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Singapore

Asia

Singapore is a highly developed city state with excellent infrastructure, very low crime and strong connectivity, making it attractive for remote workers, founders and corporate professionals. Many nationalities can enter visa free and receive a Short Term Visit Pass on arrival for tourism and business, while other travellers must obtain an entry visa before flying. Long term stays and any kind of local employment require a work pass or other status, such as Employment Pass, EntrePass, Tech.Pass or the Overseas Networks and Expertise (ONE) Pass.

5
Visa Types
90
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:

Visa requirements vary by nationality

🎫 Available Visa Types

⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist

Short Term Visit Pass (visa exempt nationals)

On arrival Short Term Visit Pass for tourism, visiting friends and certain business activities for nationals who do not require an entry visa to Singapore.

90 days
Duration
SGD 0
— fee
+SGD 30 additional

✅ Key Benefits

✓Simple process for nationals who are visa exempt and only need short stays.
✓Commonly used by tourists, conference visitors and people making regional stops between neighbouring countries.
✓Works for short reconnaissance trips before committing to a work pass or relocation.
📋 Requirements (4)
  • •Passport from a country or territory listed by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority as not requiring an entry visa to travel to Singapore.
  • •Intended stay for tourism, visiting friends and relatives or business meetings without taking up employment in Singapore.
  • •Proof of onward or return travel, sufficient funds and accommodation may be requested on arrival.
  • •No intention to engage in any activity that would normally require a work pass, such as employment or running a local business.
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ Assessment takes place at the border and normally only takes a few minutes, but officers can ask for extra questions or documentation before granting a Short Term Visit Pass.
  1. 1Check the official Singapore visa requirements page to confirm that your nationality is visa exempt for short visits.
  2. 2Submit your SG Arrival Card within the permitted window before travel and ensure your passport has at least six months validity.
  3. 3Travel to Singapore and present your passport, SG Arrival Card acknowledgement and supporting documents to the immigration officer on arrival.
  4. 4Receive your Short Term Visit Pass with an authorised period of stay, usually 30 or 90 days, and make sure you leave or extend before it expires.
Apply Online

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Carry printed confirmations of accommodation, onward travel and financial means to reduce friction at the border.
  • •Avoid back to back stays that look like long term residence without the correct pass.
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Special Program

Work Holiday Programme (Work Holiday Pass)

Short term work pass that allows eligible young adults from certain countries to live and work in Singapore for up to six months as part of a work and holiday experience.

180 days
Duration
SGD 0
— fee

✅ Key Benefits

✓Allows eligible young adults to combine travel with short term work in Singapore.
✓A useful way to experience living in Singapore before committing to a long term career move.
📋 Requirements (4)
  • •Citizenship of an eligible country participating in Singapore Work Holiday schemes and compliance with any age limits set by the programme.
  • •Recent university student or graduate status or equivalent criteria, depending on the specific Work Holiday track.
  • •Sufficient funds to support yourself on arrival and health insurance coverage for your time in Singapore.
  • •No intention to work in occupations or sectors that are restricted under the Work Holiday rules.
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ Processing times vary but many straightforward applications are decided within a few weeks, depending on the volume of applications and completeness of documents.
  1. 1Confirm on the official Ministry of Manpower website that you are eligible for a Work Holiday Pass based on age, nationality and student or graduate status.
  2. 2Prepare the required documents, including proof of enrolment or graduation, passport details and financial evidence.
  3. 3Submit your application for a Work Holiday Pass through the official online system and pay any applicable fees.
  4. 4Once approved, receive your in principle approval, complete any remaining formalities on arrival and then live and work in Singapore for the authorised period.
Apply Online

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Check carefully which industries and job types are permitted under the programme.
  • •Have a plan for what to do when your Work Holiday Pass expires, including whether to leave Singapore or transition to another eligible work pass.

Entry visa and Short Term Visit Pass (visa required nationals)

TouristPopular

Pre entry visa and Short Term Visit Pass for nationals who require a Singapore entry visa for tourism, visiting friends and short business trips.

