Overview
Singapore has long been Asia's pre-eminent hub for international capital, talent, and business. Its combination of a AAA-rated sovereign environment, rule of law grounded in English common law, an extensive network of double taxation agreements, no capital gains or inheritance tax, world-class physical and digital infrastructure, and English as the primary business language makes it the default anchor for HNW individuals and family offices deploying capital across Asia.
In January 2023, Singapore introduced the Overseas Networks and Expertise (ONE) Pass, a new visa category designed to attract the world's most exceptional individuals — those at the top of their fields in business, arts, sport, or academia — and offer them maximum flexibility to live and work in Singapore without being tied to a single employer.
The ONE Pass is distinct from Singapore's Global Investor Programme (GIP), which remains the principal investment-for-residency instrument for wealthy individuals seeking Permanent Residence through capital commitment. The ONE Pass targets exceptional earners and achievers; the GIP targets investors making substantive economic contributions. Both lead to long-term Singapore residency but via different qualifying criteria.
This guide addresses the ONE Pass specifically. For the GIP (minimum investment SGD 10 million in a business, or SGD 25 million in a GIP-select fund), refer to our separate Global Investor Programme guide. Requirements may change; seek professional advice before proceeding.
What is the ONE Pass?
The ONE Pass is a five-year, multiple-entry, open-work pass. It allows the holder to:
- Work for any employer in Singapore without needing to change visa category.
- Start, operate, or be a director of one or more businesses in Singapore simultaneously.
- Remain in Singapore without being tied to a single sponsor.
This flexibility makes the ONE Pass the most employer-agnostic work and residency instrument Singapore has ever offered — a deliberate design choice to prevent talent loss when employment relationships change.
Qualifying Criteria
Applicants must meet one of three pathways:
Pathway 1 — High-Income Employed or Recently Employed
- Currently employed and earning a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 30,000 (approximately USD 22,000–23,000) from an established overseas or Singapore company; or
- Was employed within the last 12 months earning SGD 30,000 or more per month.
This is the principal qualifying route for senior executives, C-suite professionals, and high-earning specialists.
Pathway 2 — Outstanding Achievements
- Individuals who have achieved exceptional standards in arts, culture, sports, or academia/research — determined by Ministry of Manpower assessment against international benchmarks.
Pathway 3 — Established Business Owner
- Individuals who currently hold or have held within the last five years a substantial shareholding (at least 30%) in a company with:
- Annual revenue of at least USD 200 million or market capitalisation of at least USD 500 million; or
- For Singapore-listed or GIP-eligible fund investors, meeting related alternative thresholds (confirm current criteria with the Ministry of Manpower).
This pathway directly targets successful entrepreneurs and business founders.
Key Benefits
Five-year validity. The ONE Pass is valid for five years from the date of issue — longer than standard Employment Passes (typically two years) or S Passes.
No employer tie. The holder can freely change employers, work for multiple employers simultaneously, or operate their own business — all without changing visa category. This eliminates the common disruption of visa status changes when employment relationships evolve.
Business flexibility. ONE Pass holders can be a director or shareholder of multiple Singapore companies while the pass is active.
Spouse open work privileges. The ONE Pass holder's spouse is eligible for a Letter of Consent (LOC) to work for any employer in Singapore — a major benefit for dual-career couples. This is not available under standard Employment Passes.
Path to Permanent Residency. ONE Pass holders may apply for Singapore Permanent Residence through the standard Singapore PR application. Singapore PR is not automatic — it requires a separate application assessed holistically on economic contribution, integration, and long-term commitment. However, ONE Pass holders' high-income or exceptional-talent profile is positively regarded in PR assessments.
World-class lifestyle. Singapore ranks consistently at or near the top of global liveability indices for Asian cities. Its schools (including excellent international schools), healthcare system, retail and dining, and connectivity make it an exceptional base for a globally mobile family.
Eligibility Assessment
Meeting the salary or achievement criteria does not guarantee approval. The Ministry of Manpower exercises discretion and assesses applicants holistically. Factors considered include:
- The applicant's broader professional reputation and career trajectory.
- The economic contribution expected from the applicant's presence in Singapore.
- Character and background check.
- Completeness and credibility of documentation.
For salary pathway applicants, income from the last three to twelve months with supporting payslips, employment contracts, and tax documents is required. For business-owner pathway applicants, audited company accounts, ownership documentation, and corporate records are required.
Application Process
Step 1 — Prepare documentation. Depending on the qualifying pathway:
Income pathway: Recent payslips (three to twelve months), employment contract, passport copy, educational certificates (original and translated if not in English), recent tax assessment, company verification documents (employer's business registration, ACRA profile if Singapore-based or equivalent if overseas).
Business owner pathway: Company audited accounts (most recent two to three years), shareholding documentation, company registration certificates, and board/shareholder resolutions confirming the applicant's role and ownership position.
