3 Things Japanese Directors Need to Know About the Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass

Tourlife Consultants Private Limited has been supporting Japanese entrepreneurs since 2009 with recruitment, executive search, payroll, HR support, work pass applications, and relocation services. As a winner of the SME 500 Awards (2023 & 2024), we specialize in securing high-level work passes like the ONE Pass for Japanese directors and global leaders.

📑 Table of Contents


📘 The ONE Pass: A New Era for Global Leaders

The Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass is a personalized 5-year work pass designed for the “top 5%” of global talent. For Japanese directors, it represents a significant upgrade from the standard Employment Pass (EP), offering long-term stability and the freedom to manage multiple ventures without being tied to a single sponsoring entity.


1️⃣ The S$30,000 Salary Benchmark (Single Employer Rule)

The most common route for Japanese directors to qualify for the ONE Pass is via the salary criteria.

  • The Requirement: You must demonstrate a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 (or its equivalent in JPY) over the last 12 months, OR prove you will earn this amount with a Singapore-based employer.
  • Reputable Company Rule: If you are an overseas applicant, your current/previous employer must be an “established company” (Market Cap of ≥US$500M or Annual Revenue of ≥US$200M).
  • Fixed Salary: Note that “fixed monthly salary” excludes bonuses and allowances, which is a common point of confusion for Japanese executives receiving “teate” (allowances).

2️⃣ Unmatched Flexibility: Multiple Directorships and Roles

Unlike the Employment Pass, which ties you to one specific company, the ONE Pass is personalized to you.

  • Multiple Companies: You can concurrently start, operate, and work for multiple companies in Singapore. You do not need to apply for a new pass if you change jobs or launch a new startup.
  • No FCF or COMPASS: Companies hiring ONE Pass holders are exempt from the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) job advertising requirements and the COMPASS points system.
  • Long-Term Stability: The pass is valid for 5 years and is renewable for another 5 years, provided you maintain the salary average or employ at least 5 locals earning ≥S$5,000 each.

3️⃣ Spousal Work Rights: The Letter of Consent (LOC) Benefit

For Japanese families relocating to Singapore, the ONE Pass offers a rare advantage regarding spousal employment.

  • The LOC Advantage: Spouses of ONE Pass holders who obtain a Dependant’s Pass can work in Singapore via a Letter of Consent (LOC).
  • Why this matters: Spouses of standard EP holders generally cannot work unless they qualify for their own separate work pass. The ONE Pass LOC allows your spouse to work or start a business much more easily, making the relocation transition smoother for the whole family.

💼 How Tourlife Consultants Can Help

Applying for a ONE Pass requires meticulous documentation of income and corporate standing. Tourlife Consultants provides:

  • Eligibility Assessment: We review your Japanese payslips and tax statements to ensure they meet MOM’s definition of “Fixed Salary.”
  • Application Management: We handle the entire submission process, ensuring all “Outstanding Achievement” or “Salary” criteria are clearly highlighted.
  • Bilingual Coordination: We bridge the gap between your Japanese headquarters and Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I apply for the ONE Pass if I don’t meet the S$30,000 salary?
Yes, if you have “outstanding achievements” in arts, culture, sports, or academia. However, most business directors must meet the salary threshold.


Q2. Is there a “Notification Requirement” for ONE Pass holders?
Yes. Pass holders must notify MOM annually by January 31st regarding their professional activities and salary earned over the past year.


Q3. Does my company need to pay a levy or have a quota for me?
No. The ONE Pass is an individualized pass. There is no foreign worker levy or dependency ratio (quota) applied to the employer for ONE Pass holders.


✨ Ready to secure your 5-year ONE Pass and lead your business expansion?
Contact Tourlife Consultants today at enquiry@tourlife.sg or WhatsApp us at +65 9380 7956.

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