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Singapore
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
✔ Two agencies: MOM handles work passes, ICA handles study and residence.
✔ Student's Pass needed for full-time study; your school registers you with ICA.
✔ Employment Pass needs about S$5,600+ monthly salary plus 40 COMPASS points.
✔ Elite ONE Pass targets S$30,000+ monthly earners, allows multiple employers.
✔ Permanent residence is selective — roughly 30,000 approvals per year.
✔ Graduates usually move from Student's Pass to work pass, then PR.
Capital Singapore (city-state)
Currency Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Languages English (working language), Malay, Mandarin, Tamil
Visitor visas
Visit Pass (Short-Term) / Entry Visa
STVP / e-Pass
Short-term entry for tourism, family visits and business. Most nationalities enter visa-free and receive a digital Visit Pass (e-Pass) of 14–90 days on arrival; nationals of visa-required countries must obtain an entry visa before travelling. All travellers must submit the free SG Arrival Card within 3 days (including arrival day) before arrival.
Fees
SGD $30 visa processing fee, non-refundable (visa-required nationals only; charged in local-currency equivalent overseas and agents may add service fees); SG Arrival Card is free
Processing
Entry visa: typically 3–5 working days (excluding submission day); e-Pass granted on arrival
Validity
Stay of 14–90 days per entry (30 days typical, set by the e-Pass, not the visa); visas issued as single or multiple journey, valid from 9 weeks up to 5 years (commonly 2 years)
Who can apply: Anyone visiting Singapore for a holiday, family visit or business trip. Most nationalities enter visa-free and simply get a digital Visit Pass on arrival; people from visa-required countries must get an entry visa before they travel. You cannot work on this pass.
Key requirements (6)
- Passport valid for at least 6 months on entry
- SG Arrival Card submitted within 3 days (including day of arrival) before arriving (free of charge)
- Entry visa obtained in advance if from a visa-required country — via a Local Contact with Singpass/Corppass, an authorised visa agent, or a Singapore Overseas Mission
- Onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds for the stay
- Confirmed accommodation details
- No employment permitted on a visit pass
How to apply — step by step
- Check on the ICA website whether your nationality needs an entry visa before travel.
- If you need a visa, have a Local Contact in Singapore apply for you with Singpass, or use an authorised visa agent or a Singapore Overseas Mission.
- Pay the SGD $30 non-refundable visa processing fee.
- Submit the free SG Arrival Card online via the SGAC e-Service or MyICA Mobile app within 3 days before you arrive.
- Bring your passport (valid 6+ months), return ticket, funds proof and accommodation details to the checkpoint.
- Receive your digital Visit Pass (e-Pass) by email showing how long you can stay.
Path to PR: No direct path; visitors must switch to a work, study or family pass first
Official Site ↗
Study visas
Required for all foreigners pursuing full-time study in Singapore, from government schools to universities and private institutions. Applications are submitted through ICA's SOLAR e-Service after the school registers the student.
Fees
SGD $45 non-refundable processing fee per application (payable by card, internet banking or PayNow; the previous $30 application + $60 issuance structure no longer applies)
Processing
Within 1 week for university/IHL applicants (2 weeks if an entry visa is required); ~2 weeks for EduTrust-accredited private institutions, up to 1 month for non-accredited PEIs
Validity
Tied to course duration; renewable for multi-year programmes
Who can apply: You can apply if an ICA-approved school, polytechnic or university in Singapore has accepted you for a full-time course. You must show you can pay your fees and living costs. Part-time and exchange-only visitors do not qualify.
Key requirements (7)
- Offer of full-time admission at an ICA-approved institution
- Application submitted via ICA's SOLAR e-Service (registered by the school), at least 2 months and not more than 3 months before the course begins (1 month for some school types)
- Valid passport and recent passport photo meeting ICA specs
- Proof of financial ability to cover fees and living costs
- Medical examination/health declaration where required
- Local sponsor or security deposit for some private-school students
- Complete formalities (ICA appointment) after in-principle approval to collect the pass
How to apply — step by step
- Get a full-time admission offer from an ICA-approved institution.
- Ask your school to register you in ICA's SOLAR e-Service; they give you a registration reference.
