Introduction to Tech Pass

In early 2020, the Singapore Economic Development Board announced the introduction of a new visa category, the Tech Pass. This initiative aims to attract top global tech talent to Singapore, thereby boosting the development of the country’s tech ecosystem and strengthening Singapore’s position as a leading regional tech hub.

 

Who is eligible to apply for the Tech Pass?

Applicants do not have to be employed by a Singaporean company. They can be employees of that company, or directly involved in entrepreneurial activities, investments, or serve as directors in Singapore. Applicants only need to meet two of the following three criteria to qualify for the Tech Pass. Holders of existing work passes such as the Employment Pass or Personalized Employment Pass can also apply to convert their passes to the Tech Pass if they meet the eligibility requirements:

A fixed monthly salary of at least S$20,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency for the past year;

A minimum of five years of leadership experience in a technology company with a market capitalization of at least US$500 million or a minimum funding of US$30 million; and

A minimum of five years of cumulative experience leading the development of technology products with at least 100,000 monthly active users or a minimum revenue of US$100 million.

 

What supporting documents are required?

  1. An original, completed, and signed Tech Pass application form (if applying for a Dependent Pass for a spouse and dependents under 21, the corresponding Dependent Pass application form must also be completed; if applying for a Long-Term Pass for a parent, the corresponding Long-Term Pass application form must also be completed);
  2. Relevant supporting documents demonstrating compliance with the Technology Pass requirements;
  3. A photo page of the applicant’s passport; and
  4. If a Dependent Pass/Long-Term Pass is required, proof of the relationship between the dependent and the applicant, along with documents proving compliance with relevant vaccination requirements.

 

How long does the application process take?

The Technology Pass program opened for applications in January 2020, with a total of 500 slots available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Technology Pass is valid for two years and can be extended if the specified criteria are met, with the extension also valid for two years. The initial application process for the STP typically takes approximately eight weeks. The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) will assess all submitted documents and evaluate the applicant’s potential contribution to Singapore’s technology ecosystem. If the EDB requires additional information from the applicant, the actual processing time may be extended. Once approved, the applicant will receive an electronic letter of approval in principle (IPA).

 

What steps must be taken after receiving the IPA?

  1. The applicant must travel to Singapore to process the STP within the six-month period granted by the IPA. In principle, extensions of the IPA are not permitted.
  2. The applicant must commence work or business activities in Singapore and must be present in Singapore to process the STP.

 

What are the requirements for extending the STP?

To extend the STP after its expiry, the applicant must meet one of the following two criteria:

  1. Based on the latest assessment notice from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), the applicant has earned taxable income of at least S$240,000, which may consist of salary income, business income, or a combination of both; or
  2. Demonstrate annual business expenditure of at least S$100,000 and employ at least one Singaporean professional/manager/executive or three full-time employees.

 

In addition, meet at least two of the following ten criteria, with at least one from criteria one to five:

  1. Established a company in Singapore that provides technology or technology-based products/services;
  2. Held a leadership position in a Singapore technology company (e.g., Chief Executive Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Asia-Pacific Regional General Manager);
  3. Held leadership positions in two or more Singapore technology companies;
  4. Employed in a Singapore company in a technical role leading a company team (e.g., Senior Engineer or Senior Researcher leading a team in a specific technology area);
  5. Employed in two or more Singapore companies in a technical role leading a company team;
  6. Served as a member of the board of directors of a Singapore company (which does not have to be a technology company);
  7. Acted as an advisor/mentor to a Singapore startup;
  8. Held a professor/lecturer/visiting professor/visiting lecturer position at a Singapore higher education institution;
  9. Provided certain forms of training (e.g., workshops, corporate training programs) not covered by points 7 or 8 above; and
  10. Invested in one or more Singapore technology companies.