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Exploring the Benefits of the ONE Pass in Singapore
07/06/2023
Singapore has always been a magnet for exceptional industry talent, attracting individuals with remarkable skills and expertise. Singapore has introduced the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) to further enhance its position as a global talent hub. This personalized pass is specifically designed for top talent across business, arts and culture, sports, academia, and research sectors.
The ONE Pass offers a unique opportunity for eligible applicants to concurrently initiate, manage, and work for multiple companies within Singapore simultaneously.
In this blog post, we will look at the features and benefits of the ONE Pass.
What is the ONE Pass?
The Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass is a personalized pass designed to attract top talent from across all different sectors, including business, arts and culture, sports, as well as academia and research. It allows eligible applicants to concurrently start, operate and work for multiple companies in Singapore at any one time.
ONE Passes are valid for 5 years. The initial pass will be issued for 5 years and can be renewed for 5 further years. There is no limit to the amount of renewals a holder can make as long as they satisfy the application and renewal criteria.
Who is eligible for the ONE Pass?
Each candidate applying for the ONE Pass undergoes a thorough case-by-case assessment. Each application will be reviewed by considering whether the candidate meets the criteria and evaluating their potential to contribute to Singapore’s economy and society significantly.
Multiple application routes are available for individuals interested in applying for the ONE Pass. Application routes include:
Application by salary
Candidates who are current work pass holders or residing overseas are eligible to apply for the ONE Pass if they meet either of the following salary criteria:
- They have earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000, or its equivalent in foreign currency, over the past year.
- They will earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 under their prospective employer in Singapore.
It is important to note that the minimum salary of S$30,000 must be derived from a single employer. However, other income sources may be considered on a case-by-case basis. In addition to fulfilling the salary criteria mentioned above, candidates must meet the conditions outlined in the table below:
| Candidate type | Requirements |
| Overseas candidate | You have been working for an established company overseas for at least 1 year.
Or You will be working for an established company in Singapore. |
| Existing work pass holder | You have been working in Singapore for at least 1 year.
Or You will be working for an established company in Singapore. |
The ONE Pass can be renewed for 5 years at a time. To qualify for renewal, the pass holder must meet one of the following criteria:
- Maintain a consistent average monthly salary of at least S$30,000 over the past 5 years while working in Singapore.
- Establish and operate a company in Singapore that employs a minimum of 5 local employees, each earning at least S$5,000 (aligned with the EP minimum qualifying salary).
Outstanding achievements
The ONE Pass provides an alternative path for individuals who have excelled in arts and culture, sports, academia and research. These individuals have the opportunity to qualify for the pass without having to meet the salary criterion.
Specifically, individuals who have demonstrated remarkable accomplishments in scientific or other academic research, with a proven track record of impactful outcomes, including international recognition of scientific and/or academic leadership, can apply under the academia and research track.
To be considered under the outstanding achievement track for academia and research, applicants must submit a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) that highlights their academic qualifications, professional experiences, and notable achievements. Additionally, they must obtain a letter(s) of endorsement from a local host research institution such as the Autonomous Universities or A*STAR.
By fulfilling these requirements, applicants can be considered for the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass based on their outstanding achievements in the field of academia and research.
What are the advantages of the ONE Pass?
Unlike other employment passes offered in Singapore, the ONE Pass is a personalised pass tied to the individual rather than a company. This gives the holder far greater employment flexibility, for example:
- The holder can concurrently start, operate, and work for multiple companies at any one time.
- The holder does not need to reapply for a new pass if you change jobs.
- The spouse of the holder will be able to work on a Letter of Consent.
To ensure that the ONE Pass holders are using the system properly, the Ministry of Manpower will request the following information each year:
- Details on all your professional activities over the past year.
- The annual salary you have earned from all professional activities.
- This will contribute to our assessment of your eligibility for renewal.