- Log in to SOLAR and submit the eForm 16 application with your passport details and photo, at least 2 months (and no more than 3 months) before the course starts.
- Pay the SGD $45 processing fee by card, internet banking or PayNow.
- Wait about 1–2 weeks for the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter — up to a month for some private schools.
- Complete formalities with ICA (upload documents and medical/health declaration if required) to collect your Student's Pass.
Path to PR: Students who have resided 2+ years and passed a national exam (PSLE, GCE N/O/A levels) or are in an Integrated Programme may apply for PR directly
Official Site ↗
Work visas
Singapore's flagship work visa for foreign professionals, managers and executives with a job offer from a Singapore employer. Applications are scored under the two-stage test: a qualifying salary plus the 40-point COMPASS framework.
Fees
SGD $105 application fee + SGD $225 issuance fee per pass (+$30 Multiple Journey Visa if applicable)
Processing
Within 10 business days for most online applications; within 6 weeks for overseas employers without a Singapore-registered office
Validity
Up to 2 years first-time; renewals up to 3 years (up to 5 years for experienced tech professionals with skills in shortage on the COMPASS Shortage Occupation List)
Who can apply: You can apply if a Singapore employer has offered you a professional, manager or executive job paying at least S$5,600 a month (more if you are older or in finance). You also need to score 40 points on the COMPASS test, which looks at your salary, degree and the company's workforce. Your employer applies for you.
Key requirements (6)
- Job offer from a Singapore-registered employer (employer applies)
- Fixed monthly salary of at least S$5,600 (S$6,200 in financial services) at age 23 or below, rising progressively with age to S$10,700/S$11,800 at 45+; thresholds rise to S$6,000/S$6,600 (up to S$11,500/S$12,700 at 45+) from 1 Jan 2027
- Score at least 40 points on COMPASS (salary, qualifications, employer workforce diversity and local-employment attributes, plus bonus criteria for shortage skills and strategic economic priorities)
- Acceptable qualifications — typically a good university degree, professional qualifications or specialist skills
- Employer must generally advertise the role on MyCareersFuture for at least 14 consecutive days (Fair Consideration Framework)
- Verification proof for declared qualifications
How to apply — step by step
- Get a job offer from a Singapore-registered employer.
- Your employer advertises the role on MyCareersFuture for at least 14 days (Fair Consideration Framework).
- Your employer logs in with Corppass and submits the application through the EP eService on MOM's myMOM Portal, paying the SGD $105 fee.
- Wait about 10 business days for the decision.
- Once approved, the employer pays the SGD $225 issuance fee and downloads your In-Principle Approval letter.
- Travel to Singapore, get the pass issued, and register your fingerprints and photo at the Employment Pass Services Centre to receive your card.
Path to PR: Primary PR route: EP holders apply under the Professionals/Technical Personnel & Skilled Workers (PTS) scheme, usually after 1–2+ years working in Singapore
Official Site ↗
Work pass for mid-skilled technical staff (technicians, specialists) hired by Singapore employers. Subject to a sector quota and monthly foreign worker levy paid by the employer.
Fees
SGD $105 application fee + SGD $100 issuance fee (employer also pays S$650/month levy per worker)
Processing
Within 10 business days for most online applications; within 8 weeks for overseas employers without a Singapore-registered office
Validity
Up to 2 years, renewable
Who can apply: You can apply if a Singapore employer offers you a mid-skilled technical job, like a technician or specialist, paying at least S$3,300 a month. Your employer must have space in its S Pass quota and pays a monthly levy for you. A diploma or technical certificate plus work experience helps you qualify.
Key requirements (6)
- Job offer from a Singapore-registered employer (employer applies)
- Fixed monthly salary of at least S$3,300 (S$3,800 in financial services) for new applications, rising with age to S$4,800/S$5,650 at 45+; thresholds rise to S$3,600/S$4,000 (up to S$5,100/S$5,650 at 45+) from 1 Jan 2027
- Salary must be comparable to the top one-third of the local associate professionals & technicians (APT) workforce by age
- Degree, diploma or technical certificate plus relevant work experience (declaring qualifications is optional but must be authentic)
- Employer within its S Pass quota (10% of workforce in services; 15% in construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard and process sectors)
- Employer pays the monthly levy — harmonised at S$650 per worker across all sectors and tiers since 1 Sep 2025 — and provides medical insurance
How to apply — step by step
- Get a job offer from a Singapore-registered employer that still has room in its S Pass quota.
