Everything You Need to Know About the Singapore ONE Pass Visa

Created On: December 30, 2024
Article, Singapore

Modified On: February 18, 2026

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Summary:

Singapore remains a preferred destination for global professionals due to its stable governance, strong infrastructure, and high quality of life. To attract senior talent, the Ministry of Manpower introduced the Overseas Networks and Expertise (ONE) Pass, a flexible work visa not tied to a single employer. The ONE Pass allows eligible individuals to work across organisations, run businesses, and stay for up to five years. This article explains the visa’s eligibility, benefits, costs, and application process. It also highlights why professional support is commonly sought to manage the application smoothly.

Singapore continues to be a global hub for economic growth, thanks to its political stability and modern infrastructure. Its strategic positioning as a focal point of business makes it a prime destination for professionals looking for lucrative opportunities.

The country, recognised for its safety and high standard of living, consistently attracts top-tier talent from all around the globe. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore introduced the Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass (ONE Pass), a groundbreaking work visa program, to streamline its initiatives to acquire global talent. Naturally, forward-thinking professionals seek immigration and visa services in Singapore from established teams to ensure hassle-free processing of their ONE Pass.

In this article, we have detailed the eligibility, benefits, and application process of the ONE Pass. Read on to know the unique advantages of this visa, which has been designed to empower highly skilled individuals contribute to the country’s economy.

What Is the Singapore ONE Pass Visa?

The ONE Pass, effective from 1^st January 2023, is a specialised work visa that aims to attract global talent to Singapore. While traditional work permits are tied to a specific employer, the ONE Pass offers a greater degree of flexibility. Professionals holding this pass can simultaneously work for multiple organizations.

Thus, this pass offers greater mobility in career compared to the Employment Pass (EP) with its individual-centric nature. While changing employers, professionals need not re-apply for a visa in Singapore.

Eligibility Criteria for the ONE Pass

Individuals applying for the ONE Pass must meet stringent criteria to be a part of the country’s workforce.

Salary-Based Eligibility: An applicant for the ONE Pass must earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 over the past 12 months. Overseas applicants must demonstrate their employment with a reputable international organization for at least one year.
Working in an Established company with annual revenue of 200 million or 500 million capitalisation OR
Exceptional Achievements: Applicants who do not meet salary criteria can still qualify based on outstanding accomplishments in arts and culture, sports, science and technology, and academia and research. These candidates can qualify for the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass without meeting the salary criterion, showcasing Singapore’s commitment to diverse fields of excellence.

MOM thoroughly evaluates each application, ensuring that the selected candidates bring exceptional value to the economy and society of Singapore.

Validity and Renewal Process

Initially, the ONE Pass remains valid for five years. The renewal eligibility depends on certain factors and the pass holder must meet one of the following:

Maintaining an average fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 in Singapore over five years
Started and is operating a Singapore-based company that employs at least 5 locals, each earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$5,000

Benefits of the ONE Pass

The ONE Pass offers a comprehensive suite of benefits to professionals that make it an outstanding choice among global visas.

Flexibility in employment: ONE Pass holders can work for multiple employees without acquiring additional approvals. This significantly fosters their career growth and helps them diversify.
Rights To Run A Singapore-Based Company: One of the primary benefits of holding a ONE Pass is the ability to start and operate multiple companies in Singapore concurrently.
Duration of Stay: Valid for up to five years, renewable after that.
Eligibility for Family Members: Eligible for dependents, including spouses and children, to reside in Singapore.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply for the ONE Pass?

How to Apply for the ONE Pass?

Applicants or their authorised representatives can follow these steps to apply for the ONE Pass.

Application Submission: Fill out the submission form and pay a fee S$105. Typically, the application process takes up to four weeks, and additional time may be required to evaluate the profiles of candidates with exceptional achievements.
Approval and IPA Letter: Once successful, applicants receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, which serves as a temporary work visa and allows them to enter Singapore for six months.
Enter Singapore: Applicants must make sure they comply with the vaccination-based travel criteria to enter Singapore.
Entry and EPSC Appointment: Next, the applicant needs to schedule an appointment with the EPSC (Employment Pass Services Centre) and submit the necessary documents:
- Letter of In-Principle Approval (IPA)
- Original passport
- Contact information (local cell phone number and email address)
- Residential address in Singapore
- Existing immigration or short-term visit permit details
- Signed Medical Declaration Form (if applicable)
- The issuing requires a payment of S$225
Notification letter: Professionals then receive the notification letter which remains valid for one month, which allows them to work in Singapore while the ONE Pass is being processed.
Fingerprint and photo registration (if applicable)

Within two weeks of receiving their ONE Pass, candidates who haven’t registered in the past five years and new applicants must register their fingerprints and get their pictures taken. To schedule an appointment, candidates must contact the Employment Pass Services Center (EPSC).

Issuance of the card: Once applicants complete their biometric registration, they receive their ONE Pass within five working days.

Documentation Requirements

Applicants need to furnish the following documents to ensure a smooth processing of their ONE Pass.

Valid copies of passport
Income proof like payslips and tax statements and documents supporting other income sources other than fixed monthly salary
Employment verification documents
A detailed CV and supporting evidence for exceptional achievements
Additional documents as requested

Appeal and Cancellation

In case the authorities reject the ONE Pass application of a candidate, the person can appeal for the same within three months. However, it’s imperative to address the reasons for rejection with fresh information.

Most appeals will be processed within 4 weeks.

In case the candidate no longer remains employed, the pass must be cancelled at least one week before departure to comply with tax obligations.

Do ONE Pass holders need to register a company in Singapore?

No. Registering a company is not mandatory for holding a ONE Pass. However, many holders choose to incorporate when they plan to operate a business, invoice clients, employ staff, or hold ownership in a Singapore entity.

The Singapore ONE Pass offers flexibility beyond employment, but it does not require applicants to register a company as part of the visa process. That said, many ONE Pass holders choose to set up a Singapore entity once they relocate, especially when they plan to operate a business, hold equity, or manage regional activities from Singapore.

ONE Pass holders are permitted to incorporate a private limited company, act as a director, and hold shares, subject to standard regulatory requirements. Company registration is governed separately under ACRA, and post-incorporation obligations such as tax filings and statutory compliance continue to apply.

For professionals relocating with long-term business plans, company formation becomes a practical step rather than a visa condition. The decision usually depends on commercial intent, hiring plans, and how the individual intends to structure their activities in Singapore.

Professional Immigration and Visa Services in Singapore

The launch of the ONE Pass Visa program in Singapore serves as a testament to its forward-thinking immigration strategy. While professionals experience unprecedented flexibility and inclusivity, applying for the Pass successfully remains a challenge.

Successful candidates often seek professional immigration and visa services from the IMC Group to obtain an employment pass in Singapore. Skilled professionals and entrepreneurs can consult the experts to acquire the ONE Pass successfully and tap the tremendous career opportunities in Singapore.

Author Bio:

Shivani is a corporate advisory specialist with deep expertise in Singapore’s business setup and compliance framework. In this article, she outlines the key aspects of Singapore’s work visa process, including eligibility, requirements, and updated regulations for 2025. Her insights help businesses and professionals understand MOM guidelines and maintain compliance.

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