Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass — Step-by-step walkthrough
Raffles Corporate Services works with a panel of corporate and employment law firms; this article is general information, not legal advice.
The Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass is a five-year personalised work pass from the Ministry of Manpower for top global talent. Unlike most passes it is not tied to a single employer, letting holders work for, or start, multiple companies in Singapore at the same time.
What the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass is
The ONE Pass is the most flexible work pass in Singapore. It is granted for five years and is renewable, and it allows the holder to hold directorships and run several businesses concurrently. The pass is aimed at high-earning professionals and individuals of standing in their field, and it removes the need to re-apply each time the holder changes role.
Who qualifies
Applicants generally must earn, or have earned, a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 within the last year, or demonstrate outstanding achievement in arts, sports, science or academia. Those joining a Singapore employer must have a role paying at least the threshold. Candidates choosing between top-tier passes should compare our Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) walkthrough.
Eligibility and evidence
Employment-based applicants show payslips and an employment contract covering the qualifying period. Achievement-based applicants provide endorsements, awards and a documented record of distinction. The S$30,000 figure must be fixed monthly salary, not variable bonuses or allowances, so structure the evidence accordingly.
Cost and timeline
Processing takes around 4 weeks for a complete application. The pass is valid for five years, the longest standard work-pass tenure in Singapore. Family members may follow on Dependant Passes, subject to the usual conditions.
Renewal and local contribution
Renewal at the five-year mark requires the holder to show local economic contribution, such as meeting a local-employment benchmark by employing a number of Singaporeans or permanent residents through a company the holder operates. Holders who only draw a salary, without building local activity, can find renewal harder, so plan the contribution profile early.
Step-by-step process
First, confirm you meet the salary or achievement criterion and gather evidence. Second, prepare payslips, contracts or endorsements covering the qualifying period. Third, submit the application through the Ministry of Manpower portal. Fourth, on approval, plan any company directorships; founders incorporating a vehicle can pair this with Singapore Pte Ltd registration for foreigners. Fifth, track the local-hiring benchmark for renewal. Corporate tax planning is covered in our Singapore corporate tax 2026 guide.
Common mistakes and gotchas
Applicants often miscalculate the S$30,000 fixed monthly salary, mix variable bonuses into the figure, or fail to evidence the qualifying period. At renewal, holders sometimes overlook the requirement to show local economic contribution.
FAQs
What salary qualifies for the ONE Pass? A fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 within the last year, or equivalent standing.
How long is the ONE Pass valid? Five years, renewable.
Can ONE Pass holders run multiple companies? Yes, the pass is not tied to one employer and allows concurrent roles.
Can family members join? Yes, eligible family members may apply for Dependant Passes.
What is needed at renewal? Evidence of local economic contribution, such as meeting a local-employment benchmark.
Authoritative sources: the Ministry of Manpower and the Singapore Economic Development Board.