Singapore to Launch New Top AI Talent Pass in 2027, Salary Threshold Revealed

On March 3, Singapore’s Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng announced during the Committee of Supply debate on the Ministry of Manpower’s budget that Singapore will introduce a brand-new Top Specialist Pass (Artificial Intelligence and Technology) — ONE Pass (AI and Tech) — in January 2027.

The new pass aims to attract top global talent in emerging technology fields such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

This new pass will replace the existing Tech.Pass and will offer more attractive conditions. Compared with the current scheme, the new pass will not be subject to nationality restrictions or quotas. It will be valid for five years, and the spouse of the pass holder can work in Singapore with a Letter of Consent, without needing to apply for a separate work pass.

1.How High Is the Salary Threshold? Stock Options Can Also Count

According to a statement released by the Ministry of Manpower on the same day, applicants for the Top Specialist Pass (AI and Technology) must meet the following salary requirements:

• An average monthly income of at least S$30,000 over the past 12 months

• A fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500 in the most recent month, with the remaining portion made up through non-cash components such as stock options or shareholdings

2.Work Experience and Company Size Requirements

The Ministry of Manpower has also set clear requirements regarding applicants’ professional experience and the scale of the companies they work for.

Applicants must have served as:

• A founder of a technology company

• A C-suite executive in a technology enterprise

• A senior software engineer or other technical specialist

• A professional working in a technology venture capital firm

• Or a leader within an internal technology department of a company

Since the introduction of the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass in 2023, the number of applicants has steadily increased. Currently, more than 8,000 pass holders are working in Singapore, many contributing to key sectors of the future economy.

3.Expansion of Non-Traditional Source Occupations

In addition to high-end talent policies, Singapore is also addressing labor shortages in general industries.

Minister Tan See Leng announced that starting in September this year, eight additional occupations will be added to the Non-Traditional Sources Occupation List, covering sectors such as food services, social services, and aviation.

The newly added occupations include:

• Slaughterers, fishmongers, and related food preparation workers

• Food or beverage stall assistants

• Kitchen assistants

• Waiters and waitresses

• Nannies or infant care workers

• Infant care assistants (educarers)

• Teacher aides

• Flight attendants

These sectors face manpower shortages, have limited local participation, and are difficult to automate.

4.Which Countries Can Workers Be Recruited From?

Under the Non-Traditional Sources Occupation List, employers can hire Work Permit holders from the following countries:

• Bangladesh

• Bhutan

• Cambodia

• India

• Laos

• Myanmar

• Philippines

• Sri Lanka

• Thailand

Previously, workers could only be recruited from:

• Malaysia

• Mainland China

• Hong Kong

• Macau

• South Korea

• Taiwan

5.Employers Must Follow Hiring Regulations

The Ministry of Manpower reiterated that employers hiring Work Permit holders through the Non-Traditional Sources Occupation List must comply with the following requirements:

• The proportion of such workers must not exceed 8% of the workforce

• The monthly salary must exceed S$2,000

More detailed hiring requirements for the newly added occupations will be announced on the Ministry of Manpower’s official website in due course.

Singapore is adopting a more open talent policy to attract top global AI and technology experts, while also addressing labor shortages in traditional sectors.Whether for high-end specialists or entry-level positions, Singapore is actively building a diverse and inclusive labor market.