30d
Duration
SGD 30
— fee
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Official guidance indicates that complete entry visa applications are typically processed in about three working days, excluding the day of submission, but this can vary by mission and season.
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
SGDUSD
Required
Singapore entry visa feeThe standard entry visa fee is around SGD 30. Some applicants may be exempt or have different fee rules based on nationality and agreements.
SGD 30—
Additional (estimated)
Authorised visa agent or service centre feesUsing authorised agents or service centres may add service charges on top of the official government fee.
SGD 0—
Required Total
SGD 30—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Passport from a country or place listed by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority as requiring an entry visa for Singapore.
  • •Completed visa application form and SG Arrival Card, plus recent photographs that meet official specifications.
  • •Local contact in Singapore, where required, to submit the application through the official online system.
  • •Evidence of funds, employment or ties to the home country and confirmed travel plans, as requested by the authorities.

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Check on the official ICA visa requirements page whether your nationality needs an entry visa.
  2. 2Coordinate with a local contact in Singapore or an authorised visa agent if required, and prepare your application form, photos and supporting documents.
  3. 3Submit the application through the official online system or via the relevant Singapore overseas mission and pay the visa fee.
  4. 4If approved, receive your e Visa or visa vignette, travel to Singapore and present it at the checkpoint. If admitted, you will be issued a Short Term Visit Pass showing how long you may stay.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Does not allow work or long term residence.
  • •The period of stay on the Short Term Visit Pass may be shorter than you request and is at the discretion of the officer.

💡 Tips

  • •Use only official government websites or clearly authorised service providers when applying.
  • •Apply early, especially before busy travel periods or major events, to allow extra time for processing.

Employment Pass (EP)

WorkPopular

Core work pass for foreign professionals, managers and executives hired by Singapore based employers, allowing medium to long term residence and employment.

730d
Duration
SGD 0
— fee
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Processing times depend on the completeness of the application and whether additional checks are needed, but many straightforward cases are decided within a few weeks.
🔄Extendable +730d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
SGDUSD
Required
Employment Pass application and issuance feesThe Ministry of Manpower charges application and issuance fees for Employment Passes, which can change periodically. Employers normally pay these fees.
SGD 0—
Additional (estimated)
Legal and relocation supportEmployers or employees may hire immigration and relocation consultants to support the application and move.
SGD 0—
Required Total
SGD 0—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Formal job offer from a Singapore employer willing and eligible to sponsor an Employment Pass.
  • •Salary and role that meet or exceed the minimum qualifying salary and other criteria published by the Ministry of Manpower.
  • •Relevant qualifications, such as a degree or equivalent professional experience, and documentation of work history.
  • •Clean immigration and criminal record and compliance with any sector specific rules.

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Your Singapore employer assesses your eligibility and gathers information on your education, salary and job role.
  2. 2The employer submits an Employment Pass application to the Ministry of Manpower, providing all required documents and paying the applicable fees.
  3. 3If the pass is approved, you receive an in principle approval letter and, when you arrive in Singapore, complete formalities such as biometrics and collection of your work pass card.
  4. 4Once the pass is issued, you can live and work in Singapore in the role specified, subject to ongoing compliance and renewals.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Tied to a specific employer and role; changing employer generally requires a new Employment Pass application.
  • •Minimum salary thresholds and assessment frameworks can become stricter over time.
  • •Losing your job or falling below qualifying criteria can quickly affect your ability to stay in Singapore.

💡 Tips

  • •Keep careful records of your employment history and salary changes for renewals and any future permanent residence applications.
  • •Discuss future career plans with your employer before making major moves that might affect your pass status.

EntrePass (startup founders)

Work

Work pass for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start and operate venture backed or innovative businesses in Singapore.

365d
Duration
SGD 0
— fee
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Processing times vary but commonly range from several weeks to a few months, reflecting the qualitative assessment of the business and founder profile.
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
SGDUSD
Required
EntrePass application and issuance feesStandard Ministry of Manpower application and issuance fees apply and are updated from time to time.
SGD 0—
Additional (estimated)
Legal and corporate structuring costsFounders often incur additional costs for incorporating the company, drafting shareholder agreements and obtaining professional advice.
SGD 0—
Required Total
SGD 0—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Detailed business plan for a new or early stage company that fits the innovative or venture backed criteria described by the Ministry of Manpower.
  • •Incorporation or planned incorporation of a Singapore company with the appropriate shareholding structure.
  • •Supporting evidence of innovation, funding, intellectual property, incubator backing or entrepreneurial track record.
  • •Ability to meet local hiring and business milestones over time as expected by the EntrePass renewal framework.

