Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)

To attract the world’s top talent, Singapore launched the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) on January 1st 2023. 

Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)

The Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass or ONE Pass helps Singapore meet its short-term manpower and long-term growth needs. With a particular focus on attracting elite talent to Singapore’s high-growth industries, the pass aims to raise the calibre of foreign talent and cultivate local professionals through interaction and collaboration with foreign experts.

Some key facts about the pass include:

• ONE Pass is designed for top-tier professionals with outstanding achievements in business, sports, academia, research and the arts.
• The pass is valid for 5 years and is renewable upon meeting certain criteria.
• Unlike the Employment Pass, the pass is personalised. Holders need not apply for a new pass once their passes expire.
• ONE Pass is flexible. Holders can concurrently start or work for several companies in Singapore at once. Holders also need not have a job in Singapore to apply.
• Holders can bring their family to Singapore. Spouses can work for only one employer (including self-employment) with a Letter of Consent, issued alongside the pass.
• Holders are eligible for Singapore Permanent Residency.

Who is the ONE Pass for?

ONE Pass is specifically designed to attract elite professionals to fulfil two needs. Many of Singapore’s high-growth industries are talent-hungry, especially sectors such as ESG (environmental, social and corporate governance) and Fintech (financial technology), due to the shortage of local talent. These sectors also require experienced professionals to undertake high-level work such as restructuring or transformation—many of whom are hard to find. By bringing in such top talents, Singapore can plug its talent shortage, maximise growth in its most sophisticated economic sectors and push local talent to even greater heights.

The ONE Pass targets individuals earning at least $30,000 a month (comparable to the top 5% of Employment Pass holders) or with outstanding achievements in sports, academia, research and the arts. In particular, the pass hopes to bring top talent into the technology, healthcare and renewable energy sectors, as well as well-established sectors such as logistics and life sciences. Some examples of qualified talents include managerial executives, business directors, top academics and expert scientists.

What are the Examples of a Qualified Talent?

In a recent media article, Manpower Minister Dr Tan See Leng named several successful ONE Pass holders as examples of qualified candidates. Among them are a managing director for the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero and an executive director for A*STAR’s Skin Research Labs internationally recognised for groundbreaking dermatological work. These high-impact, renowned individuals are able to envision and lead real change in Singapore’s high-growth economic sectors.

How Do I Qualify for ONE Pass?

There are two application routes for ONE Pass:

• Salary: candidates must earn or be projected to earn at least $30,000 monthly within the last year or under their future Singapore-based employer. The current or future employer should be an established company.
• Outstanding achievements: candidates in research and academia who do not meet the minimum salary criterion must demonstrate high levels of achievement and impactful outcomes from their research.

What is the Criteria for the Salary Track?

Candidates must either:

• Earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 from one employer, or its equivalent in foreign currency for the last year, or
• Will earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 under their prospective employer based in Singapore.

The current or future employer should be an established company (companies with valuations of at least USD $500 million or annual revenues of at least $200 million).

According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), applicants who do not earn $30,000 from a single employer but have additional sources of income that add up to $30,000 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Candidates who are currently working overseas and are not based in Singapore are welcome to apply. They must have either worked for an established company for at least one year, or plan to work for an established company in Singapore for a year upon gaining the pass.

Candidates who are Employment Pass holders must have either worked in Singapore for at least one year, or plan to work for an established company in Singapore for a year upon gaining the pass.

What is the Criteria for the Outstanding Achievements Track?

Candidates who are extremely accomplished in their field but do not meet the minimum salary criterion can apply through this track. This includes individuals in research, academia, sports, culture and the arts.

In particular, according to MOM, individuals who have demonstrated a high level of achievement in scientific research or other academic research, with a proven record of impactful outcomes from research conducted may apply under the academia and research track. 

