Securing an Employment Pass (EP) for your top-tier foreign talent is a milestone, but maintaining it requires proactive management. In 2026, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has fully integrated the COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) into the renewal process, making it just as rigorous as the initial application.
At Hallmark Corporate Services, we understand that a missed renewal isn’t just an HR headache—it’s a disruption to your business continuity. Here is everything Singapore business professionals need to know about the EP renewal rules in 2026.
The 6-Month Renewal Window
In 2026, MOM allows employers to start the renewal process up to 6 months (180 days) before the pass expires.
- The Golden Rule: Do not wait until the last minute. If a renewal is rejected, you need sufficient time to file an appeal or find a replacement.
- The Deadline: Applications must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the pass expires to avoid the candidate having to leave Singapore and re-enter on a Short-Term Visit Pass.
The COMPASS Framework for Renewals
Unlike previous years where renewals were largely administrative, 2026 renewals are subject to the COMPASS points system. To pass, the applicant must score at least 40 points across four foundational criteria:
- Salary (C1): The candidate’s salary must meet the updated 2026 benchmarks (minimum S$5,000 for most sectors, and S$5,500 for the financial sector, with higher requirements for older, more experienced candidates).
- Qualifications (C2): Verification of degrees by MOM-approved agencies is now mandatory for all renewals if not previously verified under the new system.
- Diversity (C3): MOM looks at the share of the candidate’s nationality within your firm.
- Support for Local Employment (C4): Your company’s percentage of local PMETs compared to industry peers.
Updated Salary Benchmarks for 2026
MOM periodically reviews salary thresholds to ensure the local labor market remains competitive. For renewals in 2026, ensure the candidate’s fixed monthly salary reflects their current age and experience.
- Financial Services: Expect higher thresholds.
- Age-Based Scaling: A 45-year-old renewal applicant will require a significantly higher salary than a 25-year-old to meet the COMPASS “Salary” criteria.
Step-by-Step EP Renewal Checklist
| Step | Action Required | Timeline |
| 1. Pre-Assessment | Run a COMPASS pre-check on the candidate’s current profile. | 6 Months Before Expiry |
| 2. Verification | Ensure all educational certificates have the mandatory verification proof. | 5 Months Before Expiry |
| 3. Online Submission | Submit the renewal via myMOM Portal. | 3–6 Months Before Expiry |
| 4. Approval & Issuance | Once approved, get the new pass issued and the card delivered. | Within 7 Days of Approval |
Common Reasons for Renewal Rejection
Even long-term employees can face rejection in 2026 due to:
- Stagnant Salaries: If the candidate’s salary hasn’t kept pace with the rising MOM benchmarks for their age group.
- Company Profile Changes: If the company’s local-to-foreign ratio has significantly deteriorated since the last pass was issued.
- Levy/CPF Issues: Any outstanding CPF arrears or health levy issues for other employees can “freeze” a company’s ability to renew work passes.
Managing Appeals
If a renewal is rejected, you generally have 3 months to file an appeal. In 2026, an appeal is only successful if you can provide new information or address the specific “weakest link” in the COMPASS scorecard (e.g., increasing the salary to gain more points).
Partner with the Experts
The 2026 EP renewal landscape is data-heavy and unforgiving of administrative errors. At Hallmark Corporate Services, we provide a Work Pass Management Suite that includes automated expiry reminders and COMPASS eligibility scoring. We ensure that your key executives remain focused on your business while we handle the intricacies of MOM compliance.
Is your key talent’s Employment Pass expiring in the next 6 months? Would you like a COMPASS eligibility audit to ensure their 2026 renewal is approved on the first attempt?