Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass

The Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass, widely known as the ONE Pass, is Singapore's elite work pass for top-tier global talent. It was created to attract a small group of the highest earners and most accomplished individuals in business, the arts, science, technology, academia, sport and similar fields.

What makes the ONE Pass distinctive is its flexibility. Unlike the Employment Pass, which ties a holder to a single sponsoring employer, the ONE Pass allows the holder to work for or start multiple companies in Singapore at the same time. It is designed for people whose careers do not fit a single employer-sponsored mould - serial entrepreneurs, executives juggling several ventures, and leaders in their fields.

The pass is granted for a longer fixed period than a standard Employment Pass and is renewable. Eligibility rests on a very high salary benchmark - a fixed monthly figure well above ordinary Employment Pass thresholds - with an alternative route for individuals of outstanding achievement in their field who may not meet the salary test through conventional employment. In 2026 the ONE Pass is Singapore's headline instrument in the global contest for exceptional talent.

The primary route requires a very high fixed monthly salary - a benchmark set well above standard Employment Pass thresholds - either earned with a current or recent employer, or to be earned with a Singapore-based employer. The salary test is the core gateway for most applicants.

There is also an achievement-based route for individuals with outstanding accomplishments in fields such as the arts, culture, science, technology, academia, research or sport, recognising that exceptional talent does not always present as a conventional high salary. The employer associated with the qualifying salary must generally be a sufficiently established company. Applicants must meet character requirements. Because the ONE Pass is deliberately selective, the benchmarks are demanding, and the exact salary figure and qualifying conditions should be confirmed with the Ministry of Manpower before applying.

Unlike the Employment Pass, the ONE Pass can be applied for by the individual directly, which suits its target group of mobile, multi-venture professionals - though an employer can also apply on a candidate's behalf.

You submit the application to the Ministry of Manpower through its online system, providing evidence for whichever route you qualify under. For the salary route, this means documentation of your fixed monthly salary with a current, recent or prospective Singapore employer, supported by pay records and employment evidence. For the achievement route, you provide evidence of outstanding accomplishment in your field - major awards, recognised standing, or a record of distinguished work.

The Ministry assesses whether you meet the high salary benchmark or the achievement criteria. If approved, an In-Principle Approval is issued; you then travel to Singapore and complete the issuance formalities after arrival, including registration and collecting the physical pass.

Given the selectivity of the pass, applications should be thoroughly evidenced, and any salary or achievement claims must be fully substantiated.

The Ministry of Manpower charges an application fee for the ONE Pass and a further fee when the pass is issued. These government charges are modest relative to the profile of the applicants. Beyond them, costs include any document verification, certified translations and the substantiation of salary or achievement evidence, plus a medical examination if required before issuance. There is no monthly foreign-worker levy on the ONE Pass. Holders typically budget for private health insurance and the ordinary costs of relocation; some engage immigration counsel to present an achievement-route application as strongly as possible.

The Ministry of Manpower processes ONE Pass applications within its published service standard, which for this category is typically a small number of weeks for a clearly evidenced case. Achievement-route applications can take longer than salary-route ones because the assessment of outstanding accomplishment is more qualitative and may call for closer review of the evidence provided. Once approved, the In-Principle Approval allows travel to Singapore, and the pass is issued and registered shortly after arrival. A fully substantiated application - clear salary documentation or compelling achievement evidence - is what keeps processing efficient.

After arriving in Singapore you complete the issuance formalities - registration, biometrics and collecting the physical ONE Pass card.

The defining advantage then takes effect: as a ONE Pass holder you are not tied to a single employer. You may work for, hold positions in, or start multiple companies in Singapore concurrently, which gives entrepreneurs and multi-venture executives genuine operational freedom.

The pass is granted for a longer period than a standard Employment Pass and is renewable, with renewal generally depending on continued economic contribution and meeting the conditions in force. Eligible holders may sponsor family members for a Dependant's Pass. Like other work passes, the ONE Pass is not in itself permanent residence, but its holders - given their salary and standing - are often well placed to be considered for Permanent Residence, assessed separately by the immigration authority. Keep the pass valid and renew before expiry.