Singapore Immigration

Singapore is one of the best places to settle and live in. The first thing that's likely to strike you on arriving here is the incredible efficiency - from the immigration authorities to the transportation etc. The same kind of efficiency will be apparent when applying for a visa, looking for the right accommodation or finding a school.

Because of Singapore's history of attracting foreign professionals, most relocation requirements have been anticipated and catered for. So, whether you are an established professional or an entrepreneur, you will find that Singapore is truly a plug-and-play nation.

Visa and Visit Pass

Singapore's open immigration policy provides an environment conducive for businesses to transfer -in employees from all parts of the world.

Visas for professionals seeking jobs in Singapore

These visas are issued to foreign professionals who hold acceptable degrees, professional qualifications or specialist skills and who would like to have a longer stay in order to seek or take up employment in Singapore.

Employment Pass Eligibility (EPE) Certificate

An EPE certificate will be issued to foreign professionals who hold acceptable degrees, professional qualifications or specialist skills and who would like to have a longer stay in order to seek employment in Singapore. With this certificate, foreign professionals can apply for a 6-month social visit pass to allow them sufficient time to look for a job in Singapore. The EPE certificate is issued on a one time basis and is non-renewable.

Foreign professionals with an EPE certificate will be issued with an employment pass by the Work Pass Department upon securing a job in Singapore.

Foreign professionals should apply for an EPE certificate only when they are ready to come to Singapore. They will still need to apply for a relevant visa to enter Singapore (if a visa is required) even if they hold a valid EPE certificate.

Professional Visas

These visas are issued to foreign professionals who have found employment in Singapore and are about to commence work; those who need to make short visits in their professional capacities; and others who seek training opportunities.

Professional Visit Pass (PVP)

Foreigners need a Professional Visit Pass (PVP) to undertake short-term professional assignments in Singapore.

As part of Singapore's effort to be a centre for business and culture, only the following groups of foreigners entering Singapore for short-term assignments require a PVP:

  • Foreigner who is a speaker, organiser, workshop leader/moderator at conferences, seminars, workshops or gathering of a racial, communal, religious, cause-related (e.g. human rights) or political nature;
  • Foreign religious worker coming to Singapore to give religious or other religion-related talks;
  • Foreign journalist, reporter or an accompanying crew member, not supported/sponsored by any Singapore Government agency, to cover an event or write a story in Singapore;
  • Foreign artiste performing at night-clubs, lounges, pubs and other similar entertainment outlets in Singapore.

Training Visit Pass

The Training Visit Pass is for those who are undergoing training in Singapore. To apply for a Training Visit Pass, you should hold an acceptable degree / professional qualifications or should currently be an undergraduate of a University/tertiary institution or should be able to secure a minimum basic monthly stipend of more than S$2,500. The internship must be of a professional, managerial, executive or specialist nature.

Visas for Entrepreneurs

Singapore offers tailor-made visas for those who intend to set up businesses in the country, as well as entrepreneurs who would like to explore business opportunities in the region.

  • Global Investors Programme
  • Long-Term Social Visit Pass for Entrepreneurs
  • EntrePass / Employment Pass

Global Investors Programme (GIP)

The GIP eases the way for foreign investors, entrepreneurs and business executives to set up and conduct businesses in Singapore. The Economic Development Board (EDB) will provide assistance in linking-up foreign entrepreneurs and investors with local business networks, thus creating a wider range of opportunities for business collaborations. Through the GIP, you can therefore tap into a range of immigration services that facilitate your entry and enhance your stay in Singapore.

Permanent Residence For Investors (GIP)

For foreigner investors seeking permanent residence through investment.

As a foreigner interested in starting up a business or wishing to invest in Singapore, you may apply for Permanent Residence (PR) status for yourself and your immediate family (spouse and unmarried children 21 years of age and below).

Investment Options:

Under the scheme, you can choose either of the following investment options:
  • Invest at least S$1 million in a new business startup or expansion of an existing business operation or
  • Invest at least $1.5 million in a new business startup, expansion of an existing operation, approved Singapore-incorporated venture capital fund or Singapore-incorporated foundation or trust that focuses on economic development or
  • Invest at least $2 million in a new business startup, expansion of an existing operation, approved Singapore-incorporated venture capital fund or Singapore-incorporated foundation or trust that focuses on economic development. Residential property can be purchased with not more than 50% of the investment amount.

Permanent Residence

We assist our clients with various immigration matters, especially application for Permanent Residence in Singapore.

Permanent Residence

Foreigners are eligible to apply for PR if they fall under the following categories:

  • Spouse or unmarried children (below 21 years old) of a Singapore Citizen/Permanent Resident
  • Aged parents of a Singapore Citizen
  • Employment Pass Holders
  • Hong Kong residents who satisfy certain guidelines

Landed Permanent Residence (Landed PR)

A foreigner may apply for an in-principle approval for Singapore Permanent Residence under the Landed PR if he/she is less than 50 years old and holds a tertiary qualification and is not working in Singapore.

