Tech.Pass | Singapore EDB

Tech.Pass is a visa that allows established global tech talent, including entrepreneurs, leaders, investors or technical experts, to take on multiple economic activities and plug into Singapore's vibrant tech ecosystem.

Individuals can apply for the pass directly.

The pass is administered by the Singapore Economic Development Board.

Key Features

As an individualised pass, Tech.Pass holders are able to take on multiple roles concurrently in Singapore, such as:

Start and operate one or more tech companies;
Be an employee in one or more Singapore-based companies at any time;
Be a consultant or mentor, lecture in local institutions of higher learning; and/or
Be an investor or director in one or more Singapore based companies.

There is no need for Tech.Pass holders to apply for different passes as they transit between activities.

Tech.Pass holders are able to sponsor stay for spouse, children, and parents¹ in Singapore on either a Dependant’s Pass (DP) or a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) issued by MOM.

The pass will be valid for 2 years in the first instance, and can be renewed for another 2 years, upon meeting renewal criteria.

If you are an experienced founder who is building your next venture, you may want to find out more about EDB’s Global Founder Programme (GFP) and the support package including manpower and visa facilitation, capital, and connections.

¹ Legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age, including those legally adopted, will be eligible for a DP issued by MOM. Common-law spouse, unmarried handicapped children aged 21 years and above, unmarried stepchildren under 21 years of age, and parents will be eligible for a LTVP issued by MOM.

Eligibility and Renewal

Have a last drawn fixed monthly salary (in the last 1 year) of at least S$22,500¹.

AND

Have at least 5 cumulative years of experience in a leading role in
(i) A tech company with a valuation/market capitalisation of at least US$500mil or at least US$30mil funding raised or
(ii) A tech venture capital firm with at least US$500mil in assets under management (AUM).

¹Or its equivalent in a foreign currency. Candidates or business owners with other sources of income including non-cash components will also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Have earned at least S$270,000 in assessable income based on the latest Notice of Assessment from IRAS (can be made up of salaries and / or business income);

Demonstrate total annual business spending of at least S$100,000 and employ at least 1 local PME¹ or 3 LQS².³

Incorporated a business entity in Singapore with a digital or technology offering as your core product which has secured more than US$10mil (cumulative) in investment funding in the past 36 months AND received funding (no minimum amount) from programme-recognised investment firms.

¹ Local PMEs refer to professionals, managers, and executives who are Singaporeans or Singapore Permanent Residents, earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$3,900 and receive CPF contributions for at least 3 months, as aligned with the definition in the EntrePass renewal criteria.

² LQS refers to Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents who earn a monthly salary of at least S$1,600 and receive CPF contributions for at least 3 months, as aligned with the definition in the EntrePass renewal criteria.

³ You are eligible as a business owner or founder if your company is registered with ACRA as a private limited company, and you own at least 30% shareholding of the company and can provide proof of ongoing business activity, as aligned with the EntrePass renewal criteria.

Ready to Apply?

For new applicants

For new applicants

Apply for a Tech.Pass

For existing pass holders

For existing pass holders

Renew my Tech.Pass

Frequently Asked Questions

About Tech.Pass

The Tech.Pass is an extension of the Tech@SG programme, as part of Singapore’s efforts to attract tech talent to Singapore and develop Singapore’s tech ecosystem.
Tech@SG programme provides high-potential companies in growth areas such as digital, medtech, biotech, cleantech, agritech and fintech, access to business networks and talent needed to set up new teams in Singapore, including the facilitation of EP applications of core team members.
The Tech.Pass aims to attract highly accomplished entrepreneurs, business leaders, or technical experts to Singapore and provides them with flexibility in participating in a variety of activities that can contribute to the tech ecosystem. For example, a pass holder could operate a business, while also being an investor, employee, consultant or director in one or more Singapore-based companies at any time. They can also mentor start-ups and lecture at local universities.

No. Tech.Pass holders who would like to participate in the Tech@SG Programme have to ensure that their company meet the separate company eligibility conditions to qualify for the programme.

More details may be found on the Tech@SG programme page.

There will be 500 places available for applicants upon launch of the Tech.Pass, on a first come first serve basis. The Tech.Pass will be reviewed thereafter to take into consideration the benefits brought to the local tech ecosystem and feedback on the programme from individuals and stakeholders.

To provide greater clarity and transparency in our work pass framework for talent, the Government has introduced a new salary benchmark of S$22,500, pegged to the top 10% of Employment Pass holders. From 1 September 2023, Applicants earning a fixed monthly salary of S$22,500 will be exempted from the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) job advertising requirement and COMPASS. It will also be the salary criterion for Tech.Pass and the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP).

Applying For Tech.Pass

Existing EP, PEP, or EntrePass holders who meet the Tech.Pass criteria may apply if they also meet the prevailing eligibility or renewal criteria of their respective work passes.

Existing pass holders who wish to convert should consider whether they will require the flexibilities provided by the Tech.Pass. If their existing pass is sufficient for the activities that they undertake in Singapore, there is no need to convert to the Tech.Pass.

No, you do not need to secure employment in Singapore prior to application. Individuals can apply for the Tech.Pass without employer sponsorship. Applicants will be assessed based on their track record and prior experience in leading teams or developing a tech product. Tech.Pass holders will subsequently be able to utilize flexibilities accorded with the pass, such as starting and operating companies, being an investor, employee, consultant or director in one or more Singapore-based companies, mentoring start-ups or even conduct training in local institutions.

Tech.Pass Renewal

You may apply for a renewal of your Tech.Pass within 6 months of your pass expiry date. The Tech.Pass can only be renewed once for an additional 2 years. Thereafter, individuals may wish to apply for other work passes (e.g. Employment Pass, Personalised Employment Pass, Entrepass) based on your eligibility.

Renewal applications should be submitted up to 6 months and no later than 12 weeks before your Tech.Pass expires.

Tech.Pass vs. Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass

The ONE Pass is a pass is a personalised pass for top talent across different sectors, including but not limited to the tech sector. While the Tech.Pass has a validity of 2 years and can only be renewed once for an additional 2 years, the ONE pass has a 5 year validity and is eligible for multiple renewals of 5 years at each time, subject to renewal eligibility.

We are currently reviewing the Tech.Pass to see if our work pass offerings need to be further rationalised. In the meantime, the Tech.Pass continues to be a work pass within MOM’s mainstream work pass framework, and individuals can continue to apply for this per normal.

Further queries and interest on the Tech.Pass? Contact the team here.

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