When it comes to attracting the world’s best workers, Singapore is in constant pursuit of innovation. Enter Singapore’s newest work pass, the Tech.Pass. While the current Employment Pass and S-Pass are primarily for blue-collar workers, the Tech.Pass is designed to attract foreign technology experts into Singapore’s ever-expanding tech sector.
In this article, we’ll take a look at exactly what Singapore’s new Tech.Pass is, who it’s for, and how you can get it to enter one of the world’s most exciting tech hubs.
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What is the Singapore Tech.Pass?
The Singapore Tech.Pass was introduced by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), and launched in January 2021. There will be a yearly quota of 500 Tech.Passes given to foreign tech professionals and will be assigned on a first-come-first-served basis.
The Tech.Pass is targeted towards attracting highly accomplished experts and entrepreneurs in the technology sector from around the world.
As an added benefit, candidates can apply for the Tech.Pass on their own accord. In the past, with work passes like the Employment Pass and S-Pass, candidates had to secure a job first, and then their employer would apply for the work pass on their behalf.
The Tech.Pass is scheduled to be valid for two years, at which point the worker can apply for it to be renewed.
Why was the Singapore Tech.Pass Created?
In the past, Singapore has focussed heavily on importing blue-collar works from overseas; however, the Government has now established a clear shift towards fostering the science, technology, engineering, and technology (STEM) sectors.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Long admitted the current lack of tech-talent, saying, “Talent is key as Singapore develops its technology ecosystem.”
Among many other high-level strategies, the Tech.Pass is part of this effort to foster technological innovation by attracting the world’s best talent. As the EDB put it, the Tech.Pass is part of a “multi-pronged approach to develop a strong base of technology companies and talent to ensure Singapore remains globally competitive”.
The Tech.Pass also offers benefits for existing Singapore individuals and organisations by creating opportunities for local talent through global collaboration and network sharing.
What Can you do with the Singapore Tech.Pass?
Holders of the new Singapore Tech.Pass will be given a range of benefits that were not previously available in any single existing work pass.
- Start a technology company in Singapore.
- Move from being an employer to becoming an entrepreneur.
- Join one or more Singapore-based companies at any stage as their employee.
- Be an investor/shareholder in one or more Singapore-based companies.
- Become a director for one or more Singapore-based companies.
- Become a mentor or consultant at a Singaporean university and lecture in local institutions of higher learning.
- Join your family who is already in Singapore.
- Sponsor a family member through a Dependant’s Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass to live with you in Singapore.
What Makes a Singapore Tech.Pass different from an Employment Pass or S-Pass?
The Singapore Tech.Pass differs from the existing traditional Singapore work passes in several ways.
- At this stage, there will only be 500 Tech.Passes handed out, whereas there is no quota for traditional work passes.
- A Tech.Pass can be applied for by the individual. A traditional work pass must be applied for by the employer.
- A Tech.Pass candidate does not need to obtain employment in Singapore before application.
Additionally, if you are the holder of a current Employment Pass, you can still apply for Tech.Pass if you meet the eligibility criteria.
For a full comparison of all of the available Singapore work passes, please see our comprehensive guides.
How to Apply for the Singapore Tech.Pass
To qualify for the Singapore Tech.Pass, you’ll need to adhere to the following criteria. Please remember, at this stage, only 500 Tech.Passes will be given out.
- The Tech.Pass applicant must have a last drawn fixed monthly salary of at least S$20,000 in the last year.
- The Tech.Pass applicant must have at least 5 cumulative years of experience with a top tech company in a leading role. The aforementioned company must have a market cap of at least US$500 million, or have US$30 million of funding raised.
- The Tech.Pass applicant must have at least 5 cumulative years of experience in leading the development of a tech product or service that has at least US$100 million in annual revenue, or at least 100,000 active monthly users.
As you can see, the Tech.Pass has a high bar to pass and so is squarely aimed at the world’s top tech talent.
