Singapore is preparing to launch a dedicated visa route for top-tier technology and artificial intelligence professionals. From 1st January 2027, the Singapore government will introduce the ONE Pass (AI and Tech) — a specialised professional visa designed to attract senior international talent working in AI, advanced software engineering, quantum computing, and other emerging technology sectors.
The new route will replace the existing Tech.Pass, which has been in operation since 2021, and bring it under the broader Overseas Networks and Expertise (ONE) Pass framework.
What Is the ONE Pass?
The Overseas Networks and Expertise (ONE) Pass is Singapore’s flagship professional visa for high-achieving international experts and industry leaders. Unlike conventional work visas, the ONE Pass allows highly experienced individuals to live and work in Singapore with considerably greater flexibility — including the ability to work across multiple employers simultaneously, without being tied to a single company.
The ONE Pass is currently open to top professionals across the following fields:
- Technology
- Business leadership
- Science and research
- Arts and culture
- Sports and academia
Applicants are generally required to earn at least $23,467 per month or demonstrate exceptional professional achievements at the highest levels of their field.
The ONE Pass (AI and Tech): What Changes in 2027
The new AI and Tech track has been designed specifically for senior technology professionals and innovators working in the sectors most central to Singapore’s future economic development. Target disciplines include:
- Artificial Intelligence and machine learning
- Deep tech and advanced engineering
- Quantum computing
- Progressive software development
Singapore’s objective is clear: attract the international technology leaders who can help build and scale the country’s innovation ecosystem over the long term.
Extended Validity: Five Years Instead of Two
One of the most significant upgrades in the new route is the extended visa validity period. The ONE Pass (AI and Tech) will be issued for five years, with the option to renew for a further five years — a major improvement over the current Tech.Pass.
| Visa Type | Initial Validity | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Tech.Pass (current) | 24 months | One renewal of 24 months |
| ONE Pass (AI and Tech) from 2027 | 5 years | Renewable for a further 5 years |
The extended validity gives international professionals the stability and planning horizon needed to build companies, develop products, and establish long-term careers in Singapore without the pressure of frequent renewals.
Employer Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must be currently or most recently employed at a qualifying technology-focused organisation. Eligible employer types include:
- A technology company
- A technology division within a larger organisation
- A venture capital firm with a primary focus on technology investments
The employer must also meet at least one of the following financial thresholds:
| Company Criteria | Minimum Threshold |
|---|---|
| Market capitalisation or valuation | At least $500 million |
| Annual revenue | At least $200 million |
| Assets under management | At least $500 million |
| Funding raised (tech startups) | At least $30 million |
These thresholds are designed to ensure that successful applicants come from established or high-growth technology environments, rather than early-stage operations without a proven track record.
Experience Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate significant leadership or technical expertise. Specifically, candidates need a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience within the past 10 years in one of the following roles:
- Founder or co-founder of a technology company
- C-suite executive such as CEO, CTO, or equivalent
- Senior specialist positions such as senior software engineer, principal AI researcher, or equivalent
This requirement targets professionals who have already demonstrated the ability to build, lead, or meaningfully advance technology organisations at a senior level.
Income Requirements and How They Work
The standard income threshold for the ONE Pass (AI and Tech) is $23,467 per month for at least 12 months of employment prior to application. However, the AI and Tech track introduces greater flexibility in how this threshold can be met:
- A fixed monthly salary of at least $17,600, combined with
- Additional variable compensation such as stock options or company equity, subject to assessment by the authorities
This structure reflects the reality of how senior technology professionals are typically compensated — with a meaningful portion of total remuneration tied to equity rather than base salary alone.
How the ONE Pass (AI and Tech) Differs From the General ONE Pass
While the broader ONE Pass remains open to top professionals across multiple industries, the new AI and Tech track narrows the focus to senior technology professionals and founders, with clearer and more specific guidance on employer qualifications and experience criteria.
| Visa | Target Audience |
|---|---|
| General ONE Pass | Top international professionals across multiple sectors including business, arts, science, and sport |
| ONE Pass (AI and Tech) | Senior technology professionals, AI specialists, deep tech founders, and tech executives specifically |
Conclusion
The launch of the ONE Pass (AI and Tech) in January 2027 reflects Singapore’s deliberate strategy to position itself at the forefront of global AI and deep tech development. By extending visa validity to five years, clarifying employer and income requirements, and accommodating equity-based compensation, Singapore is removing many of the practical barriers that have historically deterred senior tech talent from committing to long-term relocation. For AI and technology professionals looking for a stable, high-growth environment to build their next chapter, this new route represents a significant and well-timed opportunity.