ONE Pass Singapore: Targeted At Global Talents 2023

ONE Pass Singapore: Targeted at Global Talents

The Singapore government has recently unveiled a brand-new work visa: the Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass, officially launched at the beginning of 2023.

As Singapore continues to compete with other nations like the UK as a melting pot for venture capitalists and tech startups, the ONE Pass is poised to attract high-achieving global talents to Asia's Silicon Valley — a move to drive economic stability and reinvigorate the existing talent pool.

Successful ONE Pass candidates will have a chance to become part of Singapore's thriving global economy. Whether working for a major conglomerate or creating more jobs for the national workforce, ONE Pass holders can bring their talents overseas to one of the biggest financial centres in the world.

How Will ONE Pass Benefit Singapore?

Singapore's elite expertise pass aims to lure lucrative investment globally from droves of foreign professionals globally.

In an interview with Nikkei Asia, Singapore Economic Development Board’s Managing Director, Jacqueline Poh, said the new work visa aims to complement Singapore's talent shortage by bringing in more international talent.

The unveiling of the ONE Pass also comes at an opportune moment. It shows that Singapore remains a force to be reckoned with in the international community as Hong Kong, a similar city-state, also unveiled its version of the elite work pass, targeting graduates of top universities worldwide.

Closer to home, the ONE Pass aims to contribute to the local economy, especially in critical areas like fintech, smart technology, finance, and sustainability. It is hoped to attract an exodus of foreign professionals who want to find greener pastures and make a name for themselves in the Lion City.

Benefits of the ONE Pass

The ONE Pass in Singapore is a personalised pass issued to top talents across multiple sectors like business, arts, culture, sports, academia and research.

Unlike most work passes in Singapore, ONE Pass is personalised, meaning it is tied to the individual. Even if they change employers, they will not need to reapply for a new pass.

Here are other benefits of having ONE Pass in Singapore:

1. Rights to run a Singapore-based Company

ONE Pass holders can start and operate multiple companies in Singapore at any given time, albeit with some conditions. Unlike the Tech Pass, limited to only tech professionals, ONE Pass is available for eligible candidates from all sectors.

2. Flexible employment

Eligible applicants can work for multiple companies at once. They do not need to reapply for a new pass if hired by a different employer or decide to change jobs.

There is no time limit requiring ONE Pass holders to remain employed, but it is not meant to be abused as a visit or travel document. Instead, flexibility is given to encourage the talents to explore more significant opportunities for an impactful contribution that benefits Singapore.

3. Five-year validity duration

Previous work visas were only valid for up to two years before renewal. The ONE Pass has an extended validity period of five years and is renewable for another five years.

4. Not subject to the COMPASS eligibility system

From September 2023, all Employment Pass (EP) holders must pass the stringent COMPASS point-based system that assesses a foreign candidate's eligibility for the pass. ONE Pass applicants will not be subjected to this.

5. Employment rights for spouse in Singapore

Spouses married to ONE Pass candidates can freely work in Singapore with a valid LOC.

6. Rights to bring eligible family members to stay in Singapore

ONE Pass holders who wish to bring certain family members in tow can do so if they have a valid Dependant Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass.

Who Is Eligible for The ONE Pass?

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) assesses candidates for the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass on a case-by-case basis. Each application will be considered based on the candidate's ability to bring value to Singapore's economy.

Keen applicants can apply for ONE Pass through either the Salary Criterion or Outstanding Achievements.

Eligibility Criteria for ONE Pass Salary Criterion Route

Overseas candidates and current work pass holders can apply for the ONE Pass if they fall under the following salary criteria:

• Must be earning at least S$30,000 on a fixed monthly salary (or the foreign currency equivalent in the previous year); or
• Will be earning at least S$30,000 on a fixed monthly salary under their prospective employer, based in Singapore.

The monthly minimum salary requirement must come from only one employer. The MOM will assess candidates with multiple sources of income on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, ONE Pass candidates also need to fulfil the following conditions based on their status:

*As stated on MOM, an established company has a market capitalisation or valuation of at least USD 500 million or at least USD 200 million in annual revenue.

Eligibility Criteria for ONE Pass Outstanding Achievements Route

Alternatively, foreign talents (in areas such as arts, sports and research and academia) with high levels of achievement can obtain the ONE Pass through the Outstanding Achievements route.

