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Apply for a Tech.Pass

Tech.Pass Tech.Pass

The Ministry of Manpower will be introducing a new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track from January 2027. This will replace the Tech.Pass and offer more attractive terms, as Singapore strengthens our position as a global hub for AI and tech talent.

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

For more information, please refer to our FAQs at the bottom of the page.

Eligibility Criteria

Apply for a Tech.Pass — Singapore EDB
  1. Have a last drawn fixed monthly salary (in the last 1 year) of at least S$22,5001.
    AND

  2. 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).

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 Or 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.

Application Process

1

Pre-application

Before applying for the Tech.Pass, you should have:

  • Checked that you meet the eligibility criteria.
  • Prepared the supporting documents listed here.
2

Apply for Tech.Pass

  • Download the Tech.Pass application form for yourself and dependants, if applicable.
    Main applicant | Dependant(s) 
  • Complete the application form as a soft copy and get it signed.
  • Obtain a payment reference number that is automatically generated in the form.
  • Prepare the relevant supporting documents indicated in the application form.
3

Payment

  • Pay the application fee (S$105) for each application via PayNow or Telegraphic Transfer.
  • To ensure successful payment, please follow the instructions stated in the application form. Application fees are non-refundable.
  • We will only start processing your application after we have received the payment. Depending on your bank, this may take up to 1 month.
4

Upload completed application form and required documents

Please make sure you have the following documents for submission:

  • Original completed and signed application form.
  • Proof of payment receipt and travel document page.
  • Supporting documents.
  • [For dependants] Documents confirming your relationship with the DP/LTVP applicant (e.g. marriage certificate, etc) and the DP/LTVP applicant's Verification of Vaccination Requirements document issued by HPB, if required.

Please submit your applications here.

5

Processing timeline

It takes around 8 weeks to process Tech.Pass applications, from when all documents are in order. It may take longer if additional information is required.

If and when your application is approved, you will receive an email from MOM, containing formal notification of approval, along with the in-principle approval (IPA) letter.

6

Get the pass issued

The pass must be issued within 6 months of receiving the in-principle approval. This can be done in person at the MOM Employment Pass Services Centre with an appointment.

You must be in Singapore to have your pass issued. You will need your issued pass to start work or business activities in Singapore.

Fees involved:

  • S$225 for each pass.
  • S$30 for each Multiple Journey Visa, if applicable.

No extension to the in-principle approval will be granted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Changes to Tech.Pass from January 2027
 

To strengthen Singapore’s position as a global hub for AI and tech talent, the government has introduced a new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track to offer more attractive terms tailored to the AI and tech ecosystem. This includes recognition of non-cash components such as Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOP) and Employee Share Ownership (ESOW) when assessing eligibility.

The Tech.Pass will be replaced by this new track from 28 January 2027, providing eligible AI and tech talent with better benefits.

Please refer to MOM’s website for the factsheet with more information on the eligibility criteria here.

New applications for Tech.Pass will remain open until 27 January 2027, 2359hrs. Applications submitted before this date will continue to be processed under the existing framework.

From 28 January 2027, we will no longer accept any applications for Tech.Pass. Existing Tech.Pass holders can remain on their pass until its expiry. Eligible Tech.Pass holders can consider applying for the new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track or other alternative work pass options thereafter.

Yes. Existing Tech.Pass holders may continue to remain in Singapore for the duration of their approved pass validity. They will continue to enjoy the privileges and flexibility associated with their approved pass during the validity period too.

Eligible Tech.Pass holders whose renewal windows fall before 28 January 2027 may continue to apply for renewals during that period, subject to meeting the renewal criteria. Note that renewal applications can be submitted up till 27 January 2027, 2359hrs.

Existing Tech.Pass holders may also consider applying for the new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track or other alternative work pass options.

Eligible individuals may consider alternative pass options, including the mainstream ONE Pass, Employment Pass (EP), EntrePass, or Personalised EP pathways. Applicants should assess the scheme most suited to their professional profile, business activities, and stage of growth. Individuals may also refer to the full list of work passes available here.

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 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 is only valid for a one-time renewal. Pass holders may opt for the other work passes or visas if they would like to secure a long-term stay in Singapore after 4 years. You may refer here to check if you meet the eligibility of other work passes.

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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