Outstanding achievement pathway: Evidence of international awards, professional recognition, rankings, publications, media coverage, and other objective measures of exceptional achievement.
Step 2 — Online application. Applications are submitted through the Ministry of Manpower's online Employment Pass application system (EP Online) by the applicant or an authorised employment agent or law firm.
Step 3 — Assessment. The Ministry of Manpower reviews the application. Decisions are typically issued within four to eight weeks. The Ministry may request additional information.
Step 4 — In-principle approval (IPA). On approval, an In-Principle Approval letter is issued. The applicant enters Singapore on any qualifying visit visa and registers at the Pass Office.
Step 5 — Pass card issuance. The ONE Pass card is issued. Enrolment in Singapore's national fingerprint registry may be required.
Tax Implications
Territorial and remittance-exempt system. Singapore's income tax system taxes Singapore-sourced income for residents and non-residents alike. Crucially, foreign-sourced income is not taxable in Singapore when remitted to Singapore by resident individuals — this is a structural feature that makes Singapore one of the most tax-efficient residency bases in the world for HNW individuals with offshore investment portfolios.
Resident income tax rates. Singapore applies progressive income tax rates up to 24% on chargeable income (the top marginal rate, applying to chargeable income above SGD 1 million, since Year of Assessment 2024). Rates are moderate by international standards.
Non-resident rate. Non-residents' Singapore employment income is taxed at 15% flat or at resident rates, whichever is higher.
No capital gains tax. Singapore does not tax capital gains on the disposal of investments — whether in shares, property, or other assets.
No inheritance or estate duty. Singapore abolished estate duty in 2008. There is no inheritance tax.
No wealth tax. Singapore does not levy an annual wealth or net worth tax.
GST (Goods and Services Tax). GST applies at 9% (as of 2024) on goods and services supplied in Singapore.
Mandatory CPF contributions. Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents are subject to mandatory Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions. ONE Pass holders who are not PRs are not subject to CPF, though Employment Pass holders are similarly exempt.
Singapore's tax environment is exceptionally favourable for globally mobile investors with significant offshore income. The absence of capital gains tax, inheritance tax, and taxation on remitted foreign income makes Singapore a highly efficient long-term base.
Family Office Ecosystem
Beyond individual residency, Singapore has developed the world's most concentrated Single-Family Office (SFO) ecosystem outside Switzerland. As of 2026, hundreds of family offices are registered and operating from Singapore under MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) oversight. The 13O and 13U tax incentive schemes for family offices offer additional tax efficiency for investment vehicles managing substantial portfolios. ONE Pass holders who also establish a Singapore family office gain the benefit of Singapore's growing network of alternative investment managers, private banks, and specialist advisers.
Practical Considerations
Cost of living. Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Rental costs for quality housing are substantial. However, for HNW individuals, the quality of private housing, international schooling, and lifestyle infrastructure justifies the premium relative to most comparable global cities.
International schools. Singapore is home to an exceptional range of international schools across all major curricula (IB, British, American, Australian, French, German). Entry to top international schools is competitive and early registration is advised.
Banking. Singapore is a major global private banking centre. UBS, Julius Bär, Credit Suisse (now merged), DBS, OCBC, Standard Chartered, and many others maintain substantial private banking operations. ONE Pass holders and residents can access Singapore's full range of private banking services.
Connectivity. Changi Airport connects Singapore to over 100 countries. Singapore Airlines maintains one of the world's most respected intercontinental networks.
How Global Investments Can Help
Global Investments works with HNW clients globally to structure Singapore entry and residency strategies as part of broader Asia-Pacific and multi-jurisdiction planning. Our Singapore ONE Pass services include:
- Pathway eligibility assessment — mapping your income profile, business ownership structure, or achievements against ONE Pass qualifying criteria.
- Application preparation — compiling and organising documentation to Ministry of Manpower standards.
- Employment agent management — coordinating with our Singapore-licensed employment agent partners.
- Tax planning integration — modelling Singapore income tax exposure and structuring foreign-sourced income to maximise Singapore's remittance exemption.
- Family office structuring — advising on establishing a Singapore family office under MAS 13O/13U schemes in conjunction with ONE Pass residency.
- PR pathway planning — mapping the timeline and strategy from ONE Pass to Permanent Residency.
- Multi-jurisdiction integration — integrating Singapore residency with other passport and residency holdings.
Requirements and assessment criteria can change at the Ministry of Manpower's discretion. Please seek independent professional legal and tax advice. Contact our team to discuss your specific situation and eligibility profile.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal, financial or immigration advice. Programme details, investment thresholds, and eligibility requirements change; always verify current requirements with a qualified immigration lawyer and financial adviser before making any investment or application. Investment values can fall as well as rise.