Singapore EP Deadline: How Acting Before 2026 Can Save Your Business Thousands.

Singapore EP Deadline: How Acting Before 2026 Can Save Your Business Thousands.

Singapore's workforce landscape is in a constant state of evolution, and the release of new salary benchmarks for Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians (PMETs) is a key indicator of this change. In a crucial clarification, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has confirmed that the latest August 2025 salary benchmarks will only take effect for Employment Pass (EP) applications and renewals starting January 1, 2026.

For the entirety of 2025, all businesses and applicants must continue to refer to the August 2024 benchmarks. This creates a strategic window for companies and individuals to plan and adapt. This article delves into what these changes mean for you now and in the near future.

The Current Standard vs. The Future Horizon

While the August 2024 benchmarks are the standard for this year, the August 2025 figures give us a clear preview of what’s to come. The data shows a consistent upward trend in qualifying salaries, reflecting wage growth among local PMETs.

The increases are particularly stark for senior roles at the top end of the salary scale. Let's take a 35-year-old candidate in the Manufacturing sector as an example:

• For the 65th percentile (10 COMPASS points):

• The current benchmark for 2025 is $7,783.

• For applications from Jan 1, 2026, this will rise to $8,256, an increase of $473.

• For the 90th percentile (20 COMPASS points):

• The current benchmark for 2025 is $12,341.

• For 2026, this jumps to $13,052, a more significant increase of $711.

This advanced notice from MOM is invaluable, allowing businesses to budget and strategize for the salary adjustments required to hire and retain senior foreign talent in 2026 and beyond.

A Strategic Window for Solopreneurs and Founders

For foreign entrepreneurs looking to incorporate a company and secure an EP in Singapore, this clarification presents a time-sensitive strategic opportunity.

By applying for an EP before the end of 2025, you can secure your pass based on the current, lower August 2024 benchmarks. As the founder and employee of your own company, your salary is a direct business expense. Locking in a lower qualifying salary now can significantly minimize your company's wage bill for the first one to two years of your EP.

This improves your company's cash flow and extends its financial runway—critical factors for any new or growing business. It also places your company in a stronger position to demonstrate business viability for future EP renewals. This strategic window closes on December 31, 2025.

Explore the Benchmarks Yourself

Want to see how your industry or specific age group is affected? We've developed a complimentary resource that lets you search and compare the August 2024 and August 2025 salary benchmarks. Plan your next career move or hiring budget with data-driven insights.

Check salaries for your sector here: EP Salary Benchmarks Tool

Source: Ministry of Manpower Singapore

Why This Matters for Your Business and Career

For Employers: You have until the end of 2025 to align new hires and renewals with the current August 2024 benchmarks. Now is the time to start planning your 2026 budgets, especially for senior talent.

For Entrepreneurs and Aspiring PRs: This timeline offers clarity for your own salary and renewal planning. To strengthen a future Permanent Residence (PR) application, demonstrating a consistent salary that meets and ideally exceeds the top-tier benchmarks is crucial. Use the upcoming 2026 benchmarks as a target for your income goals.

For Employees and Their Families: A key benefit of the rising salary benchmarks is the powerful, practical impact on family reunification. To bring your spouse and children to Singapore on a Dependant's Pass, an EP holder needs a minimum fixed monthly salary of $6,000. This threshold increases to $12,000 to bring your parents on a Long-Term Visit Pass. As the EP salary benchmarks force overall salaries higher, it becomes increasingly likely that your offered salary will comfortably exceed these fixed thresholds, making the process of uniting your family in Singapore both easier and faster.

Plan Ahead to Navigate the Changes with Confidence

The clarification from MOM provides a valuable runway for strategic planning. The landscape of Singapore's employment and immigration policies is dynamic, and staying ahead of these changes is key to success.

Whether you are an employer mapping out your future hiring strategy, an entrepreneur looking to launch your business cost-effectively, or a professional aiming to build a life in Singapore, proactive preparation is essential.

At E&H Immigration Consultancy, we specialize in providing expert, up-to-the-minute guidance on all aspects of Singapore work passes. Our team can help you understand the current requirements and prepare for what's next, ensuring a smooth and successful application process.

Don't wait for 2026. Contact us today to learn how we can help you strategically plan for the future of your business and career in Singapore.