The Tech.Pass is Singapore’s work pass for established technology talent, founders, leaders, and experts who want maximum flexibility. Unlike an Employment Pass, it is not tied to an employer, and it lets you found companies, invest, mentor, and work all at once. This guide explains who qualifies, what it allows, and how it fits the path to Singapore PR.
Quick answer: The Tech.Pass is a pass for top tech talent, run by the Economic Development Board (EDB). You qualify by meeting any two of three criteria: a last-drawn fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500 in the past year; five years in a leading role at a tech company valued at US$500 million or more (or that raised US$30 million+); or five years building a tech product with 100,000+ monthly active users or US$100 million+ revenue. It is valid for two years, is not tied to an employer, and lets you run businesses, invest, and work freely.
What is the Tech.Pass?
The Tech.Pass is a specialised pass, administered by the EDB (not MOM), for experienced technology professionals and founders. Its defining feature is flexibility: it is not tied to a single employer, so a holder can hold a job, start and run companies, sit on boards, invest, and lecture, all on the one pass. It is aimed at attracting global tech leaders to anchor themselves in Singapore.
Eligibility: meet 2 of 3 criteria
You must satisfy any two of the following three criteria.
| # | Criterion |
| 1 | A last-drawn fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500 in the last 12 months (excludes bonuses, variable pay, and equity) |
| 2 | At least 5 cumulative years in a leading role at a tech company with a valuation of US$500 million or more, or that has raised at least US$30 million in funding |
| 3 | At least 5 cumulative years in a leading role developing a tech product with 100,000+ monthly active users or US$100 million+ revenue |
The bar is high by design; the Tech.Pass targets proven, senior tech talent.
What the Tech.Pass lets you do
- Work for any Singapore company, without a separate EP.
- Start and run your own companies and be a director.
- Invest in local businesses.
- Mentor and lecture at institutions.
- Switch between these without reapplying.
It is the most flexible work pass Singapore offers, sitting alongside the ONE Pass for top talent.
Validity and renewal
The Tech.Pass is issued for two years and can be renewed for a further two years if, during the pass, you have met certain conditions (such as earning sufficient assessable income, or being a director or shareholder of an active company). Because it is not employer-tied, you also do not need a new pass when you change what you do.
Tech.Pass vs other passes
| Pass | For | Tied to employer? |
| Employment Pass | Professionals | Yes |
| EntrePass | Startup founders (innovative business) | Via own company |
| ONE Pass | Top-tier talent across sectors | No |
| Tech.Pass | Established tech leaders and founders | No |
See our guides on the Employment Pass and EntrePass.
How to apply
The Tech.Pass is applied for through the EDB, with documents evidencing which two criteria you meet (salary records, company valuation or funding proof, product metrics). Given the high bar and the evidence involved, many applicants work with an adviser to present their case.
Does the Tech.Pass lead to PR?
Yes. Like other work passes, a Tech.Pass holder can apply for Singapore PR under the PTS scheme, and a senior tech profile with strong income and local business activity is exactly the economic contribution ICA rewards. See our guide on how to apply for Singapore PR.
How First Immigration can help
The Tech.Pass is high-bar and evidence-heavy, and choosing between it, the ONE Pass, and an EP matters. First Immigration helps you:
- Assess which criteria you meet and which pass fits.
- Prepare the evidence and application.
- Plan the path toward PR.
Explore our Employment Pass service, or speak to our consultants through the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Tech.Pass in Singapore?
A flexible work pass from the EDB for established tech talent and founders. It is not tied to an employer and lets you work, start companies, invest, and mentor.
Who qualifies for the Tech.Pass?
Anyone meeting two of three criteria: a last-drawn fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500; five years leading at a tech company valued at US$500m+ (or US$30m+ raised); or five years building a product with 100,000+ users or US$100m+ revenue.
Is the Tech.Pass tied to an employer?
No. You can work for any company, run your own businesses, be a director, and invest, all on the same pass.
How long is the Tech.Pass valid?
Two years, renewable for a further two years if you meet the renewal conditions during the pass.
Who runs the Tech.Pass?
The Economic Development Board (EDB), not MOM.
Tech.Pass vs EntrePass, which is right for me?
The EntrePass is for founders building a new innovative business; the Tech.Pass is for established tech leaders who want to work, found, invest, and mentor flexibly.
Can a Tech.Pass holder apply for PR?
Yes, under the PTS scheme. A senior tech profile is a strong PR foundation.
What salary counts for the Tech.Pass?
The last-drawn fixed monthly salary in the past 12 months, excluding bonuses, variable pay, and equity.
