Tech.Pass is a visa that allows established tech entrepreneurs, leaders or technical experts from around the world to come to Singapore to perform frontier and disruptive innovations.
Who can apply
Individuals can apply for the pass directly.
The pass is administered by the Singapore Economic Development Board.
Key Features
Tech.Pass Key Features — Singapore EDB
As an individualised pass, Tech.Pass holders are able to take on multiple roles concurrently in Singapore, such as:
- Start and operate one or more tech companies;
- Be an employee in one or more Singapore-based companies at any time;
- Be a consultant or mentor, lecture in local institutions of higher learning; and/or
- Be an investor or director in one or more Singapore based companies.
There is no need for Tech.Pass holders to apply for different passes as they transit between activities.
Tech.Pass holders are able to sponsor stay for spouse, children, and parents1 in Singapore on either a Dependant’s Pass (DP) or a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) issued by MOM.
The pass will be valid for 2 years in the first instance, and can be renewed for another 2 years, upon meeting renewal criteria.
NOTE:
- Legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age, including those legally adopted, will be eligible for a DP issued by MOM. Common-law spouse, unmarried handicapped children aged 21 years and above, unmarried stepchildren under 21 years of age, and parents will be eligible for a LTVP issued by MOM.
Eligibility and Renewal
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the pass, applicants must satisfy any two of the following conditions:
- Have a last drawn fixed monthly salary (in the last 1 year) of at least S$22,500*.
- Have at least five cumulative years of experience in a leading role in a tech company with a valuation/market cap of at least US$500mil or at least US$30mil funding raised.
- Have at least five cumulative years of experience in a leading role in the development of a tech product that has at least 100,000 monthly active users or at least US$100mil annual revenue**
*Or its equivalent in a foreign currency. The fixed monthly salary should come from one employer. Candidates or business owners with other sources of income may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
**E.g. made major contributions to the design, development, and/or deployment of a tech product.
Renewal Criteria
To be eligible for a two-year renewal, the pass holder must fulfil either: (i) Criterion 1 or 2, and (ii) Criterion 3.
(i) Criterion 1 or 2
- Have earned at least S$240,000 in assessable income based on the latest Notice of Assessment from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (can be made up of salaries and / or business income);
Note: From 1 September 2024, the required assessable income will be raised to S$270,000. - Demonstrate total annual business spending of at least S$100,000 and employ at least 1 local PME1 or 3 LQS2.3
(ii) AND Criterion 3
At the time of renewal, be performing at least two of the following roles, at least one of which must be in Category (A):
Category A
- Founded a company in Singapore, offering a tech-based or tech-enabled product or service
- Served a leading role (e.g. CEO, CTO, APAC MD) in a Singapore-based tech company
- Served a leading role in two or more Singapore-based tech companies
- Employed in a technical role leading a team in a Singapore-based company (e.g. senior engineer or senior researcher leading a team in a particular tech field)
- Employed in a technical role leading a team in two or more Singapore-based companies
Category B
- Served on Board of Directors of a Singapore-based company (need not necessarily be tech company)
- Acted as advisor / mentor to a Singapore-based start-up
- Served as professor / lecturer / adjunct professor / adjunct lecture in a Singapore Institute of Higher Learning (IHL)
- Provided training in some form not covered by B2 or B3 above (e.g. workshops, corporate training classes)
- Invested in one or more Singapore-based tech companies
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The information provided on this website is intended as a general guide. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, please refer directly to the relevant government bodies' official websites. We do not take responsibility for any inaccuracies, omissions, or changes in the information provided.
