Tech.Pass is an individualised visa from Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB) for established global tech talent — entrepreneurs, leaders, and technical experts. It is valid for two years in the first instance and can be renewed for another two years if you meet the renewal criteria. This article sets out the three renewal routes published by EDB and how a holder can prepare for each.
What the Tech.Pass lets you do
The pass is individualised and is not tied to a single employer. A holder may take on several roles in Singapore at the same time: start and operate one or more tech companies; be employed by one or more Singapore-based companies; work as a consultant, mentor, or lecturer in local institutions of higher learning; and sit on the board of one or more Singapore-based companies. You do not need to switch passes as you move between these activities.
A holder can also sponsor a spouse, children, and parents for a Dependant’s Pass (DP) or Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) issued by MOM. Legally married spouses and unmarried children under 21 (including legally adopted children) qualify for a DP. Common-law spouses, unmarried handicapped children aged 21 and above, unmarried stepchildren under 21, and parents qualify for an LTVP.
Eligibility in brief
To hold a Tech.Pass, you first met two conditions. You had a last drawn fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500 in the past year (or its equivalent in a foreign currency, with other income sources including non-cash components considered case-by-case). You also had at least 5 cumulative years of experience in a leading role at a tech company with a valuation or market capitalisation of at least US$500 million or at least US$30 million in funding raised, or at a tech venture capital firm with at least US$500 million in assets under management. That experience must fall within the past 10 years from the application date. Renewal uses a different set of criteria, set out below.
The three renewal criteria
To renew for a second two-year term, you must meet any one of the following three routes. Meeting one is enough.
Route 1 — Assessable income of at least S$270,000
You must have earned at least S$270,000 in assessable income, based on your latest Notice of Assessment from IRAS. This can be made up of salaries and/or business income. The figure must come from the IRAS assessment, not from your own estimate.
Route 2 — Business spending and local hiring
You must demonstrate total annual business spending of at least S$100,000 and employ at least 1 local PME or 3 LQS. “Local PME” means a Singapore citizen or permanent resident who earns a fixed monthly salary of at least S$3,900 and receives CPF contributions for at least 3 months. “LQS” means a Singapore citizen or permanent resident who earns at least S$1,600 a month and receives CPF contributions for at least 3 months. Both definitions follow the EntrePass renewal criteria cited by EDB.
Route 3 — Funded Singapore tech entity
You must have incorporated a Singapore business entity whose core product is a digital or technology offering, secured more than US$10 million (cumulative) in investment funding in the past 36 months, and received funding from a programme-recognised investment firm. The recognised firm’s funding need not reach a minimum amount, but the cumulative investment of more than US$10 million must be met.
Who counts as a business owner or founder
If you rely on Route 2 or Route 3 as a founder, EDB applies the EntrePass definition: your company must be registered with ACRA as a private limited company, you must own at least 30% of the shares, and you must provide proof of ongoing business activity.
How to prepare your renewal
These steps are practical suggestions, not official rules. They help you confirm which route fits before you apply.
Check your latest IRAS Notice of Assessment first if you plan to use Route 1. Confirm the assessable income figure covers salaries and/or business income and reaches S$270,000.
If you plan to use Route 2, gather records of your total annual business spending and evidence of CPF contributions for the local PME or LQS you employ. Keep the spending and hiring evidence for the relevant period.
If you plan to use Route 3, confirm your Singapore entity’s core product is digital or technology-based, collect proof of cumulative investment above US$10 million in the past 36 months, and identify the recognised investment firm that provided funding.
Read the EDB application and renewal guidance before submitting. The detailed process and forms are on the EDB Tech.Pass application and renewal page.
Change from 28 January 2027
At the MOM Committee of Supply in March 2026, the Ministry announced a new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track from January 2027. This track will replace the Tech.Pass and offer more attractive terms.
From 28 January 2027, MOM and EDB will no longer accept new or renewal Tech.Pass applications. Existing Tech.Pass holders can remain on their pass until it expires. Eligible holders can then consider the new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track or other alternative work pass options.
If your renewal falls before that date, the criteria above apply. If your pass expires after the closure, plan your next pass option early.
