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Holding a Tech.Pass? What Stops on 28 January 2027 and Your Options
Short answer: EDB stops accepting new and renewal Tech.Pass applications from 28 January 2027, with the last day being 27 January 2027 at 2359hrs. Existing holders keep their pass until it expires. After that you need another pass, most likely the ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track, an Employment Pass or an EntrePass.
Key facts at a glance
- Last day to apply for a new or renewed tech pass: 27 January 2027, 2359hrs. From 28 January 2027 EDB accepts no Tech.Pass applications (EDB, as at 26 October 2026).
- Existing holders may remain on the pass until it expires, with its privileges, but cannot renew after the cut-off (EDB, as at 26 October 2026).
- The Tech.Pass can be renewed once only, for a further 2 years. The renewal fee is S$225 per pass (EDB, as at 26 October 2026).
- The ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track opens from 28 January 2027. It needs total pay of at least S$30,000 a month for 12 consecutive months, of which at least S$22,500 is fixed (MOM, page updated 14 September 2026).
- The ONE Pass lasts up to 5 years and is renewable for up to 5 years each time. There is no foreign worker levy or quota (MOM, page updated 14 September 2026).
- The Employment Pass minimum qualifying salary is S$5,600 for new applications today, rising to S$6,000 for new applications from 1 January 2027 (MOM factsheet, 3 March 2026).
This article is general information only and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. For matters needing legal advice, we work with a panel of experienced Singapore law firms.
If you hold a tech pass issued by the Economic Development Board (EDB), the rules changed in 2026 and the old route is closing. This guide replaces our 2022 explainer. It sets out what stops on 28 January 2027, what does not change for current holders, and how to choose between renewing now, moving to the new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track, or falling back to another pass. Everything below is stated as at 26 October 2026 unless a different date is given.
What exactly stops on 28 January 2027?
EDB will no longer accept any new or renewal Tech.Pass applications from 28 January 2027. Applications submitted before that date continue to be processed under the existing framework.
EDB’s Tech.Pass renewal page (read on 26 October 2026) says new applications stay open until 27 January 2027, 2359hrs, and that renewal applications can be submitted up to the same moment. The pass itself is not cancelled. Holders can stay on their approved pass until its expiry date and keep the flexibility it gives, such as running a business while also acting as an employee, consultant or director.
MOM announced the replacement at Committee of Supply 2026, in its factsheet of 3 March 2026: a new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track from January 2027 that “will replace the existing Tech.Pass”.
Can I still renew my Tech.Pass before the cut-off?
Yes, if your renewal window opens before 28 January 2027 and you meet the renewal criteria. Renewal is available once only, for a further 2 years, so a holder already in a second term cannot renew at all.
Under EDB’s rules, a renewal application can be submitted up to 6 months before expiry and no later than 12 weeks before expiry. Our reading of those two rules is that a pass expiring after about 27 July 2027 cannot reach a renewal window before the cut-off, because the window would open after 27 January 2027. If your pass expires in that later period, plan on a different pass instead. Please confirm your own dates with EDB.
EDB lists three alternative renewal criteria (EDB, as at 26 October 2026). You need to meet one of them:
- Assessable income of at least S$270,000 on your latest IRAS Notice of Assessment, from salary, business income or both.
- Total annual business spending of at least S$100,000, and employment of at least 1 local professional, manager or executive (earning at least S$3,900 a month with CPF contributions for at least 3 months) or 3 local qualifying staff (earning at least S$1,600 a month with CPF for at least 3 months).
- A Singapore company with a digital or technology core product that has secured more than US$10 million in cumulative investment funding in the past 36 months, including funding from programme-recognised investment firms.
EDB says to allow at least 12 weeks for renewal, with processing of around 8 weeks once all documents are in order. If the application is approved, the renewed pass must be issued within 3 months of the in-principle approval letter, and no extension is granted. The fee is S$225 per pass, plus S$30 for each Multiple Journey Visa if needed.
What happens when my Tech.Pass expires?
The pass ends on its expiry date and you must leave Singapore or hold another valid pass by then. EDB points eligible holders to the new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track or other options, including the mainstream ONE Pass, the Employment Pass, EntrePass and the Personalised Employment Pass.
Because there is no further Tech.Pass renewal after the cut-off, the practical task is to sequence the next application so that it is approved before expiry. Dependants’ passes follow your own status, so review their expiry dates at the same time and ask MOM or a licensed adviser how they will be treated when your pass changes.
What are the ONE Pass (AI and Tech) criteria?
From 28 January 2027 you may apply on the AI and Tech track if you meet MOM’s salary, experience and company tests together. The figures below come from MOM’s eligibility page, last updated 14 September 2026.
| Test | What MOM requires |
|---|---|
| Qualifying pay | At least S$30,000 a month, or the foreign currency equivalent, for 12 consecutive months before the application date |
| Fixed salary part | Fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500. The remainder may include vested non-cash components such as ESOP or ESOW, subject to assessment |
| Experience | At least 5 cumulative years, within the past 10 years, as a founder or in a C-suite role in a tech firm, or in a technical role such as senior software engineer |
| Company | Current or last employment in a tech company, a tech division of a company or a tech venture capital firm |
| Company size | Valuation or market capitalisation of at least US$500 million, or annual revenue of at least US$200 million, or at least US$500 million in assets under management. Tech start-ups that raised at least US$30 million also qualify |
| Several employers | The S$30,000 must come from one employer only. Two salaries of S$20,000 and S$10,000 do not qualify |
| Existing pass holders | Must have worked in Singapore for at least 1 year |
Compared with the Tech.Pass, the headline change is the S$30,000 total pay test and the single-employer rule, offset by recognition of vested share-based pay. Our earlier guide, the new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) and what replaces the Tech.Pass, covers the announcement in more detail, and who qualifies for the ONE Pass explains the mainstream route.