Related Read: Singapore Immigration Options »
How to Renew your Singapore Tech.Pass
After two years, Tech.Pass holders can apply to renew their Tech.Pass if they meet the following criteria:
- The Tech.Pass holder has earned at least S$240,000 in income based on their latest assessment from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS)
OR
- The Tech.Pass holder can show total annual business spending of at least S$100,000 and has employed at least one Singaporean/Singapore Permanent Resident Manager, Executive, or Professional with a monthly salary of at least S$3,900, or three Singaporeans/Singapore Permanent Residents with a monthly salary of at least S$1,400.
Additionally, the Tech.Pass Holder must show they have performed two of the following roles. At least one role must be from Column A.
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| 1. Established a tech company in Singapore, offering a tech-based or tech-enabled product or service. | 1. Has served on board of directors for a Singapore-based company (does not need to be a tech company). |
| 2. Has performed a leading role (e.g. CxO, APAC MD) in a Singapore-based tech company. | 2. Acted as mentor/advisor to a Singapore-based start-up organisation. |
| 3. Has performed a leading role in two or more Singapore-based tech companies. | 3. Has performed as an adjunct professor/adjunct lecturer/professor/lecturer/ in a Singapore Institute of Higher Learning (IHL). |
| 4. Has been employed by a Singapore-based company in a technical role leading a team, e.g. senior engineer or senior researcher. | 4. Has given training in some form not covered by B2 or B3 above (e.g. corporate training classes, workshops). |
| 5. Has been employed by two or more Singapore-based companies in a technical role leading a team. | 5. Has been shown to have invested in one or more Singapore-based tech companies |
Related Read: What You Must Know about Fintech Company Setup in Singapore »
Conclusion — Where to next for getting your Singapore Tech.Pass?
In our estimation, it seems evident that the Singapore Tech.Pass is a crucial step in Singapore’s continuing efforts to attract top talent in the tech sector. The requirements to obtain a Tech.Pass are lofty, but then again, so is the future of the tech space in Singapore. Singapore has clear plans in place to become a tech powerhouse not just for Southeast Asia, but the whole world.
If you’re an established tech expert looking for more opportunity and a better lifestyle, Singapore is one of the most dynamic, modern, and exciting places in the world to live and work.
And for the most part, compared to other countries, Singapore has made it quite easy to apply for the Tech.Pass.
However, as with all things involving foreign governments and immigration, there are still some things to be aware of.
If you have any questions about getting your own Singapore Tech.Pass, please ask us.
We’ve been doing this for a long time, so we’re certain we’ll be able to save you time, money and headaches.
FAQs
- The Tech.Pass is targeted towards attracting highly accomplished foreign technology experts and entrepreneurs to work in Singapore. There are only 500 Tech.Passes administered per year.
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- Start a technology company in Singapore.
- Move from being an employer to become an entrepreneur.
- Join one or more Singapore-based companies at any stage as their employee.
- Be an investor/shareholder in one or more Singapore-based companies.
- Become a director for one or more Singapore-based companies.
- Become a mentor or consultant at a Singaporean university and lecture in local institutions of higher learning.
- Join your family who is already in Singapore
- Sponsor a family member through a Dependent Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass.
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- Have a last drawn fixed monthly salary of at least S$20,000 in the previous year.
- Have at least five cumulative years of experience with a top tech company in a leading role. The aforementioned company must have a market cap of at least US$500 million, or have US$30 million of funding raised.
- Have at least five cumulative years of experience in leading the development of a tech product or service that has at least US$100 million in annual revenue, or at least 100,000 active monthly users.
- While getting an employment pass in Singapore can be easier than other countries, many work pass quotas are being reduced in 2021. We recommend talking to a reputable work permit service provider.
We take care of all your Singapore relocation needs.
While you can apply for the Tech.Pass on your own, we can simply help your spouse or family members secure a Dependant’s or Long-Term Visit Pass.
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