All candidates must submit a detailed curriculum vitae (CV) detailing all relevant qualifications, professional experiences, accomplishments and recognition. Applicants under the research and academia track must include letter(s) of endorsement by a local host research institution (such as the local Autonomous Universities or research agencies like A*STAR) in their application

The definition of “outstanding achievement” is rather murky. However, some known examples of proof include:

• Research and academia: international recognition of scientific and academic leadership, extensive publication history in world-renowned journals
• Sports: demonstrated experience in professional league play, coaching, sports management or any other allied sports discipline/specialty such as sports therapy, prestigious awards and international recognition. Individuals should prove their fit in the broader Singaporean sports ecosystem through their track records.
• Arts & Culture: Prestigious awards such as regional or international prizes for competitions or excellence, international recognition and/or demonstrated experience in the professional arts, training, arts management or any other allied discipline and specialty. This includes individuals such as record label owners, producers or well-known curators with the networks and resources to develop local talent.

What Criteria Should I Meet to Renew My Pass?

Passes can be renewed for up to 5 years each time. Renewal criteria differ based on the initial application route taken.

What Criteria Should I Meet to Renew My Pass If I am a Salary-Based Applicant?

Passes can be renewed for up to 5 years each time. Renewal criteria differ based on the initial application route taken.

If the applicant qualified by salary, said applicant should meet one of the following criteria:

• Earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 on average over the past 5 years in Singapore.
• Started and is operating a Singapore-based company that employs at least 5 locals, each earning at least S$5,000 (pegged to the EP minimum qualifying salary).

What Criteria Should I Meet to Renew My Pass If I am an Achievement-Based Applicant?

If the applicant applied through outstanding achievement, renewals will be assessed on a case by case basis. 

To do this, the Ministry of Manpower will request information on the applicant’s professional activities and annual income every year. This information will then be used to assess the applicant’s contribution to Singapore at the end of 5 years. MOM reserves the right to cancel the Pass if there are extended periods of economic inactivity with no good reasons.

What are Some Benefits of the ONE Pass?

Compared to the Employment Pass, ONE Pass provides candidates with significantly more flexibility. As the pass is personalised, it accounts for periods of unemployment, permits the holder to work for multiple companies at once and allows for movement that EP holders may not have. As a result, pass holders have leeway to explore, start multiple projects and deepen the quality of their contribution to Singapore.

Applicants are also exempted from certain procedures when applying for the pass.

Are ONE Pass Applicants Subject to the COMPASS Framework?

Starting from September 1st of this year, the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) will take effect for all EP applicants. COMPASS aims to evaluate foreign talent more comprehensively and takes effect for renewals from September 2024 onwards. The framework operates as a point-based system, and applicants must meet a minimum number of points to pass the framework.

However, ONE Pass applicants are not subject to the COMPASS framework during application. Their employers also need not fulfil the Fair Consideration Framework job advertising requirement. This is because the framework only applies to the Employment Pass procedure.

As a ONE Pass Holder, Can I Work for Multiple Companies at Once?

ONE Pass holders can concurrently start, operate and work for multiple companies at any one time. They need not reapply for a new pass when changing jobs, switching between companies or starting their own company. 

What If I am Unemployed After Getting the ONE Pass?

In order to maximise the quality of the pass holder’s economic contributions, the pass allows for periods of unemployment so that holders can find a job, switch jobs or start a company.

However, MOM will request information from pass holders from time to time to ensure that they are contributing meaningfully to the economy over time. This information includes details on professional activities and annual income over the past year and will contribute to the assessment of renewals at the end of 5 years.

Should there be extended periods of economic inactivity with no good reasons, MOM may cancel the pass.

Can I Incorporate My Companies in Singapore as a ONE Pass Holder?

ONE Pass holders are welcome to incorporate their companies in Singapore. For pass holders, the incorporation process is exactly the same as for locals. This reduces the paperwork, bureaucratic restrictions and limitations that other foreign business owners may otherwise face. Firms incorporated in Singapore as local companies enjoy local tax benefits, incentives and exemptions.

How Do I Apply for the ONE pass?

The application process for ONE Pass takes around 4 weeks to process and is done online.

What is the ONE Pass Application Process Like?

The process of applying for a ONE Pass is rigorous, stringent and complex. It is mostly done online and features the following crucial steps:

1. Submitting an application to MOM
2. Preparing to enter Singapore
3. Getting the ONE Pass issued
4. Registering personal biodata and information

IASG has plenty of experience handling this process. Candidates who are interested in the pass can make their application through us. The application process is done step-by-step, with detailed guidance and support provided at every stage as the full application is compiled for you. Besides handling the application itself, IASG is also able to assist you with:

• The nuances associated with every stage of the application process
• Complex instructions relating to administrative requirements
• Clarity on the criteria governing each stage

Applicants keen to apply with us should provide the following documents by track, which are detailed in the next section below.

