Singapore is introducing a new immigration route for top-tier tech talent. On 3 March 2026, Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng announced a landmark reform to Singapore’s work pass landscape: the ONE Pass (AI and Tech), a brand-new track under the Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass framework that will completely replace the existing Tech. Pass from 1 January 2027.
This is not just a rebrand. It’s a structural upgrade with longer visa validity, equity-friendly salary assessment, stricter employer benchmarks, and stronger alignment with Singapore’s broader AI ambitions. If you are a senior tech leader, founder, or C-suite executive considering a move to Singapore, this guide covers everything you need to know.
The ONE Pass (AI and Tech) is a dedicated immigration track that sits within Singapore’s broader Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass framework.
The key structural advantage is that the pass is not tied to a single employer. This gives holders the ability to:
For founders, this removes a major operational constraint typically seen in employer-linked work passes.
The Tech. Pass was introduced in 2021 by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and served its purpose well in attracting tech entrepreneurs and senior professionals. The Tech Pass attracted founders, leaders, and technical experts with experience in established or fast-growing tech companies as part of Singapore’s efforts to develop its tech ecosystem.
But the technology has transformed dramatically since 2021. Generative AI, quantum computing, and advanced robotics are no longer emerging; they are defining. Singapore’s policymakers recognise that the tools and criteria used to attract talent in 2021 may no longer be sufficient to capture the world’s best minds in 2026 and beyond.
The ONE Pass (AI & Tech) is designed to attract senior talent in frontier areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced engineering. Compared to Tech Pass, it is more targeted and aligned with Singapore’s priority sectors.
The pass offers an initial validity of 5 years, renewable in further 5-year blocks. This is a significant extension from Tech. Pass (2 years, renewable once), providing greater continuity for long-term business and leadership planning.
The new pass is fully integrated into Singapore’s ONE Pass ecosystem, a work pass framework aimed at high-salary individuals with established global expertise. This harmonisation provides clearer criteria, streamlined administration, and consistent support across all high-value professional categories.
Singapore competes with the UAE (Golden Visa), UK (Global Talent Visa), and the US (O-1) for the same pool of senior tech talent. The ONE Pass (AI & Tech) offers terms that are competitive with, or superior to, all three.
The ONE Pass (AI & Tech) marks a clear shift from the earlier Tech.Pass framework. Here are the key differences between Singapore OnePass & Tech.Pass
| Criteria | Tech.Pass (Existing) | ONE Pass (2027) |
|---|---|---|
| Administered By | Economic Development Board (EDB) | Ministry of Manpower (MOM) |
| Validity | 2 years, renewable once (2+2) | 5 years, renewable in 5-year increments |
| Salary Threshold | SGD 22,500/month fixed (non-cash assessed case-by-case) | SGD 30,000/month (can combine SGD 22,500 fixed + vested equity) |
| Experience Requirement | Senior tech role or leadership | 5+ cumulative years in past 10 years (founder, C-suite, or senior technical role) |
| Employer Requirement | Tech company or fast-growing startup | Tech company, tech division, or tech-focused VC meeting financial thresholds |
| Employer-linked | Yes | No, individual-based pass |
| Multi-employer Work | No | Yes, concurrent roles permitted |
| COMPASS Exemption | No | Yes |
| Family Passes | Available | Available (spouse can apply for work via Letter of Consent) |
| Company Threshold | No specific valuation requirement | USD 500M valuation / USD 200M revenue / USD 500M AUM / USD 30M funding |
Key Takeaway: The new ONE Pass (AI & Tech) is simultaneously more flexible for the individual and more demanding in terms of who qualifies. The employer benchmark is entirely new and likely the most significant gating factor for applicants.
Eligibility for the ONE Pass (AI & Tech) is assessed based on individual credentials and the profile of the associated organisation.
Applicants must meet a minimum monthly salary of SGD 30,000, earned for at least 12 consecutive months prior to application, or demonstrate that they will earn this level under a Singapore-based employer.
For the AI & Tech track, this requirement may be satisfied through:
Applicants should have been employed with a qualifying company for at least 12 consecutive months prior to application.
In practice, the AI & Tech track also expects:
In limited cases, applicants may qualify without meeting the salary threshold if they demonstrate outstanding achievements in fields such as research, academia, or technology innovation.
Applicants must be currently, or most recently, associated with an established company.
To qualify as “established,” the organisation must meet at least one of the following:
For the AI & Tech track, this extends to:
This ensures that applicants are operating within credible, high-impact business environments.
The ONE Pass (AI & Tech) offers a level of flexibility and continuity that is not typically available under standard work pass arrangements in Singapore.
The ONE Pass (AI & Tech) is issued for an initial period of five years and may be renewed in five-year blocks thereafter. This provides a longer operating horizon than Tech.Pass and supports long-term relocation, business expansion, and regional leadership planning.
Unlike most Singapore work passes, the ONE Pass is granted to the individual rather than tied to a single employer. This gives pass holders greater professional mobility and removes the need to reapply each time they change roles or organisations.
Passholders may concurrently start, operate, and work for multiple companies in Singapore. This is especially relevant for founders, board members, investors, and senior executives involved in more than one business or advisory function.
