Who Can Be Exempt From COMPASS?
A candidate can be exempt from COMPASS by meeting any one of three conditions: fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500; applying as a qualifying overseas intra-corporate transferee; or filling a role for one month or less. This exemption concerns the COMPASS stage and does not remove the need for EP processing or other applicable requirements.
Fixed Monthly Salary of At Least S$22,500
Apply MOM’s fixed monthly salary definition rather than averaging annual bonuses or variable income to meet the threshold. Retain employment terms and salary components and declare them consistently. This amount also corresponds to the prevailing high-salary FCF advertising exemption, but assess the two requirements separately.
Overseas Intra-Corporate Transferees
A transfer within a multinational group is not automatically a qualifying overseas intra-corporate transfer. Check MOM’s definition, applicable trade-agreement conditions and evidence before using this exemption. Ordinary internal moves, employer changes or shareholder arrangements cannot qualify solely by description.
Roles Lasting One Month or Less
The short-term exemption concerns role duration rather than processing time or a brief visit. Document the actual role, duration and employment terms. Work exceeding one month cannot be assumed exempt merely by splitting its description. Check official guidance if applicability is unclear.
What Still Needs Checking After Exemption?
Check Stage 1 EP salary eligibility, application documents, employer and job information, and applicable FCF requirements. Establish the specific exemption basis and assess through SAT; absence of a 40-point requirement is not an approval guarantee. Organise exemption evidence separately from ordinary application records for clear submission.
Official Eligibility and Requirements
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Published by: Hengxin Group Corporate Services