What is the ONE Pass Singapore?

The Singapore ONE Pass (Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass) is a personalised 5-year work visa for top global talent. It allows holders to work for multiple employers, start businesses, and relocate families without reapplying when changing roles.

Can I appeal for a rejected ONE Pass application?

Yes, you can appeal within 3 months of the rejection date, but only if you understand and address the reasons for rejection. Re-submitting the same information will not change the outcome. If appealing through an agent, a signed authorization letter is required. Most appeals are processed within 4 weeks.

What are the renewal criteria for the Singapore ONE Pass?

At renewal, holders must either have earned an average fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 over the past five years in Singapore, or have started and be operating a Singapore company that employs at least five locals, each earning a gross monthly salary of at least the prevailing Employment Pass minimum qualifying salary. You can apply to renew up to 6 months before the pass expires.

How can I apply for the Singapore ONE Pass?

You apply online by completing MOM’s ONE Pass application form and paying the S$105 application fee by Visa or Mastercard; an appointed employment agent or employer can also apply for you. You need a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 for 12 consecutive months, or outstanding achievements in sports, arts and culture, or academia and research. Successful applicants receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, which gives 6 months to enter Singapore and get the pass issued.

What is the salary requirement for the ONE Pass?

Applicants must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 from a single employer for the 12 consecutive months before applying, or have an offer at that level from an established Singapore company. Candidates with outstanding achievements in sports, arts and culture, or academia and research may qualify without meeting this threshold. From 28 January 2027, the AI and Tech track needs S$30,000 a month, with at least S$22,500 as fixed salary.

What’s the difference between ONE Pass and Employment Pass?

The ONE Pass lets you start, operate and work for multiple companies at the same time, lasts up to 5 years, is exempt from COMPASS, and your spouse can work on a Letter of Consent. The Employment Pass is sponsored by one employer, needs at least S$5,600 a month (S$6,200 in financial services) plus 40 COMPASS points unless exempt, and is valid for up to 2 years at first and up to 3 years on renewal.

How long does it take to get the One Pass in Singapore?

Most Singapore ONE Pass applications are processed within 4 weeks. The Outstanding Achievements route may take longer. Once approved, applicants have 6 months from the IPA letter to enter Singapore and complete the pass issuance.

What are the Documents Required to Apply for the ONE PASS?

Key documents include a valid passport, 12 months of payslips, IRAS Notice of Assessment, employment contract, employer’s financial data from verified platforms, and a comprehensive CV highlighting key achievements for the Outstanding Achievements route.

What are the Spouse & Family Benefits for Singapore One Pass Holders?

ONE Pass holders can bring their legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 on Dependant’s Passes, which are tied to the ONE Pass and last up to 5 years. Spouses can get a free Letter of Consent (LOC) to work or run a business in Singapore. Common-law spouses, unmarried handicapped children aged 21 and above, and parents may qualify for a Long-Term Visit Pass.

Is there a Singapore Special Talent Visa?

No. MOM has no pass called the “Special Talent Visa”. Its passes for professionals are the Employment Pass, EntrePass, Personalised Employment Pass and the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass). For anyone searching for a Singapore special talent or talent visa, the closest official match is the ONE Pass, which MOM describes as a personalised pass for top talent in all sectors, such as business, arts and culture, sports, and academia and research.

Singapore ONE Pass 2026: Eligibility, S$30,000 Salary Rule & How to Apply

Name: Earning $30k+ in Singapore? You're on the Wrong Work Pass (EP vs ONE Pass)
Uploaded: 2026-06-18T22:00:40-07:00
Duration: 3 min 31 s
Description: VIVOS compares Singapore's Employment Pass and ONE Pass for high earners and explains which work pass fits.

Published: 23 June 2025 · Last reviewed: 19 October 2026 · Reviewed by Ray Tay, Co-Founder & Managing Director, VIVOS PTE. LTD. (ACRA Filing Agent FA20240323 · MOM EA Licence 24S2425)

Quick answer: The Singapore ONE Pass (Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass) is a 5-year, renewable work pass for top talent in business, arts & culture, sports, and academia & research. You qualify with a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 (earned for the past 12 months at an established company, or offered by an established Singapore employer), or through outstanding achievements with no salary test. Unlike an Employment Pass it is not tied to one employer, is exempt from COMPASS, and lets you start and run companies. Fees are S$105 to apply and S$225 on issuance; most decisions take about 4 weeks. From 28 January 2027, a new AI & Tech track opens for senior tech founders and engineers. Facts verified against MOM on 19 October 2026.

