Quick answer: The Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass, or ONE Pass, is Singapore’s work pass for top talent. The salary route needs a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 for 12 consecutive months, from current or prospective Singapore employment. There is also an achievement route for people with outstanding records in sports, arts and culture, or academia and research. The pass runs for 5 years, is not tied to one employer, and from 28 January 2027 an AI and Tech track opens at a base salary of S$22,500 with additional non-cash components allowed.
Most people who ask about the ONE Pass are really asking one of two things: whether they qualify, and whether it is better than an Employment Pass. This guide answers both.
The two routes in
| Route | What you need |
|---|---|
| Salary | A fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 over 12 consecutive months, either in your current job or from a prospective Singapore-based employer |
| Outstanding achievement | A record of exceptional achievement in sports, arts and culture, or academia and research, assessed holistically by MOM and the relevant agencies. No salary requirement |
| AI and Tech track, from 28 January 2027 | Base salary of S$22,500, with additional non-cash components permitted |
If you already hold a Singapore work pass, you must have completed one year of employment in Singapore before applying. If you are applying on prospective employment, the application has to indicate a start date within 6 months.
What makes it different
| Employment Pass | ONE Pass | |
|---|---|---|
| Tied to one employer | Yes | No |
| Validity | Up to 2 years first issue, up to 3 years on renewal | 5 years |
| COMPASS | Must score 40 points unless exempt | Not applicable |
| Salary floor, 2026 | From S$5,600, rising with age | S$30,000 fixed monthly |
| Who applies | Employer | You, or an employer on your behalf |
| Family | Dependant’s Pass if you earn at least S$6,000 | Family passes available |
The flexibility is the real draw. An EP ends when the job ends. A ONE Pass holder can work for more than one employer and change employers without reapplying for a new pass.
Renewing it
At the end of the 5 years, you meet one of these:
- an average monthly salary of at least S$30,000 over the preceding 5 years in Singapore, or
- you have set up and run a Singapore company employing at least 5 locals, each earning at least the prevailing Employment Pass qualifying salary.
The second route matters: it is designed for people who come in on a salary and then build something here.
ONE Pass, PEP or Tech.Pass?
| ONE Pass | Personalised Employment Pass | Tech.Pass | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salary to apply | S$30,000 a month | S$22,500 a month | Last drawn S$22,500 a month |
| Salary to keep it | Average S$30,000 over 5 years, or run a company with 5 local employees | S$270,000 fixed annual salary | Renewal criteria set by EDB |
| Validity | 5 years | Up to 3 years, not renewable | 2 years, renewable for 2 more |
| Can you run a business? | Yes | No | Yes |
| Administered by | MOM | MOM | EDB |
Our guides to the Personalised Employment Pass and Tech.Pass cover those two, and the full pass comparison maps every option.
Family
A ONE Pass holder can bring a spouse and unmarried children under 21 on a Dependant’s Pass, subject to the usual rules. See our guide to the Dependant’s Pass.
Should you apply for it, or for an EP?
| Your situation | Likely better |
|---|---|
| One clear job offer, salary below S$30,000 | Employment Pass. See EP eligibility |
| Salary at or above S$30,000, want to keep options open | ONE Pass |
| Planning to advise several companies or sit on boards | ONE Pass |
| Planning to found a company here | ONE Pass, with the company route in mind at renewal |
| Already in Singapore on an EP for under a year | Wait, since you need 12 months of Singapore employment first |
| Exceptional record in sport, arts or research, salary not the issue | ONE Pass, achievement route |
Many ONE Pass holders eventually apply for Singapore PR, since a pass still has to be renewed. Our guide on moving from an Employment Pass to PR covers how ICA assesses working applicants.
How First Immigration can help
- Route check: whether the salary route, the achievement route, or an EP is the realistic option.
- Application preparation, including the evidence pack for the achievement route.
- Renewal planning, particularly the company route with 5 local employees.
- Family passes and, later, PR.
Learn more through our Employment Pass service, or book a free assessment through our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ONE Pass in Singapore?
The Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass, a 5-year work pass for top talent that is not tied to a single employer.
What salary do I need for a ONE Pass?
A fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 over 12 consecutive months, from current or prospective Singapore employment.
Can I get a ONE Pass without that salary?
Yes, through the outstanding achievement route for sports, arts and culture, or academia and research, which has no salary requirement.
How long is the ONE Pass valid?
5 years.
Is the ONE Pass tied to an employer?
No. That is its main advantage over the Employment Pass.
Do I need to pass COMPASS?
No. COMPASS applies to Employment Pass applications.
What is the AI and Tech track?
From 28 January 2027, a track with a base salary of S$22,500 and additional non-cash components permitted.
How do I renew a ONE Pass?
Either an average monthly salary of at least S$30,000 over the preceding 5 years in Singapore, or running a Singapore company that employs at least 5 locals earning at least the prevailing EP qualifying salary.
Can my family join me?
Yes, a spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for Dependant’s Passes.
Do I need to be in Singapore already?
No, but if you already hold a Singapore work pass you need one year of employment here before applying, and prospective employment applications must show a start date within 6 months.
Official sources: MOM, Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass eligibility and key facts.
Disclaimer: Criteria are set by MOM and can change. Checked October 2026.
Hiring, or applying for a work pass?
We review salary, COMPASS and documents before the application goes to MOM. See our Employment Pass service and S Pass service, or ask us about your case.
