Singapore's Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) has become one of the country's flagship talent attraction initiatives. Designed for top global professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry leaders.
As of 2026, more than 8,000 professionals hold a ONE Pass, reflecting Singapore's growing appeal to global talent. To keep attracting top experts, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has announced a new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track, set to launch in January 2027.
This guide explains how the ONE Pass works, eligibility criteria, its key benefits, and the latest developments businesses and professionals should be aware of.
A five-year Personalised work pass for top global talent issued by Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Unlike a traditional Employment Pass, it is issued to the individual rather than a specific employer, allowing greater flexibility to work, start businesses, invest, or serve on multiple boards simultaneously.
MOM assesses each candidate on a case-by-case basis, and applicants must satisfy all criteria within one of the following three categories.
|
Eligibility Category |
Core Requirement |
|
Current or Last Held Employment |
A fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 for the 12 consecutive months preceding application, drawn from an established company |
|
Prospective Employment in Singapore |
A confirmed fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 from an established Singapore-based employer, with employment commencing within 6 months |
|
Outstanding Achievements |
Demonstrated excellence in sports, arts and culture, or academia and research, without meeting the salary criterion |
Note: The S$30,000 monthly threshold must originate from a single employer, rather than being aggregated across employers.
The documents required depend on the eligibility route you are applying under. In most cases, applicants should prepare:
The first step is determining whether the ONE Pass is the right fit for you. Most applicants qualify either through the salary criteria or by demonstrating exceptional achievements in their field.
Once you have confirmed your eligibility, prepare the necessary documents to support your application. This may include proof of income, employment records, professional achievements, and identification documents.
Applications are submitted to Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM). At this stage, all supporting documents should be complete and accurate, as MOM will assess both your eligibility and supporting credentials.
If your application is approved, MOM will issue an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. This confirms that your application has been successful and allows you to proceed with the pass issuance process.
Before your ONE Pass can be issued (within 6 months of the IPA), you must complete the required administrative formalities and provide any additional information requested by MOM. Note that you must be in Singapore before your pass can be issued.
Set up your digital work pass on the day of card registration. When the issuance process is complete, you will receive your ONE Pass card within 5 working days after registration and can begin living and working in Singapore under one of the country's most flexible work pass schemes.
The ONE Pass is renewable in five-year increments, provided the holder meets one of two qualifying conditions at the time of renewal:
|
Salary Criterion |
The holder must have earned an average fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 over the preceding five years in Singapore |
|
Company Criterion |
Applicants may also qualify by operating a Singapore-based company with at least five local employees who meet the prevailing Employment Pass salary threshold |
You can apply to renew your ONE Pass up to six months before it expires. To maintain your pass, you must submit an annual update to MOM by 31 January each year and notify MOM within two weeks of any changes to your address or personal details.
The typical processing time for the ONE Pass, as confirmed on MOM's official website, is up to 4 weeks for most applications. Cases requiring further assessment under the outstanding achievements track may need more time.
To strengthen Singapore's position as a global AI and technology hub, MOM announced a new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track that will launch in January 2027 and replace the existing Tech Pass. The new track is expected to better recognise senior technical leaders, innovators, and founders while aligning them with the broader ONE Pass framework.
This reflects Singapore's continued focus on attracting world-class talent in emerging technologies and artificial intelligence.
While the ONE Pass offers unmatched flexibility, it is designed for a small group of highly accomplished professionals. Here's how it compares with other popular Singapore work passes.
|
Feature |
ONE Pass |
Employment Pass (EP) |
EntrePass |
|
Target Audience |
Top global talent | Foreign professionals and executives | Entrepreneurs and startup founders |
|
Employer Sponsorship Required |
No | Yes | No |
|
Validity |
5 Years | Up to 2–3 Years | Up to 1 Year initially |
|
Change Employers Without New Pass |
Yes | No | Not Applicable |
|
Salary Requirement |
Typically S$30,000/month | Subject to EP qualifying salary | No fixed salary requirement |
The ONE Pass reflects Singapore's commitment to attracting exceptional global talent by offering greater flexibility, longer validity, and opportunities beyond traditional work passes. Whether you are a business leader, entrepreneur, researcher, or specialist professional, understanding the eligibility requirements and application process is the first step towards building a long-term presence in Singapore.
At Ascentium, we help individuals and businesses navigate Singapore's immigration landscape with clarity and confidence, providing practical guidance at every stage of the journey.