Tech.Pass — closed to new applicants 2023 (clarify + alternatives)

Build a Tech.Pass clarification + alternatives advisory for [CLIENT_NAME] currently [CURRENT_ROLE] seeking [TARGET_ACTIVITY] in Singapore with annual income S$[ANNUAL_INCOME_SGD].

§1 — TECH.PASS STATUS (90-110 words)
Tech.Pass launched January 2021 by EDB (Economic Development Board) for senior tech founders, leaders, entrepreneurs. Eligibility tiers:
  • S$22,500+/month last fixed salary
  • 5+ years experience in a leading tech firm with market cap S$500M+
  • Tech-related ventures or product

In late 2023, Tech.Pass was effectively closed to new applications — though EDB has not formally rescinded, the public-facing landing page redirects + new applications are not accepted as of 2024-2025. Existing Tech.Pass holders continue under their existing terms (validity 2 years + renewable).

For [CLIENT_NAME] today: Tech.Pass is NOT an available channel. Re-route to alternatives.

§2 — ONE PASS — OVERSEAS NETWORKING + EXPERTISE PASS (110-140 words)
ONE Pass (Overseas Networking + Expertise Pass) launched 1 January 2023 — designed as Tech.Pass successor for senior global talent. Eligibility:
  • Monthly fixed salary ≥ S$30,000 in past or current employment (12 months continuous, within last 12 months)
  • OR demonstrated extraordinary achievement in arts/sciences/sports/academia/research
  • Self-sponsored — no employer required at application
  • Validity: 5 years; renewable

Document evidence:
  • Salary proof (payslips + tax returns)
  • Employer recognition (top 500 globally OR Forbes recognised OR similar)
  • Achievement evidence (awards, leadership roles, publications)
  • Passport, photo, qualification certificates

For [CLIENT_NAME] earning S$[ANNUAL_INCOME_SGD]/year = ~S$[ANNUAL_INCOME_SGD/12]/month: check if meets S$30,000/month threshold. If yes, ONE Pass is the strongest current path for senior tech leaders.

§3 — PERSONALISED EP (PEP) (90-110 words)
For mid-tier senior professionals not meeting ONE Pass threshold:
  • Last drawn monthly salary ≥ S$22,500 (existing EP holder) OR S$18,000 (overseas applicants)
  • 3-year non-renewable
  • Self-sponsored — no specific employer required
  • Allows working for any Singapore employer in any role
  • Allows job-switching without re-applying for EP each time

PEP is reduced in scope vs ONE Pass (3 years not 5; cannot renew). But for [CLIENT_NAME] earning S$[ANNUAL_INCOME_SGD]/year if equivalent to S$18,000-30,000/month, PEP is the bridge option.

§4 — STANDARD EMPLOYMENT PASS (60-80 words)
If [CLIENT_NAME] has a specific Singapore employer ready to sponsor:
  • Standard EP with COMPASS (see EP COMPASS prompt)
  • Salary S$5,600+/month minimum; older / Financial Services higher
  • Employer-tied; renew with same employer or new EP for new employer
  • Most common path for Indian-cohort professionals

§5 — ENTREPRENEUR PASS (ENTREPASS) (60-80 words)
For [CLIENT_NAME] launching Singapore venture:
  • EntrePass for founders of innovative companies
  • Must meet innovative criteria (funded by accredited VC/investor OR IP / patent / research / partnerships with IHL)
  • Tied to founding role at incorporated Singapore entity
  • Renewable based on company performance

§6 — DECISION TREE (50-70 words)
For [CLIENT_NAME]:
  • S$30,000+/month → ONE Pass
  • S$22,500+/month with EP history → Personalised EP
  • S$18,000-22,500/month overseas → Personalised EP
  • S$5,600+/month with employer sponsor → Standard EP via COMPASS
  • Founder of innovative venture → EntrePass
  • Standard salary worker without bachelor's → S-Pass
  • Below S-Pass salary → Work Permit (not skill-based)

End with: "DRAFT TECH.PASS CLARIFICATION + ALTERNATIVES — for direct communication to client. Tech.Pass channel is effectively closed; do not file. Route [CLIENT_NAME] to ONE Pass / Personalised EP / standard EP / EntrePass based on income + employer + venture context. For Singapore-specific advice, engage MOM-registered employment agent or Singapore solicitor."