is more than 25% of the company’s PMETs, you get 0 points here.
- C4. Support for Local Employment: This gives points if your company hires and trains many Singaporeans. Companies with strong local teams get more points.
Bonus Points
You can get extra points to help reach 40.
- Shortage Occupation List (SOL): If your job is on this list (like some roles in AI, green jobs, or healthcare), you can get up to 20 extra points. But MOM removed some jobs, like certain cyber risk roles, in the 2026 update.
- High Earners Exemption: If your fixed monthly salary is S$22,500 or more, you do not need to do the COMPASS points test at all. You are exempt.
These rules make it harder for some people. Even if you have a good job, you must fit all parts.
Timing & Compliance Strategy
Do not wait too long in 2026. MOM gives a good window, but planning early is smart. You can apply for renewal up to 6 months (about 180 days) before your EP ends. This is the earliest time. Most online renewals take about 10 business days to process. But if MOM needs to check your degree or other proofs, it can take up to 8 weeks.
After approval, you get an In-Principle Approval (IPA). This IPA is valid for 3 months only. You must finish all steps, like paying fees and getting the card, in this time. It used to be longer, but now it is shorter in 2026.
Start early. Check your salary, company diversity, and documents. This helps avoid problems.
Why Your EP Renewal Might Fail in 2026
Many people think a higher salary will help. But in 2026, even with more pay, renewal can fail. Here are common reasons:
- Sector Benchmarks Shifted: Your salary may not meet the new 65th percentile for your age and job sector anymore (C1 points).
- Unverified Degrees: If you claim points for your qualification but do not verify it with an approved company (like Avvanz or Verity), you lose points or get rejected.
- Diversity Balance: If your company hired more people from your country, your nationality share may go over 25%. This gives 0 points for C3.
Other small mistakes, like wrong documents or late application, can also cause failure.
Optimize Your 2026 Renewal
To make your renewal easy, prepare well. Check salary against new rules. Verify your degree early. Talk to your company about diversity and local hiring. Use the MOM self-assessment tool to test your points.
Would you like me to generate a “2026 EP Renewal Checklist” for your HR department to ensure all COMPASS verification documents are ready before you hit the 6-month window?
This guide has all the main points in simple words. It helps you understand the changes in 2026. The focus is on high-quality talent that helps Singapore grow.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify details from trusted sources, such as the official Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website, before making decisions regarding work pass renewals.