Tech.Pass

Tech.Pass Renewal Criteria and 2027 Closure

Tech.Pass renewal: three alternative criteria and first-application thresholds per EDB, plus the 28 January 2027 closure of new applications and renewals.

Pass & Permit Desk 5 min read

Renewal of a Tech.Pass requires meeting any one of three alternative criteria. The Economic Development Board (EDB) will stop accepting new applications and renewals from 28 January 2027. Existing holders may keep their pass until expiry, and eligible holders may instead apply for the ONE Pass (Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass) (AI and Tech) track or other passes.

Three Alternative Renewal Criteria

For renewal, only one of the three conditions below must be met. The two-pillar scoring framework does not apply.

Criterion 1: Chargeable Income Threshold

The holder’s chargeable income, as shown on the latest tax assessment from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), must reach at least S$270,000 in the relevant Year of Assessment. The income may come from employment, business, or a combination of both.

Criterion 2: Business Spending and Local Hiring Threshold

The holder must meet both requirements:

  1. Total annual business expenditure of at least S$100,000; and
  2. Employment of at least one local PME (Professional, Manager, Executive), or three LQS (Local Qualifying Salary) employees.

A local PME is defined as a Singapore citizen or permanent resident (PR) with a fixed monthly salary of at least S$3,900, who has made CPF contributions for at least three months. An LQS is defined as a Singapore citizen or permanent resident (PR) with a monthly salary of at least S$1,600, who has made CPF contributions for at least three months. The holder must be a business owner or founder: the company is registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) as a private limited company, holds at least 30% of shares, and can provide proof of ongoing operations. These definitions are consistent with the EntrePass renewal criteria.

Criterion 3: Funding and Institutional Investment Threshold

The holder has a Singapore-registered entity whose core product is a digital or technology solution, and has raised total investment funding of more than US$10 million over the past 36 months, while having received investment from at least one institution on the EDB-recognised investor list (no minimum amount). The recognised investor list is available on the EDB Tech.SG page.

First-Time Application Thresholds (For Reference)

First-time application for a Tech.Pass requires both the salary and experience conditions to be met:

  1. A fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500 (or equivalent foreign currency) received most recently within one year before application; business owners and those with non-cash income will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
  2. At least five years in a cumulative leadership role, within the past 10 years, in any one of the following entities:
    • A technology company with a valuation or market capitalisation of at least US$500 million, or cumulative funding of at least US$30 million; or
    • A technology venture capital firm with assets under management of at least US$500 million.

Key Features

Tech.Pass is a personalised pass. Holders may concurrently engage in multiple economic activities in Singapore: found and operate one or more technology companies; be employed by one or more Singapore companies; act as a consultant, mentor, or university lecturer; and serve as a director of one or more Singapore companies. No separate pass application is required to switch activities.

Holders may apply for a Dependant’s Pass (DP) for a legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 (including legally adopted children); and for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for a common-law spouse, unmarried disabled children above 21, unmarried stepchildren under 21, and parents.

The initial grant is valid for two years, and a successful renewal extends it by a further two years.

2027 Policy Transition

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced at the March 2026 Supply Committee sitting that, from 28 January 2027, MOM/EDB will no longer accept new Tech.Pass applications or renewal applications. Existing holders may retain their pass until expiry. Eligible holders may then consider applying for the ONE Pass (AI and Tech) new track, or other work pass options. Details of the ONE Pass (AI and Tech) will be released separately.

Official Reference Pages

Briefs filed under the same topic.