I am Interested in Applying for the Pass with IASG. What are the Required Documents for Each Application Track?

According to MOM, candidates applying through different tracks must submit different documents.

Candidates who earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 for the last year while working in Singapore:

• Candidate’s monthly payslips for a consecutive period of 12 months.
• Most recent tax statements from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore.
• Documents supporting other income sources other than fixed monthly salary (if applicable). 

Candidates who earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currency) for the last year while working overseas:

• Candidate’s monthly payslips for a consecutive period of 12 months.
• Employment verification proof from a background screening company.
• Documents supporting other income sources other than fixed monthly salary (if applicable).
• Documents indicating latest company valuation, market capitalisation or annual company revenue of the candidate’s current or most recent employer from using any one of these sources within the last 3 months:
  • Pitchbook
  • Yahoo Finance
  • Crunchbase
  • Bloomberg
  • Google Finance
  • Venturecap
  • preqin
  • QCC.com
  • chinaventure.com.cn
  • itjuzi.com

If the documentation is not available, you may provide the company’s latest audited Profit & Loss statements. 

Candidates who will be earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 under a prospective employer based in Singapore:

• Employment contract with a Singapore organisation or letter of offer from a prospective employer in Singapore. 
• Documents indicating latest company valuation, market capitalisation or annual company revenue of the candidate’s prospective employer using any one of these sources within the last 3 months:
  • Pitchbook
  • Yahoo Finance
  • Crunchbase
  • Bloomberg
  • Google Finance
  • Venturecap
  • preqin
  • QCC.com
  • chinaventure.com.cn
  • itjuzi.com

If the documentation is not available, you may provide the company’s latest audited Profit & Loss statements. 

Candidates with outstanding achievements in arts and culture, sports, or academia and research:

• Payslips from the latest month.
• Documents supporting other income sources other than fixed monthly fixed salary (if applicable).
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting key achievements.
• For candidates applying under the academia and research track:
  • CV should list significant publications, patents or technology disclosures in the past 5 years.  
  • Provide recommendation or endorsement letter or document by a local host institution for a potential position.

Can I Bring My Family Over to Singapore with Me on ONE Pass?

ONE Pass holders are welcome to move to Singapore with their families. Their family members will be on Dependant’s Passes (DP) or Long-Term Visit Passes (LTVP), depending on their relationship to the holder and legal status. 

Just like the ONE Pass, DPs and LTVPs are valid for 5 years. If the main pass holder subsequently successfully renews his or her Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass, the DP or LTVP will also be renewed for 5 years.

For ONE Pass applicants bringing their families over, separate DP and LTVP applications must be made for their family members. For EP holders converting to ONE Pass, new DP and LTVP applications must be submitted.

I am a Family Member of a ONE Pass Holder. Which Pass Applies to Me?

Dependant’s Pass holders include:

• Spouse (legally married)
• Unmarried children under 21 years old, including those legally adopted

Long Term Visit Pass holders include:

• Common-law spouse
• Unmarried handicapped children aged 21 and above
• Unmarried step-children under 21 years old
• Parents

I am the Spouse of a ONE Pass Holder. Am I Allowed to Work?

Spouses of pass holders are allowed to work with a Letter of Consent, which will be issued along with the ONE Pass. However, they are only allowed to work for one employer, including self-employment. Spouses cannot concurrently own a business and work for another employer.

The Letter of Consent can be issued upon request by the ONE Pass holder’s employer, who will help file the application for the Letter on the spouse’s behalf.

I am the Spouse of a ONE Pass Holder Who Wishes to Run a Business in Singapore. Am I Allowed to Do So?

Spouses of pass holders are allowed to start their own companies in Singapore as long as it is their only form of employment. They are not allowed to hold multiple forms of formal employment at once.

Business-owning spouses on the DP must first apply for a Letter of Consent. Their business must also be registered with ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority), which regulates the financial and accounting activities of all Singaporean-based companies. 

