ONE Pass, a new work visa in Singapore to attract top talent

• The Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass (ONE Pass Singapore) is a new work visa launched by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore. Applications for this visa will be accepted starting from 1 January 2023.
• The ONE Pass is intended for individuals who excel in various fields including business, arts and culture, sports, science and technology, and academia and research.
• There has been a shortage of talent in Singapore. This is expected to help the attract top foreign talent and increase the talent pool. This will eleviate the tech talent crunch in Singapore – although it will benefit not only the tech sector but also other up-and-coming sectors.
• The ONE Pass visa is a personalized work pass that is tied to the individual, and holders will not need to reapply for a new pass if they change jobs, which sets it apart from the regular Employment Pass.
• The period of validity of ONE Pass is 5 years and it can be renewed for an extended periods by meeting the renewal criteria.
• Companies registered with ONE Pass are eligible to operate in Singapore.
• The new Singapore work visa permits high-income talents and established corporate executives / experience professional to reside in Singapore without requiring local employment.
• Family members of Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass holders are eligible to join them in Singapore, while successful candidates’ spouses can obtain a Letter of Consent to work in the country.
• One has to meet strict eligibility criteria in order to qualify for the Singapore ONE Pass.
• There are two application routes available for the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass.

How can businesses determine eligibility for an Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass?

There are two distinct application routes available for the Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass and each qualification has specific requirements.

• The route for ONE Pass is determined by a salary criterion.
• The ONE Pass route is determined based on exceptional accomplishments.

In either case candidates must have expertise in one or more of the specified fields.

• Arts and culture,
• Sports,
• Science and technology,
• Academia and research.

Route based on salary

In order to be eligible for the ONE Pass route based on salary, the applicant must fulfill both criteria.

Minimum Income

• To qualify, individuals must have earned a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$30,000 in the past year or will earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 from a Singapore-based employer in the future. For employees being paid in a foreign currency, you can convert to singapore dollars. 
• Note: A minimum salary of $30,000 per monthshould be provided by a single employer.A dditional income sources may be evaluated individually. There is no additional criteria for annual salary. Be careful not to make false salary declarations as such actions will be penalised by the authorities.

Established Company

• To be eligible, individuals must provide proof of having worked for a recognized overseas company for a minimum of one year or having secured employment with a recognized company based in Singapore. Existing work pass holders in Singapore must demonstrate at least one year of prior work experience with any Singapore-based company or proof of future employment with a recognized company in Singapore.
• In order for a company to be classified as established, it must have a market capitalization of no less than US$500 million or generate annual revenue of at least US$200 million.

Route based on outstanding achievements

Another option for applying is based on the applicant’s exceptional accomplishments in their field of expertise. This allows candidates to apply, even if they don’t meet the previously mentioned salary requirement.

Applicants must submit:

• An extensive resume including academic qualifications, professional experiences, and accomplishments.
• A letter of endorsement from a local host research institution, such as Autonomous Universities or A*STAR, is required for consideration under the outstanding achievement track for academia and research.

What is the definition of an “outstanding achievement”?

The determination of outstanding achievement in Singapore is not clearly defined and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the MOM. Examples may include the following.

• Individuals in the arts and culture field who have been awarded esteemed regional or international accolades for their outstanding artistic achievements. The individual’s achievements in arts will be evaluated.
• When considering candidates in sports, it is important to evaluate their talent and track record of achievements, including individual and team prizes in competitions.
• Individuals pursuing careers in research and academia, science and technology, are expected to provide evidence of significant research outcomes. This includes recognition of their leadership in international scientific and academic circles.

In general this is intended for Exceptional Talent, hence ONE Pass is also sometimes referred to as the Talent Visa. 

Required Documents for the ONE Pass Visa

Salary Route – with Singapore employer previously

• The passport biodata page.
• Please provide your payslips for the past 12 months in a consecutive manner.
• The requested documents are the most recent tax statements from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).
• Please provide documentation for any additional sources of income, if applicable.

Salary Route – with Overseas employer previously

• The background screening company provides proof of employment verification.
• Please provide documentation for alternative sources of income, if applicable.
• The passport biodata page.
• Please provide your payslips for the past 12 months in a consecutive manner.
• Documentation indicating the current company valuation, market capitalisation, or annual revenue of your current or most recent employer. It should be from reliable sources and be within 3 months. Audited Profit & Loss statements are also acceptable

Salary Route – Prospective Employer

• Either an employment contract with a Singapore-based organization or a letter of offer from a potential employer in Singapore.
• Documentation indicating the current company valuation, market capitalisation, or annual revenue of your current or most recent employer. It should be from reliable sources and be within 3 months. Audited Profit & Loss statements are also acceptable

Outstanding Achievements Route

• The payslips from the most recent month.
• Please provide any necessary documentation for additional sources of income aside from a regular monthly salary (if applicable).
• CV with key achievements;
• Applicants applying under the academia and research track are required to include a CV that lists significant publications, patents, or technology disclosures from the past 5 years. Additionally, they must provide a recommendation or endorsement letter or document from a local host institution for a potential position.