Singapore has cemented its reputation as a dynamic global business hub due to its attractive economic prospects, political stability, and modern amenities, continually striving to attract and retain top international talent. To further enhance this position, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) introduced the Singapore ONE Pass Visa (Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass) in January 2023.

The Singapore ONE Pass, officially the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass, is a personalised, 5-year work visa designed for top-tier global professionals across business, arts and culture, sports, academia and research, and AI and tech, the ONE Pass Singapore grants holders the freedom to work for multiple employers, operate and incorporate companies, and relocate with their families, all without reapplying when changing roles.

MOM reported about 8,500 ONE Pass holders as of December 2025, up from about 3,600 in December 2023 and 6,300 in December 2024, reflecting strong demand from the global talent community.

Table Of Content

Watch on YouTube: Earning $30k+ in Singapore? You're on the Wrong Work Pass (EP vs ONE Pass) · 3 min 31 sec.

What Is Singapore ONE Pass Visa?

The Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE Pass) is a personalised work pass launched by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore. Unlike traditional work visas that are often tied to a specific employer, the ONE Pass is linked to the individual, providing significantly greater employment flexibility.

Singapore ONE Pass Visa targets top talent in various fields, including business, arts and culture, sports, academia and research, and AI and tech.

What Are the Key Benefits of the Singapore ONE Pass?

Singapore’s ONE Pass offers a multitude of advantages that set it apart from traditional work visas in Singapore.

1. Work Flexibility

Unlike traditional work visas tied to specific employers, the ONEPass grants holders freedom to work for multiple companies concurrently. Holders can concurrently start, operate and work for multiple companies, subject to their employment contract terms, without reapplying for a pass when they change jobs.

2. Longer Validity & Easy Renewal

The pass is initially granted for up to 5 years and can be renewed for subsequent 5-year periods, providing greater stability for expats and their families.

3. Spouse Work Privileges

Spouses can obtain a Letter of Consent (LOC) to work in Singapore, eliminating the need for separate work visa applications.

4. Exemption from COMPASS Frameworks

ONE Pass holders are exempt from COMPASS framework and Fair Consideration Framework job advertising requirements, streamlining the hiring process.

5. No Quota

There is no foreign worker levy or quota for ONE Pass holders, unlike certain other Singapore work passes. This ensures accessibility based purely on eligibility criteria rather than allocation limits.

6. Family Inclusion

The ONE Pass supports family relocation. Eligible family members, including spouses, unmarried children under 21, common-law spouses, unmarried handicapped children aged 21 and above, and parents, can join the pass holder on Dependant’s Passes or Long-Term Visit Passes.

7. Directorship and Business Setup

ONE Pass holders have the right to set up and operate their own company in Singapore, fostering entrepreneurial endeavours.

How do you Qualify for Singapore's ONE Pass?

Persons of any nationality can apply. However, to qualify for the ONE Pass, applicants must meet one of the following key criteria:

1. For Professionals

High-earning professionals or globally accomplished individuals who demonstrate strong career standing through either consistent high income or proven exceptional expertise in their field.

Route 1: Based on Salary

You qualify if you earn a S$30,000 fixed monthly salary (or equivalent) for the 12 consecutive months before you apply, or have a confirmed job offer in Singapore at this level.
Salary must come from one employer only (you cannot combine salaries from different jobs).
If you worked overseas, your company must be large and established, such as: US$500M+ market value, or US$200M+ annual revenue

Route 2: Based on Outstanding Achievements

Applicants who do not meet the salary threshold may still qualify if they have outstanding achievements in at least one of the following sectors:

Sports
Arts & Culture
Academia or Research

Applications are assessed holistically by Singapore authorities (MOM and partner agencies).

For Academia and Research candidates specifically, a CV listing significant publications, patents, and technology disclosures from the past 5 years, along with a recommendation letter from a local host institution such as an Autonomous University or A*STAR, is required.

Route 1b: Future salary in Singapore. You also qualify if you will earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 under an established company based in Singapore. Submit the application only when the employment will start within 6 months.

What counts as an “established company”

For the salary routes, MOM treats a company as established if it has either a market capitalisation of at least US$500 million or annual revenue of at least US$200 million. Combined figures across a group’s global offices can be considered case by case. If your employer is smaller, the outstanding-achievements route, the Employment Pass or the Personalised Employment Pass may be the realistic path.

