ONE Pass in Singapore

Roger Pay
Jul 27
13 min read

ONE Pass Singapore: Overview and Details

The Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) is a specialized work visa introduced by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore to attract top global talent across various fields, including business, arts and culture, sports, science and technology, academia, and research. It became effective on January 1, 2023.

Here's a breakdown of its key aspects:

1. What it is:

A personalized work pass that is tied to the individual, not a specific employer. This means ONE Pass holders do not need to reapply for a new pass if they change jobs.
It offers greater flexibility compared to other work passes like the Employment Pass (EP).
It has a validity period of 5 years and can be renewed for another 5 years upon meeting renewal criteria.

2. Key Benefits:

Employment Flexibility: Holders can work for multiple companies concurrently in Singapore.
Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Holders can register and operate their own company (or multiple companies) in Singapore.
Family Privileges: ONE Pass holders can bring certain family members to Singapore on Dependant's Passes (DPs) or Long-Term Visit Passes (LTVPs). Spouses on DPs are eligible to work in Singapore with a Letter of Consent (LOC).
Exemption from COMPASS and FCF: ONE Pass holders are exempted from the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) and the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) job advertising requirements, streamlining the hiring process.
Longer Validity: The 5-year validity offers greater stability compared to other passes.
Access to Public Services: Holders and their families gain access to Singapore's healthcare and education systems.

3. Eligibility Criteria: Applicants typically qualify through one of two main routes:

Salary Criterion:
- Earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currency) in the past year, OR
- Will earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 under a prospective employer based in Singapore.
- If applying based on past salary, the salary of S$30,000 must come from a single employer.
- If working overseas, the applicant must have worked for an established company for at least one year. An "established company" generally means one with a market capitalization of at least US500millionorannualrevenuesofatleastUS200 million.
Outstanding Achievements Criterion:
- Individuals with exceptional achievements in fields such as arts and culture, sports, science and technology, or academia and research can qualify without meeting the salary criterion.
- MOM and other relevant agencies (e.g., MCCY, MOE, NRF, A*STAR) will holistically review applications based on the applicant's work and key accomplishments.

What is the Difference Between EP and ONE Pass

The Employment Pass (EP) and the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) are both Singapore work visas designed to attract foreign talent, but they cater to different profiles and offer varying levels of flexibility and benefits. Here's a detailed comparison:

1. Target Audience & Purpose:

Employment Pass (EP):
- Purpose: The traditional work visa for foreign professionals, managers, and executives (PMEs) who have secured a job offer with a Singapore-based company.
- Target: Skilled individuals filling specific roles within an organization.
Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass):
- Purpose: A specialized, high-tier work visa launched to attract top global talent and leaders across various fields (business, arts & culture, sports, science & technology, academia & research). It aims to draw individuals who can make significant contributions to Singapore's economy and innovation ecosystem.
- Target: Exceptional individuals with a proven track record of high achievement or high earning potential, often with the intent to operate across multiple roles or even start businesses.

2. Eligibility Criteria:

Employment Pass (EP):
- Salary: Minimum fixed monthly salary (currently S$5,600 for most sectors, S$6,200 for financial services, and increasing with age).
- Qualifications: Typically requires a good university degree, professional qualifications, or specialized skills.
- COMPASS: For new applications and renewals, candidates are assessed via the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS), a points-based system that considers salary, qualifications, diversity, and support for local employment. High earners (S$22,500 and above) are exempt from COMPASS.
- Fair Consideration Framework (FCF): Employers must generally advertise the job on the MyCareersFuture portal for at least 14 days before applying for an EP, to ensure fair consideration of local candidates (unless exempted, e.g., for high salaries).
- Employer Sponsorship: Must have a job offer and be sponsored by a Singapore-based company.
Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass):
- Salary Criterion: Earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 (or equivalent in foreign currency) in the last year, OR will earn at least S$30,000 from a prospective Singapore employer. If applying based on past salary, it must be from a single employer and the overseas company must be "established" (e.g., US$500M market cap or US$200M annual revenue).
- Outstanding Achievements Criterion: Can qualify without meeting the salary threshold if they have exceptional achievements in fields like arts & culture, sports, science & technology, or academia & research. These are holistically reviewed by MOM and relevant agencies.
- Exemption from COMPASS and FCF: ONE Pass applicants are not subject to COMPASS or the FCF job advertising requirements.
- No Employer Sponsorship Required (for overseas candidates): Overseas candidates can apply directly without a job offer, provided they meet the high salary or outstanding achievement criteria. They then have 6 months to secure a job or set up a business after obtaining the IPA.

