Singapore ONE Pass

Summary

The Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass is Singapore's top-tier work pass, launched in January 2023 by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Singapore's labor and work-pass agency, to attract exceptional global talent. Unlike the Employment Pass, the ONE Pass is not tied to a single employer — holders can work for multiple Singapore companies simultaneously, start their own ventures, or switch jobs without reapplying. It's valid for 5 years and renewable.

The main track requires a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 30,000 (about $22,500) in the most recent year, plus a matching role lined up in Singapore — or equivalent earnings if you're becoming a founder of a Singapore-based company. A second, merit-based track admits outstanding individuals in arts and culture, sports, science and technology, academia, and research without the salary test — but the bar is genuinely high, typically requiring international-level recognition.

Eligibility

You may qualify for the ONE Pass via one of two tracks:

Track 1 — Salary track

• Fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 30,000 in the last 12 months from an established company (either your current employer or a prospective Singapore-based role).
• The employer must be valued at $500 million+ in market capitalization OR have $200 million+ in annual revenue.
• If transitioning to Singapore, you need a confirmed job offer or role at an established company with the salary meeting the threshold.
• If you're a founder or self-employed: your business must meet the employer-size thresholds to count, and your own earnings must meet the salary bar.

Track 2 — Achievement track (outstanding talent)

No salary test applies if you demonstrate outstanding achievements in one of these fields:

• Arts and culture — major international awards (Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, Pulitzer, Booker, etc.), lead/principal roles with top-tier institutions, or equivalent recognition.
• Sports — Olympic, World Championship, or equivalent medal-level competitive performance.
• Science and technology — senior research positions at top global institutions, Nobel or similar-tier recognition, high-impact publications, or leadership of major technical achievements.
• Academia and research — senior faculty at globally top-ranked universities, major research grants, or recognized leadership in a field.

MOM assesses achievement-track applications on the merits. Letters of recognition from Singapore institutions (e.g., universities, sports bodies, cultural organizations) can strengthen the case.

What makes the ONE Pass different

• Not employer-tied. You can work concurrently for multiple employers, consult, found companies, or pivot without reapplying.
• 5-year validity. First issuance is 5 years; the Employment Pass is 2 years.
• Spouse work rights. Spouses on a Dependant's Pass can work in Singapore without needing a separate work pass (just a Letter of Consent from MOM).
• Renewal is conditional. At year 5, you must have earned at least SGD 30,000/month on average during the ONE Pass period, OR have started and operated a Singapore-based company that is a going concern and employs local staff.

Dependants

ONE Pass holders can sponsor their spouse and unmarried children under 21 via Dependant's Pass, and parents via Long-Term Visit Pass. Spouses with DPs can work in Singapore freely under a Letter of Consent, a notable perk over the EP.

Path to PR

After 2+ years of ONE Pass residence with sustained earnings and tax contributions, you can apply for Permanent Residence under the Professionals/Technical Personnel/Skilled Workers (PTS) scheme, Singapore's main PR route for working professionals. PR approval is discretionary, but ONE Pass holders tend to present strongly on income and skill criteria. From PR, citizenship is available after 2+ years — though it requires renouncing all other nationalities.

What This Route Allows

If approved, this route gives you work residence in Singapore through the ONE Pass. Key limit: Most applicants need SGD 30,000/month fixed salary and an established-company test; achievement-track applicants need international-level recognition in arts, sports, science, academia, or research. Renewal at year 5 requires the salary average or a Singapore-based business with local staff.

What This Route Is Not

This is not a guarantee of approval. Immigration authorities can still review documents, admissibility, background, funds, and whether the facts match the pathway rules.

Next Steps

1. Identify your track. Most applicants go salary-track; achievement-track is reserved for genuinely recognized figures in arts, sports, science, or academia.
2. Verify the employer size test. Your current (or prior) employer must meet the $500M market cap or $200M revenue bar. Founders should be prepared to document this for their own company if going that route.
3. Gather income evidence. 12 months of payslips or equivalent, employment contracts, tax records, and (for achievement track) documentation of the awards, publications, or recognitions.
4. Apply directly via MOM's ONE Pass online portal. Unlike the EP, the applicant applies directly — no employer sponsor required.
5. Relocate and notify MOM of your Singapore address. You have 6 months from issuance to enter Singapore and activate the pass.
6. Sponsor family via DP / LTVP. File dependents' applications separately after the ONE Pass is issued.
7. Track your 5-year renewal milestone. Earnings and/or a Singapore-based business are assessed at year 5.
8. Evaluate PR after 2+ years. ONE Pass holders are well-positioned for PR under the PTS scheme.

Sources

• Ministry of Manpower — Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass
• MOM — ONE Pass Eligibility
• MOM — ONE Pass Dependants and Spouse Work Rights
• ICA — Permanent Residence