Tech@SG Programme

The Tech@SG programme aims to help fast-growing companies acquire critical talent to expand their operations in Singapore and the region. The programme is jointly managed by the Economic Development Board (EDB) and Enterprise Singapore, primarily providing recommendation services to companies to reduce the risk of Employment Pass (EP) application rejections by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Key Features of Tech@SG Programme

For eligible companies, the Tech@SG programme can provide the following support:

1. Obtain up to 10 new Employment Passes (EP) within two years for hiring core team members in Singapore.
2. Support for the first renewal of each new EP, with renewal validity up to three years.

Tech@SG Eligibility Criteria

Company Eligibility Requirements

Companies applying for the Tech@SG programme must meet all of the following criteria:

1. Be incorporated in Singapore and registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
2. Core business must be digital or technology products or services. The company's business model should be based on proprietary hardware and/or software technology, such as big data and analytics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, etc. Eligible company types include Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), e-commerce, digital media, digital gaming, medtech, biotech, cleantech, and fintech companies.
3. Have cumulatively raised more than USD 10 million in the past 36 months.
4. Have received funding from programme-recognised investment firms in the past 36 months (no minimum amount required).
5. If 30% or more of the company's shares are held by local shareholders, the application should be submitted to Startup SG under Enterprise Singapore.

Companies in the following industries are not eligible for support: coffee shops, hawker centres, food courts, bars, nightclubs, karaoke, foot reflexology, massage parlours, acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, herbal sales, employment agencies, feng shui companies, etc.

Individual Eligibility Requirements

Individuals seeking Tech@SG programme support must meet the following criteria:

1. The applicant's fixed monthly salary must meet MOM's EP minimum salary requirement (SGD 5,000 as of 1 September 2022).
2. The applicant should be a core team member of the company, with functional roles and qualifications meeting the following requirements:
   • Functional roles: Must be engaged in core business functions (such as business development, human resources, finance, strategy, general management) or technical functions (such as product management, product development, software engineering, solution architecture, product design, data science).
   • Qualification requirements: Applicants must hold manager-level positions or above. Ineligible positions include analysts, assistants, executives, and representatives.

Please note that the final approval authority for all EP applications rests with MOM.

Tech@SG Application Process

1. Pre-application preparation: Ensure the company is incorporated with ACRA and has obtained a CorpPass account, while confirming eligibility for Tech@SG and preparing relevant documents.
2. Apply for Tech@SG recommendation: If local shareholders hold less than 30% of the company's shares, applications can be submitted to EDB starting from January 2020. Application results will be notified within 10 to 15 working days.
3. Apply for individual EP: After receiving EDB's recommendation, EP applications can be submitted through MOM's EP online system. MOM will review the results within 21 working days.
4. Updates and support termination: After 10 successful EP applications or the end of the two-year support period, EDB or Enterprise Singapore will notify the company of the termination of Tech@SG programme support.

For more detailed information about Tech@SG, please contact our client advisors for consultation and application services.