From January 2027, Singapore will introduce a new AI & Tech track under the Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass. This track will replace the existing Tech.Pass, which has been in place since 2021 to attract experienced tech entrepreneurs, business leaders and technical experts.
What is the Tech.Pass?
Launched in 2021 by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), the Tech.Pass currently attracts founders, leaders and technical experts with experience in established or fast-growing tech companies. It is an extension of the Tech@SG programme, as part of Singapore’s efforts to attract tech talent to Singapore and develop Singapore’s tech ecosystem.
Holders of the Tech.Pass are able to concurrently:
- Start and operate a business.
- Be an employee in multiple Singapore-based companies.
- Take up lecturing roles in institutes of higher learning.
- Serve on the Board of Directors of a Singapore-based company.
- Be a shareholder or investor in Singapore companies.
- Serve as a mentor or advisor of start-ups or companies in Singapore.
- Their dependants would also be able to stay in Singapore on either a Dependant’s Pass (DP) or a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) issued by MOM.
What is the ONE Pass (AI & Tech)
The ONE Pass (AI & Tech) is a specialised track within Singapore’s broader ONE Pass framework - a personalised work visa designed to attract top global talent across fields such as business, arts and culture, sports, academia, and research. This new AI & Tech track specifically targets elite professionals in critical and emerging technologies, including areas like artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
Unlike most work passes in Singapore, the ONE Pass is issued to individuals rather than tied to a specific employer. This provides pass holders with greater flexibility to contribute to Singapore’s economy through multiple roles or ventures, whether in employment, entrepreneurship or advisory capacities. As a personalised work visa, key features of the ONE Pass include:
- Flexibility to concurrently start, operate and work for multiple companies in Singapore (subject to employment contract terms where applicable)
- Ability to change employers without reapplying for a new work pass
- Exemption from the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) and Fair Consideration Framework job advertising requirements
- Availability of passes for eligible family members, with spouses able to apply to work through a Letter of Consent
Tech.Pass vs ONE Pass (AI & Tech): What’s changing?
| Features |
Tech.Pass (Until 2026) |
ONE Pass (AI & Tech) (From 2027) |
| Validity |
2 years |
5 years |
| Eligibility Criteria |
Salary |
- ≥ ≥ S$22,500/month (last 1 year)
|
- ≥ S$30,000/month for 12 consecutive months OR
- A last drawn fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500 combined with vested non-cash components
|
|
Company and Experience Requirements
(Relevant working experience obtained within the past 10 years from the date of application)
|
- Have at least 5 cumulative years of experience in a leading role in:
- A tech company with a valuation/market capitalisation of at least US$500mil or at least US$30mil funding raised or
- A tech venture capital firm with at least US$500mil in assets under management (AUM).
|
- Have at least five cumulative years of experience
- In founder or C-suite role, or
- Technical role (e.g. senior software engineer)
- Applicant’s current or last held employment is in a:
- Tech company;
- Tech division within a company; or
- Tech venture capital firm
- The company must meet at least one of the following thresholds:
- Valuation/market capitalisation of at least US$500 million;
- Annual revenue of at least US$200 million; or
- At least US$500 million in assets under management
- Tech companies that have raised at least US$30 million in funding may also qualify.
|
| Renewable Criteria |
May be renewed once for two years each time |
May be renewed for five years each time |
What This Means for Employers and Tech Talent?
- Employers in technology industry hiring global talent should review their hiring strategies and salary benchmarks, particularly for roles that may fall close to the revised qualifying thresholds.
- Organisations may wish to assess early whether existing employees could qualify under the new ONE Pass track, especially for senior technical specialists, founders or leadership roles. Early planning can help companies avoid delays in hiring and ensure that offers remain aligned with Singapore’s evolving work pass requirements.
How PayrollServe Can Help
Managing work pass applications and renewals can be complex, especially when policies evolve. PayrollServe supports employers throughout the process, from assessing eligibility and preparing documentation to managing submissions and renewals with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
Our team provides comprehensive support for ONE Pass, Employment Pass, S Pass and other work pass applications, helping organisations hire global talent smoothly while staying fully compliant with Singapore’s employment regulations.
Learn more about our Work Pass Services
