How to obtain residency in Singapore: visa types and requirements in
Discover the legal pathways to establish your residency in Asia’s most dynamic business hub. We analyze the visa programs for international professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors under the most up-to-date regulations.
Residing in Singapore in : a strategic decision
Singapore has established itself as the preferred destination for global talent and high-net-worth individuals. Obtaining residency in the city-state not only provides access to an unparalleled business ecosystem, but is also the fundamental step to optimize international taxation under a framework of absolute legal security.
The management of work and residency visas is primarily centralized within the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), while long-term stay and citizenship procedures depend on the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
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Employment pass: the visa for professionals and executives
The Employment Pass (EP) is the most common visa for foreign professionals, executives, and business owners who wish to manage their own entity after incorporating a company in Singapore.
The COMPASS system
Since , EP applications are evaluated under the COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) points system, which scores:
- 📊 Salary: Compared to local sector benchmarks.
- 🎓 Qualifications: Academic degrees from recognized institutions.
- 🌐 Diversity: The mix of nationalities in the hiring company.
- 🇸🇬 Support for local talent: The company’s commitment to the Singaporean workforce.
Salary thresholds are updated periodically to ensure competitiveness. It is vital to verify the current details on the official MOM portal.
EntrePass: residency for entrepreneurs and founders
If your goal is to launch a tech or innovation startup backed by venture capital, the EntrePass is the ideal option. Unlike the EP, it does not require a high initial minimum salary but demands commitments to investment and local job creation.
Technology profile
Ideal for founders with registered patents or proprietary intellectual property.
External investment
Requires funding from a recognized venture capital firm or an accredited angel investor by Enterprise Singapore.
Personalised employment pass and ONE pass
For very high income profiles or exceptional talent in strategic sectors, there are elite visas that offer total flexibility:
- ONE Pass (Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass): Designed for individuals who demonstrate monthly income exceeding 30,000 SGD or outstanding achievements in arts, science, or technology. It allows working for multiple companies simultaneously.
- PEP (Personalised Employment Pass): An employer-independent visa granted to high-earning professionals seeking total mobility within Singapore’s job market.
Global investor programme: the direct route to permanent residency
For ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking to secure their future in Singapore through direct investment, the Global Investor Programme (GIP) is the most prestigious route. Managed by the Economic Development Board (EDB), this program grants Permanent Resident (PR) status immediately to eligible investors.
Investment options in
- 🏦 Option A: Investment of at least 10 million SGD in a new business entity or the expansion of existing operations in Singapore.
- 📊 Option B: Investment of 25 million SGD in a selected fund that invests in Singapore-based companies.
- 🏢 Option C: Establishment of a Singapore-based family office with assets under management (AUM) of at least 200 million SGD.
This program requires demonstrating a successful business track record and high-level audited financial statements for approval.
The path to permanent residency (PR)
After a period of residency under a work visa (generally 2 years), individuals can apply for Permanent Resident (PR) status with the ICA. This status grants most of the rights of a citizen, including access to the pension system (CPF) and greater ease in buying real estate.
PR approval is discretionary and is based on the applicant’s social integration, economic contribution, and family profile.
Family relocation and visas for dependents
Singapore is internationally recognized for its safety and its world-class education system, making it an ideal destination for families. Most residency visas allow the relocation of immediate family members under specific conditions defined by the MOM.
Dependant’s Pass (DP)
Available for legally married spouses and unmarried children under 21. The main visa holder must demonstrate a minimum monthly salary of 6,000 SGD.
Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
For common-law spouses, stepchildren, or parents. In the case of parents, the primary visa holder must earn a monthly salary of over 12,000 SGD.
It is crucial to have original documentation (marriage and birth certificates) duly legalized or translated to ensure the success of the application before the ICA.
Medical requirements and credential verification
For the final issuance of any long-term pass in , the MOM requires compliance with health security and academic verification protocols that can delay the process if not managed correctly.
Includes testing for HIV and tuberculosis. It can be performed in your home country through authorized clinics or, preferably, at accredited medical centers in Singapore upon your arrival.
For the Employment Pass, it is mandatory that your university degrees are verified by independent screening companies accepted by the MOM to guarantee academic authenticity.
At Singapore Way, we coordinate these steps to avoid administrative errors that could lead to the rejection of your application.
Relationship between legal residency and tax residency
It is essential to differentiate stay permits from tax resident status. According to the IRAS, an individual is a tax resident if they reside in Singapore for at least 183 days in a calendar year.
To optimize your structure, we recommend using our tax calculator and planning your physical presence in accordance with international tax treaties.
Frequently asked questions about immigration
Yes, Employment Pass holders who exceed a minimum salary threshold (generally 6,000 SGD monthly) can apply for a Dependant’s Pass for spouses and unmarried children under 21.
For electronic EP applications, processing time typically ranges from 3 to 8 weeks, depending on profile complexity and document verification.
Upon termination of the employment contract, the employer cancels the visa, and the MOM usually grants a 30-day Short-Term Visit Pass to arrange departure or process a new permit.
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