The new Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass is introduced for top talents from any sector earning a monthly salary of minimum S$30,000. Alternatively, individuals with outstanding achievements in arts and culture, science and technology, academia and research, or sports may qualify, even if they do not meet the salary criterion.
Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass
Key details of the pass
| Who is it for | Top talents in the area of business, arts and culture, science and technology, academia and research, or sports. |
| Eligibility | Candidates may apply directly if they meet the eligibility criteria. More details will be released closer to 1 January 2023. |
| Minimum Salary | – Earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 within the last 12 months OR – Will earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 under their future employer based in Singapore Note: Individuals with outstanding achievements in arts and culture, science and technology, academia and research, or sports may qualify, even if they do not meet the salary criteria. |
| Duration of pass | – First time candidates: 5 years – Subsequent renewals: 5 years |
| Renewability | Yes, if meet the renewal criteria. |
| Family passes | Dependant’s Pass and Long Term Visit Pass is available for certain family members. Spouses of the pass holder may obtain a Letter of Consent to work in Singapore. |
| Quota/Foreign worker levy | No quota or foreign worker levy is required. |
Salary criteria
Existing work pass holders and overseas candidates can apply if they meet either of the salary criteria below:
- Earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 within the last 12 months
- Will earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 under their future employer based in Singapore
In addition to meeting the salary criteria above, overseas candidates will also need to show that they have been working for an established company overseas for at least 1 year, or will be working for an established company in Singapore.
For a company to be considered established, it must have a market capitalization of at least US$500 million or an annual revenue of at least US$200 million.
The Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass is renewable for 5 years each time. To be eligible for renewal, the pass holder must meet either of the following:
- Earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 on average over the past 5 years in Singapore.
- Started and is operating a Singapore-based company that employs at least 5 locals, each earning at least S$5,000 (pegged to the EP minimum qualifying salary).
Outstanding Achievements
Individuals with outstanding achievements achievements in arts and culture, science and technology, academia and research, or sports may qualify for Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass, even if they do not meet the salary criteria. More details on the eligibility criteria for new applications and renewals under this route will be released closer to 1 January 2023.
Benefits of the Pass
The Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass is a personalized pass tied to the individual and gives greater employment flexibility:
- You can start, operate, and work for multiple companies at any one time.
- You do not need to reapply for a new pass if you change jobs.
- Your spouse will be able to work on a Letter of Consent.
Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass holders will not be subjected to the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) and employers who wish to hire them are not subjected to the Fair Consideration Framework job advertising requirement.
To ensure that the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass holders are utilizing the flexibilities given to contribute meaningfully, MOM will request for the following information from the pass holders yearly:
- Details on all your professional activities over the past year.
- The annual salary you have earned from all professional activities.
This will contribute to their assessment of your eligibility for renewal.