Single-employer rule

If you drew salaries from more than one employer in the 12 months before applying, the S$30,000 must come from one employer. MOM’s own examples:

Employer A	Employer B	Total fixed monthly salary	Eligible?
S$20,000	S$10,000	S$30,000	No
S$30,000	S$5,000	S$35,000	Yes
S$30,000	Nil	S$30,000	Yes

Other income sources may be considered case by case. Existing Singapore work-pass holders must have worked in Singapore for at least 1 year before applying, and MOM accepts only one work-pass application per candidate at a time.

New from 28 January 2027: the ONE Pass (AI & Tech) track

MOM has confirmed a dedicated AI & Tech track opening on 28 January 2027. Candidates need S$30,000 a month for 12 consecutive months, of which the fixed salary must be at least S$22,500 and the balance may be vested non-cash pay such as ESOP or ESOW; at least 5 cumulative years in the past 10 as a founder, C-suite leader or senior technical role in tech; and a current or last employer that is a tech company, tech division or tech VC with a valuation or market cap of US$500 million+, revenue of US$200 million+, US$500 million+ in assets under management, or (for start-ups) at least US$30 million raised. Read our dedicated guide to the ONE Pass (AI & Tech) track replacing Tech.Pass.

2. For Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs are not assessed on a separate track at the application stage; they apply via the salary or outstanding achievements routes above, and from 28 January 2027 tech founders with at least 5 cumulative years in a founder or C-suite role at a tech firm in the past 10 years may also qualify under the AI & Tech track. However, the ONE Pass has a dedicated renewal pathway tailored for entrepreneurs:

Renewal Criteria (after 5 Years)

To renew the ONE Pass, the holder must meet one of the following:

Earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 on average over the past 5 years in Singapore, or
Started and is operating a Singapore-based company that employs at least 5 local employees, each earning a gross monthly salary at or above the prevailing EP minimum qualifying salary.

This renewal option makes the ONE Pass especially attractive for founders and investors who may not draw a fixed salary but are actively building and employing local talent in Singapore.

What Documents Are Required for the Singapore ONE Pass Application?

Applications may be submitted directly by candidates or through appointed employment agencies.

Document	Purpose / notes
Passport particulars page	Identity and travel document
12 months of payslips and tax statements (e.g. IRAS Notice of Assessment)	Proves the S$30,000 fixed monthly salary for the salary route
Employment contract or offer letter	Required for the future-salary route; confirms start date within 6 months
Employer financials (market cap or revenue evidence)	Shows the employer meets the established-company test (US$500m market cap or US$200m revenue)
CV with dated achievements and impact metrics	Essential for the outstanding-achievements route
Awards, patents, publications, technology disclosures	Supporting evidence for achievements; academia and research applicants list the past 5 years
Endorsement or recommendation letters	Academia and research candidates need a letter from a local host institution such as an Autonomous University or A*STAR
Company incorporation documents and corporate financials	If you are applying on the strength of a business you own or run

Best practice: have non-English documents translated by a certified translator, add a one-page cover summary of your achievements in date order, and quantify impact (revenue, users, citations, funds raised) rather than listing titles.

How Do You Apply for the ONE Pass Singapore?

Applying for a ONE Pass Singapore can be done directly by the candidate or by an appointed employment agency or employer on their behalf. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Begin by confirming eligibility under one of the following routes:

Earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 for the past 12 consecutive months, or will earn the same under a prospective Singapore employer.
Have outstanding achievements in Sports, Arts and Culture, or Academia and Research.
For overseas applicants, ensure your current or past employer qualifies as an established company with a market capitalisation of at least US$500 million or annual revenue of at least US$200 million.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Gather documents based on the applicable category:

Passport Biodata Page.

Payslips for the past 12 months (for Salary route applicants)
Updated CV highlighting key accomplishments
Academia or Research Applicants: A CV detailing publications, patents, or technology disclosures from the last 5 years, along with a recommendation or endorsement letter from a local host institution.
Overseas Applicants (Salary Route): Financial documents proving your overseas company’s market capitalisation or annual revenue.

Step 3: Submit Your Application Online

Apply directly via the MOM online application form, either as an individual or through an employment agency or employer appointed on your behalf.
Pay the non-refundable application fee of S$105 directly to MOM at the time of submission.

Total government fees: S$105 on application plus S$225 on issuance of each pass (and S$30 per Multiple Journey Visa where applicable), payable to MOM by Visa or Mastercard. MOM accepts only one work-pass application per candidate at a time, so an open Employment Pass application must be withdrawn first. If a ONE Pass application is rejected, MOM does not automatically assess the candidate for an Employment Pass.

Step 4: Await MOM's Assessment

Processing typically takes 4 weeks, though it can take longer depending on the complexity of the case.
MOM may request additional documents for verification during this period.
Applications under the Outstanding Achievements route may take longer as they involve review by relevant government agencies such as MCCY, MOE, NRF, or A*STAR.

