Singapore

Singapore visa and work pass guide

  • 10 visa types
  • checked 23 October 2026

How visas for Singapore work

Singapore publishes a list of nationalities that need an entry visa; travellers of other nationalities can visit without one. The length of stay is decided by the immigration officer at the checkpoint and sent by e-mail as an electronic Visit Pass; every traveller submits the free SG Arrival Card within three days before arrival.

Working, studying and living in Singapore are handled through passes rather than visas. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) issues work passes such as the Employment Pass for professionals, the S Pass for mid-level skilled staff, the ONE Pass for top talent and the EntrePass for founders, plus Dependant's Passes and Long-Term Visit Passes for family. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) issues Student's Passes and grants permanent residence.

Salary thresholds are the key test. In 2026 the Employment Pass needs at least SGD 5,600 a month (SGD 6,200 in financial services), rising with age, plus 40 points under COMPASS; the S Pass needs SGD 3,300. Higher thresholds apply to new applications from 1 January 2027.

Which visa do I need?

Holiday or business meetings: visit visa-free with the SG Arrival Card. A professional job offer paying SGD 5,600 or more: Employment Pass. Skilled mid-level job paying SGD 3,300 or more: S Pass. Top earners (SGD 30,000 a month) or people with outstanding achievements: ONE Pass.

Founding a venture-backed or innovative start-up: EntrePass. Spouse or children of an EP or S Pass holder earning SGD 6,000+: Dependant's Pass. Full-time studies: Student's Pass. Students or graduates aged 18–25 of universities in ten listed countries: Work Holiday Pass. Settling permanently: permanent residence, or the Global Investor Programme for major investors.

Visa types for Singapore

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Short-term visit (visa-free for most nationalities) and SG Arrival Card

    Most passport holders can visit Singapore without an entry visa; nationals on ICA's visa-required list apply in advance.

    Maximum stay: Set by the immigration officer on arrival and shown in the e-Pass

Business and self-employment

  • Self-employed and freelancer visa Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)

    The ONE Pass is for top talent in business, arts and culture, sports, academia and research, and AI and tech.

    Maximum stay: Up to 5 years; renewals up to 5 years
  • Entrepreneur and start-up visa EntrePass

    The EntrePass lets serial entrepreneurs, high-calibre innovators and experienced investors of any nationality run a venture-backed or innovative business in Singapore.

    Maximum stay: New pass and first renewal: up to 1 year; later renewals up to 2 years

Study and training

  • Student visa Student's Pass

    Foreigners accepted into an approved full-time course in Singapore need a Student's Pass from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

    Processing time: Institutes of higher learning: within one week (two weeks if a visa is required). Private institutions: within one month, or two weeks for EduTrust-certified schools.

Work

  • Skilled worker visa Employment Pass (EP) with COMPASS

    The Employment Pass is for foreign professionals, managers and executives.

    Maximum stay: First pass up to 2 years; renewals up to 3 years (5 years for experienced tech professionals in shortage skills)
  • Work visa S Pass

    The S Pass is for mid-level skilled employees of any nationality with a job offer in Singapore.

    Maximum stay: First pass up to 2 years; renewals up to 3 years (limited to 1 month before passport expiry)
  • Working holiday visa Work Holiday Pass (Work Holiday Programme)

    The Work Holiday Programme lets students and young graduates aged 18 to 25 from universities in Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States work and holiday in Singapore for six months.

    Maximum stay: 6 months

Family

  • Family reunification visa Dependant's Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass for families of work pass holders

    Employment Pass and S Pass holders earning a fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 6,000 can bring their legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 on a Dependant's Pass.

    Maximum stay: Tied to the main pass validity or the requested duration, whichever is shorter

Residence

  • Permanent residence Singapore permanent residence (PR)

    Permanent residence lets a foreigner live in Singapore on a permanent basis; PRs aged 15 and over receive the blue Identity Card and need a valid Re-Entry Permit to travel and return.

    Maximum stay: Permanent, with a Re-Entry Permit for travel
  • Golden visa and residence by investment Global Investor Programme (GIP) – permanent residence for investors

    Singapore's Global Investor Programme, run by Contact Singapore at the Economic Development Board, grants permanent residence to investors with a substantial business record.

    Processing time: About 12 months for a complete application

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa for Singapore?

Only if your nationality is on ICA's list of visa-required countries, which includes Afghanistan, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq and Russia among others. Everyone submits the SG Arrival Card within three days before arrival; the officer decides the length of stay.

What is the minimum salary for a Singapore Employment Pass?

SGD 5,600 a month in 2026 (SGD 6,200 in financial services), rising with age to SGD 10,700 at 45. New applications from 1 January 2027 need at least SGD 6,000 (SGD 6,600 in financial services).

Can I apply for a work pass myself?

Usually not: the employer or an appointed employment agent applies for Employment Passes and S Passes. ONE Pass and EntrePass candidates can apply themselves.

What is the SG Arrival Card?

A free online arrival declaration, including a health declaration, that every traveller submits within three days before arriving in Singapore; it is not a visa.

How do I get permanent residence in Singapore?

Through ICA, as the spouse, child or aged parent of a citizen or PR, as an Employment Pass or S Pass holder, as an eligible student, or as an investor under the Global Investor Programme. ICA assesses family ties, economic contribution, qualifications, age and length of residency.

Embassies and consulates

Last checked 23 October 2026. Each visa page lists the official sources it is based on.