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Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass: Eligibility, Duration, and Key Features

This article explains the eligibility criteria, pass duration, key features, family benefits, and compliance requirements for Singapore’s Overseas Networks & Expertise…

Pass & Permit Desk 6 min read

The Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass is a work pass for top talent in business, arts and culture, sports, academia and research, and AI and Tech. The pass offers a 5-year validity, exemption from COMPASS and Fair Consideration Framework job advertising requirements, and the flexibility to work for multiple employers without reapplying when changing jobs. Spouses of pass holders may apply for a Letter of Consent to work in Singapore without a minimum salary requirement, quota, or foreign worker levy.

Eligibility: Salary Track

Candidates qualify under the salary track by earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000, or its foreign currency equivalent, for the 12 consecutive months leading up to the date of application. The candidate must have earned this salary while working for an established company for the 12 consecutive months leading up to the application. The employer must be an established company with either a market capitalisation of at least US$500 million or annual revenue of at least US$200 million, assessed on a combined global basis.

Prospective employment in Singapore also qualifies if the candidate will earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 under an established Singapore-based company meeting the same market capitalisation or revenue thresholds. Applications based on prospective employment must be submitted only when employment will start within six months.

Eligibility: Outstanding Achievements Track

Candidates who do not meet the salary criterion may qualify through outstanding achievements in at least one of the following areas: sports, arts and culture, or academia and research. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and other agencies — including the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), Ministry of Education (MOE), National Research Foundation (NRF), and Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) — holistically review applications based on the work and key achievements accomplished by each applicant. Required documents for this track are specified on the MOM documents-required page.

Eligibility: AI and Tech Track

From 28 January 2027, candidates may apply under an AI and Tech track. Details on the specific criteria for this track will be published closer to the effective date.

Pass Duration and Renewal

First-time candidates receive a pass valid for up to five years. Subsequent renewals are also granted for up to five years, subject to meeting the renewal criteria published on the MOM eligibility page. Renewal is not automatic; holders must satisfy the criteria in force at the time of renewal.

Key Features and Flexibilities

The pass is exempt from the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) and the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) job advertising requirement. Holders may concurrently start, operate, and work for multiple companies at any one time, subject to the terms of their employment contracts where relevant. No new pass application is required when changing jobs. The pass carries no foreign worker quota or levy obligation.

Pass holders may apply for passes for eligible family members as outlined by MOM for the ONE Pass. Spouses of Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass holders are eligible to apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) to work in Singapore. The Letter of Consent allows the spouse to work in Singapore under the terms specified by MOM.

Compliance Obligations

Pass holders must notify MOM about their professional activities and annual income by 31 January of the following year. They must also notify MOM of any changes to their residential address or personal information. Notifications are submitted through the MOM eServices portal.

Who Can Apply

Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria may apply directly. Appointed employment agencies and employers may also apply on behalf of a candidate. Only one work pass application per candidate may be submitted at any time; for example, a candidate cannot have simultaneous applications for an Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass and an Employment Pass.

How to Apply

Before applying, candidates should review the full eligibility criteria and the list of required documents on the MOM website. Applications are submitted online via the MOM eServices portal. Upon approval, an in-principle approval (IPA) letter is issued. The candidate must then comply with prevailing travel requirements to enter Singapore, get the pass issued, register fingerprints and photo if required, and receive the pass card at the provided address within five working days after registration or document verification.

Official References

Briefs filed under the same topic.