3. Flexibility & Scope of Work:

Employment Pass (EP):
- Employer-Specific: Tied to a specific employer. If you change jobs, your new employer must apply for a new EP for you.
- Limited Scope: Generally restricted to working for the sponsoring employer.
Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass):
- Individual-Centric: Not tied to a specific employer.
- High Flexibility: Allows holders to:
  - Work for multiple employers concurrently.
  - Start and operate their own businesses in Singapore.
  - Take on freelance projects.
- No Re-application on Job Change: No need to reapply for a new pass if you switch jobs or take on additional roles.

4. Validity and Renewal:

Employment Pass (EP):
- Validity: Typically 1 to 2 years for first-time applicants, renewable for up to 3 years.
- Renewal: Requires meeting prevailing eligibility criteria (including COMPASS from Sept 2024 for renewals).
Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass):
- Validity: 5 years (significantly longer than EP).
- Renewal: Renewable for another 5 years if the holder meets specific criteria, such as maintaining an average fixed monthly salary of S$30,000 over the past 5 years or operating a Singapore−based company that employs at least 5 locals each earning S$5,000+.

5. Family Privileges:

Employment Pass (EP):
- Dependant's Pass (DP): For legally married spouses and unmarried children under 21. Requires the EP holder to earn a minimum fixed monthly salary (currently S$6,000).
- Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP): For common-law spouses, unmarried handicapped children above 21, unmarried step-children under 21, and parents. Requires higher salary thresholds (e.g., S$12,000 for parents).
- Spouse's Right to Work: DP holders usually need to apply for a separate work permit or EP to work, or obtain a Letter of Consent (LOC) if the EP holder's salary meets certain criteria.
Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass):
- Broader Privileges: Offers more straightforward privileges for dependents.
- Spouse's Right to Work: Spouses on Dependant's Passes are automatically eligible to work in Singapore with a Letter of Consent (LOC), without requiring a separate work pass application or meeting additional salary criteria.

Summary Table:

Feature	Employment Pass (EP)	Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)
Target Audience	Professionals, Managers, Executives with a job offer	Top global talent, leaders, high achievers, high earners
Minimum Salary	S$5,000 (increases with age/sector)	S$30,000 (or equivalent) in past year or prospective
Sponsorship	Employer-sponsored	Individual-centric; can apply without job offer (overseas)
Tied to Employer	Yes, tied to one specific employer	No, individual-centric; can work for multiple companies/own business
Validity	1-2 years initially, 3 years for renewal	5 years, renewable for 5 years
COMPASS/FCF	Subject to COMPASS and FCF (unless high salary exempt)	Exempt from COMPASS and FCF
Spouse's Work	May require separate work pass/LOC (with conditions)	Spouses on DP can work with LOC (more readily available)
Renewal Criteria	Prevailing EP eligibility (incl. COMPASS)	Maintain S$30K average salary OR employ 5 locals in own company

In essence, the ONE Pass is Singapore's premium offering to attract the crème de la crème of global talent, providing unparalleled flexibility and long-term stability, while the EP remains the standard work visa for the broader pool of skilled foreign professionals entering Singapore's workforce.

What is the Difference Between Tech.Pass and ONE Pass

The Tech.Pass and the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) are both designed to attract high-caliber individuals to Singapore, offering greater flexibility than a standard Employment Pass. However, they are distinct passes with different specific focuses and criteria.

Here's a breakdown of their differences:

1. Administering Authority:

Tech.Pass: Administered by the Economic Development Board (EDB), reflecting its strategic focus on building Singapore's tech ecosystem.
ONE Pass: Administered by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), though it covers a broader range of sectors beyond just technology.

2. Target Audience & Sector Focus:

Tech.Pass: Highly specific to the technology sector. It targets accomplished tech entrepreneurs, business leaders, and technical experts with experience in reputable or fast-growing tech companies. The goal is to deepen Singapore's tech capabilities and foster its tech ecosystem.
ONE Pass: Broader in scope, targeting top global talent across multiple sectors, including business, arts & culture, sports, science & technology, academia, and research. It's for individuals who can contribute significantly to Singapore's overall economy and societal development.

3. Eligibility Criteria:

Tech.Pass: Applicants must meet at least 2 out of 3 criteria:
- Last drawn fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500 (or equivalent) in the last 12 months.
- At least 5 cumulative years of experience in a leading role in a tech company with a valuation/market capitalization of at least US500millionoratleastUS30 million in funding raised.
- At least 5 cumulative years of experience in a leading role in the development of a tech product that has at least 100,000 monthly active users or at least US$100 million in annual revenue.
ONE Pass: Applicants must meet one of two main routes:
- Salary Criterion: Earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 (or equivalent) in the past year, OR will earn at least S$30,000 under a prospective Singapore employer. If applying based on past overseas salary, it must be from a single employer and the company must be "established"(e.g.,US500M market cap or US$200M annual revenue).
- Outstanding Achievements Criterion: Have exceptional achievements in fields such as arts and culture, sports, science and technology, or academia and research (without a specific salary threshold). These are holistically reviewed.

