Foreign professionals who are considering working in Singapore often ask whether there are work passes “above” the Employment Pass (EP). In practice, Singapore does not have a simple ladder where an EP holder progresses to a higher pass after gaining enough experience. Instead, there are several passes for different profiles: senior professionals seeking more job flexibility, exceptional global talent, and entrepreneurs starting qualifying businesses.
The main options to consider are the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass), the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) and the EntrePass. A new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track is also scheduled to begin in January 2027, replacing Tech.Pass. These passes are not suitable for everyone, and each has its own eligibility rules and conditions.
The details below reflect the rules available in October 2026. Pass criteria can change, so applicants should confirm the latest requirements with Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) before applying.
First, what does “above the Employment Pass” mean?
The EP is Singapore’s main work pass for foreign professionals, managers, executives and technicians. It is tied to employment with a sponsoring employer. The candidate must meet the qualifying salary and, unless exempted, pass the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). Employers must also meet applicable fair hiring requirements.
Some other passes may offer more flexibility or target people with a particularly high level of pay, experience or achievement. That can make them seem “above” the EP. But they are better understood as alternative routes rather than automatic upgrades. An EP holder must qualify for the relevant pass on its own terms; simply holding an EP does not guarantee eligibility.
The most relevant options are:
- ONE Pass: for top talent with high earnings or outstanding achievements in selected fields.
- PEP: for high-earning professionals who want more flexibility to change employers.
- EntrePass: for eligible foreign entrepreneurs building a qualifying business in Singapore.
- ONE Pass (AI and Tech): a new track scheduled to start in January 2027 for experienced AI and technology talent.
1. Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)
The ONE Pass is designed for top talent across sectors. It allows eligible pass holders to work for multiple companies in Singapore at the same time, start or operate a business, and move between employers without applying for a new work pass for each change. This flexibility is a major difference from the standard EP.
One route is based on salary. Applicants generally need to have earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 for 12 consecutive months before applying. An overseas applicant may qualify based on a prospective Singapore job paying at least that amount, provided the employer meets MOM’s established-company criteria.
MOM also provides a route for people with outstanding achievements in areas such as sports, arts and culture, academia and research. Applicants using this route may be considered without meeting the salary threshold, but they must provide evidence of their achievements for assessment.
The ONE Pass is issued for up to five years. Renewal is not automatic. Applicants generally need to meet a salary requirement based on their work in Singapore or establish and operate a Singapore-based company that employs qualifying local workers. The pass is intended for people who can contribute at a high level, not simply for anyone seeking flexibility.
Who might consider the ONE Pass?
The ONE Pass may suit a senior executive, specialist, researcher, artist, athlete or other highly accomplished individual who meets the relevant criteria. It may also be useful for someone whose work involves several organisations or a combination of employment and entrepreneurship.
A candidate who meets the income threshold should still check the other requirements carefully. For the salary route, MOM considers whether the earnings are fixed salary and whether the applicant’s employer meets the applicable criteria. The rules also distinguish between someone applying from overseas and someone already working in Singapore.
The ONE Pass is not an EP upgrade that an employer can request solely because a person is performing well. It is a separate application, and only one work-pass application can be submitted for a candidate at a time.
2. Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
The PEP is for high-earning foreign professionals who want greater flexibility in their employment. Unlike a standard EP, it is not tied to one employer in the same way. A PEP holder can change jobs without applying for a new work pass each time, subject to the pass conditions.
The current salary threshold is a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500. Overseas professionals may apply based on their last drawn salary, provided it was earned within the six months before application. The PEP is valid for up to three years and is issued only once; it cannot be renewed.
PEP holders can stay in Singapore for up to six continuous months without a job while looking for new employment. However, they must meet the pass conditions, including an annual fixed-salary requirement. If a holder is unemployed for more than six months, the pass must be cancelled.
The PEP is designed for employment flexibility, not for running a business. PEP holders are not allowed to start a business or carry out entrepreneurial activity under the pass. Freelancers and certain company owners are also ineligible. Someone who intends to operate a qualifying startup should examine the EntrePass or ONE Pass instead.
How is the PEP different from the ONE Pass?
Both passes can provide more freedom than a standard EP, but they serve different profiles.
The PEP focuses on high-earning professionals who want to move between jobs while remaining employed in Singapore. It is non-renewable and does not allow the holder to conduct entrepreneurial activity.
The ONE Pass targets top talent at a higher earnings level or people with outstanding achievements. It allows a broader range of professional activities, including work for multiple companies and business activity, subject to its rules.
For someone earning above the PEP threshold but below the ONE Pass salary criteria, the PEP may be the more relevant option. For someone with exceptional achievements or a qualifying high salary, the ONE Pass may offer a better fit. The right choice depends on the applicant’s work plans and eligibility, not only on salary.