Application Process for the ONE Pass Visa

After submitting the application, the processing time is generally 4 weeks.

To obtain the ONE pass, the applicant must schedule an appointment at the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC) within six months of on-principle approval. During the appointment, the following supporting documents must be presented.

• In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter;
• Candidate’s original passport;
• The candidate’s contact information includes an email address and a local mobile number.
• The candidate’s address of residence is located in Singapore.
• Information regarding the candidate’s current immigration or Short-Term Visit Pass is required.
• The Medical Declaration Form must be completed, if necessary.
• To receive the ONE Pass card, please provide a local address and contact information for at least one authorized recipient who can receive SMS or email alerts, if necessary.
• A payment of S$225 is necessary for the issuance of a visa, and an additional $30 may be required for a Multiple Journey Visa.

After submitting documents, the candidate will receive a notification letter.

New candidates and those who registered more than five years ago are required to have their fingerprints registered and photos taken within two weeks of receiving the ONE Pass. An appointment must be scheduled with the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC) and the necessary documents must be prepared for the appointment.

• Original passport;
• Appointment letter;
• Notification letter.

To obtain a Multiple Journey Visa, an additional fee of S$30 is required.

Individuals establishing their own company

ONE Pass holders in Singapore are allowed to establish their own company, and the incorporation process is identical to that of locals.

The Ministry of Manpower has not provided any specific guidelines or requirements for ONE Pass holders opening and operating a company in Singapore. However, MOM has noted that certain company-related factors will be considered when renewing the ONE Pass of company owners. These factors include the employment of a minimum of five locals earning a monthly salary of S$5,000 or the EP minimum qualifying salary.

Bring in family members

Family members of ONE Pass holders are eligible to visit Singapore on Dependant’s Passes or Long-Term Visit Passes. The appropriate visa will depend on the family relationship to the ONE Pass holder.

Renewal Criteria for the ONE Pass

The criteria for renewing the ONE Pass visa differ depending on the chosen route. For the salary-based route, the pass holder must meet one of the following conditions.

• To qualify, one must have received a consistent monthly salary of at least S$30,000 over the last five years in Singapore.
• The company is based and functioning in Singapore, with a workforce of at least five locals who earn a minimum monthly salary of S$5,000 or the equivalent of the EP minimum qualifying salary at that particular time.

Further information regarding renewals for the achievement-based route will be provided in the lead-up to January 1, 2023.

The Ministry of Manpower will gather the required data for yearly renewal assessments. ONE pass holders will be required to provide:

• Information regarding their professional activities during the previous year.
• This is the total annual income they received from professional activities in the previous year.

If an individual is deemed by the Ministry of Manpower to not contribute to the economy significantly, their ONE Pass may be revoked, resulting in their inability to reside in Singapore. This can have an impact on their stability, particularly if they have dependents.

Further information regarding the renewal procedure for ONE Pass will be provided at a later time.

Changing an Employment Pass into a ONE Pass

EP holders in Singapore have the option to switch to the ONE Pass if they meet one of the qualifying criteria.

• The required salary criterion is a fixed monthly salary of at least $30,000, either earned in the past year or to be earned under the future employer in Singapore.
• The candidate’s achievements in the business, arts and culture, sports, science and technology, or academia and research sectors must be outstanding to meet the criteria.

The Singapore ONE Pass vs other work passes

There are many other Work Passes available in Singapore. The differences between them and this new visa generally range from

• Duration of Visa
• The Target Set of Candidates or Applicants
• Criteria for Minimum Salary
• Renewability
• What the Individual can do while on the visa

Summary of the Advantages of Singapore ONE Pass

ONE Pass holders are able to incorporate a company in Singapore subject to certain conditions. The Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass offers employment flexibility by enabling qualified candidates to work for multiple Singaporean companies simultaneously. Further, they may bring select family members with them to Singapore. Spouses of ONE Pass holders are eligible to obtain a Letter of Consent for employment.

COMPASS, an eligibility assessment system for employers to choose foreign professionals, based on a point system, is not required for Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass holders.

Job Advertising Requirements & Job Advertising Duration: Employers are not required to post job advertisements when hiring ONE Pass holders. So there is no requirement regarding any job advertising duration nor the Fair Consideration Framework which requires job advertisements to meet certain criteria.

Next Steps

If you need assistance with obtaining a Singapore work visa, please feel free to contact our experienced team. We can guide and advise you throughout the process, including preparing necessary documents and assessments, as well as assisting with applications and appeals if needed.