How does the ONE Pass compare with the Tech.Pass?
The ONE Pass is longer, renewable more than once and exempt from COMPASS, but its pay and company tests are stricter. The table sets out the main differences using EDB and MOM pages read on 26 October 2026.
| Feature | Tech.Pass (closing) | ONE Pass (AI and Tech) |
|---|---|---|
| Administered by | EDB | MOM |
| Applications | Close after 27 January 2027 | Open from 28 January 2027 |
| Validity | 2 years, one renewal of 2 years | Up to 5 years, renewable for up to 5 years each time |
| Pay test | Fixed monthly salary of S$22,500 (EDB FAQ) | S$30,000 total monthly, with at least S$22,500 fixed |
| Share-based pay | Not mentioned in EDB’s salary criterion | Vested ESOP and ESOW can count, subject to assessment |
| Family passes | Separate dependant forms on EDB’s renewal page | Dependant’s Pass for spouse and children under 21, Long-Term Visit Pass for parents and common-law spouse |
| Levy or quota | Not stated on EDB’s page | No foreign worker levy or quota (MOM) |
One point to confirm before you rely on it: MOM’s ONE Pass renewal rule requires an average fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 over the past 5 years in Singapore, or a Singapore company employing at least 5 locals each earning at least the prevailing EP minimum qualifying salary. MOM’s March 2026 factsheet said renewal details for the AI and Tech track would be published separately, so check that page again before you plan a second term.
What if I do not meet the ONE Pass test?
The usual fallback is an Employment Pass, provided you have a job offer, or an EntrePass if you are building a company. Which one fits depends on whether you are employed or founding.
The Employment Pass currently has a minimum qualifying salary of S$5,600 for new applications, rising progressively with age. From 1 January 2027 it becomes S$6,000 for new applications, and the new level applies to renewals of passes expiring from 1 January 2028 (MOM factsheet, 3 March 2026). Candidates also need to pass COMPASS unless exempt. Our guides to EP salary by age for 2026 and 2027 and the COMPASS points system cover the numbers, and EP, PEP and ONE Pass compared by career stage helps you choose.
If you run a Singapore company on your Tech.Pass, the company structure matters when you move pass. For incorporation, secretarial and accounting support, see Raffles Corporate Services. Note that MOM allows only 1 work pass application per candidate at a time, so do not file an EP and a ONE Pass application in parallel.
How should I plan the next 12 months?
Work backwards from two dates: your pass expiry and 27 January 2027. The steps below suit most holders.
- Find your Tech.Pass expiry date and your dependants’ pass expiry dates.
- If your pass expires on or before about 27 July 2027 and you are in your first term, test the renewal criteria (S$270,000 assessable income, business spend and local hires, or funding) and file before 27 January 2027.
- Gather 12 months of payslips or contracts to test the S$30,000 total pay and S$22,500 fixed salary rules for the ONE Pass, with equity statements for any vested ESOP or ESOW.
- Check that your pay comes from one employer, and that the employer meets the company size test.
- Decide on the fallback (EP or EntrePass) in good time and keep at least 12 weeks before expiry for any filing.
- Apply for family passes once your own pass is approved. MOM says Dependant’s Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass applications take 4 weeks.
If you also hold or plan to hold another pass, can you hold two work passes in Singapore explains what is allowed.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Tech.Pass cancelled on 28 January 2027?
No. Only applications stop. EDB says existing holders can remain on their pass until its expiry.
Can I renew a Tech.Pass in February 2027?
No. EDB will not accept new or renewal applications from 28 January 2027. Renewals must be submitted by 27 January 2027, 2359hrs.
Can a Tech.Pass holder switch straight to the ONE Pass?
Eligible holders can apply for the ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track from 28 January 2027 if they meet MOM’s criteria. Existing pass holders must have worked in Singapore for at least 1 year.
Do I need a job to apply for the ONE Pass under the AI and Tech track?
MOM’s AI and Tech criteria refer to your current or last held employment and your earnings over 12 consecutive months. Check the page for your own facts, as founders and those between roles should take advice before applying.
Can my family stay with me on a ONE Pass?
Yes. MOM allows a Dependant’s Pass for a legally married spouse and children under 21, and a Long-Term Visit Pass for parents and a common-law spouse. A spouse can apply for a Letter of Consent to work.
Which official pages should I check before filing?
Read EDB’s Tech.Pass renewal page and MOM’s ONE Pass eligibility page, along with MOM’s ONE Pass key facts, as they can change.
Little Big Employment Agency helps with pass, PR and citizenship applications, including moving from a Tech.Pass to the ONE Pass or an Employment Pass. Visit singaporeemploymentagency.com, email [email protected] or call, SMS or WhatsApp +65 8501 7133.
Last reviewed: 26 October 2026. The Editorial Team, Little Big Employment Agency.
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