ONE Pass (Singapore)
The Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass, a five-year personalized work pass issued by Singapore's Ministry of Manpower to top-tier talent earning at least S$30,000 per month, allowing them to work for multiple employers simultaneously without a separate pass for each role.
- What Is the ONE Pass (Singapore)?
- ONE Pass Eligibility Criteria
- Benefits of the ONE Pass vs Standard Employment Pass
- How to Apply for a ONE Pass
- HR Implications of Hiring ONE Pass Holders
- Family and Dependant Benefits Under ONE Pass
- ONE Pass Adoption and Impact Data
- ONE Pass vs Global Equivalents
- Frequently Asked Questions About ONE Pass (Singapore)
What Is the ONE Pass (Singapore)?
Key Takeaways
- ✓ONE Pass stands for Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass, launched in January 2023 to attract the world's highest-earning professionals to Singapore.
- ✓It requires a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$30,000 (or equivalent) or outstanding achievements in arts, sports, science, technology, or academia.
- ✓Unlike a standard EP, ONE Pass holders can work for multiple employers, start businesses, and take on board or advisory roles simultaneously.
- ✓The pass is valid for 5 years, significantly longer than the standard EP's 2-year maximum for first-time applicants.
- ✓Spouses of ONE Pass holders receive a Letter of Consent (LOC) to work in Singapore without needing a separate work pass application.
Singapore created the ONE Pass to compete directly with other global talent hubs like Dubai, London, and the US for top-tier professionals. The premise is straightforward: if you're earning at the top end of the salary spectrum or you've achieved something exceptional in your field, Singapore will give you maximum flexibility to live, work, and build here. The ONE Pass breaks several conventions of Singapore's immigration system. Traditional work passes are tied to a single employer. ONE Pass holders aren't tied to anyone. They can hold multiple jobs, sit on boards, consult for startups, and run their own companies. All at the same time, all on one pass. For HR teams, the ONE Pass creates an unusual situation. You might be hiring someone who doesn't need you to sponsor their work pass. They already have one. This changes the onboarding dynamic and eliminates the immigration dependency that typically gives employers some retention advantage.
ONE Pass Eligibility Criteria
There are two qualification pathways. Meeting either one satisfies MOM's requirements.
What counts as outstanding achievements
MOM doesn't publish a strict checklist. Past approvals suggest they look for global recognition: Nobel Prizes, Olympic medals, Fields Medals, major international awards, significant patent portfolios, leadership at well-known global organizations, or a track record of building companies valued at S$500 million or more. Academic candidates typically need full professorships at leading research universities or groundbreaking published work. MOM evaluates each application individually, and having a strong nomination from a Singapore-based company or institution helps.
| Pathway | Criteria | Evidence Required |
|---|---|---|
| Salary pathway | Fixed monthly salary of S$30,000 or more (earned or to be earned in Singapore) | Employment contract, payslips, or offer letter showing guaranteed fixed salary |
| Outstanding achievements | Exceptional track record in arts, sports, science, technology, or academia | Awards, publications, patents, significant leadership roles, media recognition |
| Salary (overseas candidates) | Equivalent of S$30,000/month in the past year from an overseas employer | Tax returns, payslips, or employer verification from a well-established overseas company |
| Renewal at year 5 | Must have earned at least S$30,000/month in Singapore for the majority of the pass period | Singapore tax assessments, CPF records, or payroll documentation |
Benefits of the ONE Pass vs Standard Employment Pass
The ONE Pass offers privileges that no other Singapore work pass provides.
| Feature | ONE Pass | Employment Pass (EP) |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | 5 years | Up to 2 years (first-time), up to 3 years (renewal) |
| Employer flexibility | Can work for multiple employers and start businesses | Tied to one employer |
| Minimum salary | S$30,000/month | S$5,600/month (2025, varies by age and sector) |
| COMPASS requirement | Not applicable | Must pass COMPASS points-based assessment |
| Spouse work rights | Automatic LOC for spouse | Spouse must apply separately for LOC |
| Dependant sponsorship | Can sponsor spouse, children, and parents | Can sponsor spouse and children (parents need S$12,000+) |
| Job change process | No new application needed | New EP application required for each employer change |
| Business activities | Can start and operate businesses freely | Not permitted on a standard EP |
How to Apply for a ONE Pass
Applications are submitted online through MOM's dedicated ONE Pass portal.
