Visa Types — Singapore

Employment Pass (EP)

Who it's for: Foreign professionals, managers, and executives working in Singapore-based companies.

Key eligibility requirements:

• Minimum fixed monthly salary of SGD 5,600 (SGD 6,200+ for financial services sector); higher thresholds for older, more experienced candidates (up to ~SGD 10,700)
• Must score sufficient points under the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS)
• Relevant degree/professional qualifications and work experience
• Job must be listed on the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) job bank prior to application (Fair Consideration Framework)

Processing time: 3 weeks (typically), up to 8 weeks if referred for further review

Cost:

• Application fee: SGD 105 (~USD 78)
• Issuance fee: SGD 225 (~USD 167)

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S Pass

Who it's for: Mid-skilled foreign workers (technicians, associate professionals).

Key eligibility requirements:

• Minimum fixed monthly salary of SGD 3,150 (SGD 3,650+ for financial services), rising with age
• Relevant diploma or technical certification
• Subject to quota (Dependency Ratio Ceiling) — max 35% of total workforce
• Employer must pay monthly S Pass levy (SGD 550–650)

Processing time: 3 weeks typical, up to 8 weeks

Cost:

• Application fee: SGD 105 (~USD 78)
• Issuance fee: SGD 225 (~USD 167)
• Monthly levy: SGD 550–650 (~USD 407–481) paid by employer

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Work Permit (WP)

Who it's for: Semi-skilled foreign workers in construction, manufacturing, marine, process, services, and domestic work (Foreign Domestic Worker - FDW subtype).

Key eligibility requirements:

• Source country restrictions apply (approved list of countries)
• Age typically 18–50 (varies by sector)
• Employer must meet quota and pay levy
• Medical exam required

Processing time: 1–3 weeks

Cost:

• Application fee: SGD 35 (~USD 26)
• Issuance fee: SGD 35 (~USD 26)
• Monthly levy: SGD 250–950 depending on sector/skill (~USD 185–703)

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EntrePass (Entrepreneur Pass)

Who it's for: Foreign entrepreneurs starting and operating a new business in Singapore.

Key eligibility requirements:

• Company must be registered as a private limited company, less than 6 months old (or intending to register)
• Business must be in innovative sectors (tech-based, scalable) or backed by venture funding
• Minimum paid-up capital SGD 50,000
• Must meet innovation criteria points assessment (funding, IP, incubation, business track record)

Processing time: 8 weeks

Cost:

• Application fee: SGD 105 (~USD 78)
• Issuance fee: SGD 225 (~USD 167)

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Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)

Who it's for: High-earning EP holders or overseas professionals wanting more job flexibility than a standard EP.

Key eligibility requirements:

• Existing EP holders earning fixed monthly salary ≥ SGD 12,000
• Overseas professionals with last drawn fixed monthly salary ≥ SGD 18,000
• Not tied to a single employer (can change jobs without reapplying)
• Cannot be renewed — valid for 3 years, non-extendable

Processing time: 8 weeks

Cost:

• Application fee: SGD 105 (~USD 78)
• Issuance fee: SGD 225 (~USD 167)

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Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)

Who it's for: Top-tier global talent in business, arts, sports, science, academia, etc.

Key eligibility requirements:

• Last drawn/fixed monthly salary ≥ SGD 30,000 (or equivalent for those without salary history, e.g., top founders/artists)
• Alternative criteria: outstanding achievements in respective field
• Valid for 5 years, allows concurrent multiple employments/directorships

Processing time: 4–6 weeks

Cost:

• Application fee: SGD 105 (~USD 78)
• Issuance fee: SGD 225 (~USD 167)

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Tech.Pass

Who it's for: Established tech leaders, founders, and senior tech professionals.

Key eligibility requirements:

• Must meet at least 2 of 4 criteria: last drawn fixed monthly salary ≥ SGD 20,000; led a tech company with ≥ USD 500M valuation or ≥ USD 30M funding raised; 5+ years leading a tech product team of 50+; or specialized/deep tech expertise
• Limited number of passes issued annually (capped scheme)
• Valid for 2 years, renewable

Processing time: 4–6 weeks

Cost:

• Application fee: SGD 600 (~USD 444)

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Dependant's Pass (DP)

Who it's for: Spouses and children (unmarried, under 21) of EP, ONE Pass, or S Pass holders (S Pass subject to minimum salary threshold of sponsor).