- Your employer logs in with Corppass and submits the application through the EP eService on MOM's myMOM Portal, paying the SGD $105 fee.
- Wait about 10 business days for the result.
- The employer pays the SGD $100 issuance fee and downloads your In-Principle Approval letter.
- The employer arranges your medical insurance and pays the monthly S$650 levy.
- Enter Singapore, get the pass issued, and register your fingerprints and photo if asked.
Path to PR: S Pass holders may apply for PR under the PTS scheme, though approval odds are lower than for EP holders
Official Site ↗
Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)
ONE Pass
Singapore's premier personalised visa for top-tier global talent, launched in January 2023. Holders can concurrently start, operate and work for multiple companies in Singapore without re-applying, and spouses may work on a Letter of Consent.
Fees
SGD $105 application fee + SGD $225 issuance fee (+$30 Multiple Journey Visa if applicable)
Processing
Within 4 weeks for most cases; longer via the outstanding achievements track if additional assessment is needed
Validity
5 years, renewable in 5-year blocks
Who can apply: You can apply if you earned at least S$30,000 a month over the last year, or will earn that much with a Singapore employer. Top achievers in sports, arts and culture, or academia and research can apply without meeting the salary rule. This pass lets you work for several companies at once for 5 years.
Key requirements (5)
- Fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 (or equivalent) over the last 12 consecutive months, OR will earn at least S$30,000/month with a Singapore employer
- Overseas applicants' employer must have market capitalisation of at least US$500 million or annual revenue of at least US$200 million
- Alternative route: outstanding achievements in sports, arts & culture, or academia & research (assessed holistically with partner agencies — no salary threshold)
- Supporting salary documentation (contracts, payslips, tax records)
- Renewal requires averaging S$30,000/month over the pass duration, or running a Singapore-based company employing at least 5 locals at EP-level qualifying salaries
How to apply — step by step
- Gather 12 months of salary proof (payslips, contracts, tax records), or evidence of outstanding achievements in sports, arts or academia.
- Submit the application yourself or through your employer via the EP eService on MOM's myMOM Portal.
- Pay the SGD $105 application fee.
- Wait about 4 weeks for the decision (longer on the achievements track).
- Once approved, pay the SGD $225 issuance fee and download the In-Principle Approval letter.
- Come to Singapore and register your fingerprints and photo at the Employment Pass Services Centre to collect your card.
Path to PR: Strong PR candidacy under the PTS scheme given the high income and economic contribution
Official Site ↗
Personalised Employment Pass
PEP
A flexible, non-employer-tied pass for very high-earning professionals, letting holders switch jobs without re-applying. Not renewable and not for entrepreneurs or freelancers.
Fees
SGD $105 application fee + SGD $225 issuance fee (+$30 Multiple Journey Visa if applicable)
Processing
Within 6 weeks for most cases
Validity
3 years, non-renewable (holders typically transition to EP, ONE Pass or PR)
Who can apply: You can apply if you are a very high earner: your last-drawn or current salary must be at least S$22,500 a month. The pass is not tied to one employer, so you can change jobs without reapplying, but you must keep earning S$270,000 a year. Freelancers, business owners and company directors cannot use it.
Key requirements (6)
- Fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500 (benchmarked to the top 10% of EP holders) — as last drawn salary within the past 6 months (overseas professionals) or current salary (existing EP holders)
- Must earn at least S$270,000 in fixed salary each calendar year to keep the pass (S$144,000 for PEPs applied for before 1 Sep 2023)
- Cannot be a freelancer, sole proprietor, partner or director-shareholder of an ACRA-registered company
- Not available to sponsorship-scheme EP holders or restricted occupations (e.g. journalism, religious work)
- Cannot be unemployed in Singapore for more than 6 continuous months
- Must notify MOM of job changes and annual salary
How to apply — step by step
- Collect payslips, contracts or tax documents proving a fixed salary of at least S$22,500 a month.