To be eligible for the Letter, spouses must fulfil one of the following criteria:

• The spouse must be the sole proprietor of an ACRA-registered business
• The spouse must be a partner of an ACRA-registered business
• The spouse must be a company director with at least 30% shareholder’s stake in an ACRA-registered business

To qualify for renewal, the spouse must hire at least one Singaporean or Singapore Permanent Resident. Local staff must earn at least the prevailing Local Qualifying Salary and receive CPF contributions for at least 3 months.

However, unlike the typical DP LOC, DP LOCs tied to a ONE Pass holder are valid for five years—the same duration as that of the ONE Pass holder.

What Happens After Getting the ONE Pass?

Must I Pay Income Tax as a Pass Holder?

ONE Pass holders may be required to pay income tax. Below is the guideline for foreigners in Singapore.

1. Foreigner who has stayed/worked in Singapore for at least 183 days in the previous calendar year or continuously for 3 consecutive years, even if the period of stay in Singapore may be less than 183 days in the first year and/or third year

2. Foreigner who has worked in Singapore for a continuous period of 2 calendar years and the total period of stay is at least 183 days.

For more info on taxation, please visit IRAS website.

I am No Longer Working in Singapore and Wish to Return Home for Good. Must I Cancel My Pass?

Pass holders no longer working in Singapore and are leaving the country permanently must cancel their pass within 1 week before their departure.

Pass holders who cancel their pass will also have their family members’ DPs and LTVPs cancelled automatically. These passes cannot be reinstated. Pass holders can request a 90-day Short Term Visit Pass to buy them time to prepare for their departure.

Cancellation takes effect within 3 days of submission. Pass holders and employers cancelling on behalf of their employees should cancel their passes using MOM’s online form. No fee is needed to cancel the pass.

I Lost My ONE Pass Card. What Do I Do?

Pass holders who have lost, damaged or gotten their cards stolen must apply for a new card within 1 week of the loss. There are fees associated with replacing a card and the new card can be collected within 4 days of submission.

For stolen cards, a police report must be lodged. If the card was lost, stolen or damaged abroad, MOM must be informed immediately so that a letter permitting entry into Singapore can be issued. All requests must be made by the pass holder and NOT the employer.

Can I Appeal a Failed Application?

Rejected applicants can make an appeal within 3 months of receiving the application outcome. However, applicants can only do so if they are able to address the reasons given in the rejection advisory. The appeal can be made by the applicant or an authorised agency.

What Do I Need in My Appeal?

An appeal can only be made if the reasons outlined in the rejection letter are sufficiently addressed. Additional, new information that can resolve the issues outlined is required for the appeal. As the appeal window is only 3 months, which may not be enough time for new developments to take place, applicants should only appeal if they are able to prove that these developments can indeed address the reasons for rejection. Otherwise, the outcome of the rejection will remain unchanged.

All appeals should be submitted to MOM. If an employment agent is making the appeal on behalf of the applicant, a signed authorisation letter stating that the candidate has authorised you to submit an appeal on their behalf is mandatory.

I Do Not Have the Information Needed to Appeal My Rejection. What Should I Do?

Applicants can submit an entirely new ONE Pass application after the 3 month window is over. Alternatively, if they still lack the qualifications needed, applicants should consider other passes such as the Employment Pass, Personalised Employment Pass, EntrePass and Tech.Pass instead.

How Does Singapore Compare to Other Cities like Hong Kong and Dubai?

As the pandemic recedes and other Asian hubs such as Hong Kong and Dubai open up, Singapore must remain globally competitive. With the launch of the Hong Kong’s Top Talent Pass, which is similar to the ONE Pass, Singapore’s imperative to attract top talent has become even more pressing.

Singapore’s Competitive Edge

Pass Validity & Extension Periods

However, the ONE Pass has more advantages than the Top Talent Pass. Singapore’s ONE Pass grants greater security to applicants due to its significantly-longer period of stay—5 years compared to a mere 2 years granted by the Top Talent Pass. With a longer initial period of stay, ONE Pass applicants have more time to root their businesses, explore or create new opportunities or search for better opportunities. The longer duration offers greater stability and peace of mind, allowing applicants to truly commit to their activities and maximise their economic potential. 