Step 5: Receive Your In-Principle Approval (IPA) Letter

If approved, you will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) Letter with instructions to collect your pass.
If your application is rejected, you have up to 3 months from the rejection date to file an appeal.

After the IPA: the IPA letter is a pre-approved single-entry visa and gives you 6 months to enter Singapore and get the pass issued (via the EP eService with Singpass, or at the Employment Pass Services Centre). You then receive a notification letter, valid for 1 month, which lets you start work immediately. If fingerprint and photo registration is required, complete it within 2 weeks of issuance; the pass card is delivered within 5 working days after registration, and your digital pass is available in the SGWorkPass app.

What Are the Singapore ONE Pass Renewal Criteria?

The ONE Pass can be renewed for subsequent 5-year periods if certain conditions are met.

Salary Criterion: Earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 on average over the past five years in Singapore.
Company Criterion: Incorporated and operates a company in Singapore that employs at least five locals, each earning a gross monthly salary of at least the prevailing EP minimum qualifying salary.

You can apply to renew up to 6 months before the pass expires. The company criterion matters for founders: you can renew on the strength of the local jobs you have created rather than a S$30,000 salary. Experienced founders building a new venture should also weigh EDB’s Global Founder Programme (GFP), which bundles visa facilitation, capital and connections and can complement or replace the ONE Pass route.

Annual Notification: ONE Pass holders must submit an annual notification to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) by 31 January each year, detailing all professional activities and annual salary earned. Passholders must also update MOM within 2 weeks of changing their residential address or mobile number.

Why Choose ONE Pass Over Other Singapore Work Visas?

The ONE Pass stands out among Singapore’s work visas due to its high degree of flexibility and long validity.

ONE Pass vs Employment Pass vs Personalised Employment Pass

Feature	Employment Pass (EP)	ONE Pass	Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
Who it is for	Professionals, managers and executives with a Singapore job offer	Top talent in business, arts & culture, sports, academia & research (AI & Tech track from 28 Jan 2027)	High-earning EP holders or overseas professionals
Minimum fixed monthly salary	From S$5,600 (S$6,200 in financial services), rising with age; S$6,000 / S$6,600 for new applications from 1 January 2027	S$30,000, or qualify through outstanding achievements	S$22,500 (and at least S$270,000 per calendar year)
COMPASS points test	Yes, 40 points unless exempt	Exempt	Exempt
Tied to one employer	Yes	No; work for and run multiple companies	No
Duration	Up to 2 years first, 3 years on renewal (up to 5 years for tech Shortage Occupation List roles)	Up to 5 years	Up to 3 years
Renewable	Yes	Yes, 5 years each time	No, issued once
Run your own business	Restricted	Yes	No
Who applies	Employer or agent	Candidate, employer or appointed agent	Candidate directly
Government fees	S$105 + S$225	S$105 + S$225	S$105 + S$225

Salary figures verified against MOM in October 2026; confirm current criteria with MOM before relying on them. Compare in more depth: EP vs EntrePass vs ONE Pass.

What If Your ONE Pass Application Is Rejected?

MOM issues a written advisory with the grounds for refusal. You have 3 months from the rejection date to appeal, and most appeals are decided within about 4 weeks. Re-submitting the same file rarely changes the outcome: a successful appeal adds materially stronger evidence, such as additional endorsement letters, quantified achievements (revenue, patents, awards) or third-party validation that answers MOM’s stated reasons. If an agent appeals for you, a signed authorisation letter is required. Applicants under the outstanding-achievements route are the most likely to need an appeal, because sector agencies apply their own standards.

ONE Pass vs the US H-1B for Global Professionals

For senior professionals weighing Singapore against the United States, the contrast is sharp. The H-1B is lottery-based with an annual cap and, for Indian nationals in particular, green-card backlogs measured in years. The ONE Pass is merit-based with no quota or lottery, decided in about 4 weeks, tied to you rather than an employer, and gives your spouse the right to work on a Letter of Consent. Singapore also offers a transparent, merit-based permanent residency route and sits within a 4 to 5 hour flight of India and the rest of ASEAN, which is why many Indian founders and executives now treat Singapore as a first choice rather than a fallback.