Long-Term Social Visit Pass for Entrepreneurs

Multiple Journey Visa

For frequent business travellers.

This Visa facilitates the frequent entry of business executives from visa-requiring countries into Singapore. Multiple visits, each lasting up to 30 days, are allowed during the validity period of the visa with no need for a separate visa application for each visit. This is ideal if you anticipate travelling to and from Singapore frequently - whether to explore business opportunities or to attend to your business and investments.

General visit visas

For exploring business activities.

This pass enables you to stay in Singapore for 6 months, to explore business opportunities, conduct feasibility studies or complete negotiations. Highly convenient, the pass allows you to leave and re-enter Singapore within the validity period without having to reapply each time.

EntrePass / Employment Pass

There are various categories of Employment Pass in Singapore.

Employment Pass P1 and P2

  • For a P1 Pass, you need to have acceptable professional qualifications or specialist skills in a professional, administrative, executive or managerial capacity.
  • You must have a basic monthly salary of more than S$7,000.
  • For a P2 Pass, you need to be earning more than S$3,500 and up to S$7,000 per month.
  • With a P Pass, your spouse, adopted children and dependent children below 21 years of age may accompany you on Dependant's Passes. Aged parents and parents-in-law can also visit a P Pass holder on long term social visit passes.

Employment Pass Q1

  • For a Q1 Pass, you need to possess acceptable degrees, professional qualifications or specialist skills and earn a basic monthly salary of more than S$2,500
  • You may also obtain Dependant's Passes for your spouse and children.

S Pass

  • Applicants for S Pass will be assessed on a points system. The points system comprises four categories, namely, salary, educational qualifications, number of years of work experience and job type - to enable a broader assessment of the applicant.
  • Applicants accumulate points based on how far they meet each criterion. The points allocated for each category of criteria will vary over time depending on market conditions.
  • To qualify for the S Pass, applicants must be paid a minimum monthly basic salary of S$1,800.
  • S Pass holders with S$2,500 basic monthly salary may also obtain Dependant's Passes for their spouse and children.

EntrePass (Employment Pass for Entrepreneurs)

For a foreigner to run his own company/business in Singapore, he/she needs a special employment pass known in Singapore as an EntrePass. This is required either before or after incorporation and requires a Business Plan as part of the application. You may call upon Rikvin to assist you with the completion and submission of the application and the drawing up of the Business Plan.

Employment Pass Applications for Employees

We assist our clients with employment pass applications for their foreign employees who intend to work in Singapore.

Personalized Employment Pass Scheme


This is to facilitate the contributions of global talent to Singapore.

From 1 January 2007, Singapore has introduced a Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) to help attract global talent. The PEP enables selected Employment Pass holders to continue working in Singapore when they have graduated from local institutions of higher learning, and have worked in Singapore for a period of time.

PEP is not tied to any employer and is granted on the strength of an EP holder's individual merits. The PEP allows the holder to remain in Singapore for up to six months, in -between jobs to evaluate new employment opportunities.

All EP holders in the following groups will be eligible for a PEP, if they have earned a minimum basic salary of S$30,000 or more in the preceding year:

  • P1 and P2 pass holders

P Pass holders that have at least two years working experience on a P Pass.

  • Q1 pass holders

Q1 pass holders with at least five years working experience on a Q1 pass;

  • Foreign students from institutions of higher learning in Singapore

Foreign graduates from institutions of higher learning in Singapore with at least two years working experience on a P or Q1 Pass.

General visit visas

Typically provided to tourists, families and friends, these visas allow visitors to stay for durations ranging from a few days to a few months.

  • Social Visit Pass
  • Long-Term Social Visit Pass
  • Dependant's Pass

Social Visit Pass

You will need a Social Visit Pass for short stays in Singapore, to attend job interviews and business negotiations. You may not, however, work in the country.

With an initial validity period of between two and four weeks, the Social Visit Pass may be subsequently renewed for up to three months.

Long-Term Social Visit Pass

Permanent Residents and P Employment Pass holders may apply for Long-Term Social Visit Passes for their

  • parents
  • parents-in-law

Long-Term Social Visit Pass holders are required to obtain their own Employment Pass or Work Permit in order to work in Singapore.

Dependant's Pass

An Employment Pass holder (P1, P2, Q1) may apply Dependant's Passes for his / her spouse, unmarried or legally adopted children under 21 years of age. S Pass holders with S$2,500 basic monthly salary may also obtain Dependant's Passes for their spouse and children.

If you wish to engage our Singapore business migration services, please call our Advisory Team who can assist you with your requirements. Clients are invited to either visit our office (click here to see location map), or call us at (65) 64388887 to discuss your specific requirements, obligation-free. You may send your email enquires to: info@rikvin.com 

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