ONE Pass

Singapore Tech.Pass: Eligibility, Renewal, and the 2027 Transition to ONE Pass (AI and Tech)

Explains the official Tech.Pass eligibility criteria, renewal requirements, family sponsorship, and the January 2027 replacement by the ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track…

Pass & Permit Desk 5 min read

Tech.Pass is an individualised work pass for established global tech talent. It allows holders to start and operate tech companies, take employment, serve as consultants or mentors, lecture at institutes of higher learning, and hold directorships — all concurrently without applying for separate passes. The pass is valid for two years initially and renewable for another two years if renewal criteria are met. From 28 January 2027, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Economic Development Board (EDB) will stop accepting new and renewal Tech.Pass applications, replacing it with the ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track.

Who Tech.Pass Is For

Tech.Pass targets entrepreneurs, leaders, and technical experts with a proven track record in technology. It is not tied to a single employer. Holders can sponsor spouses, children, and parents for Dependant’s Passes (DP) or Long-Term Visit Passes (LTVP) issued by MOM. Legally married spouses and unmarried children under 21 (including legally adopted) qualify for DP; common-law spouses, unmarried handicapped children 21 and above, unmarried stepchildren under 21, and parents qualify for LTVP.

Eligibility Criteria

An applicant must meet both conditions below:

  1. Last drawn fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500 (or foreign-currency equivalent) in the 12 months before application. Candidates or business owners with other income sources, including non-cash components, are considered case by case.
  2. At least five cumulative years in a leading role within the past 10 years in either:
    • A tech company with valuation or market capitalisation of at least US$500 million, or that has raised at least US$30 million in funding; or
    • A tech venture capital firm with at least US$500 million in assets under management (AUM).

Experience must fall within the 10 years preceding the application date.

Renewal Criteria

At renewal, the holder must satisfy at least one of the following:

  1. Assessable income of at least S$270,000 based on the latest Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) Notice of Assessment (salaries and/or business income); or
  2. Total annual business spending of at least S$100,000 and employment of at least one local Professional, Manager, Executive (PME) or three Local Qualifying Salary (LQS) workers; or
  3. Incorporated a business entity in Singapore with a digital or technology core product that has secured more than US$10 million cumulative investment funding in the past 36 months and received funding (no minimum amount) from programme-recognised investment firms.

Local PMEs are Singapore citizens or Permanent Residents earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$3,900 with CPF contributions for at least three months. LQS workers are Singapore citizens or Permanent Residents earning at least S$1,600 monthly with CPF contributions for at least three months. Business owners must hold at least 30% shareholding in an ACRA-registered private limited company and show proof of ongoing business activity.

Upcoming Change: ONE Pass (AI and Tech) from January 2027

At the MOM Committee of Supply in March 2026, the Ministry announced a new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track taking effect from January 2027. It will replace Tech.Pass and offer more attractive terms as Singapore strengthens its position as a global hub for AI and tech talent.

  • From 28 January 2027, MOM/EDB will no longer accept new or renewal Tech.Pass applications.
  • Existing Tech.Pass holders may remain on their pass until its expiry.
  • Eligible Tech.Pass holders can consider applying for the ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track or other alternative work passes after expiry.

Application and Renewal Process

Detailed steps, required documents, and the online application portal are on the EDB Tech.Pass application and renewal page. Employers or candidates can also contact the Tech.Pass team at techpass@edb.gov.sg for further queries.

How Tech.Pass Differs from Employment Pass and EntrePass

  • Employment Pass (EP) requires a job offer from a Singapore employer, a qualifying salary (starting at S$5,600, higher for financial services and with age), and passing the points-based COMPASS framework (40 points minimum). EP is employer-sponsored and tied to that employer.
  • EntrePass is for foreign entrepreneurs starting a venture-backed or innovative tech business in Singapore. It has separate eligibility and renewal criteria focused on business milestones, funding, and local hiring.
  • Tech.Pass is individualised, not employer-sponsored, and allows multiple concurrent economic activities. Its eligibility hinges on the candidate’s personal salary history and leadership experience in large or well-funded tech organisations.

Official References

Briefs filed under the same topic.