Applications are, again, considered on a case-by-case basis. The MOM has yet to set clear definitions for achievements that qualify as “outstanding”, but here are possible examples:

How Does ONE Pass Differ from Other Work Passes?

Below is a table illustrating how the ONE Pass compares to other work passes in Singapore:

Required Documents for The ONE Pass Singapore Application

The type of documents you'll need to secure will vary depending on your most applicable route. Eligible applicants will also have different requirements based on their employment status:

Documents Required For ONE Pass Salary Route

Documents Required for ONE Pass Outstanding Achievements Route

• Latest month’s payslips.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting notable achievements in your field (If you're applying under the research and academia track)
  • The CV must list important publications, patents, published journals, or peer-reviewed discourse within the last five years.
  • Recommendation or endorsement letter issued by a local host institution for a potential job position.
• Other supporting documents indicating multiple income sources (if applicable).

The ONE Pass Application Process

You can apply for the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass in Singapore either through an employment agency, your organisation's HR department or as an individual.

Here's a step-by-step overview of the ONE Pass online application process:

Step 1: File Your Application

Fill out the application form on MOM’s website. Once you've completed the form, you will be asked to pay a S$105 fee. Ensure that you have all the necessary documents prepared before applying.

Expect your application to be processed in 4 weeks (for most cases). The application process under the Outstanding Achievements route may take longer.

Note that you can only submit one work pass application at a time. For instance, you cannot apply for ONE Pass and EP at the same time.

Step 2: Secure The In-Principle Approval (IPA) Letter

Once MOM has approved your application, they will send you an IPA letter, which serves as your pre-approved single-entry visa into Singapore.

You will be given six months to enter the country and have your ONE Pass issued. The IPA letter will also indicate whether you need to undergo a medical examination in Singapore.

Step 3: ONE Pass Issuance

Set an appointment with MOM to have your ONE Pass card issued at the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC).

Expect to pay S$225 for the card issuance fee and an additional S$30 if you wish to apply for a multiple-entry visa into Singapore.

Step 4: Get A Notification Letter

After submitting your documents, you will receive a notification letter (valid for one month from the issue date). This letter gives you the right to work and travel in and out of Singapore while waiting for your pass.

The notification letter will also indicate whether you need to register your fingerprints or have your photo taken. If you are required to do so, make sure you have the following documents ready during your appointment at EPSC:

• Valid passport
• Appointment letter
• Notification letter

Step 5: Get Your ONE Pass Card

Expect up to 5 working days from your registration date or document verification to receive your ONE Pass card! MOM will be delivering your pass to the given address.

In two unsuccessful delivery attempts, you or an authorised person will have to collect the ONE Pass in person at EPSC - three working days after the second attempted delivery. No appointments will be necessary. You can head down directly with the following documents to collect the ONE Pass:

• Your original passport
• Notification letter
• Authorisation letter from the pass holder (if applicable)
• NRIC or passport for verification (if applicable)

Starting Your Own Company with ONE Pass

A distinct advantage of being a ONE Pass holder is the freedom to set up your own company in Singapore. Overseas talents are subject to the same incorporation process as the locals.

As of writing, there are no specific requirements for starting a company with a ONE Pass status. However, MOM has said they will consider several company-related factors.

For instance, at least five locals earning a minimum monthly salary of S$5,000 (or equivalent to the minimum qualifying salary for EP holders) should be employed in the company.

Can I Bring My Family as A ONE Pass Holder?

Yes. ONE Pass holders can take certain family members to Singapore if they have a valid Dependant Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass. Here’s a brief table of the required visa type for each family member:

ONE Pass Renewal Criteria

You can renew your ONE Pass once it has expired. The renewal criteria for those who have taken the Salary Criterion route are as follows:

• Must have been employed in Singapore in the past five years with a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000.
• Must have incorporated and operated a Singapore company employing at least five locals, each with a minimum monthly salary of S$5,000.

MOM will release more details on the ONE Pass renewal process for candidates who applied under the Outstanding Achievement route in future.

