Immigration
Foreigners in Singapore need to apply for a pass in order to work and live in Singapore.
Here is a quick guide to what is relevant for you.
For Business
Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass)
The EntrePass is designed to facilitate the entry and stay of entrepreneurs who:
- are ready to start a new company/business and will be actively involved in the operation of the company/business in Singapore
- own a business registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) for no longer than six months at the point of submission of the EntrePass application
The EntrePass has an initial validity period of up to two years and will be issued upon the submission of a sound business proposal. Depending on the type of EntrePass you hold, you can apply for the Dependant’s Pass or the Long Term Visit Pass for your family members. These allow your immediate family to live in Singapore while you start and grow your business here.
With the EntrePass, you may leave and re-enter Singapore frequently with ease. It is renewable for as long as the business remains viable. For further details on the EntrePass, please refer to Ministry of Manpower.
Multiple Journey Visa (MJV)
The MJV facilitates the entry of business executives from countries that require a visa into Singapore. This is ideal if you are:
- attending to businesses or investments in Singapore and travel to Singapore frequently
- looking for or exploring business opportunities in Singapore
Holders of this visa are permitted to enter Singapore as often as required within the validity period of the visa. The holder may stay from 14 to 30 days per visit, depending on the mode of arrival. Upon successful application, you may be issued a one, two or five-year MJV, in accordance with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)'s existing visa guidelines in Singapore.
Things to note when applying for the MJV:
- Check with the Singapore overseas mission in your country on visa requirements for entry into Singapore.
- You will need a Letter of Introduction from a Singapore-registered company to be submitted with your MJV application.
For nationals of China and India, MJV applications are usually processed within 1 working day if the application is submitted online. For nationals of other visa-requiring countries and further details on MJV, please refer to the ICA website.
For Employment
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
The PEP is a new scheme to encourage global talent to work in Singapore. Unlike the Employment Pass (EP), the PEP is not tied to any employer and is granted based on the applicant’s individual merits.
You are eligible for the PEP if you are:
- An overseas foreign professional whose last drawn fixed monthly salary was at least SGD 8,000
- A former P1 Pass holder who is residing overseas
- A P1 Pass holder
- A P2 Pass holder with at least two years’ working experience on a P2 Pass and a fixed salary of at least S$34,000 in the preceding year
- A Q1 Pass holder with at least five years’ working experience on a Q1 Pass and a fixed salary of at least S$34,000 in the preceding year
- A foreign graduate from an Institution of Higher Learning in Singapore with at least two years’ working experience on a P or Q1 Pass and a fixed salary of at least S$34,000 in the preceding year
A PEP holder may remain in Singapore for up to six months to explore new employment opportunities, without having to re-apply for a new pass when changing jobs. However, he/she will need to keep the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) informed of any employment status. The minimum annual fixed salary of a PEP holder is S$34,000.
You may apply for your PEP either online at PEP online or manually (for overseas foreign professionals).
For more information, please visit the MOM website.
Employment Pass (EP)
Non-citizens need a valid EP in order to work in Singapore. To apply for an Employment Pass, a local sponsor is required, this is usually the employer. There are three types of Employment Passes (P1, P2 and Q1). The P Pass is for foreigners seeking professional, managerial or executive and specialist jobs. The criteria are:
- P1 Pass – for applicants earning a fixed monthly salary of more than S$8,000.
- P2 Pass – for applicants earning a fixed monthly salary of more than S$4,500 and up to S$8,000 and he/she possesses recognised qualifications.
- Q1 Pass – for applicants earning a fixed monthly salary of more than S$3,000 and he/she possesses recognised qualifications.
You may take the Employment/S Pass Self-Assessment Test to check if you are eligible for the EP.
You may apply for your EP either online at EP online or manually.
For more information, please visit the MOM website.
S Pass
Companies may apply for mid-skilled non-citizens earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$2,000 to work in Singapore using an S Pass. Usually, a degree or a diploma level qualification is required. Application may be done online at EP online or manually.
Companies have to pay a Foreign Worker (FW) levy for each S Pass holder they employ. Employers are also required pay the salaries of their S Pass holders electronically via General Interbank Recurring Order (GIRO) within three months after the S pass has been issued.
For more information, please visit the MOM website.
Training Employment Pass (TEP)
Non-citizens undergoing practical training attachments for professional, managerial, executive or specialist jobs in Singapore are required to apply for a TEP. You are eligible for the TEP if you are:
- An undergraduate undergoing training in Singapore as part of your degree programme from a recognised educational institution
- An intra-company trainee from your foreign office/subsidiary attending professional or executive training in Singapore. You should earn a fixed monthly salary of more than S$2,800 and hold acceptable tertiary/professional qualifications
You may apply for your TEP either online at EP online or manually.
For more information, please visit the MOM website.
For Short-Term Visitors
Social Visit Pass
If you wish to come into Singapore for a short stint, either to attend job interviews or to negotiate contracts, you will need to apply for a Social Visit Pass.
The Social Visit Pass is valid from between two to four weeks and may be subsequently renewed for up to three months. Holders of the Social Visit Pass are not allowed to work in Singapore.
For more information on the different categories of visitors applying for a Social Visit Pass, visit the ICA website.
For Family Members
Dependant’s Pass (DP)
EP and S Pass holders can apply for Dependant’s Passes for their spouse or unmarried/legally adopted children under 21 years of age. Application and renewal can be made online or manually through submitting the completed form to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
For more information, visit the MOM website.
Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
EP holders can apply for the LTVP for their family members. Application and renewal can be made online or manually through submitting the completed form to MOM.
For more information, visit the MOM website.