What is the SOL?
The Shortage Occupation List identifies occupations where Singapore has recognised a shortage of specialised skills. A role on the SOL may qualify for points under COMPASS Criterion 5, the C5 Skills bonus.
The list applies to new and renewal Employment Pass applications from 1 January 2026. The occupation is only relevant when the candidate performs the listed work and meets the applicable additional requirements.
The candidate must still meet the EP qualifying salary and the application must meet the rest of the applicable COMPASS and fair-consideration requirements.
How the skills bonus works.
For a job on the SOL, C5 can contribute either 20 or 10 points depending on the share of the candidate's nationality among the employer's PMET workforce. The employer should check the current Workforce Insights position and the current MOM criteria for the case.
Lower nationality share
The candidate's nationality makes up less than one-third of the organisation's PMET workforce.
Higher nationality share
The candidate's nationality makes up one-third or more of the organisation's PMET workforce.
The SOL bonus is one part of the COMPASS assessment. It does not replace the qualifying salary stage or the other criteria that apply to the application.
The role must match the list.
MOM assesses whether the candidate will perform the duties listed for the specific shortage occupation. Selecting a similar-sounding title is not enough.
Select the eligible title that best describes the actual role in the EP application.
Use a job description that reflects the listed work, seniority and responsibilities.
Where FCF advertising applies, the occupation should match the MyCareersFuture advertisement.
Show relevant past work, not only a title that appears similar on a CV.
If the duties do not fit, treat the SOL as unavailable and assess the case through the ordinary EP route.
Additional requirements vary by occupation.
The SOL Employer Guide sets out occupation-specific requirements. Depending on the occupation, the application may need relevant qualifications, selected work experience or registration and accreditation proof from a supporting agency. For general EP qualification evidence, see the guide to qualifications and verification proof.
Qualifications
Some occupations require a relevant degree, professional qualification or specified field of study.
Experience
Some occupations require relevant experience in eligible job titles or a minimum period of practical work.
Registration
Regulated roles may require registration with the relevant Singapore professional or sector body.
Agency support
Some cases require proof or confirmation connected with the listed supporting sector agency.
The additional requirement belongs to the specific occupation. Do not assume that evidence for one SOL role transfers to another.
Some tech roles may qualify for five years.
Experienced tech professionals in eligible SOL occupations may be able to apply for a five-year EP. This is a separate eligibility route with additional conditions, including the relevant tech occupation, COMPASS requirements, diversity points and salary criteria.
Do not treat the SOL listing itself as confirmation of a five-year pass. Check the occupation, the candidate's experience and the current salary table using MOM's dedicated guidance.
Read MOM's five-year tech EP requirements before making a promise to a candidate or hiring manager.
Prepare the SOL case in order.
Check
Confirm the occupation and current SOL entry using MOM's official list.
Map
Map the actual role duties, job title, advertisement and candidate experience.
Prove
Collect the qualifications, work history, registration or agency proof required for the role.
Model
Check the qualifying salary, COMPASS score and whether C5 is actually needed.
Submit
Select the correct occupation and upload information that tells one consistent story.
The list is not static.
MOM may add or remove occupations as market conditions change. The list is updated annually and comprehensively reviewed every three years. An update does not affect the validity of an existing EP, but it can affect future applications and renewals.
Common mistakes.
- Choosing the closest title. The duties and evidence must support the selected occupation.
- Using an old list. The SOL can change, so an old screenshot or article is not enough.
- Ignoring the advertisement. Where FCF applies, the occupation should match the job advertisement.
- Assuming every SOL role gets 20 points. The C5 score depends on the employer's nationality-share position.
- Promising the five-year route too early. Tech professionals have a separate set of conditions to meet.
FAQ
Does an SOL occupation guarantee an EP?
No. The candidate must still meet the EP qualifying salary and any other applicable COMPASS, FCF and application requirements.
How many COMPASS points can the SOL provide?
C5 can provide 20 or 10 points depending on the share of the candidate's nationality among the employer's PMET workforce.
Can any job title be treated as an SOL occupation?
No. The candidate must perform the listed job duties and meet the occupation-specific additional requirements.
Does SOL automatically mean a five-year EP?
No. The five-year tech EP is a separate route with additional salary, experience, COMPASS and occupation requirements.
References.
This guide is general information for employers. The SOL, additional requirements, salary criteria and processing practices can change.