Everything You Need to Know About Singapore’s Tech.Pass for Tech Founders
From founders to executives, discover how Singapore’s Tech.Pass allows global tech leaders to shape the nation’s innovation future.
Around the world, countries are constantly on the lookout for ways to attract or at least make it easy for exceptional talent to get into the country. Other than outright incentives, many countries offer special visas for this category.
European countries like the UK has it's global talent visa and the Netherlands with the Kennismigrant visa. But if you've been looking at Asia recently, specifically, Singapore, then you've probably heard of the Singaporean Tech.Pass visa.
In this piece, we'll be talking about all you need to know about the visa. All the way from the requirements, to the application.
Ogbonda Chivumnovu
What Exactly Is the Tech.Pass?
You can think of the Tech.Pass as a super-flexible, all-access pass for high-achieving tech professionals. The biggest benefit of it is, you're not tied to a single employer, giving you the freedom to wear multiple hats in Singapore’s tech scene.
With a Tech.Pass, you can start and run your own tech company, work for multiple Singapore-based firms, serve on boards, consult for startups, mentor others, or even lecture at local universities, all without the hassle of applying for new passes every time your role changes.
It’s Singapore’s way of saying, “We want the best minds to build the future here.” As mentioned before, the bigger goal is to draw in industry movers, hopefully strengthening the country's position as a global hub for technology and innovation.
Why Move to Singapore?
It’s one thing to have a visa that lets you work freely, it’s another to be in a place that actually helps you do better. Singapore has spent years building a tech ecosystem that doesn’t just attract talent but actively supports it.
For starters, Singapore’s strategic location puts it right at the centre of Asia’s fastest-growing digital economies. From here, tech leaders can reach markets like Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia within a few hours. It’s why so many startups like Grab, ShopBack, and Carousell saw Singapore as their launchpad for regional expansion, not just a base of operations.
Then there’s the infrastructure. We’re talking about world-class internet coverage (over 95% 5G connectivity), robust data centres, and a government that’s heavily invested in AI, quantum computing, and digital innovation. Whether you’re building a SaaS platform or scaling a deep-tech startup, Singapore gives you the backbone you need to do it smoothly.
But perhaps the biggest draw is its business-friendly environment. Corporate taxes are imposed at a flat rate of 17%, intellectual property laws are strong, and there’s a clear regulatory system that makes setting up and scaling a business refreshingly straightforward. Add in multiple free trade agreements and digital economy pacts, and you’ve got global access without the usual red tape.
Beyond the work, though, Singapore is regularly ranked as one of the safest and most livable cities in the world. With its blend of clean energy, world-class healthcare, international schools, and cultural diversity, it's a place where tech founders can bring their families and build a long-term life-not just a career.
In other words, Singapore doesn’t just want you to move there; it’s built the perfect ecosystem to make sure you want to stay.
Benefits of Singapore's Tech.Pass
To attract the elite, you need to offer something that's really worth it, and the Tech.Pass does this. By design for flexibility and freedom, it gives you control over how you want to work, build, and contribute to the local tech scene.
The biggest advantage, as stated, is that you're not tied to just one employer. It's linked to you and not your company; hence, you can try out several roles without having to reapply each time. Want to run your own startup while consulting for another firm or mentoring at a university? Totally possible, and completely allowed under one pass.
Then, there's freedom to innovate. Because Tech.Pass recognizes your expertise; you could start and operate one or more tech companies, serve on boards, or take advisory roles without extra paperwork. This is flexibility that mirrors the pace and diversity of modern tech work.
The pass also includes practical advantages that make relocation easier, as you can bring your spouse and children using dependent passes. It's valid for two years, renewable for another two, provided you continue to satisfy the eligibility criteria. That stability gives you enough time to settle, scale your projects, or even explore new ventures across the region.
And finally, there's the status that goes with it. Tech.Pass holders are part of an elite global network of innovators, founders, and executives shaping Singapore's digital future. That means access to the right people, investors, partners, and decision-makers who can help you move from idea to impact faster.
Who can apply for the Tech.Pass?
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, this visa is clearly not for the average Joe (sorry Joe), it's for the elite, like you, Joe 😄.
We both know you're special, but that needs to be shown to the Singapore government too. You'll first have to meet at least two out of three key criteria that show you've made real waves in the tech world.
The three criteria are:
- Benchmark salary: You must have earned a monthly salary of at least S$22,500 (or its equivalent in any currency) in the past year.
- Technology Leadership: You have held a leadership role for at least five years in a technology company that reached either a valuation of $500 million+ or received funding in excess of $30 million.
- Product Impact: Led the development of a product used by over 100,000 monthly active users or driving at least $100 million in annual revenue.
That means the Tech.Pass is only for those who have already left their mark, be it in product building, scaling startups, or driving major innovations.
How to Apply for the Tech.Pass
Like most visas for this category of people, the application process is pretty straightforward. But, as you’d expect, it requires solid documentation to back up your credentials. Everything runs through the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), which oversees the entire process.
Here’s how it typically goes:
- Get your documents ready: When you're sure you've met the criteria, you should start by gathering proof. You'll need things like your CV, income statements, payslips, company records, or product metrics.
- Fill out the form and pay the fee: You can download the official application form from the EDB website or here. Once you have completed it, you’ll pay a non-refundable fee of S$105.
- Apply online: Upload the completed application form with proof of payment and supporting documentation through the online portal.
- Wait for processing: It generally takes about eight weeks, according to the EDB, but the review process does not start until the payment is verified. And, according to the EDB, this could take as long as a month. You'll get an In-Principle Approval letter if you're approved.
- Final steps in Singapore: Once there, you'll complete the issuance process, which will include paying an issuance fee of S$225, registering your fingerprints or photo if required, and lastly, receiving your brand-new pass card or its digital version.
Conclusion
Singapore’s Tech.Pass isn’t just another work visa; it’s a statement of intent. It signals Singapore’s commitment to welcoming the world’s top innovators and entrepreneurs, reinforcing its position as one of Asia’s leading tech destinations.
For those who take the leap, the rewards go far beyond paperwork. You’re stepping into an environment built for growth, with access to world-class facilities, strong business networks, and the freedom to shape your own path. In short, the Tech.Pass doesn’t just open doors in Singapore, it helps you unlock new levels in your tech career.
Louis Eriakha