- Submit your application through the EP eService on MOM's myMOM Portal and pay the SGD $105 fee.
- Wait up to 6 weeks for the decision.
- Once approved, pay the SGD $225 issuance fee and download your In-Principle Approval letter.
- Enter Singapore and register your fingerprints and photo to receive the pass card.
- Remember to notify MOM whenever you change jobs and report your salary each year.
Path to PR: Holders commonly apply for PR under the PTS scheme before the 3-year term ends
Official Site ↗
EDB-administered pass for established tech leaders — founders, executives and technical experts — who want to start ventures, advise, invest, mentor or teach in Singapore without a sponsoring employer. Eligibility was tightened from the original 2-of-3 criteria: applicants must now meet both a salary and an experience criterion.
Fees
SGD $105 application fee (non-refundable) + SGD $225 issuance fee (+$30 Multiple Journey Visa if applicable)
Processing
Around 8 weeks from when all documents are in order
Validity
2 years, renewable once for a further 2 years
Who can apply: You can apply if you are a proven tech leader: you earned at least S$22,500 a month in the past year AND spent 5+ years in a leading role at a large or well-funded tech company or major tech VC firm. No employer sponsor is needed, and you can found companies, invest, advise, mentor or teach in Singapore.
Key requirements (5)
- Last drawn fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500 within the past year, AND
- At least 5 cumulative years of experience in a leading role at a tech company with a valuation/market capitalisation of at least US$500 million or at least US$30 million funding raised, OR at a tech venture capital firm with at least US$500 million in assets under management
- Apply individually via EDB's FormSG online portal — no employer sponsor needed
- Pass must be issued within 6 months of in-principle approval
- Renewal (once, for 2 more years) requires S$270,000+ annual assessable income, or S$100,000+ annual local business spending while employing local talent, or a Singapore tech company with US$10 million+ cumulative funding from recognised investors
How to apply — step by step
- Check you meet both the salary rule (S$22,500/month last drawn) and the tech leadership experience rule.
- Fill in the Tech.Pass application on EDB's FormSG online portal — no employer needed.
- Upload salary proof plus documents showing your senior roles at qualifying tech companies or VC firms.
- Pay the SGD $105 non-refundable application fee (by PayNow or card in the FormSG form).
- Wait around 8 weeks for the outcome.
- After approval, pay the SGD $225 issuance fee and get the pass issued within 6 months.
Path to PR: Holders building businesses and hiring locally can apply for PR under the PTS scheme
Official Site ↗
Permanent residency & settlement
Permanent Residence (PTS Scheme and Family Routes)
PR
Singapore PR grants indefinite residence, CPF participation and access to housing/education benefits. Most foreign professionals apply via the Professionals/Technical Personnel & Skilled Workers (PTS) scheme; family members of citizens/PRs, eligible students and major investors (via EDB's Global Investor Programme) have their own routes. Approval is highly selective and holistic.
Fees
SGD $100 application fee (non-refundable) + on approval SGD $120 (Entry Permit $20, 5-year Re-Entry Permit $50, Identity Card $50)
Processing
Within 6 months for complete applications; some cases take longer
Validity
Permanent, with a Re-Entry Permit renewed every 5 years to retain PR while travelling
Who can apply: You can apply if you work in Singapore on a pass like the Employment Pass or S Pass (usually after 1-2 years), if you are the spouse, young child or aged parent of a Singapore citizen or PR, or if you are a student who has lived there 2+ years and passed a national exam. Approval is selective and looks at your salary, taxes, skills, age and family ties.
