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Tech.Pass is a work pass for senior tech founders and leaders, run by the Economic Development Board (EDB). It is being replaced. MOM says the new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track takes over, and EDB stops accepting new and renewal Tech.Pass applications from . Checked .
Is Tech.Pass closing?
Yes. In its March announcement MOM said a new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track would start in January and replace Tech.Pass. EDB stops taking new and renewal applications on , so the last day to apply is . MOM lists the new track as open from the same date.
| Date | What changes |
|---|---|
| Until | EDB still takes Tech.Pass applications |
| From | EDB stops new and renewal Tech.Pass applications; ONE Pass AI and Tech applications open |
| Until your pass expires | Existing Tech.Pass holders can remain on their pass |
If you hold a Tech.Pass, you do not need to act today. If you were planning to renew, plan for the new track or another work pass instead.
What was Tech.Pass?
It was an EDB pass for senior tech founders and leaders. The EDB page could not be read when we checked, so we do not repeat its full list of tests or its validity. The salary level of S$22,500 fixed monthly pay carries over to the new track, as shown below. Check the EDB Tech.Pass page for the old rules before the cut-off.
What replaces it?
The ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track, part of the Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass. MOM's eligibility page says:
- Total earnings of at least S$30,000 a month over 12 months.
- At least S$22,500 a month must be fixed pay. The rest can be vested stock options or share plans.
- 5 cumulative years in founder, C-suite or technical roles within the past 10 years.
- The current or last employer must meet a size test: valuation of at least US$500 million, revenue of at least US$200 million, assets under management of at least US$500 million, or for startups only, at least US$30 million raised.
Compare that with the standard ONE Pass route on MOM's page: S$30,000 fixed monthly pay for 12 months and a company with market cap of at least US$500 million or revenue of at least US$200 million. The AI and Tech track lets share-based pay count, which suits founders who pay themselves little cash.
What do you get with ONE Pass?
According to MOM's key facts page, the pass is valid for up to 5 years for both first applications and renewals. Holders can start, operate and work for several companies at once, subject to their contracts. Dependants can get passes, and spouses may work with a Letter of Consent. The pages we read did not give an application fee or processing time, so check MOM before you apply.
How is this different from Tech@SG?
People mix them up. Tech@SG is a company programme from Enterprise Singapore that supports Employment Pass applications. Tech.Pass was a personal pass from EDB. A holder of one is not automatically eligible for the other.
What should a Tech.Pass holder or applicant do now?
- Applying before the cut-off: the window is short and EDB's own page sets the process. Read the current EDB Tech.Pass pages and the application form first.
- Already holding a pass: note the expiry date. You stay on the pass until then, and nothing in MOM's announcement cancels it early.
- Planning to renew: renewal ends on the same date as new applications. Decide whether you want the new track, and gather proof of fixed monthly pay and your past roles.
- Paid mostly in equity: the new track allows vested stock options and share plans to count toward the S$30,000 total, as long as at least S$22,500 is fixed. That is a change worth checking against your payslips.
What if you do not qualify?
Many tech founders will not meet the pay or company thresholds. Other routes exist:
- The Employment Pass works if a Singapore company employs you at the minimum salary. See also COMPASS.
- The EntrePass is for founders who meet MOM's tests.
- An EP holder can sometimes run a business on the side. See can an Employment Pass holder start a business.
For the standard track, read the ONE Pass page.
What can the company side look like?
A pass holder who starts a company still needs a normal Singapore company with ACRA, a registered address, a local director and the usual filings. The pass does not replace any of that. If you plan to hold shares as a foreign founder, see register a company as a foreigner and resident director. For tax planning on early profits, the startup tax exemption page explains what IRAS offers.
How do you check the latest position?
Dates and criteria can change before the cut-off. Read the MOM press release and ONE Pass eligibility page linked below, and the EDB Tech.Pass page for the old scheme. We checked MOM on . If an official page says something different from this page, trust the official page.
Independent guide
This page comes from SingaporeCompanySetupGuide.com, an independent guide. We are not MOM, EDB or Enterprise Singapore, and we do not file pass applications. When you want a Singapore company set up for your pass, the quote form on the next page passes your request to suitable providers.
Sources
- MOM, Partnering businesses and workers to thrive in a changed world (Tech.Pass replacement)
- MOM, Eligibility for Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass, https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/overseas-networks-expertise-pass/eligibility (AI and Tech track criteria)
- MOM, Key facts on Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass, https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/overseas-networks-expertise-pass/key-facts (validity, dependants, multiple companies)