3. EntrePass for foreign entrepreneurs
The EntrePass is a separate route for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start and operate a qualifying business in Singapore. It is not a higher-level employment pass. Rather, it is intended for founders whose businesses are venture-backed or involve innovative technologies.
Applicants must have started or intend to start a Singapore private limited company and hold at least 30% of its shares. The business must meet the relevant venture-backed or innovation-related criteria. There is no general minimum salary requirement, but the applicant must qualify based on the business and their role in it.
The EntrePass is not designed as a way to obtain a work pass for an ordinary job at an unrelated company. Its purpose is to support founders who will actively build and operate an eligible business. Renewal requirements also look at the company’s activity and the founder’s continued involvement.
Who might consider the EntrePass?
The EntrePass may be appropriate for a founder with a venture-backed startup, an innovative technology business or another qualifying enterprise. It may not be suitable for someone who simply wants to incorporate a conventional company and use it as a route to employment in Singapore. Applicants should review the detailed eligibility rules and documentary evidence required before forming plans around this pass.
4. ONE Pass (AI and Tech), scheduled for 2027
Singapore has announced a new AI and Tech track under the ONE Pass framework, scheduled to begin on 28 January 2027. This track is intended to attract experienced leaders, founders and technical specialists in AI and technology. It will replace the existing Tech.Pass with a route under the ONE Pass.
The announced criteria include at least five cumulative years of experience during the previous ten years in either a founder or C-suite role at a technology company, or a technical role such as senior software engineer. Applicants must also meet requirements related to their current or most recent employer.
The announced compensation route requires at least S$30,000 per month over the relevant 12-month period. At least S$22,500 must be fixed monthly salary; certain vested non-cash compensation may count toward the rest, subject to MOM’s assessment.
This option may interest experienced AI and technology professionals whose compensation includes shares or other equity. As the track has not yet begun as of October 2026, applicants should check MOM’s final requirements and application guidance closer to launch.
5. What about Tech.Pass?
Tech.Pass has been a route for experienced technology entrepreneurs, leaders and technical experts. However, MOM has announced that the new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track will replace it in January 2027. Anyone researching Tech.Pass should therefore check whether new applications are open and how the transition will affect their circumstances.
For applicants planning a move after the new track begins, it may be more useful to review the ONE Pass AI and Tech criteria. Current pass holders should rely on the specific instructions issued by MOM for their own pass and renewal situation.
Comparing the main options
| Pass | Main applicant profile | Main feature | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass | Foreign professionals, managers, executives and technicians | Employment with a sponsoring employer | Qualifying salary and COMPASS generally apply |
| ONE Pass | Top global talent with high earnings or outstanding achievements | Flexibility to work for multiple companies and pursue permitted business activities | High entry criteria; renewal conditions apply |
| PEP | High-earning foreign professionals | Change employers without applying for a new pass each time | Non-renewable; business activity is not allowed |
| EntrePass | Eligible founders of venture-backed or innovative businesses | Start and operate a qualifying Singapore business | Business must meet specific criteria |
| ONE Pass (AI and Tech) | Experienced AI and technology leaders and specialists | Planned specialist track under ONE Pass | Scheduled to begin in January 2027; check final requirements |
Choosing the right pass
A foreign professional should start by clarifying their intended activity in Singapore. Are they moving to take a job with one company, seeking flexibility to change employers, planning to work for multiple organisations or setting up a startup? The answer will help narrow down the possible passes.
Next, the applicant should compare their profile with the official criteria. Salary alone may not be enough. The relevant pass may also consider the employer, professional achievements, company ownership, business model or previous experience.
It is also important to consider what happens if the applicant changes jobs, becomes unemployed or changes their business plans. A pass that offers flexibility in one area may have stricter conditions in another. For example, the PEP offers job flexibility but does not permit entrepreneurial activity, while the EntrePass is designed around the founder’s business.
Applicants should also remember that a pass approval is not a guarantee of permanent residence, citizenship or automatic eligibility for a different pass later. Those are separate matters with separate requirements.
Conclusion
Singapore’s alternatives to the Employment Pass are designed for different kinds of candidates. The ONE Pass is aimed at top talent seeking broad professional flexibility. The PEP offers high-earning professionals more freedom to change employers. The EntrePass is for eligible founders building qualifying businesses. From January 2027, the ONE Pass (AI and Tech) is expected to provide a dedicated route for experienced technology talent.
These passes are not simply higher steps on a career ladder. Each has its own purpose, benefits and restrictions. The best option depends on the applicant’s salary, experience, achievements, employer and plans in Singapore. Always check the latest MOM guidance before applying, since eligibility rules and pass conditions may be updated.