Various Singapore immigration visa options

Foreign workers, entrepreneurs, and professionals can secure special work permits in Singapore depending on their status and capabilities. As a prime international business hub, Singapore devised different visa schemes to allow migrant workers to enter the country through employment and business opportunities. Below is the list of available work visa schemes that foreigners can avail of.

Employment Pass

Employment Pass (EP) is the primary work permit given to foreign skilled workers in Singapore. The minimum requirements to avail of this visa are a minimum monthly salary of S$3,300 and an education degree from a prestigious college or university in the applicant’s originating country. Employers can secure as many EP as they need for their foreign workers as long as the applicants are qualified under this scheme.
  1. Eligibility: As previously mentioned, business owners and professional workers with college education and pertinent experience are eligible under this visa scheme.
  2. Eligibility for Permanent Residence: In due time, EP holders can apply for permanent residence in Singapore.
  3. Quota: None
  4. Validity: One to two years, renewable and subject to continuous employment.

    EntrePass (Entrepreneur Pass)

    An EntrePass is similar to the Employment Pass, but is issued only to owners of newly-established businesses or a business that is yet to be incorporated. The primary consideration is that the business must be incorporated in Singapore, and the business owner is able to satisfy one of the 4 qualifying conditions.
    1. Eligibility: Ownership of a new business that is operating for not more than six months or a company that is still to be incorporated. The owner must also be able to meet the innovativeness standard required under this scheme.
    2. Eligibility for Permanent Residence: In due time, EntrePass holders can apply for permanent residence in Singapore.
    3. Quota: None
    4. Validity: One year; renewable

      Personalized Employment Pass (PEP)

      Professionals who do not have permanent employers may apply for PEP. This visa scheme allows a foreign professional to work from one employer to another without securing a work permit each time s/he has a new employer. However, the time between employments must not be longer than six months. PEP holders are not allowed to engage in any profit-making business, other than the earnings they receive for the services they offer.
      1. Eligibility: Qualified professionals who aim to provide professional service in Singapore.
      2. Eligibility for Permanent Residence: In due time, PEP holders can apply for permanent residence in Singapore.
      3. Quota: None
      4. Validity: 3 years, non-renewable.

        S Pass

        Mid-skilled workers with a minimum monthly salary of S$2,200 can acquire an S Pass.
        1. Eligibility: mid-level technical employee; technical diploma
        2. Eligibility for Permanent Residence: 5 years of steady employment in Singapore
        3. Quota: Depends on what is the business of employing company. In general employing company is allowed to employ max 20% of its employees on S pass.
        4. Validity: One to two years, renewable and subject to continuous employment in Singapore.

          Miscellaneous Work Pass

          This scheme applies to foreigners who will render a short working stint in Singapore.
          1. Eligibility: This work visa scheme is for individuals who: Organize or conduct conferences, seminars, workshops, talks, or gatherings that can be political, religious, ethnic-oriented, or community-based. Or Is affiliated to an international religious organization; Is a reporter, journalist, or media staff not sponsored by any government agency in Singapore.
          2. Eligibility for Permanent Residence: Non-eligible
          3. Quota: None, merit-based.
          4. Validity: Short-term (Max 60 Days)

            Foreign worker - Work Permit

            This scheme applies to foreigners who work in Singapore on unskilled sector. Typically construction workers, laborers fall under this category.
            1. Eligibility: No specific eligibility requirement
            2. Eligibility for Permanent Residence: Not - eligible
            3. Quota: Depends on what is the business of employing company. Depending on the sector of operations up to 87% of employees of company may be allowed to be work permit holders.
            4. Validity: One to two years, renewable and subject to continuous employment in Singapore.

              Work permit – performing artist

              The pass is for foreign artistes to perform at any Public Entertainment outlets which operate a minimum of six hours a day. The pass will allow the foreign artiste to work up to a maximum of six months in establishments such as bars, discotheques, lounges, night clubs, pubs, hotels, private clubs or restaurants. Once the pass expires or is cancelled, the performing artiste will not be allowed to hold another work permit within one year from the date of expiry or cancellation, whether as a performing artiste or in any other occupations.
              1. Eligibility: No specific eligibility requirement
              2. Eligibility for Permanent Residence: Not - eligible
              3. Quota: Outlet must employ atleast one Singapore local person. For one local employee maximum 8 to 12 foreign performing artist permits will be approved.
              4. Validity: Max 6 months.

                Letter of consent

                A Letter of Consent allows a Dependent Pass holder to work in Singapore.
                1. Eligibility: Dependent pass holder with a job offer in Singapore. The application must be sponsored by a Singapore based business
                2. Eligibility for Permanent Residence: DP holders are eligible for PR
                3. Quota: Not applicable
                4. Validity: Tied to validity of dependent pass

                  Dependent’s Pass

                  Family-relocation visa provided to EP holder’s spouse and children below 21 years of age and single. EP holder must have a minimum monthly salary in Singapore of S$4,000.
                  1. Eligibility: For main EP holder earning atleast 4000 SGD fixed monthly salary
                  2. Eligibility for Permanent Residence: eligible
                  3. Quota: Not applicable
                  4. Validity: Tied to validity of main employment pass

                    Long term Social visit pass (LTSVP)

                    Employment Pass and S Pass holders may apply for Long Term Visit Passes for their immediate family members like common law spouse, parents or step children.
                    1. Eligibility: For main EP holder earning atleast 4000 SGD fixed monthly salary
                    2. Eligibility for Permanent Residence: not-eligible
                    3. Quota: Not applicable
                    4. Validity: case to case basis