IMMIGRATION / TECH.PASS
Tech.Pass Application in Singapore
The Tech.Pass is Singapore’s specialised visa for established tech entrepreneurs, leaders, and technical experts who want to plug into Singapore’s tech ecosystem. Operate a business, consult, mentor startups, and hold multiple roles — all on one pass.
The Tech.Pass will be replaced by the ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track from January 2027. Current applications and renewals remain available.
Application
From $2,500
The Tech.Pass will be replaced by the ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track from January 2027. Current applications and renewals remain available.
Administered by EDB (Economic Development Board)
2-year validity, renewable for 2 years
Multiple concurrent roles permitted
No employer sponsorship required
Family sponsorship included
What’s included in our Tech.Pass service
PRE-APPLICATION
APPLICATION
POST-APPROVAL
Government fees apply and are payable directly to EDB/MOM.
How it works
Pricing
SELECT SERVICES
Tech.Pass
Application
From $2,500
Tech.Pass
Renewal
From $2,000
Tech.Pass Eligibility Assessment
(standalone)
$500
ONE Pass (AI and Tech)
Transition Advisory
From $800
Tech.Pass eligibility requirements
Qualifying Criteria (Meet At Least 2 Of 3)
Criterion 1: Earned a fixed monthly salary of at least $20,000 in the past 1 year, while working at a tech company with a valuation or market cap of at least USD $500 million, or with at least USD $30 million in funding raised.
Criterion 2: At least 5 years of cumulative experience in a leading role in the development of a tech product with at least 100,000 monthly active users, or generating at least USD $100 million in annual revenue, or with a valuation of at least USD $500 million.
Criterion 3: At least 5 years of cumulative experience in a leading role at a tech company with a valuation or market cap of at least USD $500 million, or with at least USD $30 million in funding raised.
Criterion 2: At least 5 years of cumulative experience in a leading role in the development of a tech product with at least 100,000 monthly active users, or generating at least USD $100 million in annual revenue, or with a valuation of at least USD $500 million.
Criterion 3: At least 5 years of cumulative experience in a leading role at a tech company with a valuation or market cap of at least USD $500 million, or with at least USD $30 million in funding raised.
Administered By EDB
Unlike most work passes, the Tech.Pass is administered by the Economic Development Board (EDB), not MOM. The assessment focuses on tech track record rather than salary or COMPASS scores.
No Employer Sponsorship
You apply as an individual. No employer or company in Singapore needs to sponsor you.
Flexibility
Tech.Pass holders can simultaneously:
— Start and operate companies
— Be an employee, consultant, or director at multiple Singapore-based companies
— Mentor startups
— Lecture at local universities and institutions
— Invest in Singapore businesses
— Start and operate companies
— Be an employee, consultant, or director at multiple Singapore-based companies
— Mentor startups
— Lecture at local universities and institutions
— Invest in Singapore businesses
Validity
2 years initially, renewable for another 2 years upon meeting renewal criteria (demonstrating contributions to Singapore’s tech ecosystem).
Family
Tech.Pass holders can sponsor DP for spouse and children, and LTVP for parents — from day one (unlike EntrePass, which requires milestone achievement first).
What tech leaders need to know
Tech.Pass is being replaced — what does this mean for you?
In March 2026, MOM announced that a new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track will replace the Tech.Pass from January 2027.
What we know so far:
— The new track will sit under the ONE Pass framework, administered by MOM
— Validity increases from 2 years to 5 years, with 5-year renewals
— Enhanced criteria focused on AI, quantum computing, advanced robotics, biotech, and deep-tech
— Vested equity and stock options may count toward the salary threshold
— Minimum 5 years of experience in founder, C-suite, or technical roles
What this means for current Tech.Pass holders:
— Your existing pass remains valid until expiry
— MOM is expected to offer a streamlined conversion path to the new ONE Pass (AI and Tech)
— Full application guidelines are expected Q4 2026
What this means for new applicants:
— If you apply now, you’ll receive a Tech.Pass valid for 2 years
— You’ll likely need to transition to the ONE Pass (AI and Tech) at renewal
— If you can wait until January 2027, applying directly for the ONE Pass (AI and Tech) may give you a 5-year pass from the start
We advise on the best timing strategy based on your specific situation.
