Singapore is one of the world’s leading financial centers and a strategic business hub in Southeast Asia. As a developed city-state, Singapore boasts a strong economy, a business-friendly environment, and advanced infrastructure, attracting many multinational corporations to establish their regional or global headquarters here. Additionally, many entrepreneurs and individuals also choose to invest or develop their careers in Singapore.
To meet the needs of different groups, the Singapore government offers various types of visas and residency schemes to help expatriates legally reside in Singapore, enjoy its high quality of life, and further promote the country’s high-level development.
The following article will provide a detailed introduction to the various types of visas in Singapore.
Table of Contents
Visas for Entrepreneurs and Investors
There are mainly two types of visas available for entrepreneurs and investors.
Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass)
The EntrePass is essentially a work visa. As Singapore strives to be a global business hub, it aims to attract more top-tier global business and innovation talent through this program. Entrepreneurs with a proven track record, high-quality innovators, or experienced investors who wish to start a business in Singapore and relocate here can apply for a visa through this scheme.
The EntrePass does not have nationality restrictions but has very strict eligibility criteria. A necessary condition is that the applicant must have already established (or intend to establish) a private limited company that is venture capital-backed or possesses innovative technology.
Specifically, applicants must meet at least one of the following conditions:
- Raised at least S$100,000 for any past (or current) business from a single round of funding from investors.
- The business is (or will be) supported by an incubator or accelerator recognized by the Singapore government or internationally renowned.
- Founded and sold a venture capital-backed or innovative technology enterprise, with supporting documents such as sales and purchase agreements required.
- The enterprise (or planned enterprise) holds intellectual property (IP) registered with an approved national IP institution.
- The enterprise is engaged in relevant research collaboration with at least one higher education institution or research institute in Singapore.
The official website of the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Singapore provides detailed information about this program.
The initial validity of the EntrePass is one year, after which it can be renewed. The first renewal is for one year, followed by subsequent renewals every two years.
Global Investor Programme (GIP)
The Global Investor Programme (GIP) grants Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) status to eligible global investors who intend to drive their business and investment growth from Singapore. A prerequisite is that applicants must have an extensive business track record and a successful entrepreneurial background.
The GIP is managed by Contact Singapore, a division of the Economic Development Board (EDB). Entrepreneurs and business owners interested in relocating to and investing in Singapore can seek assistance and advice from this department.
The eligibility criteria for this program vary depending on the applicant’s personal circumstances. For example, established business owners must have at least three years of entrepreneurial and business records, and the company they currently operate must have an annual turnover of at least S$200 million in the year preceding the application, and an average annual turnover of at least S$200 million for the three years preceding the application.
Applicants must also invest over S$10 million in a new business entity, or at least S$25 million in a GIP-select fund, or establish a single-family office in Singapore with assets of over S$200 million.
More detailed information on the eligibility requirements can be found on the EDB’s official website.
Work-Related Visas
All foreign nationals intending to work in Singapore must hold a valid work visa. Singaporean companies planning to hire non-Singaporean residents need to apply for the appropriate visa for them.
Below are the six main types of work visas.
Employment Pass (EP)
The Employment Pass (EP) allows foreign professionals, managers, and executives to work and live in Singapore. The Singaporean company acting as the employer must apply for this work visa on behalf of the foreign national. When the employment contract ends, the corresponding work visa will also expire.
Based on this principle, if you establish a company while holding an EP, as the business owner or director of that company, you are also eligible to obtain a work visa sponsored by your own company.
The initial validity of an EP is typically up to two years, and upon renewal, it can be valid for up to three years.
To apply for an EP, the salary level must be within the top one-third of local Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians (PMETs). Furthermore, this salary requirement is pegged to age, with older applicants needing to meet a higher minimum fixed monthly salary. The Ministry of Manpower regularly reviews and adjusts the specific salary requirements based on data from the annual Comprehensive Labour Force Survey by its Manpower Research and Statistics Department.
