What is ONE Pass?
The Ministry of Manpower has announced the introduction of a new immigration pathway for highly skilled individuals, known as the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass Singapore). This article offers an overview of the necessary requirements for initiating the application process.
Key Facts about the New Singapore Work Visa – ONE Pass
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has unveiled a new work visa in Singapore called the Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass, commonly referred to as ONE Pass Singapore.
Applications for this visa have been open since 1st January 2023. ONE Pass targets individuals in business, arts and culture, sports, science and technology, academia, and research who possess exceptional skills. Unlike the regular Employment Pass, the ONE Pass is a personalized work permit tied to the individual, eliminating the need for reapplication if a job change occurs.
The ONE Pass has a validity period of 5 years and can be renewed upon meeting the specified criteria. ONE Pass holders have the ability to register and operate a company in Singapore. Overseas Network and Expertise (ONE) Pass Singapore The new Singapore work visa also grants high-income talents and established corporate executives the opportunity to reside in Singapore without requiring local employment. ONE Pass holders are permitted to bring certain family members to Singapore, and the spouse of a successful candidate can work in Singapore under a Letter of Consent. The eligibility criteria for the Singapore ONE Pass are stringent. There are two distinct application routes available for the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass.
Benefits of the New Singapore ONE Pass
Right to establish a company in Singapore: ONE Pass holders are eligible to incorporate a company in Singapore, subject to certain conditions.
- Employment flexibility: The Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass offers flexibility by allowing eligible applicants to work for multiple companies in Singapore concurrently.
- Dependent passes: ONE Pass holders can include certain family members under their visa.
- No COMPASS requirement: Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass holders are exempt from the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS), a point-based eligibility assessment system for employers hiring foreign professionals.
- No job advertisement requirement for employers: Employers seeking to hire ONE Pass holders are not obligated to comply with the Fair Consideration Framework’s job advertising requirement.
- Spousal employment rights: Spouses of ONE Pass holders are authorized to work in Singapore under a Letter of Consent.
Am I Eligible for an Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass?
There are two separate routes to apply for the Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass:
Each route has its own set of qualification requirements.
- ONE Pass route based on salary criteria
- ONE Pass route based on outstanding achievements
Who can apply for the ONE Pass?
Individuals of any nationality can apply for the ONE Pass Singapore. Eligible applicants can be current work visa/pass holders or overseas candidates, provided they meet the qualification requirements.
Requirements for the ONE Pass Singapore
Candidates for both routes must specialize in one or more of the following fields:
- Arts and culture
- Sports
- Science and technology
- Academia and research
ONE Pass route based on salary
To qualify under the ONE Pass route based on salary, the applicant must satisfy both criteria:
- (a) Earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency within the past year, or (b) Will earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 under their future employer based in Singapore.
- Demonstrate a minimum of one year of employment with an established company overseas or provide evidence of future employment with an established company in Singapore. (Please note that existing Singapore work pass holders must demonstrate at least one year of employment with any company in Singapore or future employment with a Singapore-established company.)
Important Note :
The fixed monthly salary of at least $30,000 must be earned from a single employer. Other sources of income may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
What is an Established Company?
For a company to be considered established, it must have a market capitalization of at least US$500 million or an annual revenue of at least US$200 million.
ONE Pass route based on outstanding achievements
The alternative route for applying for the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass Singapore is through demonstrating exceptional accomplishments in the applicant’s field of expertise. Candidates with outstanding achievements may apply, even if they do not meet the aforementioned salary criterion.
Applicants must submit:
- A comprehensive CV outlining academic qualifications, professional experiences, and accomplishments.
- A letter of endorsement from a local host research institution (such as Autonomous Universities or A*STAR), required specifically for applicants in academia and research.
ONE Pass Visa Required Documents
The MOM allows either the candidate or an authorized agency to apply for the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) on the candidate’s behalf.
Required Documents for ONE Pass Singapore
The list of required documents for ONE Pass varies depending on the chosen route of application.
Each eligible category has its own set of required documents.
For applicants who have earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 while working for a company in Singapore in the past year:
- Valid travel document (passport) biodata page
- Consecutive monthly payslips covering a 12-month period
- Most recent tax statements from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS)
- Supporting documents for other sources of income, if applicable
For applicants who have earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currency) while working overseas in the past year:
- Valid travel document (passport) biodata page
- Consecutive monthly payslips covering a 12-month period
- Employment verification proof from a background screening company
- Supporting documents for other sources of income, if applicable
- Documents indicating the latest company valuation, market capitalization, or annual revenue of the current or most recent employer. Acceptable sources for this information include Pitchbook, Yahoo Finance, Crunchbase, Bloomberg, Google Finance, Venturecap, preqin, QCC.com, chinaventure.com.cn, and itjuzi.com. If the required documentation is unavailable, the company’s latest audited Profit & Loss statements may be provided.
For applicants who will earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 under a prospective employer in Singapore:
- Employment contract with a Singapore organization or a letter of offer from a prospective employer in Singapore
- Documents indicating the latest company valuation, market capitalization, or annual revenue of the candidate’s prospective employer. Acceptable sources for this information include Pitchbook, Yahoo Finance, Crunchbase, Bloomberg, Google Finance, Venturecap, preqin, QCC.com, chinaventure.com.cn, and itjuzi.com. If the required documentation is unavailable, the company’s latest audited Profit & Loss statements may be provided.
ONE Pass route based on outstanding achievements
Applicants with exceptional achievements in arts and culture, sports, or academia and research must submit the following documents:
- Payslips from the most recent month
- Supporting documents for other sources of income, if applicable
- A detailed CV highlighting key achievements • For applicants applying under the academia and research track, a CV listing significant publications, patents, or technology disclosures within the past 5 years
- Recommendation or endorsement letter from a local host institution for a potential position, applicable only for the academia and research track.
If you have any company-related queries, you may email us at [email protected]. When in doubt, seek legal advice or consult an experienced licensed Employment Agency with the Ministry of Manpower.
Yours Sincerely,
The editorial team at Singapore Employment Agency
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