What is the Singapore Tech Pass?
The Tech Pass, administered by the Economic Development Board (EDB), is Singapore's pass for established technology leaders — accomplished founders, senior executives and technical experts. It is self-sponsored and unusually flexible: holders can simultaneously start and operate businesses, be employed, invest in and sit on the boards of Singapore companies, mentor and lecture.
It targets a narrower, more senior tech profile than the Employment Pass, and qualification is through one of three routes — based on salary, company leadership, or product track record.
Policy alert: From 28 January 2027, Singapore will replace the Tech Pass with a new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track offering more attractive terms. This page describes the Tech Pass as it stands in 2026; the successor criteria are in the FAQ. If you are planning a move, weigh applying now versus under the 2027 track.
Note: Information on this page is for guidance only and does not constitute immigration advice. Requirements change — verify current figures at the official government source before applying.
Do you qualify?
You qualify through any one of three routes — only one is required. The Tech.Pass targets established, senior tech talent.
A last-drawn fixed monthly salary of at least SGD $22,500 within the past year, in a tech role.
Having led, as a core member, a tech company with a valuation or market capitalisation of at least USD 500 million, or that has raised at least USD 30 million in funding.
Having led, as a core member, the development of a tech product with at least 100,000 monthly active users or at least USD 100 million in revenue.
The 2026 qualifying routes
Only the salary route sets a wage figure; the other two are based on company or product track record. You need to satisfy only one route. Figures for 2026.
Successor note: from 28 January 2027 the ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track replaces the Tech.Pass, requiring SGD $30,000/month — or a base of SGD $22,500 plus vested equity (ESOP/ESOW) totalling SGD $30,000 — and a qualifying employer, with a 5-year validity. Tax note: Singapore's low personal tax (2–24%) and absence of capital gains tax suit founders and senior leaders; Tech.Pass holders are not subject to CPF.
What you need to apply
You apply to the EDB (self-sponsored). The evidence depends on which of the three routes you use.
If you do not have any of the documents below, read the FAQs section for further guidance.
Application timeline
From applying to a decision typically takes around 8 weeks. Assembling route-specific evidence is the main preparation task.
Most common delay: insufficient evidence of seniority. The Tech Pass is for established leaders; applications that do not clearly evidence the salary, company scale or product metrics for the chosen route are refused.
Gather documentation for your chosen route — salary records, company valuation/funding proof, or product metrics.
Handled by: you
Submit the application to the Economic Development Board with supporting evidence and the application fee.
Handled by: you
The EDB assesses your seniority, track record and evidence against the chosen route.
Handled by: the EDB
Complete pass issuance in Singapore and begin operating — you can be employed, start companies, invest and mentor.
Handled by: you
Frequently asked questions
It is being replaced. MOM's Committee of Supply 2026 announced a new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track launching on 28 January 2027 that will replace the Tech Pass with more attractive terms. Under the successor, applicants must be employed by a qualifying tech company, division or investment firm (meeting a scale test such as USD 500M valuation, USD 200M revenue, USD 500M AUM, or USD 30M funding) with a salary of SGD $30,000/month — which may combine a base of SGD $22,500 with vested share options (ESOP/ESOW). It carries a 5-year validity. If you are planning ahead, weigh applying now versus applying under the 2027 track.
A lot more. The Tech Pass lets you simultaneously be employed, start and run multiple companies, invest in and sit on the boards of Singapore firms, mentor at accelerators and lecture at universities. The Employment Pass ties you to one employer and one role. The Tech Pass is built for portfolio-style tech leaders.
Yes. Dependants can join, and your spouse can work in Singapore via a Letter of Consent, similar to the ONE Pass. Dependent children can join on Dependant's Passes.
Both are self-sponsored, flexible, top-tier passes. The ONE Pass is broader (any sector) at SGD $30,000/month or, for outstanding achievements, valid for 5 years. The Tech Pass is tech-specific, has a lower salary route (SGD $22,500) plus company/product routes, and is valid for 2 years (renewable for 2). With the 2027 merger into a ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track, the two are converging — for senior tech leaders who meet SGD $30,000, the ONE Pass may already be the stronger long-term choice.
The Tech Pass is self-sponsored and needs no job offer — the company-leadership and product routes require no Singapore employment at all. If you are also exploring Singapore roles, every job listed on Workbeyond is from employers who sponsor international talent to work in Singapore. Use the filters to narrow by profession, city and seniority level to find roles that match your criteria.
Find sponsored jobs in Singapore
The Tech Pass is self-sponsored, but if you are also exploring employed roles, every job listed on Workbeyond is from an employer that sponsors international workers in Singapore. Use the filters to narrow by profession, city and seniority level.
Planning a move? See the Singapore destination guide.
Other visas you may qualify for
Singapore's work pass for foreign professionals. Every application must clear two stages — an age-progressive salary from SGD $5,600/month, plus the COMPASS points test (40 minimum).
Singapore's most exclusive work pass — a personalised, 5-year visa for top global talent that is not tied to any employer. Work for multiple companies at once and run businesses. Qualify with a SGD $30,000/month fixed salary or an outstanding track record.