CNA – A work pass is being introduced that will allow high-earners and high-achievers to live in Singapore without having to secure a job here first, Manpower Minister Dr Tan See Leng said yesterday.
The initiative is part of plans to ensure that Singapore can compete effectively in the global fight for top talent, he said.
The Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass is meant for talent from any sector who earns a monthly salary of SGD30,000 and above, or have “outstanding achievements” in the areas of science and technology, arts and culture, research and academia, or sports.
Under the salary criterion, applicants must prove that they have earned a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD30,000 in the last year or show that they will earn that minimum amount under their future employer in Singapore.
Overseas candidates will also need to show that they have worked or will be working for an established company – defined as one with a market capitalisation of at least USGD500 million or an annual revenue of at least USGD200 million – either in their overseas role at the point of application, or future role based in Singapore.

It is “timely” to cement Singapore’s position as a global hub for talent at this juncture as Singapore emerges from the pandemic into a period of economic and geopolitical uncertainties remain, said Dr Tan at a press conference at the National Press Centre on Hill Street.
Noting that some countries are turning inwards but others are going out of their way to compete for global talent, he said: “In this climate, all the more, we need to be clear about where Singapore stands. We cannot leave any room for investors to doubt or to have questions as to whether Singapore remains open.
“We are now in an era where businesses follow talent, as much as talent follows business. Both businesses and talent are searching for safe and stable environments to invest, live and work in. Singapore is such a place.”
Dr Tan’s comments echo those of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who said at the National Day Rally on August 21 that Singapore must build up a “world-class talent pool” by developing its own workforce while continuing to attract talent from abroad. “We want to make top talent everywhere sit up, pay attention and think seriously about coming to Singapore,” Lee said.
Lee had said that countries are making a special effort to court top international talents, citing Germany and the United Kingdom as examples. Germany recently allowed skilled foreign professionals to live there even before they secure a job, he said.