What we know so far:
— The new track will sit under the ONE Pass framework, administered by MOM
— Validity increases from 2 years to 5 years, with 5-year renewals
— Enhanced criteria focused on AI, quantum computing, advanced robotics, biotech, and deep-tech
— Vested equity and stock options may count toward the salary threshold
— Minimum 5 years of experience in founder, C-suite, or technical roles
What this means for current Tech.Pass holders:
— Your existing pass remains valid until expiry
— MOM is expected to offer a streamlined conversion path to the new ONE Pass (AI and Tech)
— Full application guidelines are expected Q4 2026
What this means for new applicants:
— If you apply now, you’ll receive a Tech.Pass valid for 2 years
— You’ll likely need to transition to the ONE Pass (AI and Tech) at renewal
— If you can wait until January 2027, applying directly for the ONE Pass (AI and Tech) may give you a 5-year pass from the start
We advise on the best timing strategy based on your specific situation.
Tech.Pass vs EntrePass — which one for tech founders?
Both passes allow you to start a business in Singapore, but they’re designed for different profiles:
Tech.Pass:
— For established tech leaders with a strong track record at major tech companies
— Must meet 2 of 3 criteria involving salary, product leadership, or company experience
— Can do multiple activities simultaneously (start companies, consult, mentor, invest)
— Family sponsorship from day one
EntrePass:
— For entrepreneurs starting innovative businesses in Singapore
— Assessed on business plan and innovation criteria, not personal tech track record
— Tied to a single business
— Family sponsorship only after meeting renewal milestones (Year 1)
If you’re a tech leader who wants to explore multiple opportunities in Singapore’s ecosystem, Tech.Pass gives you more flexibility. If you’re focused on building one specific venture, EntrePass may be more appropriate.
Tech.Pass:
— For established tech leaders with a strong track record at major tech companies
— Must meet 2 of 3 criteria involving salary, product leadership, or company experience
— Can do multiple activities simultaneously (start companies, consult, mentor, invest)
— Family sponsorship from day one
EntrePass:
— For entrepreneurs starting innovative businesses in Singapore
— Assessed on business plan and innovation criteria, not personal tech track record
— Tied to a single business
— Family sponsorship only after meeting renewal milestones (Year 1)
If you’re a tech leader who wants to explore multiple opportunities in Singapore’s ecosystem, Tech.Pass gives you more flexibility. If you’re focused on building one specific venture, EntrePass may be more appropriate.
Renewal criteria — what contributions does EDB expect?
To renew your Tech.Pass for a second 2-year term, you need to demonstrate meaningful contributions to Singapore’s tech ecosystem. While EDB doesn’t publish a rigid checklist, typical evidence includes:
— Jobs created (especially local tech talent hired)
— Investment in Singapore-based companies or startups
— Revenue generated through Singapore-based activities
— Mentorship and knowledge transfer (startup mentoring, university lectures)
— Partnerships with local tech companies or research institutions
— Intellectual property developed in Singapore
We help Tech.Pass holders track and document their contributions throughout the initial 2-year term to ensure a strong renewal case.
— Jobs created (especially local tech talent hired)
— Investment in Singapore-based companies or startups
— Revenue generated through Singapore-based activities
— Mentorship and knowledge transfer (startup mentoring, university lectures)
— Partnerships with local tech companies or research institutions
— Intellectual property developed in Singapore
We help Tech.Pass holders track and document their contributions throughout the initial 2-year term to ensure a strong renewal case.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a job offer to apply?
No. The Tech.Pass is an individual pass — no employer sponsorship is needed. You can apply based solely on your tech track record.
Can I convert from an EP to a Tech.Pass?
Yes. Existing EP, PEP, or EntrePass holders who meet the Tech.Pass criteria can apply. Consider whether the additional flexibilities are needed before converting.
How is the Tech.Pass different from the ONE Pass?
The Tech.Pass (2-year, EDB-administered, tech-specific) is narrower than the ONE Pass (5-year, MOM-administered, broader eligibility). From January 2027, the new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track will replace the Tech.Pass entirely.
Can I apply for PR on a Tech.Pass?
Yes. Tech.Pass holders are eligible for Permanent Residency under the PTS scheme.
What happens if I don’t meet renewal criteria?
If EDB determines your contributions are insufficient, your renewal may be declined. You’d need to explore alternative passes (EP, ONE Pass, EntrePass) to continue in Singapore.
Should I apply now or wait for the ONE Pass (AI and Tech) in 2027?
It depends on your timeline. If you need to be in Singapore in 2026, apply for Tech.Pass now — you can transition later. If you can wait until January 2027, the ONE Pass (AI and Tech) offers a 5-year term from the start. We help you make this decision based on your specific circumstances.
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