Tech.Pass

TL;DR

Singapore work pass for established tech execs and founders (S$22.5k+/mo or 5+ yrs at a $500M+ tech firm) — the most flexible tech-talent pass.

Tech.Pass is a Singapore work pass introduced in 2021 to attract senior tech leaders. Eligibility requires meeting two of three criteria: monthly salary of S$22,500+ in the past year, leadership role for 5+ years at a tech company valued at US$500M+ or with US$30M+ funding raised, or experience leading a tech product with 100k+ MAUs or US$100M+ revenue.

Unlike the EntrePass (tied to running a specific Singapore Pte Ltd) or the Employment Pass (tied to one employer), the Tech.Pass is portable: holders can simultaneously start a company, sit on multiple boards, lecture at universities, and work as employees — without needing a separate sponsorship for each. Singapore's bet is that import of senior tech talent will compound the rest of the ecosystem.

Worked example

A US-based ex-Stripe VP applies for a Singapore Tech.Pass while raising her own Series A: monthly salary >S$30k at Stripe checks the salary box, 7 years leading payments at a US$95B company checks the leadership box. Approval in 8 weeks lets her simultaneously incorporate a Singapore Pte Ltd, sit on three SEA company boards, and consult with two regional VCs.

Common pitfalls

• Treating Tech.Pass as a back-door for first-time founders — the eligibility bar is genuinely senior.
• Letting the 2-year initial validity lapse without preparing a renewal that meets the local-presence criteria.
• Confusing Tech.Pass with EntrePass at the application stage and getting routed to the wrong evaluation criteria.

When this shows up in a pitch deck

Pitch decks of senior-led startups state 'CTO holds Singapore Tech.Pass — Singapore HQ, no employer dependency'.

Related terms

• EntrePass — Singapore work pass for foreign founders of a venture-backed Pte Ltd, with eligibility tied to funding raised, IP, accelerators, or innovation track record.
• Pte Ltd (Singapore) — Singapore's standard private limited company: minimum S$1 paid-up capital, one director and one shareholder — default holdco for SE-Asia tech startups.
• Golden Visa (UAE) — 10-year renewable UAE residency visa for investors, founders, and high-skill specialists, decoupled from employer sponsorship — a talent lever.
• ACRA Filing — Mandatory filings every Singapore Pte Ltd lodges with ACRA — incorporation, annual return, financial statements, and changes to directors or capital.
• Founder — A person who started or co-started the company and (typically) holds founder common stock subject to founder vesting.

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