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Review the official EntrePass criteria to check that your business model and personal profile align with Singapore expectations for innovation and growth.
  2. 2Prepare a robust business plan, supporting documents on funding, intellectual property and traction and incorporate or plan to incorporate a Singapore company.
  3. 3Submit your EntrePass application to the Ministry of Manpower with all supporting evidence and wait for assessment.
  4. 4If approved, relocate to Singapore to build the business and work toward meeting renewal milestones on headcount, expenditure and business development.

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Requires evidence of innovation and growth potential, not just any small business.
  • •Renewals depend on meeting clear milestones such as hiring and expenditure, which can be demanding for early stage ventures.
  • •Not designed for solo freelancers or small lifestyle businesses.

💡 Tips

  • •Build a realistic but ambitious business plan with measurable goals that align with EntrePass renewal criteria.
  • •Engage early with local ecosystem actors such as incubators, accelerators and government programmes that can strengthen your case.

📊 Quick Facts

CapitalSingapore
CurrencySGD (Singapore dollar)
LanguageEnglish, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil
TimezoneUTC+8
Last UpdatedNov 30, 2025

🔗 Official Resources

Immigration BureauEmbassy Website

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Does Singapore have a dedicated digital nomad visa
Singapore does not currently have a dedicated visa labelled as a digital nomad visa. Remote workers typically either visit on a Short Term Visit Pass for tourism and business or relocate under standard work passes such as the Employment Pass, EntrePass, Tech.Pass or Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass if they meet the criteria.
How long can I stay in Singapore as a tourist
For many visa exempt nationalities, the immigration officer usually grants a Short Term Visit Pass for around 30 or 90 days on arrival, depending on nationality and purpose. The exact number of days is always at the discretion of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and is printed on your pass.
Can I work remotely on a tourist or Short Term Visit Pass in Singapore
Singapore generally treats any work performed in or from its territory, including remote work, as work for immigration purposes. Tourist visas and Short Term Visit Passes are not intended to allow employment or ongoing remote work. To work legally you should normally hold an appropriate work pass from the Ministry of Manpower rather than relying on visitor status.
Are border runs a safe long term strategy for staying in Singapore
Using repeated short visits and exits to remain in Singapore long term is risky. Immigration officers can see your travel history and may shorten your permitted stay or refuse entry if they believe you are trying to live or work in Singapore without the appropriate pass. For medium or long term plans, it is better to use a proper work or long term pass than to rely on border runs.
Which work passes are most relevant for skilled professionals and founders
Skilled professionals commonly use the Employment Pass, while entrepreneurs may look at EntrePass or, for certain highly experienced tech leaders, Tech.Pass. Very senior global talent may qualify for the Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass. Each pass has its own criteria around salary, track record, business model and other factors, so you must match your profile to the right pass.
Do I need health insurance to enter or live in Singapore
Short term visitors are not always asked for proof of health insurance at the border, but medical care in Singapore can be expensive and comprehensive insurance is strongly recommended. Long term pass holders often gain access to local schemes and employer provided insurance. Remote workers and visitors should ensure that their international health insurance explicitly covers Singapore at realistic coverage levels.
Is it easy to open a bank account in Singapore as a foreigner
Opening a full Singapore bank account is generally easiest for long term pass holders who have a FIN or NRIC, a local address and stable employment or business ties. Short term visitors often find it difficult or impossible to open accounts and instead rely on international and multi currency solutions until they have a suitable work or residence pass.
Where can I find official information about Singapore visa and pass rules
The main official sources are the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority website for entry and Short Term Visit Pass rules, the Ministry of Manpower website for work passes and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and overseas missions for consular guidance. These sites publish current information on visa requirements, work passes and entry conditions and should always be checked shortly before you apply or travel.
⚠️

Important Disclaimer

Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: November 30, 2025

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