Application steps
Candidates can apply on their own behalf (unlike EP applications, which must be filed by an employer). The application requires a completed online form, passport copies, educational certificates, proof of salary (payslips, tax returns, or employment contracts), and supporting evidence for the achievements pathway. Processing takes approximately 4 weeks. MOM may request additional documentation or an interview. Once approved, the candidate receives an In-Principle Approval letter valid for 6 months, during which they must enter Singapore and complete the pass issuance.
Renewal requirements
At the 5-year mark, ONE Pass holders must demonstrate they've contributed to Singapore's economy. The key criterion: earning at least S$30,000 per month in Singapore for the majority of the pass period. MOM also considers whether the holder has created local employment, mentored Singaporean talent, or contributed to industry development. Simply living in Singapore without meaningful economic activity won't be enough for renewal.
HR Implications of Hiring ONE Pass Holders
ONE Pass holders don't fit the standard employment and immigration playbook. HR teams need to adjust their processes.
Onboarding differences
You won't be sponsoring their work pass. This means your typical immigration onboarding workflow doesn't apply. The ONE Pass holder manages their own pass. However, you still need to verify the pass is valid and covers the work they'll be doing for your organization. Request a copy of the ONE Pass card and verify it through MOM's online verification tool.
Non-compete and exclusivity concerns
Since ONE Pass holders can work for multiple employers, standard non-compete clauses become more complicated. If your employment contract restricts outside work, it conflicts with the fundamental nature of the ONE Pass. Work with legal counsel to draft employment terms that protect your interests without contradicting the pass holder's right to multiple engagements. Confidentiality agreements matter more than non-competes in this context.
CPF and tax obligations
ONE Pass holders who are Singapore tax residents (or become residents after 183+ days) are subject to standard income tax. Employers must still make CPF contributions if the holder is a Singapore citizen or permanent resident (rare for ONE Pass holders, but possible). For most ONE Pass holders who are foreign nationals, standard employer tax obligations apply: no CPF, but income tax on Singapore-sourced earnings.
Family and Dependant Benefits Under ONE Pass
The ONE Pass offers the most generous family provisions of any Singapore work pass.
- Spouses automatically receive a Letter of Consent (LOC) to work for any Singapore employer without a separate application or salary threshold.
- Unmarried children under 21 are eligible for a Dependant's Pass.
- Parents of ONE Pass holders can apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), a benefit normally reserved for EP holders earning S$12,000+.
- The spouse's LOC is valid for the duration of the ONE Pass, not tied to a specific employer. If the spouse changes jobs, no new LOC application is needed.
- These provisions make Singapore significantly more attractive to dual-career couples who need both partners to maintain their careers.
ONE Pass Adoption and Impact Data
Since its January 2023 launch, the ONE Pass has attracted a specific segment of the global talent market.
ONE Pass vs Global Equivalents
Several countries offer similar elite talent visas. Here's how Singapore's ONE Pass compares.
| Feature | ONE Pass (Singapore) | Golden Visa (UAE) | Global Talent Visa (UK) | O-1 Visa (US) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income threshold | S$30,000/month | Investment-based (AED 2M+) | None (endorsement-based) | None (achievement-based) |
| Validity | 5 years | 10 years | 5 years (settlement after 3-5 yrs) | 3 years (renewable) |
| Employer flexibility | Multiple employers | Can sponsor own visa | Can switch employers freely | Tied to petitioner (with portability) |
| Spouse work rights | Automatic LOC | Can sponsor spouse visa with work permit | Dependent can work | H-4 EAD (if I-140 approved) |
| Path to permanent residency | Can apply for PR separately | Automatic residency | Settlement after 3-5 years | Requires separate green card process |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a ONE Pass without having a job offer in Singapore?
Does the ONE Pass count toward any employer quota?
What happens if my salary drops below S$30,000 during the 5-year period?
Can a ONE Pass holder hire foreign employees for their own business?
Is the ONE Pass available to freelancers and independent consultants?
Written by Adithyan RK