From 1 January 2027, MOM will introduce a new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track that replaces the Tech.Pass. Applicants can meet the S$30,000 monthly fixed-salary criterion with at least S$22,500 in cash plus vested non-cash components such as ESOP and ESOW. MOM reaffirmed the plan in a 5 August 2026 parliamentary reply, noting ONE Pass holders grew from 3,600 (Dec 2023) to 8,500 (Dec 2025).
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Singapore's new ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track lets equity count toward S$30k salary
Why this matters for founders
Equity-heavy startups can now count ESOP/ESOW toward the ONE Pass threshold, so founders can bring senior AI/tech hires (or qualify themselves) onto the 5-year ONE Pass instead of the shorter Tech.Pass. Structure Jan 2027 compensation packages now to make the cash-plus-equity math clearly work.
Source: Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
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