The Tech.Pass is a personalised work pass launched by Singapore's Economic Development Board (EDB) in January 2021 to attract top-tier foreign technology entrepreneurs, leaders, and technical experts. Unlike the standard Employment Pass, the Tech.Pass is tied to the individual rather than an employer -- holders do not need prior employment in Singapore and can concurrently start businesses, work as employees, serve as directors and investors, mentor startups, and lecture at institutions of higher learning.
The pass was introduced with an initial quota of 500 places and is specifically designed for the technology sector, bridging the gap between employment and entrepreneurship.
Applicants must meet at least 2 of the following 3 criteria:
The initial pass is valid for 2 years with a one-time renewal for an additional 2 years, for a maximum total of 4 years. Holders who do not meet renewal criteria would need to transition to another pass category (such as an Employment Pass or ONE Pass) to continue residing in Singapore.
As of the current EDB renewal page, renewal requires meeting at least one of three standalone conditions:
Renewal grants an additional 2 years (single renewal only). Fees are SGD 225 per pass plus SGD 30 per Multiple Journey Visa if applicable; applications are accepted up to 6 months before expiry and take about 8 weeks to process. From 1 January 2028, Tech.Pass renewals will transition to the new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) criteria.
Legally married spouses and unmarried children under 21 are eligible for a Dependant's Pass. Common-law spouses, unmarried handicapped children above 21, unmarried stepchildren under 21, and parents are eligible for a Long-Term Visit Pass.
A unique benefit for Tech.Pass holders is that their spouses holding a Dependant's Pass can apply for a Letter of Consent (LOC) to work in Singapore as an employee or to start their own business, without needing a separate work pass.
Tech.Pass holders are generally treated as tax residents if they hold a valid work pass for at least 1 year or stay in Singapore for 183+ days in a calendar year. Tax residents pay progressive income tax from 0% to 24%. Income earned from services rendered in Singapore is taxable regardless of the employer's location. Foreign-sourced income received in Singapore is generally exempt for individuals.
Applications are submitted online via MOM's Tech.Pass portal after downloading the application form from the EDB website. The non-refundable application fee is SGD 105 (paid via PayNow or wire transfer to EDB). Processing takes approximately 8 weeks.
Upon approval, an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter is issued with 6 months to travel to Singapore and complete pass issuance at the Employment Pass Services Centre. The card issuance fee is SGD 225 (plus SGD 30 for Multiple Journey Visa if applicable). Biometric registration must be completed within 2 weeks of pass issuance.
The Tech.Pass offers unique flexibility compared to other Singapore work passes. Holders may concurrently:
This distinguishes it from the Employment Pass (tied to a single employer), the Personalised Employment Pass (prohibits self-employment and business formation), and the EntrePass (restricted to operating the approved business only).
On 3 March 2026, Singapore announced that the Tech.Pass will be replaced by a new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track from 1 January 2027 for new applications and from 1 January 2028 for renewals. The new track offers 5-year validity (renewable in 5-year periods) and allows applicants to meet the ONE Pass salary criterion of SGD 30,000/month through a combination of fixed salary (minimum SGD 22,500) and vested non-cash components such as stock options (ESOP/ESOW). The track targets pinnacle talent in AI, quantum computing, advanced robotics, biotech, and deep-tech, requiring 5+ years of experience in founder/C-suite or senior technical roles at qualifying technology companies.