Furthermore, holders of a ONE pass will be able to bring certain family members to Singapore either as a dependent or be able to qualify for a dependents pass.
| Family member | Pass type |
| Spouse (legally married) | Dependant’s Pass |
| Unmarried children under 21 years old, including those legally adopted | |
| Common-law spouse | Long-Term Visit Pass |
| Unmarried handicapped children aged 21 and above | |
| Unmarried stepchildren under 21 years old | |
| Parents |
Please note, your spouse will be able to work in Singapore on a Letter of Consent while holding a Dependant’s Pass.
What documents are required to apply for the ONE Pass?
When applying for an Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass, it is essential to include the necessary documents through the upload process. The required documents include
- Biodata page of the travel document, which should include any amendments.
- If the candidate’s name on the passport differs from their other documents, an explanation letter and supporting documents (such as a deed poll) should also be uploaded.
For specific categories of candidates, additional documents need to be uploaded.
Candidates who earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 for the last year while working in Singapore
Qualifying applicants will need to submit the following:
- Candidate’s monthly payslips for a consecutive period of 12 months.
- Most recent tax statements from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore.
- Documents supporting other income sources other than fixed monthly salary (if applicable).
Candidates who earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currency) for the last year while working overseas
Qualifying applicants will need to submit the following:
- Candidate’s monthly payslips for a consecutive period of 12 months.
- Employment verification proof from a background screening company.
- Documents supporting other income sources other than fixed monthly salary (if applicable).
- Documents indicating the latest company valuation, market capitalisation, or annual company revenue of the candidate’s current or most recent employer from using any one of these sources within the last 3 months:
- Pitchbook
- Yahoo Finance
- Crunchbase
- Bloomberg
- Google Finance
- Venturecap
- preqin
- QCC.com
- chinaventure.com.cn
- itjuzi.com
The applicant can provide the company’s latest audited Profit & Loss statements if the above documentation is unavailable.
Candidates who will be earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 under a prospective employer based in Singapore
Qualifying applicants will need to submit the following:
- Employment contract with a Singapore organisation or letter of offer from a prospective employer in Singapore.
- Documents indicating latest company valuation, market capitalisation or annual company revenue of the candidate’s prospective employer using any one of these sources within the last 3 months:
- Pitchbook
- Yahoo Finance
- Crunchbase
- Bloomberg
- Google Finance
- Venturecap
- preqin
- QCC.com
- chinaventure.com.cn
- itjuzi.com
If the documentation is not available, you may provide the company’s latest audited Profit & Loss statements.
Candidates with outstanding achievements in arts and culture, sports, or academia and research
Qualifying applicants will need to submit the following:
- Payslips from the latest month.
- Documents supporting other income sources other than fixed monthly fixed salary (if applicable).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting key achievements.
- For candidates applying under the academia and research track:
- CV should list significant publications, patents or technology disclosures in the past 5 years.
- Provide a recommendation or endorsement letter or document by a local host institution for a potential position.
How can Belaws help?
If you have a question about the ONE Pass in Singapore, please speak directly with one of our experts.
You can also view our Singapore incorporation services here.
This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register my GST number in Singapore?
You can register your GST number in Singapore by submitting an application online through the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) website using your SingPass or CorpPass account. Alternatively, you can also submit a hard copy of the application form to the IRAS.
Who needs to register for GST in Singapore?
Businesses that make taxable supplies of goods and services and have an annual turnover of more than S$1 million are required to register for GST in Singapore. However, businesses that have an annual turnover of less than S$1 million may choose to register for GST voluntarily.
When should I register for GST in Singapore?
You should register for GST in Singapore within 30 days of your business exceeding the annual turnover threshold of S$1 million, or if you anticipate that your business will exceed the threshold within the next 12 months.
What does it mean to be GST registered in Singapore?
Being GST registered in Singapore means that your business is registered with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) and is authorized to charge GST on taxable goods and services provided to customers. GST-registered businesses can also claim input tax credits on GST paid on business purchases and expenses.
Is GST number the same as business number in Singapore?
No, GST number and business number are not the same in Singapore. A GST number is a unique identification number assigned by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) to businesses that are registered for GST. On the other hand, a business number in Singapore generally refers to the Unique Entity Number (UEN) which is a standard identification number used by government agencies to identify businesses.
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