Singapore Visa Types:
Which is more suitable for you?
Singapore Visa Types
Table of Contents
Overview of Singapore Visa Types
As a global business hub, Singapore adopt a relatively open immigration policy towards foreigners who want to live and work in Singapore. There are various visa options available designed to the country’s economic growth while maintaining the quality of foreign talents moving to Singapore.
Whether you are looking to work, start a business, or relocate with your family, it is important for you to understand the different types of visa in Singapore, their criteria, its criteria to better align with your migration goals.
In this guide, we would break down all Singapore visa types available for work, business, investment, and family, including how to qualify for the visa.
Quick Checklist Before Applying for Singapore Work Visa
Firstly, there are a few things to consider before you proceed with applying your Singapore Work Pass / Visa:
- Do you have a company sponsor in Singapore?
- Does your visa type require a foreign worker quota?
- Is there a foreign worker levy involved?
- Do you meet the minimum salary, education, or experience criteria?
- Is the visa temporary or a pathway to PR?
- How long is the visa valid for?
- Can you renew the visa, and what’s required?
- Can this visa lead to Singapore PR or citizenship?
Singapore Work Pass Criteria Checklist Infographic
Types of Singapore Work Pass and Their criteria
Employment Pass
The Singapore Employment Pass is a type of work pass issued by MOM for foreign professionals, directors and corporate executive to work legally in Singapore. This work pass is targeted at mid to senior level executives who wish to work in Singapore. No quota required but company sponsor must show genuine reason for hiring the foreign employees instead of a local.
Eligibility Criteria
- Meet the minimum salary criterion of 5,600 SGD per month for applicants aged 23 and up to S$10,700 for those aged 45 and above.
- For the financial services sector: S$6,200 to S$11,800 based on age.
- Possess a recognised education qualification. For those without a recognised qualification, should have more experience to justify the need for the applicant.
Key Features
- No quota required;
- Payment of foreign worker’s levy no required;
- Eligibility for Dependant’s Pass (with a minimum salary of 6,000 SGD per month)
- Pathway to applying for Singapore PR
- Applicant can be shareholder and director only in the sponsoring company.
- Can be self-applied if the applicant is the director of the sponsoring company.
Learn more about Singapore Employment Pass.
EntrePass (Entrepreneur Pass)
The EntrePass is for foreign entrepreneurs or business owners who want to start and operate an innovative business in Singapore.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must start a venture-backed or innovative tech business.
- No minimum salary, but must show business track record.
- Meet milestones within 1-2 years (e.g., hiring, funding, revenue).
Key Features:
- No quota or levy.
- Renewable annually based on business performance.
- Family passes available after meeting milestones.
- Pathway to PR after 1 year.
Learn more about the EntrePass.
ONE Pass (Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass)
The ONE Pass is for top global talents in business, academia, sports, and arts who wish to live and work in Singapore.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Fixed monthly salary of S$30,000/month or more.
- Outstanding achievements in respective fields.
- No requirement for job offer in Singapore.
Key Features:
- Valid for 5 years, renewable.
- Can work for multiple companies or as a consultant.
- Can start and operate own business.
- Family passes available.
- Eligible to apply for PR.
Check out more about the ONE Pass Scheme.
Infographic Comparison Table of Singapore Work Passes
S-Pass Scheme
The S Pass is a mid-skilled work visa for foreign technicians and junior executives who are employed by a Singapore company.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Minimum salary of S$3,300/month, increasing with age up to S$4,800.
- For financial services: S$3,800 to S$5,650.
- Degree, diploma, or technical certificates with relevant work experience.
Key Features:
- Subject to company-level quota and monthly foreign worker levy.
- Renewable every 1-2 years.
- Can bring family if earning S$6,000/month or more.
- Employer must provide medical insurance.
- Pathway to PR after 1 year of work in Singapore.
More about the S-Pass scheme.
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
The Peronalsised Employment Pass caters to high-earning professionals who want job flexibility in Singapore without being tied to a single employer.
Eligibility Criteria:
- For existing EP holders: minimum fixed monthly salary of S$22,500.
- For overseas professionals: last drawn salary must be at least S$22,500/month.
Key Features:
- No company sponsor required under this scheme;
- Valid for 3 years, non-renewable;
- Flexibility to switch jobs without reapplying.
- Cannot be both director and shareholder in a company.
- Eligible to apply for PR after 2-3 year.
- Can bring family under Dependant’s Pass.
- Non-Renewable
Learn more about the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) scheme.
Tech.Pass
The Tech.Pass is targeted at established tech entrepreneurs, leaders, and experts.
Eligibility Criteria (1 of the 3 must be met):
- Last drawn fixed salary of S$20,000/month, or
- Tech company founder with S$240,000 annual income, or
- 5+ years in a leading tech company with market value over US$500M or US$30M raised.
Key Features:
- Valid for 2 years, renewable.
- Can operate and work for multiple tech-related businesses.
- Eligible for Dependant’s Pass and PR.
Learn more about the the TECH Pass Scheme.
Singapore Work Permit (WP) Scheme
The Work Permit is for semi-skilled and unskilled foreign workers in construction, manufacturing, marine, and service sectors.
Eligibility Criteria:
- No minimum salary requirement.
- Worker must be from an approved source country.
- No formal education required.
Key Features:
- Subject to strict quota and levy.
- Employer is responsible for housing, insurance, and medical care.
- Not eligible for family passes.
- Valid for up to 2 years, renewable.
- Limited career mobility.
More about the Singapore Work Permit.
Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)
More Work Pass schemes (EP, PEP, S Pass, EntrePass, ONE Pass, Tech.Pass) are eligible for Singapore Permanent Residency after 1 year of stay in SIngapore except Singapore Work Permit. However, the securing Singapore PR depends on a number of factors like your qualification, occupation, tax contribute, ability to integrate to the Singapore society etc. Learn more about the Singapore PR eligibility here.
Our immigration team would be able to assist you further in the Singapore PR request.
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