Singapore’s global talent visa holders grew to 8,500 in 2025: MOM
Most employees with One Pass work in three sectors, including financial and insurance services
As of December 2025, there were 8,500 holders of the Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass (One Pass) in Singapore, marking a more than doubling since the pass was introduced in 2023. The figure grew from 6,300 in end-2024 to 8,500 in December 2025, according to Acting Manpower Minister Jasmin Lau. The majority of these holders, 70%, worked in the financial and insurance services, information and communication, and professional services sectors.
The Tech.Pass visa, launched in 2021 and set to be phased out, had an average of 200 holders over the past three years. MOM announced in the 2025 Budget that a new One Pass (AI and Tech) will replace the Tech Pass from January 2027. The growth in One Pass holders highlights the appeal of these passes to global talent, who have contributed expertise in fields like artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and biomedical sciences.
Additionally, 6.6% of Dependant’s Pass holders married to work pass holders were working as of December 2025, while 1.8% were business owners. To qualify for the One Pass, holders must meet a monthly salary threshold of S$30,000 or demonstrate other outstanding achievements. The increase in One Pass holders surpassed the decline in Employment Pass holders over the same period.
Written by urgent.news from The Business Times - Singapore's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