The AI & Tech track allows vested non-cash compensation, including stock options and share ownership, to form part of the qualifying income assessment. This is a major advantage for founders and senior professionals in venture-backed or high-growth technology companies, where compensation is often structured beyond fixed salary.
Eligible family members may accompany the main applicant on a Dependant’s Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass. This makes the pass more suitable for professionals planning a substantive move to Singapore rather than a short-term assignment.
ONE Pass holders are exempt from the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). For businesses, this reduces administrative complexity when engaging senior global talent under this route.
The Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass can support Singapore company incorporation by giving eligible founders, entrepreneurs, and senior professionals greater flexibility than conventional employer-linked work passes.
The pass is granted to the individual rather than tied to one employer, and it allows greater freedom to build, manage, and participate in business activities in Singapore without repeated work pass applications.
ONE Pass holders may establish and run their own companies in Singapore without having to rely on a separate employer-sponsored pass structure.
Holders may work for, operate, or hold stakes in more than one company at the same time. This is useful for founders managing a new Singapore entity alongside existing businesses, investments, or advisory roles.
With a five-year validity period, the pass offers a more stable base for incorporation, operational planning, and regional growth.
A new application is generally not required whenever the holder changes roles, joins another business, or launches a new venture, making business planning more straightforward.
The ONE Pass (AI & Tech) is not the only change taking effect in 2027. Singapore is comprehensively recalibrating its foreign workforce policy.
Singapore is moving towards a more defined hierarchy:
From January 2027, the minimum qualifying salary for the Employment Pass will increase from SGD 5,600 to SGD 6,000 per month. This adjustment reflects rising wage benchmarks and ensures that EP roles remain aligned with higher-skilled positions.
Also, the S Pass will also see an upward revision from SGD 3,300 to SGD 3,600 per month. Longer-term projections indicate further increases, potentially reaching SGD 4,000–4,500 by 2030, reinforcing its positioning as a skilled support tier.
| Work Pass | Current | New (Jan 2027) |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass (EP) | SGD 5,600/month | SGD 6,000/month |
| S Pass | SGD 3,300/month | SGD 3,600/month |
| ONE Pass (AI & Tech) | N/A — replaces Tech. Pass | SGD 30,000/month |
These changes reflect a shift toward greater participation by a higher-skilled foreign workforce, ensuring that incoming professionals are aligned with Singapore’s evolving wage standards.
The application for the ONE Pass (AI & Tech) is managed by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) through a centralised online system. Here is a step-by-step process:
Applicants should first confirm that they meet the minimum salary requirement and possess relevant leadership or advanced technical experience.
All required documents should be compiled in advance, ensuring consistency across salary records, employment history, and company details.
The application is submitted via the official MOM portal, either directly by the applicant or through an authorised agent.
After arrival, the applicant completes identity verification and administrative formalities to receive the Singapore OnePass work visa.
The introduction of the ONE Pass (AI & Tech) reflects Singapore’s continued focus on building a high-value, innovation-driven economy by attracting experienced leaders in advanced technology fields. For founders, executives, and globally expanding companies, this creates a structured pathway to participate in one of Asia’s most stable and business-friendly environments.
At VIVOS, we bring specialised expertise in Singapore’s immigration and corporate regulatory environment. Our team provides comprehensive support across OnePass applications, corporate structuring, and ongoing compliance, delivering solutions that are precise, efficient, and aligned with your strategic business objectives.
Partner with VIVOS for clear, expert guidance on your OnePass application and Singapore expansion strategy.
2 January, 2025
2 January, 2025Who is eligible to apply for the ONE Pass (AI & Tech)?
The Singapore ONE Pass (AI & Tech) is designed for senior professionals, founders, and technical leaders. Applicants need a monthly salary of around S$30,000 and at least five years of relevant experience.
How is the ONE Pass different from the Tech.Pass?
The ONE Pass is a high-tier, multi-sector work visa designed for top global talent, offering 5-year validity with renewable terms and cross-industry flexibility.
In contrast, the Tech. Pass is a sector-specific visa limited to the technology ecosystem, with a maximum tenure of 2+2 years.
What documents are required for the Singapore ONE Pass application?
The Singapore ONE Pass application requires essential documents to verify identity and eligibility, including a valid passport copy and proof of high income, such as payslips or tax records. Applicants must also provide a detailed CV or employment history to demonstrate professional expertise and achievements. Additionally, supporting documents such as educational certificates or proof of business ownership may be required based on the applicant’s profile.
How long does it take to process a ONE Pass application in Singapore?
The Singapore ONE Pass processing time typically ranges between 4 and 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the application and document verification requirements.
What is the validity period of the ONE Pass (AI & Tech)?
The ONE Pass (AI & Tech) offers a 5-year initial validity period, providing long-term stability for top-tier professionals. It is renewable in 5-year blocks, allowing continued stay subject to meeting renewal criteria.
What happens to existing Tech. Pass holders?
Existing Tech. Pass holders can continue to live and work in Singapore until their pass expires under the current terms. They are eligible for a final renewal (up to 4 years total validity), subject to meeting the criteria.
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