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Your business guide to
Singapore immigration
Singapore stands out as a premier global financial hub and a key business hub in Southeast Asia. Its strong economy, pro-business climate, and sophisticated infrastructure make it a highly appealing destination for entrepreneurs and businesses from around the world.
Relocating to Singapore for business or investment offers the advantage of high living standards, a diverse and safe environment, and a stable, efficient government. The presence of a skilled workforce and various work permits and schemes makes the hiring process for your operations relatively easy.
This guide provides key information on programs and passes to assist with both your business and personal relocation needs
Passes and schemes for entrepreneurs and investors
If you’re an entrepreneur or investor, there are specific schemes and programs designed to assist with your relocation to Singapore.
Work passes for your employees
All foreigners who wish to work in Singapore must hold a valid work pass. Companies intending to hire these candidates will need to apply for a pass on their behalf.
Here are three main types of work passes.
The Employment Pass (EP) allows foreign professionals, managers, and executives to work and live in Singapore. Companies offering a job to these candidates will need to apply for a pass on their behalf.
You can also be a business owner or director while holding an EP, by first setting up the company then employing yourself.
An EP is usually valid for up to two years for first-time candidates and can be renewed for up to three years.
To qualify, the candidate must earn at least the qualifying salary, which is benchmarked to the top one-third of local professionals, managers, executives, and technicians (PMETs) by age. This figure is regularly reviewed and adjusted by the authorities.
Since 1 September 2023, a point-based Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) system has been used to assess candidates’ eligibility. Applications need at least 40 points to pass COMPASS.
EP holders who have a fixed monthly salary of at least SG$6,000 are eligible to have certain family members join them in Singapore on a Dependents Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass, if requirements are met. To qualify, you need to
- have a formal offer from an employer in Singapore who is registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
- apply for position that involves managerial, executive, or specialized tasks. It must not be a role that is considered lower-skilled or non-executive.
- have a recognized qualification. This often means a degree from a reputable university, a strong professional track record, or specialized skills that are relevant to the role.
- earn at least SGD 5000. This threshold is intended to ensure that the salary is competitive, reflecting the top one-third of the local PMET (Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians) workforce for your age group.
Validity: The Employment Pass is usually granted for up to two years for new applicants and up to three years for renewals. The duration depends on the applicant’s job role, salary, and other factors.
Family Members: EP holders can apply for Dependent Passes for their spouse and children, provided they meet specific criteria.
Flexibility: EP holders can work for the employer who sponsored their pass. They may also apply for a new EP if changing jobs.
The S Pass (SP) is intended for skilled workers who may not qualify for an Employment Pass (EP). Like the EP, SP applicants must meet a minimum salary requirement, which is set based on the top one-third of local associate professionals and technicians’ salaries by age. This benchmark is regularly reviewed and adjusted by authorities.
In contrast to the EP, employers applying for S Passes are subject to quotas and levies, which differ by sector. Employers must also provide medical insurance for S Pass holders.
The S Pass is valid for up to two years and can be renewed upon expiration. S Pass holders with a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 6,000 are eligible to apply for a Dependent Pass for their spouse and children.
Validity: The S Pass is typically granted for up to two years for new applications and up to three years for renewals. The duration can vary based on the specific conditions of the pass.
Family Members: S Pass holders may apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass for their dependents, subject to specific criteria and conditions.
The Work Permit (WP) is intended for skilled and semi-skilled foreign workers from designated countries or regions in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process, and services.
When employing workers under a WP, you should be aware that there are industry-specific quotas and a mandatory monthly levy per WP holder. Additionally, employers are required to provide medical insurance for these workers.
There is no minimum salary requirement for WP applications, and the permit is generally valid for up to two years.
Validity: The Work Permit is usually granted for up to two years and can be renewed upon expiration, provided the renewal conditions are met.
Family Members: Work Permit holders are generally not eligible to bring family members to Singapore, although some exceptions may apply under specific conditions or sectors.
Passes for your family
Here are some other passes that may be relevant if you’re relocating to Singapore and intend to bring your family with you.
A Dependant Pass (DP) enables eligible family members of Employment Pass (EP), EntrePass, and S Pass (SP) holders to reside in Singapore. It is available to legally married spouses and unmarried children under 21, including legally adopted children.
The pass is valid for up to two years and can be renewed, being contingent on the validity of the primary work pass.
DP holders interested in working in Singapore can obtain an Employment Pass (EP), S Pass (SP), or Work Permit (WP) if eligible. Those who wish to start a business can apply for a Letter of Consent.
Validity: The Dependant Pass is usually valid for the same duration as the primary pass holder’s work pass. It is renewable in alignment with the primary pass.
Employment: Spouses holding a Dependant Pass are generally not allowed to work unless they obtain a separate work pass or a Letter of Consent (LOC) from MOM.
Education: Dependants’ children can enroll in local schools and access education services.
The Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) is designed for common-law spouses of Employment Pass (EP) or S Pass (SP) holders who have a minimum fixed monthly salary of SGD 6,000. It also applies to children with disabilities or stepchildren of such pass holders. Additionally, parents of EP or SP holders earning a minimum fixed monthly salary of SGD 12,000 can also qualify for an LTVP.
The LTVP is valid for up to two years, can be renewed, and is linked to the validity of the main work pass.
Eligible LTVP holders may have the opportunity to work in Singapore.
Foreign spouses of Singapore citizens might qualify for an LTVP+, which offers a longer residency period and includes healthcare and employment benefits.
Validity: The LTVP is generally valid for up to two years and is tied to the validity of the primary work pass. It can be renewed as long as the conditions are met.
Employment: Eligible LTVP holders may apply to work in Singapore, subject to obtaining the appropriate work authorization.
Healthcare and Benefits: LTVP holders are not automatically entitled to healthcare or other benefits but may apply for certain benefits depending on their specific circumstances.
Becoming a Singapore resident
In Singapore, Permanent Residency (PR) refers to a status granted to foreign nationals that allows them to live, work, and study in Singapore on a long-term basis.
It provides a pathway for foreign nationals to reside in Singapore indefinitely, offering many of the same benefits and rights as Singaporean citizens, with certain differences.
Permanent Residents (PRs) aged 15 and older will receive a Singapore blue Identity Card (IC) and a Re-Entry Permit (REP).
The REP is essential for PRs traveling outside Singapore, as it ensures they maintain their permanent residency status while abroad. Without a valid REP, PRs risk losing their permanent residency and may be treated as foreign visitors when re-entering Singapore.
While PR status itself does not expire, the REP must be renewed periodically. All REPs are valid for up to five years.
Singapore citizenship
Obtaining Singapore citizenship grants you the ability to live and work in Singapore with minimal restrictions. Citizens benefit from extensive flexibility and access to subsidies in areas such as housing, education, healthcare, and other government services.
To be eligible for Singapore citizenship, you must have held Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) status for at least two years and be at least 21 years old. For more details on eligibility, please consult the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website.
A Singapore passport is highly respected internationally, offering visa-free travel to over 190 countries, which is advantageous for frequent business travelers.
Please be aware that Singapore does not permit dual citizenship; therefore, you will need to renounce any other nationality upon becoming a Singapore citizen.
When considering applications for PR and citizenship, authorities evaluate the applicant’s potential contributions to and integration within Singapore, as well as their commitment to establishing long-term roots in the country.
Additionally, under Singapore’s Enlistment Act, all male Singapore citizens and permanent residents, unless exempt, are required to complete National Service.