Since September 1, 2023, Singapore has implemented the points-based Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). For new EP applications from September 1, 2023, and EP renewals from September 1, 2024, or later, applicants must score at least 40 points to pass COMPASS unless exempted. For more information about this points system, you can visit the Ministry of Manpower’s detailed explanation on EP eligibility.
From January 1, 2025, the minimum qualifying salary for new EP applications will be revised to at least S$5,600, and at least S$6,200 for the financial services sector.
EP holders with a fixed monthly salary of S$6,000 are eligible to apply for a Dependant’s Pass (DP) or Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for some family members, to avoid long-term separation from their families.
S Pass
The S Pass is suitable for mid-level skilled workers who do not yet meet the application criteria for an EP.
Like the EP, the S Pass has a minimum salary requirement, which is pegged to age. However, regardless of age, the applicant’s salary level must be within the top one-third of wages for local Associate Professionals and Technicians (APTs). The Ministry of Manpower regularly reviews and adjusts the specific salary requirements based on data from the annual Comprehensive Labour Force Survey by its Manpower Research and Statistics Department.
Unlike the EP, the S Pass is subject to a quota. In the services sector, an employer can apply for one S Pass quota for every seven local Singaporean residents employed. In other sectors, one S Pass quota is available for every five local Singaporean residents employed. Additionally, employers must pay a monthly levy for each S Pass holder they employ, with the specific levy amount linked to the proportion of foreign workers in the company’s total workforce.
The S Pass is valid for up to two years and can be renewed upon expiry.
S Pass holders with a fixed monthly salary of S$6,000 are eligible to apply for a DP for their spouse and children.
Work Permit (WP)
The Work Permit (WP) is a visa for general workers, typically in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, marine shipyards, and process or service sectors, often referred to as a “blue-collar” visa. There are specific nationality requirements for workers.
The WP is also subject to quotas, which vary by industry. Additionally, employers must pay a monthly levy and provide medical insurance for each WP holder they employ.
There is no minimum salary requirement for a WP, and its validity is typically up to two years.
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
The Singapore Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is a special type of work visa for high-earning EP holders or foreign professionals. Compared to the EP, the PEP offers greater flexibility. PEP holders who wish to change jobs do not need to reapply for a new visa within a six-month period.
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Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)
Top talent from all industries can consider applying for the Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass). ONE Pass holders can concurrently operate or be employed by multiple companies.
The ONE Pass has a higher salary requirement. Applicants must have a fixed monthly salary of over S$30,000 for the past 12 consecutive months or provide proof that they will earn a monthly salary of over S$30,000 at a Singapore company.
If the salary requirement cannot be met, individuals with outstanding achievements in business, sports, arts and culture, or academic research may also be eligible to apply for the ONE Pass.
ONE Pass holders can also apply for a DP or LTVP for their family members.
The initial validity of the ONE Pass is 5 years, and it can be renewed for 5-year periods, provided that the holder still meets the top talent requirements at the time of renewal.
Miscellaneous Work Pass (MWP)
The Miscellaneous Work Pass (MWP) is for foreign nationals coming to Singapore for short-term work assignments under specific conditions, such as seminar speakers, religious workers, or journalists.
Visas for Family Members
When foreign nationals choose to work in Singapore, they may face the challenge of being separated from their families. If you wish to live in Singapore with your family, you can consider applying for the following two types of visas for them.
Dependant’s Pass (DP)
Holders of an EP, EntrePass, and S Pass who meet certain conditions can apply for a Dependant’s Pass (DP) for their family members to live with them in Singapore. Legally married spouses and unmarried children under 21, including legally adopted children, are eligible to apply for a DP.
The DP is valid for up to two years and can be renewed. Its validity is tied to the main pass holder’s work visa.
DP holders who wish to work in Singapore can apply for an EP, S Pass, or WP.
Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
EP or S Pass holders with a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$6,000 can apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for their common-law spouse, handicapped children aged 21 or above, or step-children under 21. To apply for an LTVP for parents, the minimum fixed monthly salary required is S$12,000.