Key requirements (7)
- Be an EP/S Pass (or other work pass, e.g. ONE Pass) holder working in Singapore under the PTS scheme, spouse or unmarried child under 21 of a citizen/PR, aged parent of a citizen aged 21+, eligible long-resident student who has passed a national exam, or GIP investor
- Typically 1–2+ years of residence and stable employment before applying (PTS)
- Strong economic contribution: salary, taxes, qualifications, age and skills are weighed
- Family ties to Singaporeans and length of residency strengthen the case
- Complete document set (with certified translations for non-English documents) via the ICA e-PR e-Service with a Singpass account
- Male PRs and sons become liable for National Service (register at 16.5 years)
- On approval: complete formalities for Entry Permit, 5-year Re-Entry Permit and Identity Card
How to apply — step by step
- Check which PR group you fit: working pass holder (PTS scheme), family of a citizen/PR, long-resident student, or major investor.
- Create or use a Singpass account and log in to ICA's e-PR e-Service.
- Fill in the online form and upload every required document, with certified English translations where needed.
- Pay the SGD $100 non-refundable application fee online.
- Wait up to 6 months for the outcome.
- If approved, complete formalities for your Entry Permit, 5-year Re-Entry Permit and Identity Card (SGD $120 total).
- Note that male PRs and sons become liable for National Service.
Path to PR: This is the settlement status itself; PRs may apply for citizenship after 2+ years of PR
Official Site ↗
Family visas
Allows spouses and children of eligible work pass holders to live in Singapore. DP holders who wish to work need their own work pass or, for business owners, a Letter of Consent.
Fees
SGD $105 application fee + SGD $225 issuance fee per pass (+$30 Multiple Journey Visa if applicable)
Processing
Within 3 weeks for most cases (dependants of EP/S Pass holders); within 6 weeks for dependants of PEP, EntrePass and sponsorship-scheme EP holders
Validity
Tied to the main work pass, up to 2 years, renewable
Who can apply: You can apply if you are the legally married spouse, or an unmarried child under 21, of an Employment Pass or S Pass holder who earns at least S$6,000 a month. The worker's employer applies for you. If you want to work in Singapore, you will need your own work pass.
Key requirements (6)
- Sponsor holds an Employment Pass or S Pass (ONE Pass and EntrePass holders sponsor dependants under their own separate criteria)
- Sponsor earns a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000 (individual salary, not household)
- Applicant is a legally married spouse or unmarried child under 21 (including legally adopted)
- Sponsored by an established Singapore-registered company (usually the sponsor's employer)
- Marriage/birth certificates with English translations where applicable
- Common-law spouses, step-children, unmarried handicapped children 21+ and parents use the Long-Term Visit Pass instead (parents require sponsor salary of at least S$12,000)
How to apply — step by step
- Confirm the sponsoring family member holds a valid EP or S Pass and earns at least S$6,000 a month.
- The sponsor's employer submits the application through the EP eService on MOM's myMOM Portal and pays the SGD $105 fee.
- Upload the marriage or birth certificate, with an English translation if needed.
- Wait about 3 weeks for the decision.
- Pay the SGD $225 issuance fee and download the In-Principle Approval letter.
- Enter Singapore and complete registration to receive the pass card.
Path to PR: Dependants are typically included in the sponsor's PR application as accompanying family
Official Site ↗
Business & investor visas
Work pass for foreign entrepreneurs starting a venture-backed or innovative-technology business in Singapore. Open to all nationalities; the company must be (or will be) registered with ACRA.
Fees
SGD $105 application fee + SGD $225 issuance fee (+$30 Multiple Journey Visa if applicable)
Processing
Within 6 weeks for most cases; longer if additional information is requested
Validity
1 year initially; renewable (1 year first renewal, 2 years subsequently) subject to business milestones
Who can apply: You can apply if you are starting (or have recently started) an innovative or venture-backed company in Singapore and own at least 30% of it. You must show real innovation, such as S$100,000+ raised from a recognised investor, backing from a known accelerator, valuable registered IP, or a research tie-up with a Singapore institute. Ordinary businesses like coffee shops and bars do not qualify.
Key requirements (6)
- Have started, or intend to start, an ACRA-registered private limited company that is venture-backed or owns innovative technologies
- Hold at least 30% of the company's shares; companies more than 12 months old at the date of application are assessed against the renewal criteria instead
- Meet at least one innovation criterion: raised S$100,000+ in a single funding round from a recognised investor (e.g. SEEDS Capital, established VCs); supported by a recognised incubator/accelerator (e.g. Y-Combinator, MassChallenge); strong entrepreneurial track record (founded and sold a venture-backed/innovative tech business); registered IP conferring a hard-to-replicate competitive advantage; or ongoing research collaboration with a Singapore IHL/research institute
- Business must not be on the excluded list (coffee shops, hawker stalls, bars, nightclubs, massage parlours, employment agencies, geomancy, etc.)
