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Singapore Technology Pass, Tech.Pass, is an extension of the Tech@SG program launched by Singapore Economic Development Bureau (EDB) and Singapore Enterprise Development Bureau (ESG) in 2019. Tech.Pass was launched by the Singapore Economic Development Bureau (EDB) in 2020 and has the first batch of limited 500 places worldwide. Designed to attract mature or rapidly growing tech company founders, leaders and technologists to contribute to the development of Singapore’s tech ecosystem and make cutting-edge and disruptive innovations to Singapore. Individuals can apply for a pass directly.
1. Background and purpose of the launch of Singapore technology pass
technology pass Tech.Pass is an extension of the Tech@SG program launched in 2019. Tech@SG plans to anchor and support the expansion of Singapore’s high-potential companies. Both projects have promoted the entry and base of rapidly growing tech companies and mature tech talents into Singapore, bringing their network and experience to Singapore for the benefit of the local tech ecosystem.
This is part of a multi-pronged approach in Singapore that aims to develop a strong tech company and talent base to ensure Singapore remains globally competitive. This will also create more opportunities for local tech talents to work in a globally competitive team with top tech talents from around the world.
Tech.Pass was opened for application in January 2021 and provides 500 places when it was launched. The first instance of the pass is valid for two years, and it can be renewed in one go in the following two years. Tech.Pass allows pass holders to engage in a variety of activities, such as starting and running a business, becoming an investor, employee, consultant or director of one or more Singapore companies, mentoring startups and lectures at local universities.
As of September 2022, a total of 450 people have applied so far, and 250 of them have been approved for this special work permit. They come from 37 countries and cover areas including artificial intelligence , network security, etc.
2. The main features of Singapore technology pass
Tech.Pass is valid for two years in the first instance, and holders are allowed to execute any of the following simultaneously:
1. Founding and operating one or more technology companies;
2. Become an employee of one or more Singapore companies at any time;
3. Transit between employers or entrepreneurs;
4. Become a consultant or mentor, speak at a local higher education institution, or become an investor and director of one or more Singapore companies; and
5. The spouse, children and parents of the holders can hold a family pass (DP) issued by MOM or a long-term visit pass (LTVP) Stay in Singapore ;
6. Renew for another two years after meeting the renewal standards.
It should be noted that:
① The holder's legally married spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21, including legally adopted children, will be eligible for DP issued by MOM.
②The holder's cohabiting spouse, unmarried children with disabilities over the age of 21, unmarried stepchildren under the age of 21 and parents will be eligible for the LTVP issued by MOM.
3. Application qualification and renewal standards for Singapore technology permit
1. Application qualification for Singapore technology permit
To obtain the technology permit qualification, the applicant must meet any two of the following three conditions:
① The fixed monthly salary in the past year is at least 20,000 SGD or the equivalent of extra currency; (annual income exceeds the annual income exceeds the Candidates or business owners with S$240,000 or equivalent foreign currency will also be considered)
② Have held leadership positions in technology companies with a market value of at least US$500 million or a financing of at least US$30 million for at least 5 years;
③ Have led (major contributions to the design, development and/or deployment of technology products) for at least 5 years, with a monthly active user of the technology product of at least 100,000, or an annual income of at least 100,000.
As long as any two of the above three conditions are met, you can come to Singapore to start a business, settle in a local enterprise, invest, and serve as a consultant, mentor or company director.Singapore authorities will also conduct assessments based on the applicant's personal experience in the field of technology. Those who currently hold employment passes, personalized employment passes and other passes can also apply to change the existing passes to technology passes if they can meet two of the above three conditions.
2. Renewal standards for Singapore technology pass
Before the Singapore technology pass expires, applicants need to meet one of the following two items before renewal:
① The Singapore personal tax return shows that the annual income is SGD240,000 (including wages and business income); or
② certify that the total annual expenditure of the company is at least SGD100,000, and employed at least 1 local professional (professional, manager or executive) or 3 local ordinary full-time employees.
What should be noted is:
a. Local professionals refer to Singaporean or Singapore permanent residents. The fixed monthly salary is at least SGD 3,900, and accept at least 3 months of provident fund contributions according to the definition in the EntrePass renewal standard.
b. Local regular full-time employees are Singaporeans or Singapore permanent residents who have a monthly salary of at least SGD 1,400 and receive a provident fund contribution of at least 3 months as defined in the EntrePass renewal criteria.