The LTVP is valid for up to two years and can be renewed. Its validity is also tied to the main pass holder’s work visa.
LTVP holders may also work in Singapore under certain conditions.
Foreign spouses of Singapore citizens may be eligible to apply for the Long-Term Visit Pass Plus (LTVP+). Compared to the LTVP, LTVP+ holders can reside in Singapore for a longer period and are eligible for Singapore’s healthcare and employment benefit systems.
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Becoming a Singapore Resident
If you enjoy the lifestyle in Singapore and plan to make this international metropolis your long-term or permanent home, you might consider applying to become a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) or citizen.
Permanent Resident
A Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) is a foreign national who has obtained residency status in Singapore, allowing them to live in the country permanently.
EP or S Pass holders are eligible to apply for PR. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website has a dedicated page with information on PR applications.
When leaving Singapore, PRs need to hold a valid Re-Entry Permit (REP) to retain their PR status. If a PR stays overseas without a valid REP, they will lose their permanent resident status and will be considered a foreign visitor upon their next entry to Singapore.
PR status does not expire, but PR holders need to pay close attention to the validity of their REP, which has a maximum validity of five years.
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Singapore Citizenship
Singapore citizenship allows individuals of non-Singaporean origin to live and work in Singapore with minimal restrictions. The benefits of becoming a Singapore citizen include high flexibility and various subsidies in housing, education, healthcare, and other government benefits.
After holding Singapore PR status for two years and being at least 21 years old, you are eligible to apply for Singapore citizenship. The relevant application requirements are detailed on the ICA official website.
The Singapore passport is one of the most powerful in the world, allowing visa-free entry to over 190 countries globally. Therefore, many foreign nationals who frequently travel to various countries for business choose to apply for Singapore citizenship.
Singapore does not recognize dual citizenship, so becoming a Singapore citizen means you must renounce citizenship of any other country.
When approving Singapore PR and citizenship applications, the Singapore government assesses the applicant’s contributions to Singapore, their ability to integrate into Singaporean society, and their commitment to putting down roots in the country.
Becoming a Singapore PR or citizen not only allows you to enjoy the advantages of these statuses but also requires you to fulfill corresponding obligations. According to the Singapore Enlistment Act, unless specially exempted, all male Singapore citizens and permanent residents must serve National Service in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Singapore Police Force (SPF), or Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) upon reaching the age of 18.
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The Advantages of Singapore
Business-Friendly Environment and Policy Support
The Singapore government is committed to collaborating with businesses to provide solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues and has been consistently ranked as one of the most innovative cities globally.
With the rise of Southeast Asia, Singapore has become a business and innovation hub for multinational corporations in the region. Companies can use Singapore as an entry point to deeply understand Southeast Asian consumers, deepen innovation, and commercialize solutions to serve Southeast Asia and the world.
Diverse Pool of Professional Talent
As an international metropolis, Singapore gathers a wealth of talent from different countries and backgrounds. From entry-level employees to top-level decision-makers, Singapore continually attracts the world’s best talent.
As a significant regional hub, Singapore boasts a diverse range of industries with employees from various labor markets across Asia, fostering strong interactions with these markets. Consequently, Singapore’s talent possesses rich “Asian experience,” and their deep understanding of Asian markets is highly beneficial for business development.
High-Quality Lifestyle
The government is dedicated to building Singapore into a “Garden City” and keenly recognizes that this requires clean water, clean energy, clean air, managing traffic congestion, conserving water, a reliable energy supply, and good urban planning. Therefore, despite its high level of economic development, Singapore maintains a harmonious balance between people and the natural environment, with relatively little traffic congestion. Singapore residents can enjoy well-planned parks and nature reserves, as well as high-quality water environments and air quality at any time.
Putting it into Practice
If you choose to develop your career in Singapore, it is essential to select the most suitable visa option for yourself when applying. The team at AnjiaSG has an in-depth understanding of Singapore’s immigration regulations and can provide personalized advice for companies and individuals, as well as their corresponding employees and family members. We welcome your inquiries.
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