How to Renew Your ONE Pass

The ONE Pass is valid for five years, and your renewal will still be subject to MOM's discretion. If you decide to renew your expertise pass, MOM will require you to provide the following information:

• Details on your professional endeavours in the past year.
• The annual salary you've earned from all professional endeavours in the past year.

ONE Pass renewal approval is NOT guaranteed. MOM may rescind your pass if they determine you have yet to make any (or little) significant contributions.

Your family members’ Singapore residency status will be affected as well. We recommend that you refer to MOM’s website regularly for updates regarding ONE Pass-related developments.

Upgrading Your Employment Pass into ONE Pass

As the qualifications of ONE Pass holders are comparable to the top 5% EP holders, keen existing EP holders who meet the requirement might love upgrading their current work pass for better employment flexibility and a more extended validity period.

Anyone with an EP or ONE Pass status can apply for Singapore PR to make Singapore their permanent home, should they decide to.

Will upgrading to ONE Pass guarantee your chances of getting a PR status? No.

Will the ONE Pass status allow you to get your Singapore PR status faster? Again, no.

Although the government hopes that the ONE Pass will permanently attract top global talents to reside in Singapore, global talent policies are not synonymous with immigration. The right fit and acceptance are still crucial factors of PR approval, and the reasons for the Singapore PR rejection will never be shared.

Challenges ONE Pass Holders May Face

While the ONE Pass offers added benefits and other entitlements for high-achieving talents who want to work and eventually settle in Singapore, it also entails several challenges:

Highly Strict Assessment Process

You will be subject to a rigorous assessment process from the Singapore government to ensure your application aligns with their requirements and to filter out potential cases of false salary declarations.

The MOM will review companies or startups with a limited track record. They will also verify documents like tax filings, income statements, annual revenue, and other critical details to ensure they are consistent with the information provided in your application.

Annual Assessment of Your Economic Contributions

For every year of your ONE Pass's validity, the MOM will request accurate details of your professional activities and the annual salary resulting from such activities.

As previously mentioned, the MOM may revoke your ONE Pass if they have found that you underperformed in your professional undertakings. The assessment could severely impact your and your family's residency status in Singapore.

Difficulty Securing a Position That Meets the Minimum Salary Criterion

One significant advantage of the ONE Pass over existing Singapore work visas is that you do not need to secure a job before applying.

However, this could go against your favour. Even though there is a need to fill in the senior-level talent gap, only some organisations in Singapore can afford to hire senior managerial positions with a S$30,000 minimum monthly salary. This fact alone could significantly impact your chances of finding employment in Singapore.

Highly Competitive Work Culture

Singapore’s relentless pursuit of excellence is what makes the city-state rank at the top of competitive countries. It’s a business-oriented nation that consistently invests in its population’s education, skills, and training. However, this poses several drawbacks, especially for the working population.

A survey conducted in early 2022 by analytics firm Milieu Insight found that 50% of Singapore workers reported higher burnout frequencies than Indonesia and the Philippines (37% and 36%, respectively).

Although the ONE Pass is reserved only for the most distinguished foreign talents, the need to keep up with a highly competitive economy and work culture may pose a challenge to adapt to – possibly feeling the pressure to perform at high levels consistently, which could potentially lead to higher stress levels and poorer mental health in the long run.

Discrimination Against Foreign Talents

Singapore is considerably welcoming to foreign talents. Yet, foreign labour remains an oft-sensitive issue. The cultural barrier between foreigners and Singaporeans in the workforce dramatically limits the depth of their professional relationships.

A recent poll by the National Youth Council even reports that only 17% of Singaporean youths feel that foreigners and locals co-exist well. A rampant and misplaced “us versus them” worldview has even led some of the local population to view Singapore’s labour migration policies as “threatening” to the local labour market.

Much of the foreign labour-oriented policies by the Singapore government remain a sensitive issue. Foreign talents may gravitate towards established expat circles instead of intermingling with local professionals - which could trigger feelings of alienation and otherness and hamper foreign workers' bid to penetrate local industries.

Can I Apply for ONE Pass on My Own?

While the MOM allows individuals to apply for the ONE Pass on their own, it is highly encouraged to speak to professional immigration consultants in Singapore first.

Our expertise can assist you in navigating through the complex application process smoothly. Get in touch for a complimentary one-on-one assessment to determine your best chances of getting the ONE Pass.