Key eligibility requirements:

• Sponsor must earn minimum fixed monthly salary of SGD 6,000 (for S Pass sponsors) or hold qualifying EP/ONE Pass
• Legal marriage certificate/birth certificate as proof of relationship

Processing time: 3–4 weeks

Cost:

• Application fee: SGD 105 (~USD 78)
• Issuance fee: SGD 225 (~USD 167)

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Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)

Who it's for: Common-law spouses, unmarried parents of Singapore citizen/PR children, step-children, or parents of EP/S Pass holders.

Key eligibility requirements:

• Proof of genuine family relationship
• Sponsor must meet income and residency requirements
• Case-by-case approval by Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)

Processing time: 6–8 weeks

Cost:

• Application fee: SGD 105 (~USD 78)
• Issuance fee: SGD 225 (~USD 167) per year of validity granted

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Student Pass

Who it's for: Foreign students enrolled in approved Singapore educational institutions.

Key eligibility requirements:

• Confirmed admission to an approved institution
• Sufficient financial proof for tuition/living expenses
• Some institutions require Student's Pass application via SOLAR system

Processing time: 2–4 weeks (longer during peak enrollment periods)

Cost:

• Application fee: SGD 30 (~USD 22)
• Issuance fee: SGD 60 (~USD 44)

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Global Investor Programme (GIP) – Permanent Residence via Investment

Who it's for: High-net-worth entrepreneurs and investors seeking Singapore PR.

Key eligibility requirements:

• Minimum investment of SGD 10 million in a new/expanding business, or SGD 25 million in a GIP-approved fund
• Substantial entrepreneurial track record (company with SGD 200 million+ turnover in past 3 years, for business track)
• Business plan submission and approval by Economic Development Board (EDB)

Processing time: 6–12 months (highly variable, involves EDB review)

Cost:

• Application/administrative fees vary; typically SGD 5,000–10,000 (~USD 3,700–7,400) in processing/legal costs (excluding the investment sum itself)

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Permanent Residence – Professionals/Technical Personnel & Skilled Workers (PTS) Scheme

Who it's for: EP/S Pass holders working in Singapore who wish to obtain PR status.

Key eligibility requirements:

• Holding a valid EP, S Pass, or similar work pass
• Stable employment history and income
• Points-based assessment considers age, qualifications, salary, family profile, length of stay/employment in Singapore

Processing time: 4–6 months (can extend to 12 months)

Cost:

• Application fee: SGD 100 (~USD 74) per applicant
• Re-entry permit fee (upon approval): SGD 50–100 (~USD 37–74)

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Permanent Residence – Foreign Spouse of Singapore Citizen (ForSQ) Scheme

Who it's for: Foreign spouses married to Singapore Citizens.

Key eligibility requirements:

• Valid marriage certificate registered in Singapore or recognized overseas
• Sponsor (SC spouse) must meet income/sponsorship requirements
• Interview may be required by ICA

Processing time: 4–6 months

Cost:

• Application fee: SGD 100 (~USD 74)

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Singapore Citizenship (Naturalization)

Who it's for: PR holders who have resided in Singapore for a qualifying period and wish to become citizens.

Key eligibility requirements:

• Generally hold PR status for at least 2–6 years (varies by category: spouse of citizen, PR by registration, etc.)
• Good character, ties to Singapore, ability to support self/family
• Must renounce other citizenships (Singapore does not allow dual citizenship for adults)

Processing time: 6–12 months

Cost:

• Application fee: SGD 100 (~USD 74)
• Certificate/registration fee (upon approval): SGD 60–100 (~USD 44–74)

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Important Notes on Figures

• Salary thresholds for EP, S Pass, and other passes are reviewed periodically by MOM and typically increase over time (last major revisions took effect in September 2023 and further adjustments in 2024–2025).
• Exchange rates used here are approximate (1 SGD ≈ USD 0.74); actual conversion will fluctuate with market rates.
• Levy amounts for S Pass and Work Permit holders vary by sector, worker skill tier, and company's foreign worker quota utilization — always check the latest MOM levy tables.
• COMPASS points system for EP applications considers salary, qualifications, diversity, and support for local employment — requirements can shift based on policy updates.
• PR and Citizenship approvals are discretionary and highly case-dependent; processing times can vary significantly based on individual profiles and ICA workload.
• Always verify current fees, salary criteria, and processing times directly via:
• Ministry of Manpower (MOM): www.mom.gov.sg
• Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA): www.ica.gov.sg
• Economic Development Board (EDB): www.edb.gov.sg

Given the frequency of policy revisions in Singapore's immigration framework, it's strongly recommended to confirm all details with official government sources or a licensed immigration consultant before proceeding with any application.

More about immigrating to Singapore