- Meet renewal milestones on business spending and local jobs created
- Submit a business plan with supporting documents
How to apply — step by step
- Write a business plan for your innovative or venture-backed company.
- Gather proof you meet at least one innovation criterion (funding round, incubator/accelerator support, founder track record, registered IP, or research collaboration).
- Submit the application online through the EP eService on MOM's myMOM Portal and pay the SGD $105 fee.
- Wait about 6 weeks for the decision.
- Register your private limited company with ACRA if you have not already done so.
- Pay the SGD $225 issuance fee and collect your pass, then hit the spending and local-hiring milestones to renew.
Path to PR: Successful founders meeting spending/hiring milestones can apply for PR; large investors may use EDB's Global Investor Programme instead
Official Site ↗
Popular universities & fees
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Singapore · University · Asia's top-ranked university
SGD $33k-$45k/yr unsubsidised (medicine ~$190k)
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
Singapore · University · Engineering & technology powerhouse
SGD $36k-$46k/yr unsubsidised
Singapore Management University (SMU)
Singapore · University · Business, law & economics
SGD ~$48k/yr, law $56k (unsubsidised)
Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
Singapore · University · Design-centric engineering
SGD ~$30k with grant, $62k without
Singapore Polytechnic
Singapore · College · Affordable applied diplomas
SGD ~$12k-$14k/yr with MOE grant
Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Singapore · College · Business, media & engineering diplomas
SGD ~$12.5k-$14k/yr with MOE grant
Temasek Polytechnic
Singapore · College · Design, IT & applied science
SGD ~$12k-$14k/yr with MOE grant
SIM Global Education
Singapore · Institute · Affordable UK/Australian partner degrees
SGD $27k-$43k total (3-yr UOL degree)
James Cook University Singapore
Singapore · University · Australian degrees, business & psychology
SGD $21k-$31k/yr
Scholarships to know: SINGA (Singapore International Graduate Award) (Full PhD tuition + S$2,700-$3,200/month stipend) · ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship (NUS/NTU) (Subsidised tuition + S$5,800/yr allowance) · Science & Technology Undergraduate Scholarship (NUS) (Tuition + S$6,000/yr + accommodation) · MOE Tuition Grant (all internationals) (Cuts tuition ~30-50% for 3-yr work bond)
Official portals
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)
Official authority for entry visas, SG Arrival Card, Student's Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass and Permanent Residence applications (via MyICA/e-Services).
Official
MOM Work Passes and Permits
Ministry of Manpower portal covering every work pass — Employment Pass, S Pass, EntrePass, Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass, PEP, Dependant's Pass — with eligibility rules, fees and the EP eService.
Official
SG Arrival Card (ICA)
Official ICA page for the mandatory, free electronic arrival declaration all travellers must submit within 3 days (including arrival day) before arriving, via the SGAC e-Service or MyICA Mobile app.
Official
Singapore EDB — Tech.Pass
Economic Development Board page administering the Tech.Pass for established tech leaders and founders, including eligibility criteria and the FormSG application route.
Official
Community & guides
Singapore Expats Forum
The most active expat community forum for Singapore — real applicant timelines for PR, citizenship and work pass approvals, plus relocation advice.
One Visa — Singapore Employment Pass Guide
Detailed, regularly updated guides on the Employment Pass, PEP, ONE Pass and PR from a Singapore immigration consultancy, including 2026 COMPASS and salary updates.
Piloto Asia — Employment Pass Guide
Practical 2026 walkthrough of EP salary thresholds, COMPASS scoring and approval strategy, aimed at employers and founders.
CorporateServices.com Singapore Guides
Plain-English guides to Tech.Pass, EntrePass and other Singapore work visas with eligibility comparisons for founders and executives (verify criteria against EDB, as some details lag official updates).