Key Differences in Eligibility (Summary):

Salary Threshold: Tech.Pass (S$22,500) is lower than ONE Pass (S$30,000).
Sector Specificity: Tech.Pass is strictly for tech. ONE Pass is multidisciplinary.
Experience Focus: Tech.Pass emphasizes leadership roles in tech companies or product development. ONE Pass focuses more on overall high-income or exceptional achievements across various fields.

4. Validity and Renewal:

Tech.Pass:
- Initial Validity: 2 years.
- Renewal: One-time renewal for another 2 years. After that, holders might need to transition to other passes like an EP or PEP.
- Renewal Criteria: Must have earned at least S$240,000 in assessable income (salary/ business income) based on the latest IRAS Notice of Assessment, OR demonstrate total annual business spending of at least S$100,000 and employ at least 1 local PME or 3 local S Pass/Work Permit holders.
ONE Pass:
- Initial Validity: 5 years.
- Renewal: Renewable for another 5 years each time, offering much longer-term stability.
- Renewal Criteria: Must maintain an average fixed monthly salary of at least S30,000 over the past 5 years in Singapore, OR have started and be operating a Singapore−based company that employs at least 5 locals, each earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$5,000.

Key Differences in Validity (Summary):

Duration: ONE Pass (5 years, repeatedly renewable) offers significantly longer validity and greater long-term certainty compared to Tech.Pass (2 years, one-time renewal for 2 years).

5. Flexibility and Benefits (Similarities):

Both passes offer a high degree of flexibility that surpasses the standard Employment Pass:

No Employer Sponsorship Required: Both allow individuals to apply without first securing a job offer in Singapore (for overseas applicants).
Work Flexibility: Both allow holders to:
- Work for multiple companies concurrently.
- Start and operate their own businesses in Singapore.
- Be an investor, consultant, or director in Singapore-based companies.
- Conduct training or lecture at local institutions.
Family Privileges: Both allow holders to bring their spouses, children, and parents to Singapore on Dependant's Passes (DPs) or Long-Term Visit Passes (LTVPs). Importantly, for both passes, spouses on DPs are eligible to work in Singapore with a Letter of Consent (LOC).
Exemption from FCF and COMPASS: Both are exempt from the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) job advertising requirements and the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) points-based system.

When to Choose Which:

Choose Tech.Pass if:
- You are specifically a high-achieving leader or expert in the technology sector.
- Your salary might be below S$30,000 but meets the S$22,500 threshold, and you fulfill the other tech-specific experience criteria.
- You are looking for a highly focused tech-centric visa.
Choose ONE Pass if:
- You meet the higher salary threshold of S$30,000, regardless of sector.
- You have outstanding achievements in any of the broader specified fields (business, arts, sports, science, academia) and may not meet the salary criterion.
- You desire the longest possible work pass validity and renewal potential in Singapore.

In essence, the Tech.Pass is a niche visa for top tech talent, while the ONE Pass is a broader, higher-tier visa for top talent across diverse sectors, offering superior long-term stability.

Application Process

The application can be submitted by the candidate directly, the organization's HR, or an employment agency.

Step 1: Application Submission: Complete the online application form and pay the non-refundable fee (S$105 as of current information).
Step 2: In-Principle Approval (IPA) Letter: If successful, applicants receive an IPA letter, which acts as a pre-approved single-entry work visa allowing entry into Singapore. It is valid for six months.
Step 3: Enter Singapore: The applicant must enter Singapore within the IPA's validity period.
Step 4: ONE Pass Issuance: Schedule an appointment at the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC) to get the ONE Pass issued. This involves submitting original documents, biometric registration (fingerprints and photo), and paying the issuance fee (S225perpass,plusS30 for a Multiple Journey Visa if applicable).
Step 5: Notification Letter & Card Collection: After issuance, a notification letter is received, allowing the individual to start working. The physical ONE Pass card can then be collected.

Processing time for most applications is 4 weeks.

Renewal Criteria

To be eligible for renewal (for another 5 years), the pass 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 locals, each earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$5,000 (pegged to the EP minimum qualifying salary).

The ONE Pass is a strategic initiative by Singapore to attract and retain high-caliber global talent, aiming to strengthen its position as a global hub for innovation and excellence.

Service Fees

While the official fees for the ONE Pass are fixed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), many individuals and companies opt to use immigration or corporate services agencies to handle the application process due to its complexity and the documentation required.

Bestar charges a fee for our expertise and assistance.

