Singapore Visas

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 15, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Singapore is a city-state renowned for its gleaming skyscrapers, lush gardens, and multicultural tapestry. The city is a magnet for business travellers, foodies, and those seeking a blend of modernity and tradition.

But before you book your flight and pack your bags, it's important to check if you need a visa. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the visa application process, outline the necessary documents, and provide all the details you need to ensure your journey to this captivating city-state is smooth and worry-free.

When do you need a visa for Singapore?

Singapore provides various visas for tourism, business, work, and family visits. Let's uncover the main visa types available.

• Visa-free entry: Citizens of many countries, including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and most EU member states, can visit Singapore for a specified period without a visa for tourism or business purposes. The allowed duration of stay varies depending on your nationality.
• Visa requirement: If your country is not on the visa-free list, you must apply for a visa before travelling to Singapore. You can check the list of visa-required countries on the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore website.
• Long stays and other purposes: Even if you're from a visa-exempt country, you'll need a visa if you plan to stay in Singapore for longer than the allowed visa-free period or intend to work, study, or engage in other activities beyond tourism or business.

Singapore visa requirements

The specific documents and eligibility criteria for a Singapore visa or pass can vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. However, some general requirements apply to all visitors.

General entry requirements

• Valid travel document: Your passport or other travel document must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Singapore.
• Onward or return tickets: If applicable, you may need proof of onward or return travel arrangements.
• Entry facilities to the next destination: If you're transiting through Singapore, you might need to show a visa or entry permit for your final destination.
• Sufficient funds: You must demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Singapore. There is no minimum rate, but you need to show you can support yourself during the length of your stay, and have enough funds to get home.
• Visa for entry into Singapore (if applicable): Check the ICA website to see if you need a visa based on your nationality.
• Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (if applicable): If you're arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, you may need to provide a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Additional visa-specific requirements

Depending on the type of visa or pass you're applying for, you may also need to provide:

• Employment Pass/S Pass: Employment contract, educational qualifications, and other documents related to your employment in Singapore.
• Student's Pass: Letter of acceptance from an approved educational institution in Singapore and proof of sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses.
• Dependant's Pass: Proof of relationship with the Employment Pass or S Pass holder, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate.

Remember:

• Ensure that all your documents are in English or have certified translations.

Singapore visa application process

Applying for a Singapore visa or pass typically involves submitting your application through an authorised channel and providing the required documents. Here's a breakdown of the general process:

1. Determine the visa type: Identify the appropriate visa or pass category based on your purpose of travel and nationality. You can use the ICA's online tool or contact the nearest Singapore overseas mission for assistance.
2. Collect the required documents: Gather all the necessary documents, including:
   • Completed visa application form
   • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining
   • Photocopy of your passport's bio-data page
   • Photocopy of booked airline ticket or travel itinerary
   • Recent passport-sized photograph
   • Letter of Introduction from your local contact or strategic partner (if applicable)
   • Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (if applicable)
3. Submit your application:
   • Online: If you have a local contact in Singapore who is a citizen or permanent resident with a SingPass account, they can submit your visa application online through the SAVE system on the ICA website.
   • In-person or by mail: You can also submit your application in person at a Singapore overseas mission (by appointment only) or by mail.
4. Pay the processing fee: The processing fee is typically S$30 (approximately €21) per application. Payment methods may vary depending on the submission method.
5. Wait for a decision: Processing times are usually 3 to 8 business days, but some applications may take longer.
6. Check application status and print e-Visa: You can check the status of your application and print a copy of your e-Visa (if approved) through the SAVE system on the ICA website.

Remember:

• Apply for your visa well in advance, ideally within 30 days of your intended arrival in Singapore.
• Ensure all documents are complete and accurate, as incomplete applications may be rejected or delayed
• The visa processing fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application.
• Possession of a valid visa does not guarantee entry into Singapore. The final decision rests with the ICA officers at the point of entry

How do I get permanent residence in Singapore?

Becoming a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) is a significant step towards establishing long-term roots in this vibrant city-state. It offers various benefits, including the ability to live and work in Singapore without restrictions and access to certain social benefits. However, the PR application process is highly selective, and meeting the eligibility criteria is crucial.

Who can apply?

You might be eligible to apply for Singapore PR if you're:

• A holder of an Employment Pass, Personalised Employment Pass, EntrePass, or S Pass, with at least six months of work experience in Singapore.
• Looking to retire in Singapore.
• The spouse of a Singapore permanent resident or citizen.
• An unmarried child (under 21) of a Singapore permanent resident or citizen, born in a legal marriage or adopted.
• An aged parent of a Singapore citizen.
• A holder of a Student Pass.
• A foreign investor in Singapore, with a minimum investment of S$2.5 million.

How to apply?

The application process is handled by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and is done entirely online. Here's a quick rundown:

1. Log in to ICA's eService for Permanent Residence: You'll need a SingPass account to access the online application.
2. Select your applicant category and who you're applying for: Choose the relevant options based on your status and whether you're applying for yourself, your spouse/children, or your aged parents.
3. Complete the PR application form: You can either download, fill it out, and upload it or complete it directly online.
4. Upload required documents: Submit electronic copies of all necessary documents within 7 days of starting your application.
5. Pay the application fee: The fee is indicated on the eService platform.

Remember:

• The application process can be competitive, so it's important to present a strong case highlighting your skills, qualifications, and contributions to Singapore.
• If you're a foreign student, you can access the eService using your Foreign Identification Number (FIN) and immigration pass issue date. You'll also need to complete a questionnaire to confirm your eligibility.

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How do you get Singapore citizenship?

Singapore citizenship comes with a host of benefits, like the right to vote, work without restrictions, and enjoy various social benefits. However, it's a privilege, not a right, and the process can be quite selective.

Eligibility criteria

You might be eligible to apply for Singaporean citizenship if you:

• Permanent Resident (PR) for at least 2 years: You must be at least 21 years old and have been a Singapore PR for a minimum of 2 years. You can apply with your spouse and unmarried children under 21.
• Married to a Singapore citizen: You must have been a PR for at least 2 years and married to a Singapore citizen for at least 2 years.
• Child of a Singapore citizen: If you're an unmarried child (under 21) born to or legally adopted by a Singapore citizen, you might be eligible.
• PR student: If you're a PR student who has lived in Singapore for over 3 years (including at least one year as a PR) and passed a national exam, you might qualify.
• Aged parent of a Singapore citizen: If you're an aged parent of a Singapore citizen, you could be eligible.

Key factors for consideration

The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) evaluates your application based on several factors, including:

• Family ties to Singaporeans
• Economic contributions
• Qualifications
• Age
• Family profile
• Length of residency
• Ability to contribute to Singapore and integrate into society
• Commitment to sinking roots in Singapore

Application process

• Online application: The application is submitted online through the ICA e-Service. You'll need a SingPass account or unique login credentials from ICA.
• Sponsor/applicant collaboration: Depending on your eligibility category, you or your sponsor will need to initiate the application, and all applicants will need to review and provide declarations before submission.
• National service obligation: Male applicants (and their sponsors, if applicable) should be aware of National Service (NS) obligations.
• Documents required: Gather all the necessary documents as per the ICA checklist, including original documents and official translations (if needed).
• Fees: Pay the non-refundable application fee online. Additional fees may apply upon successful application.
• Processing time: Applications are typically processed within 12 months, but some may take longer. You'll be notified of the outcome via email.

Remember:

• ICA has no affiliation with external migration agencies claiming to be Singapore immigration specialists.
• Ensure all information and documents are accurate and complete.
• Be prepared for the possibility of an interview or further requests for information.

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