When renewing another sign, at least two of the following ten items must be met, and at least one of them comes from Class A:
A class
① Establish a company in Singapore to provide products or services with technical or technical support;
②Selected as an executive position in a Singapore technology company (such as CEO, Chief Technology Officer, and General Manager of Asia Pacific);
③Selected as an executive position in two or more Singapore technology companies;
④Seled as an executive position in a Singapore company and led the company team , for example, as a senior engineer of or a senior researcher, leading a team in a specific technology field;
⑤ As a technical executive in two or more Singapore companies, leading the company team;
B class
⑥ As a director of a Singapore company (the company is not necessarily a technology company);
⑦ As a consultant or mentor of a Singapore start-up company;
⑧ As a professor, lecturer, part-time professor or part-time lecturer in a Singapore university;
⑨Provided not including B ⑦ or other forms of training covered by B⑧ (such as seminars, corporate training courses);
⑩ Invest in one or more Singapore technology companies.
4. How to apply for a Singapore Science and Technology Pass?
1. Pre-apply for
Before applying for Tech.Pass, the applicant should:
① Check whether the applicant meets the qualification standards;
② prepare relevant information documents.
2. Apply for a technical pass
① Applicants need to download the Tech.Pass application form for themselves and their families;
② Starting from February 1, 2022, candidates must receive a full COVID-19 vaccine as a condition for obtaining approval for the work permit;
③ Fill in the application form in the electronic form;
④ Obtain the payment reference number automatically generated in the form;
⑤ Print the application form and sign it;
⑥ Prepare the relevant supporting documents indicated in the application form.
3. Pay
① Pay the application fee (S$105) for each application through PayNow or wire transfer;
② To ensure the successful payment, the applicant should follow the instructions in the application form, and the application fee will not be refunded;
③ After receiving the payment, the EDB will start processing the application. The time required by different banks varies slightly, and it may take up to one month to process it.
4. Upload the completed application form and required documents and documents
Applicants need to submit the following documents:
① Fill in the complete and signed original application form;
② Payment receipt certificate and travel document page (passport homepage);
③ Support documents (relevant proof documents proving that they meet the requirements of Singapore’s science and technology permit).
④ If you need to apply for DP/LTVP for your family, you also need to provide a document on the relationship between the applicant and his family (such as marriage certificate , etc.) and a verification document for the vaccination requirements of the DP/LTVP applicant issued by HPB (if required).
5. Application time
It takes about 8 weeks for the first time to apply for a technology permit. The Singapore Economic Development Bureau will combine all materials and the applicant's contribution to the development of Singapore's technology system. If the Singapore Economic Development Authority believes that the applicant needs to provide more information or materials, it will actually take longer. Once approved, the applicant will receive an electronic version of the In Principal Approval (IPA) letter. IPA gives applicants 6 months to come to Singapore and obtain a pass.
6. Obtaining a pass
Applicants must be in Singapore to obtain a pass. Only after obtaining a pass can the applicant start work or business activities in Singapore. The technology pass is issued within 6 months after approval in principle. If the applicant has SingPass, it can be completed through the MOM's EP online system. If not, the applicant can also choose to go to the MOM Employment Pass Service Center in person to make an appointment.
involves fees:
① 225 SGD per pass;
② 30 SGD per multiple travel visa (if applicable).
5. Some frequently asked questions about Singapore’s technology pass
1.Tech.Pass is different from Tech@SG?
①Tech.Pass is an extension of the Tech@SG program and is part of Singapore's efforts to attract scientific and technological talents to Singapore and develop Singapore's technology ecosystem.
②Tech@SG Program provides high-potential companies in growth areas such as digital, medical technology, biotech, clean technology, agricultural technology and fintech as the business network and talents needed to build new teams in Singapore, including EP applicant members that promote core teams.
③ And Tech.Pass is designed to attract high-achieving entrepreneurs, business leaders or technologists to Singapore and provide them with the flexibility to participate in a variety of activities that contribute to the tech ecosystem. For example, a pass holder can run a business and can also become an investor, employee, consultant or director of one or more Singapore companies at any time. They can also mentor startups and speak at local universities.
2.Tech.Pass Holders will automatically be eligible to participate in the Tech@SG program?
cannot. Tech.Pass holders who want to participate in the Tech@SG program must ensure that their company meets separate corporate eligibility criteria to be eligible for the program.
3. Does the applicant need to find a job in Singapore to apply for Tech.Pass?
is not required. Applicants do not need to take up a job in a Singapore company in advance. Individuals can apply for Tech.Pass without employer sponsorship. EDB will evaluate the applicant's past records and experience in leading the team or developing technical products.
Tech.Pass Holders will then be able to take advantage of the flexibility given by the pass, such as starting and operating a company, becoming an investor, employee, consultant or director of one or more Singapore companies, coaching startups, and even conducting training in Singapore.
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