ONE Pass also grants 5-year extensions compared to the Top Talent Pass’s 3-year extensions. Besides reducing the hassle of renewal and creating greater stability, ONE Pass is far more conducive for long-term, future-oriented planning. This generous time frame is especially helpful for these applicants, especially those who plan to incorporate companies or kickstart succession planning. The longer extensions also allow applicants to make full use of the excellent professional services and human resources in the country, which will undoubtedly enhance the success of their initiatives and contributions. With a longer time frame to work with, applicants can set themselves up for success and secure the long-term sustainability of their work.

With the help of the generous time frame afforded by the ONE Pass, applicants can look forward to increased flexibility as well. The five-year initial period and subsequent extensions, permission to concurrently work at or establish multiple companies and grace periods for job-switching go a long way in supporting the personal and professional needs of applicants—something that the Top Talent Pass is limited in due to its shorter time frame. Mobility also grants stability and peace of mind, helping applicants feel more secure in Singapore.

Differing Goals of Both Passes

The ONE Pass does have higher barriers to entry than the Top Talent Pass due to its emphasis on elite talent. This is because the goals of both passes differ: the Top Talent Pass seeks to attract younger talents (new professionals or fresh graduates) to increase the longevity of its workforce, whereas ONE Pass seeks to attract established leaders to actively chart new economic directions and groom existing younger talent in the country. Through ONE Pass, Singapore is more likely to attract foreign talent of the highest quality, many of whom are eminent in their fields and have created a name for themselves. Top-tier talents can expect to feel more supported and have their specific needs met better by the pass.

Singapore’s Environment

As the pandemic recedes and other Asian hubs such as Hong Kong and Dubai open up, Singapore must remain globally competitive. One such attempt to stay ahead of the curve is the ONE Pass.

Sociopolitical Stability

ONE Pass holders can expect to enjoy benefits and advantages that they may not find in other Asian hubs. Singapore’s exemplary sociopolitical stability promises a safe haven for business owners and top talents to seed and grow their companies. The predictability of a stable country is also conducive to long-term economic flourishing as disruptions are kept to a minimum. These political characteristics are a huge draw for many expatriates, particularly Chinese business owners looking for respite from the deteriorating Hong Kong-China situation.

Transparent Regulatory Regime

Singapore is also well-known for its rigorous and transparent regulatory regime. The state’s monetary, financial and accounting institutions have implemented a robust system of checks, balances and regulations that enforce transparency and encourage fair competition. Singapore’s Central Business District houses world-renowned firms and top-tier professionals intimately familiar with local and transnational compliance, bridging the gap between the system and Singapore-based businesses. Home to a self-sustaining ecosystem of institutions and talents, Singapore is well-equipped to meet the various needs of ONE Pass holders in-house.

Diplomatic Relations Worldwide

Finally, Singapore’s unique status as the “gateway” to the Asian market helps it stand out from other Asian hubs. As a politically-neutral country, Singapore’s strategy of alliance-making and pro-international orientation has strengthened its relationships with states like China, India and Indonesia—large or emerging markets that some may find hard to penetrate. These relationships are reinforced by extensive economic and cultural ties that add friendliness and ease transnational business. Singapore has also positioned itself as the bridge between East and West, enjoying strong relationships with the United States and the United Kingdom. ONE Pass holders can tap on these ties to network, gather resources and build their businesses—all of which benefit Singapore in the long run.

Can I Apply for Singapore PR?

ONE Pass holders and their families are eligible for Singapore Permanent Residence.

To apply for PR, pass holders should apply to the ICA (Immigration and Checkpoint Authority) through their website. The application procedure is similar to that of EP and S Pass holders—that is, through the PTS (Professionals, Technical Workers and Specialists) scheme. 

For more information, you may refer to our resources on Permanent Residency, or contact us through the form below. IASG has assisted individuals and families from over 70 nationalities with the Permanent Residency procedure, details of which can be found here.

ONE Pass: For Top-Tier Specialised Talents

By focusing on leaders and cream-of-the-crop professionals, the ONE Pass will inspire greater confidence in the Singaporean economy and community. This focus directly addresses the country’s long-term growth needs: as many ONE Pass holders are proven leaders, those with extensive experience envisioning, driving and sustaining impactful change over extended periods of time are well-qualified. In addition to leadership quality, diverse international experience and vision are incredibly prized—all with the eventual goal of bringing Singapore’s frontier industries to new heights.