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.
Your options for Singapore
No prior application needed
Arrive at airport → get passport stamped → done!
Spanish passport holders are generally visa exempt for short visits to Singapore and receive a Short Term Visit Pass typically valid for up to 90 days.
Require application - for 3+ months
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.
Working on a Short-Term Visit Pass is strictly prohibited in Singapore, including remote work for overseas employers. Any form of employment or business activity requires a valid work pass from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Singapore has no digital nomad visa.
Extension: days (max x)
Cost: 40 SGD
Process: Submit extension request online via ICA e-Service when your STVP has 14 days or less remaining. Processing takes up to 5 working days. A fee of SGD 40 applies if the extension results in a total stay of 90 days or more.
Renewal: Short Term Visit Passes are designed for genuinely short visits. Using repeated or extended visits as a substitute for residence or work status can lead to closer scrutiny or refusal of entry.
Visitors on a Short-Term Visit Pass are not permitted to work and therefore should have no taxable employment income in Singapore. Under the IRAS 60-day rule, non-residents exercising employment for 60 days or less in a calendar year are exempt from income tax — but this applies only to those with a valid work pass, not tourists working illegally.
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.
The Work Holiday Pass allows holders to work for any employer in Singapore for up to 6 months. Work is the primary purpose of this pass alongside holidaying.
Work Holiday Pass holders working up to 6 months are likely non-resident for tax purposes (under 183 days). Employment income is taxed at the higher of 15% flat rate or progressive resident rates. If employment is exercised for 60 days or less in a calendar year, income is exempt from tax under the IRAS short-term employment exemption.
Pre entry visa and Short Term Visit Pass for nationals who require a Singapore entry visa for tourism, visiting friends and short business trips.
Working on a Short-Term Visit Pass is strictly prohibited in Singapore, including remote work for overseas employers. Any form of employment or business activity requires a valid work pass from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Singapore has no digital nomad visa.
Visitors on a Short-Term Visit Pass are not permitted to work and therefore should have no taxable employment income in Singapore. Under the IRAS 60-day rule, non-residents exercising employment for 60 days or less in a calendar year are exempt from income tax — but this applies only to those with a valid work pass, not tourists working illegally.
Core work pass for foreign professionals, managers and executives hired by Singapore based employers. Minimum salary SGD 5,600/month (SGD 6,200 for financial services). Subject to COMPASS points-based framework. Increasing to SGD 6,000/6,600 from January 2027.
Employment Pass holders are authorised to work for their sponsoring employer in Singapore. Remote work is part of normal employment duties. Holders cannot freelance or work for other employers without additional authorisation.
EP holders staying 183+ days in a calendar year are tax residents, subject to progressive rates from 0% to 24% on income above SGD 20,000. Those staying 61-182 days are taxed at the higher of 15% flat rate or progressive resident rates. Singapore has no capital gains tax. Employer contributions to CPF are not required for EP holders. From YA 2024, top marginal rate is 24% on income above SGD 1,000,000.
Work pass for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start and operate venture backed or innovative businesses in Singapore.
EntrePass holders are authorised to start and operate their own business in Singapore. They have full flexibility to run their venture-backed or innovative technology company.
EntrePass holders residing 183+ days are tax residents subject to progressive rates (0-24%). Business income from their Singapore-registered company is subject to corporate tax at 17%, with partial exemptions for startups (75% exemption on first SGD 100,000, 50% on next SGD 100,000). Personal income from salary is taxed at individual progressive rates.
Premium 5-year personalised work pass for top global talent earning at least SGD 30,000/month or with outstanding achievements in business, arts, sports, or academia. Not tied to a single employer.
ONE Pass holders can concurrently start, operate, and work for multiple companies in Singapore without needing a new pass. No reapplication is needed when changing jobs. This is the most flexible work pass available.
ONE Pass holders are almost certainly tax residents (183+ days). Progressive tax rates from 0% to 24% apply. At the minimum qualifying salary of SGD 30,000/month (SGD 360,000/year), the effective tax rate is approximately 13-14%. Singapore has no capital gains tax and no tax on overseas income not remitted to Singapore.
Work pass for established global tech talent. Valid for 2 years with one renewal. No employer sponsorship required. Will be replaced by ONE Pass AI and Tech track from January 2027.
Tech.Pass holders can start and operate businesses, be an employee, consult, lecture, or be a mentor/advisor for Singapore-based companies. Similar flexibility to ONE Pass. Note: Tech.Pass will be replaced by ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track from January 2027.
Tech.Pass holders residing 183+ days are tax residents subject to progressive rates (0-24%). At the minimum qualifying salary of SGD 22,500/month (SGD 270,000/year), the effective tax rate is approximately 11-12%. Singapore has no capital gains tax.
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