Key Takeaways

The ONE Pass is for top talent in business, arts & culture, sports, and academia & research; an AI & Tech track opens on 28 January 2027.
Qualify with a S$30,000 fixed monthly salary (past 12 months, or a Singapore role starting within 6 months, at an established company) or through outstanding achievements.
Established company means market cap of US$500 million+ or revenue of US$200 million+; multi-employer salary must be met by a single employer.
Not tied to one employer, exempt from COMPASS and Fair Consideration Framework advertising, and you can start and run companies.
Fees are S$105 on application and S$225 on issuance; most decisions take about 4 weeks; the IPA gives you 6 months to enter Singapore.
Granted for up to 5 years and renewable in 5-year blocks by averaging S$30,000 a month or by running a Singapore company that employs at least 5 qualifying locals.

ONE Pass at a glance (infographic)

Always consult official Ministry of Manpower resources or qualified Singapore immigration advisors for the most current requirements and procedures.

Conclusion

The Singapore ONE Pass remains one of the most strategically powerful work visas available to global professionals today. Its five-year validity, multi-employer flexibility, and family inclusion provisions make it the preferred pathway for senior executives, entrepreneurs, and exceptional achievers seeking long-term stability and opportunity in Singapore.

At VIVOS, we specialise in navigating the path of Singapore ONE Pass applications from eligibility assessment and document preparation to post-approval compliance and renewal planning. If you are ready to explore whether the ONE Pass is the right pathway for you, our team is here to guide you at every stage.

Sources

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Frequently
Asked Questions

What is the ONE Pass Singapore?

The Singapore ONE Pass (Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass) is a personalised 5-year work visa for top global talent. It allows holders to work for multiple employers, start businesses, and relocate families without reapplying when changing roles.
Can I appeal for a rejected ONE Pass application?

Yes, you can appeal within 3 months of the rejection date, but only if you understand and address the reasons for rejection. Re-submitting the same information will not change the outcome. If appealing through an agent, a signed authorization letter is required. Most appeals are processed within 4 weeks.
What are the renewal criteria for the Singapore ONE Pass?

At renewal, holders must either have earned an average fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 over the past five years in Singapore, or have started and be operating a Singapore company that employs at least five locals, each earning a gross monthly salary of at least the prevailing Employment Pass minimum qualifying salary. You can apply to renew up to 6 months before the pass expires.
How can I apply for the Singapore ONE Pass?

You apply online by completing MOM’s ONE Pass application form and paying the S$105 application fee by Visa or Mastercard; an appointed employment agent or employer can also apply for you. You need a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 for 12 consecutive months, or outstanding achievements in sports, arts and culture, or academia and research. Successful applicants receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, which gives 6 months to enter Singapore and get the pass issued.
What is the salary requirement for the ONE Pass?

Applicants must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 from a single employer for the 12 consecutive months before applying, or have an offer at that level from an established Singapore company. Candidates with outstanding achievements in sports, arts and culture, or academia and research may qualify without meeting this threshold. From 28 January 2027, the AI and Tech track needs S$30,000 a month, with at least S$22,500 as fixed salary.
What’s the difference between ONE Pass and Employment Pass?

The ONE Pass lets you start, operate and work for multiple companies at the same time, lasts up to 5 years, is exempt from COMPASS, and your spouse can work on a Letter of Consent. The Employment Pass is sponsored by one employer, needs at least S$5,600 a month (S$6,200 in financial services) plus 40 COMPASS points unless exempt, and is valid for up to 2 years at first and up to 3 years on renewal.
How long does it take to get the One Pass in Singapore?

Most Singapore ONE Pass applications are processed within 4 weeks. The Outstanding Achievements route may take longer. Once approved, applicants have 6 months from the IPA letter to enter Singapore and complete the pass issuance.
What are the Documents Required to Apply for the ONE PASS?

Key documents include a valid passport, 12 months of payslips, IRAS Notice of Assessment, employment contract, employer’s financial data from verified platforms, and a comprehensive CV highlighting key achievements for the Outstanding Achievements route.
What are the Spouse & Family Benefits for Singapore One Pass Holders?

ONE Pass holders can bring their legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 on Dependant’s Passes, which are tied to the ONE Pass and last up to 5 years. Spouses can get a free Letter of Consent (LOC) to work or run a business in Singapore. Common-law spouses, unmarried handicapped children aged 21 and above, and parents may qualify for a Long-Term Visit Pass.
Is there a Singapore Special Talent Visa?

No. MOM has no pass called the “Special Talent Visa”. Its passes for professionals are the Employment Pass, EntrePass, Personalised Employment Pass and the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass). For anyone searching for a Singapore special talent or talent visa, the closest official match is the ONE Pass, which MOM describes as a personalised pass for top talent in all sectors, such as business, arts and culture, sports, and academia and research.