Scope of Services: Bestar provides comprehensive support including:

Initial eligibility assessment and consultation.
Document preparation and review.
Drafting of supporting letters or explanations.
Liaising directly with MOM on your behalf.
Assistance with dependent passes for family members.
Post-approval services like coordinating biometric registration appointments.
Advisory on setting up a company in Singapore if that's your intention.

Bestar Service Fees for ONE Pass Applications:

You can expect Bestar service fees for a ONE Pass application to fall within the range of S$1,000 to S$3,000 or more.

Breakdown of Total Cost (Bestar fees + MOM fees):

Let's take an example:

MOM Application Fee: S$105
MOM Issuance Fee: S$225
MOM Multiple Journey Visa Fee (if applicable): S$30
Bestar Service Fee: S$1,800

Estimated Total Cost: S105+S225 + S30+S1,800 = S$2,160

While engaging Bestar adds to the cost, for many high-net-worth individuals or those with complex backgrounds, the peace of mind, time-saving, and increased likelihood of a successful application make it a worthwhile investment.

How Bestar can Help

Bestar plays a crucial role in assisting individuals and companies with the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) application process in Singapore. While you can apply directly, engaging Bestar offers several significant benefits, especially given the ONE Pass's specific requirements and the high-caliber individuals it targets.

Here's how these agencies can help:

1. Expert Eligibility Assessment and Strategic Advice:

Detailed Pre-Assessment: We conduct a thorough review of your qualifications, employment history, salary, and achievements against the stringent ONE Pass criteria. This helps determine if you meet the salary threshold or have genuinely "outstanding achievements" in your field.
Route Determination: We advise on the most suitable application route (salary-based vs. outstanding achievements) and help you gather the specific evidence needed for that route.
Gap Identification: If there are any potential weaknesses or gaps in your profile, we can identify them and suggest ways to strengthen your application.
Strategic Positioning: For "outstanding achievements" applications, we help you frame your accomplishments in a way that aligns with MOM's expectations, highlighting your unique contributions and international recognition.

2. Comprehensive Document Preparation and Review:

Checklist Provision: We provide a precise checklist of all required documents, often including less obvious supporting materials.
Document Sourcing Assistance: We can guide you on how to obtain necessary documents, such as official payslips, tax statements, employment verification letters, company financial statements, or endorsement letters for outstanding achievements.
Review and Vetting: Bestar meticulously reviews all documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with MOM's requirements. This is critical to avoid delays or rejection due to missing or incorrect information.
Drafting Support: We assist in drafting compelling cover letters, personal statements, or detailed curricula vitae (CVs) that effectively showcase your expertise and value proposition to Singapore.

3. Application Submission and Liaison with MOM:

Online Application Management: We handle the entire online submission process, ensuring all fields are correctly filled out and documents are uploaded in the required formats.
Proactive Follow-ups: Bestar regularly monitors the application status and proactively follows up with MOM, reducing the burden on the applicant.
Responding to MOM Queries: It's common for MOM to request additional information or clarification during the processing time. Bestar is skilled at understanding these queries and providing timely, appropriate responses, often knowing exactly what information MOM is looking for.
Appeal Assistance: In the rare event of a rejection, we can help you understand the reasons for the outcome and strategically prepare and submit an appeal, addressing the deficiencies identified by MOM.

4. Streamlined Process for Companies:

Corporate ONE Pass Strategy: For companies looking to bring in multiple high-calibre talents, Bestar can help develop a strategic approach to leverage the ONE Pass effectively.
Integration with HR: We can work seamlessly with a company's HR department to manage the application process for multiple employees, ensuring consistency and efficiency.
Compliance Assurance: We ensure that the company's submissions are fully compliant with all Singaporean immigration laws and regulations, minimizing risks.

5. Post-Approval Support:

IPA Letter Guidance: We explain the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter and guide you on the next steps, including entering Singapore and scheduling appointments.
Pass Issuance Coordination: We can help arrange the appointment at the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC) for biometric registration and pass issuance.
Dependent Pass Applications: If you plan to bring family members, we can assist with the dependent pass (DP) and Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) applications.
Annual Notification: We can remind and assist ONE Pass holders with the mandatory annual notification to MOM regarding their professional activities and income.

Why Use Bestar for ONE Pass (despite the cost):

Increased Success Rate: Our expertise significantly increases the likelihood of a successful application, especially for complex cases or the "outstanding achievements" route.
Time Savings: We handle all the administrative burden, freeing up your valuable time.
Reduced Stress: Navigating immigration processes can be stressful. Bestar provides peace of mind by managing the complexities.
Accuracy and Compliance: We ensure that your application is accurate and fully compliant with all regulations, preventing unnecessary delays or rejections.
Up-to-Date Knowledge: Immigration policies can change. Bestar stays updated on the latest requirements and guidelines.