Singapore Unveils New ONE Pass for AI and Tech Experts Starting 2027

Singapore is preparing for a completly new visa pathway for top tech and AI professionals.

Starting January 1, 2027, the Singapore government will introduce the whole new ONE Pass (AI and Tech), a specialised pathway designed to attract experienced global talent working in fields such as artificial intelligence, advanced software engineering, and quantum computing.

The move will replace the existing Tech.Pass, which was introduced in 2021, and bring it under the broader Overseas Networks and Expertise (ONE) Pass framework.

What Is the ONE Pass?

The Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) is a special work visa created by Singapore to attract top global professionals and industry leaders.

Unlike traditional work visas, the ONE Pass allows highly skilled individuals to live and work in Singapore with more flexibility, without being tied to a single employer.

This visa is meant for people with exceptional achievements or high salaries in fields such as:

• Technology
• Business leadership
• Science and research
• Arts and culture
• Sports and academia

Applicants generally need to earn at least SGD 30,000 per month or demonstrate outstanding professional achievements.

New ONE Pass (AI and Tech) Track Coming in 2027

The upcoming ONE Pass (AI and Tech) will specifically target senior technology experts and founders. It focuses on professionals working in emerging and high-impact sectors such as:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Quantum computing
• Advanced software development
• Deep tech and engineering

The goal is simple. Singapore wants to attract global tech leaders who can help build the country’s innovation ecosystem.

Longer Visa Validity: Five Years Instead of Two

One major change is the longer validity period. The new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) will be issued for five years, with the option to renew it for another five years.

This is a big upgrade compared to the current Tech.Pass.

Visa Type	Validity	Renewal
Tech.Pass	2 years	One renewal for 2 years
ONE Pass (AI and Tech)	5 years	Renewable for another 5 years

The longer duration gives global professionals greater stability and flexibility to build businesses or careers in Singapore.

Employer Requirements for Applicants

To qualify, applicants must be connected to a technology-focused company or investment firm.

They must currently work, or most recently worked, at one of the following:

• A technology company
• A technology division within a company
• A venture capital firm focused on technology

The company must also meet at least one of these conditions:

Company Criteria	Requirement
Market value or valuation	At least USD 500 million
Annual revenue	At least USD 200 million
Assets under management	At least USD 500 million
Funding raised (tech startups)	At least USD 30 million

These requirements aim to ensure applicants come from established or high-growth tech ecosystems.

Experience Requirements for Applicants

Candidates must also show strong leadership or technical experience.

Applicants need at least five years of experience in the past 10 years in roles such as:

• Founder or co-founder
• C-suite leadership (CEO, CTO, etc.)
• Senior technical roles like a senior software engineer

This requirement targets professionals who have already played key roles in building or scaling technology companies.

Salary Requirements Explained

Applicants must meet a minimum income requirement. The standard benchmark is SGD 30,000 per month for at least 12 consecutive months before applying.

However, the AI and Tech track allows some flexibility.

The salary threshold can be met through a combination of:

• Fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 22,500, and
• Additional compensation, such as stock options or company shares, is subject to review by authorities.

This approach reflects how many tech professionals are paid, where equity compensation is common.

How This Differs From the Standard ONE Pass

The broader ONE Pass is open to top professionals across several sectors.

The new AI and Tech track narrows the focus to experienced technology specialists and founders, while adding clearer rules around employer qualifications and experience.

In simple terms:

• Standard ONE Pass: For top global professionals across many industries
• ONE Pass (AI and Tech): Specifically designed for senior technology experts

Why Singapore Is Making This Change

Singapore has been actively competing with global tech hubs to attract talent.

The original Tech.Pass, launched in 2021, aimed to bring entrepreneurs, tech leaders, and engineers to the country.

Then in 2022, Singapore introduced the broader ONE Pass to attract elite professionals across multiple sectors.

The new AI and Tech track continues that strategy but focuses on critical technologies shaping the future, especially AI and deep tech.

By offering longer visas and clearer eligibility rules, Singapore hopes to bring in experienced innovators who can build companies, create jobs, and strengthen its technology ecosystem.