As Singapore continues to attract a diverse and talented foreign workforce, it is vital for businesses to understand the different types of employment passes available. This knowledge ensures that companies can effectively manage their human resources and leverage the benefits of these passes to attract top talent. In this article, we will compare two significant employment passes in Singapore: the Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass and the Employment Pass (EP).
The Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass is a highly personalized pass designed for top-tier talent across various sectors, including business, arts and culture, sports, academia, and research. This pass is aimed at individuals who have achieved significant professional success and can contribute to Singapore’s status as a global hub for innovation and excellence.
On the other hand, the Employment Pass (EP) is intended for foreign professionals, managers, and executives looking to work in Singapore. This pass allows companies to hire skilled foreign workers who can fulfill roles that require specialised knowledge or experience.
| | ONE Pass | EP |
| Employer Attributes | An established company with market capitalisation or valuation of at least US$500 million, or annual revenue of at least US$200 million. | A company registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). |
| Processing time | 4 weeks | 10 working days |
| Validity of the pass | | |
| First-time candidates: | 5 years | Up to 2 years |
| Subsequent renewals: | 5 years | Up to 3 years |
| Fixed Monthly Salary (minimum) | S$30,000 and above | Subject to the EP Qualifying Salary and the COMPASS. |
| Requirement to meet the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) | Exempted | Must fulfil the COMPASS with at least 40 points met. |
| Job posting requirements on MyCareersFuture | Exempted | Exempted only if exemption criteria are met. |
| Annual Notification | Mandatory upon notification from the MOM.* | Not required. |
| Letter of Consent (LOC) for Secondary Directorship | No need to apply as the pass allows its holders to concurrently start, operate, and work for multiple companies at any one time. | Yes, the pass holder must apply for LOC for Secondary Directorship from the MOM. |
| Applying for a new pass due to a change in employer | Not required to reapply | Must reapply for the pass under the new employer; if transfer conditions are not met. |
| Passes for the family | Yes | Yes; if conditions are met. |
| Can the spouse, holding a Dependant Pass, work in Singapore? | Yes; with LOC granted by the MOM | No; a suitable work pass or approval must be obtained. |
*The MOM will inform the ONE Pass holder to submit information on his/her professional activities and salary. This may include (but is not limited to):
- Employment
- Entrepreneurial activities
- Local employees (if any)
- Other professional activities, such as advisory or mentorship roles, professor, lecturer or adjunct lecturer roles in local educational institutions, and contributions to philanthropic causes.
Understanding the differences between these two passes can help businesses make informed decisions about hiring international talent and ensure compliance with Singapore's immigration policies.
For further information, contact our specialists:
Liew Jia Yi
T: +65 6594 7177
LiewJiaYi@RSMSingapore.sg
Josephine Loh
T: +65 6594 7180
JosephineLohYY@RSMSingapore.sg