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How to Apply for Singapore’s ONE Pass in 2026

Are you a high-level executive or tech visionary looking to anchor your career in Singapore’s elite financial hub? In 2026, the ONE Pass will become the ultimate tool for global rainmakers to lead without limits.

Unlike standard visas, this Personalized Work Pass offers you total freedom to innovate and switch roles without bureaucratic red tape. This 2026 guide reveals exactly how to secure your 5-year Golden Ticket to the Lion City.

1. What is the Singapore ONE Pass 2026?

Launched to attract the world’s most elite minds, the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass is a 5-year renewable visa. It is designed specifically for leaders in business, arts, sports, and science. The Personalized nature of this pass means you are not tied to a single employer; you can work for multiple companies concurrently or even start your own venture without switching visas.

ONE Pass vs. Employment Pass (EP): The 2026 Comparison. While the standard Employment Pass (EP) is governed by the points-based COMPASS system, the ONE Pass offers a complete exemption for high-earning applicants.

Feature	Singapore ONE Pass (2026)	Standard Employment Pass (EP)
Duration	5 Years (Renewable)	2–3 Years
Flexibility	Concurrent jobs & business ownership	Tied to one employer
Spouse Rights	Spouse Letter of Consent (LOC)	Must apply for a separate Work Pass
Sponsorship	Individual vs Employer-sponsored hybrid	100% Employer-sponsored

2. Eligibility: Do You Qualify for the ONE Pass in 2026?

The ONE Pass is reserved for the world’s top 5% of talent. In 2026, applicants must successfully clear one of these two prestigious pathways:

Track A: The Salary Route (Executive Leaders)

Ideal for C-suite executives and senior tech specialists.

The S$30k Single-Source Rule: You must prove a fixed base salary of at least S$30,000 monthly. Crucially, MOM now mandates this come from a single employer—pooling income from multiple jobs is no longer permitted.
Corporate Pedigree: Your employer must be an “Established Company” with a US $500M market cap or US$ 200M annual revenue.
Base Pay Audit: Be aware that MOM excludes bonuses, commissions, and RSUs. Only your guaranteed monthly base pay counts toward the threshold.

Track B: Outstanding Achievements (Industry Rockstars)

For global icons who may not meet the salary cap but offer immense intellectual value.

Science & Tech: For top researchers with significant patents. In 2026, obtaining an endorsement from A STAR or NUS/NTU is a virtual necessity.
Arts & Sports: For award-winning artists or elite international athletes who have reached the pinnacle of their respective professional leagues.

3. The Application Roadmap: Step-by-Step for 2026

In 2026, the application process is fully digital via the myMOM Portal. Follow this streamlined path to secure your pass:

Step 1:

Document Checklist Preparation Before logging in, ensure your ONE Pass document checklist is ready:

Detailed CV highlighting global achievements.
12 months of consecutive payslips (Fixed salary verification).
Company financial statements or audit reports (For market cap/revenue proof).
Notarized copies of educational degrees and third-party verification reports.

Step 2: myMOM Portal Submission

You can apply as an individual or through an employer-sponsored hybrid route.

The Fee: Initial submission fee is S$105.
Processing Time: MOM typically targets a 4-week window, though the “Achievements Track” may take up to 8 weeks due to agency consultations.

Step 3: Approval in Principle (AIP)

Once approved, you will receive an Approval in Principle (AIP) letter. This digital document acts as your entry visa and gives you a 6-month window to land in Singapore and complete your biometrics.

Step 4: Final Issuance & Fees

After arriving in Singapore, visit the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC) to finalize your pass.

Issuance Fee: S$225.
Pro Tip: Pay an additional S$30 for a Multiple Journey Visa (MJV) to ensure seamless travel.
Result: After biometrics, you can immediately activate your Digital Work Pass on the SGWorkPass app.

4. Life on a ONE Pass: Benefits & Requirements

The ONE Pass offers unparalleled perks, but it comes with specific maintain rules.

Self-sponsorship Visa Singapore: You are your own sponsor. You can launch multiple startups or serve as a director in various firms simultaneously.
Spouse Employment Rights: Your spouse can work in Singapore easily via a Letter of Consent (LOC). They don’t need a separate EP, which is a massive win for dual-career families.
Tax Residency: As a holder, you will likely become a tax resident, benefiting from Singapore’s competitive personal income tax rates.

Mandatory Annual Notification: Every January, you must submit an Annual Professional Activity Notification. You must declare all your professional activities and annual salary to MOM to ensure you still meet the high-earner criteria.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 2026 Edition

Navigating high-tier visas can be tricky. Here are the most critical questions answered based on the latest MOM Singapore 2026 guidelines.

Q1: Can I apply for the ONE Pass if I am currently unemployed?

Answer: No, but there’s a nuance. The Detail: To qualify in 2026, you must either show a proven fixed monthly salary of S$30,000 for the past 12 consecutive months OR present a formal job offer from a Singapore-based “established company” for the same amount. Unlike the PEP (Personalised Employment Pass), the ONE Pass is designed for active global talent, so you must be “in the game” to qualify.

Q2: Does the ONE Pass lead to Singapore Permanent Residency (PR)?

Answer: It’s a major catalyst, but not a guarantee. The Detail: Holding a ONE Pass puts you in the highest tier of the ICA’s (Immigration and Checkpoints Authority) priority list. While the pass itself is a work visa, your high economic contribution and “Personalized” status significantly boost your PR profile.

Insider Tip: Most successful applicants wait at least 12 to 24 months while living in Singapore on their ONE Pass before applying for PR to demonstrate their long-term commitment to the country.

Q3: Can I work for an overseas company while living in Singapore?

Answer: Yes, 100%. The Detail: One of the biggest 2026 perks of the ONE Pass is its Employer-Agnostic nature. You can reside in Singapore while working for a company in London, New York, or Dubai.

The Catch: You must ensure your total income meets the salary threshold and is reported during your Annual Professional Activity Notification to MOM. Also, don’t forget your tax obligations to IRAS (Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore).

Q4: What happens if I lose my job while on a ONE Pass?

The 2026 Rule: Since the pass is tied to you and not an employer, you do not have to leave Singapore immediately. You can stay and explore new opportunities. However, MOM tracks long periods of unemployment during your annual reporting, which could affect your 5-year renewal eligibility.

Conclusion: Secure Your Future in the Lion City

The Singapore ONE Pass 2026 is the ultimate tool for global leaders. By bypassing the COMPASS points system and offering 5 years of stability, it remains the most prestigious work pass in Asia. If you meet the S$30,000 benchmark, there is no better time to apply.

Disclaimer:

This guide provides an overview of the 2026 ONE Pass rules for informational purposes and does not constitute legal or migration advice. For official eligibility and current fee structures, always refer to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Singapore website.