Visa Types
Overview of the different types of visas available for entry into Singapore, including tourist, business, and student visas.
Sections
1. Tourist Visa (Short-Term Visit Pass)
Purpose:
For short-term visits to Singapore for tourism, social visits, or business meetings.
Key Regulations:
- Citizens of many countries can enter Singapore visa-free for a specified period (14 to 90 days, depending on nationality).
- Nationals of certain countries (e.g., India, China, Russia) require a visa to enter Singapore.
Application Process:
- Eligibility: Check if your nationality requires a visa on the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website.
- Documents Required:
- Completed Form 14A (Visa Application Form).
- Passport with at least 6 months validity.
- Recent passport-sized photograph (taken within the last 3 months).
- Proof of travel itinerary (e.g., flight tickets).
- Proof of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements).
- Letter of introduction (if required, typically from a Singapore citizen or resident).
- Submission: Apply online via the Submission of Application for Visa Electronically (SAVE) system or through an authorized visa agent.
Costs:
- Visa application fee: SGD 30 (non-refundable).
Processing Time:
- Typically 1-3 working days.
Unique Considerations:
- A visa does not guarantee entry; the final decision is made by immigration officers at the point of entry.
- Visitors must comply with the conditions of their visa (e.g., no employment during the visit).
2. Work Passes and Permits
Singapore offers several work passes and permits depending on the type of employment and qualifications of the applicant.
a) Employment Pass (EP)
For foreign professionals, managers, and executives earning at least SGD 5,000 per month (higher for older applicants).
- Eligibility:
- Job offer from a Singapore-based company.
- Relevant qualifications and work experience.
- Documents Required:
- Passport details.
- Educational certificates.
- Employment contract and job description.
- Costs:
- Application fee: SGD 105.
- Issuance fee: SGD 225.
- Processing Time: 3 weeks (online applications).
- Validity: Up to 2 years (renewable).
b) S Pass
For mid-skilled workers earning at least SGD 3,000 per month.
- Eligibility:
- Job offer from a Singapore-based company.
- Relevant qualifications (e.g., diploma).
- Costs:
- Application fee: SGD 105.
- Issuance fee: SGD 225.
- Processing Time: 3 weeks.
- Quota: Employers are subject to a quota and levy system.
c) Work Permit
For semi-skilled or unskilled workers in industries like construction, manufacturing, and domestic work.
- Eligibility:
- Job offer from a Singapore-based company.
- Age limits apply (e.g., 18-50 years for most sectors).
- Costs:
- Application fee: SGD 35.
- Issuance fee: SGD 35.
- Processing Time: 1-7 working days.
- Quota: Employers are subject to strict quotas and levies.
d) EntrePass
For foreign entrepreneurs who want to start and operate a business in Singapore.
- Eligibility:
- Business must be venture-backed or innovative.
- Meet specific business milestones.
- Costs:
- Application fee: SGD 105.
- Issuance fee: SGD 225.
- Processing Time: 8 weeks.
3. Student Pass
Purpose:
For foreign students enrolled in full-time courses at approved educational institutions in Singapore.
Key Regulations:
- Part-time courses are not eligible.
- Students cannot work during their studies unless they meet specific conditions.
Application Process:
- Eligibility: Admission to an approved institution.
- Documents Required:
- Passport details.
- Admission letter from the institution.
- Proof of financial ability to support studies.
- Completed Form 16 and Form V36.
- Costs:
- Application fee: SGD 30.
- Issuance fee: SGD 60.
- Processing Time: 2-4 weeks.
Unique Considerations:
- Students must maintain full-time enrollment and meet attendance requirements.
- Some institutions may assist with the application process.
4. Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
Purpose:
For family members of Singapore citizens, permanent residents, or Employment Pass holders.
Key Regulations:
- Typically issued to spouses, children, or parents of eligible sponsors.
Application Process:
- Eligibility: Sponsored by a Singapore citizen, PR, or EP holder.
- Documents Required:
- Passport details.
- Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificate).
- Sponsorβs financial documents.
- Costs:
- Application fee: SGD 30.
- Issuance fee: SGD 60.
- Processing Time: 4-6 weeks.
Unique Considerations:
- LTVP holders may apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass-Plus (LTVP+) for additional benefits, such as longer validity and access to healthcare subsidies.
5. Permanent Residency (PR)
Purpose:
For foreigners who wish to live, work, and study in Singapore on a long-term basis.
Key Regulations:
- PR status is granted at the discretion of the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
Application Process:
- Eligibility:
- Employment Pass or S Pass holders.
- Spouses and children of Singapore citizens or PRs.
- Foreign investors or entrepreneurs.
- Documents Required:
- Passport details.
- Employment records.
- Educational certificates.
- Proof of family ties (if applicable).
- Costs:
- Application fee: SGD 100.
- Processing Time: 4-6 months.
Unique Considerations:
- PR status allows holders to buy public housing, access healthcare subsidies, and apply for citizenship after a few years.
6. Dependent Pass
Purpose:
For family members of Employment Pass or S Pass holders.
Key Regulations:
- Issued to legally married spouses and children under 21 years old.
Application Process:
- Eligibility: Sponsored by an EP or S Pass holder.
- Documents Required:
- Passport details.
- Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificate).
- Costs:
- Application fee: SGD 105.
- Issuance fee: SGD 225.
- Processing Time: 3 weeks.
Unique Considerations:
- Dependent Pass holders may apply for a Letter of Consent to work in Singapore.
General Tips for Visa Applications in Singapore:
- Accuracy: Ensure all documents are complete and accurate to avoid delays.
- Timeliness: Apply well in advance of your intended travel or relocation date.
- Compliance: Adhere to all visa conditions to avoid penalties or bans.
- Updates: Check the ICA or Ministry of Manpower (MOM) websites for the latest regulations and fees.
By understanding the visa options and requirements, you can better plan your visit or move to Singapore. Let me know if you need further assistance!