Your guide to life in Singapore. Singapore visas, citizenship and more.

How is life in Singapore?

A city-state in Asia that’s very small in size compared to its neighbours, but bigger than anyone else in many ways. Singapore was the first Asian country to sign a free trade agreement with the EU, just another driver that has led to steady economic growth over the medium term.

Great living conditions and business opportunities have drawn expats to this small island for many years.It’s known as a great place to do business and almost everybody speaks English, as it is one of the official languages.

Business culture is very similar to western countries in Europe. Punctuality is important, exchanging business cards is part of protocol and trust is a big thing in doing business so invest time in relationships and networking.

Although Singapore is quite small and exploring the country’s splendour and beauty probably won’t take you very long, the country is surrounded by a wide variety of beautiful countries that all have a rich culture and amazing places to visit.Singapore is a really modern place to live with the cost of living being similar to Western countries. Education, health care, infrastructure are all of the highest standards. There is a large expat community and you can find people from all over the world in Singapore.

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Singapore Visas and permits

The Employment Pass

This work permit is for those that have a job offer in Singapore and are foreign professionals, managers and executives. Candidates need to earn at least $3,900 a month (approx USD 2,800) and have acceptable qualifications. The employer or agent needs to apply on behalf of the candidate. It is a 2 year work pass which can be renewed for periods of 3 years thereafter.

Here is the official government website for the Employment Pass Visa.

Personalised Employment Pass

This is for eligible high-earning foreign professionals. It is not tied to an employer and offers greater flexibility for those who earn either:

At least $18,000 (Approx USD 13,000) per month overseas. Your last drawn salary should have been within 6 months before you apply.
An Employment Pass holder earning a fixed monthly salary of at least $12,000 (Approx USD8700).

Here is the official government website for the Personalised Employment Pass.

Other Work Permits include

S Pass for mid-level skilled staff. Candidates need to earn at least $2,200 a month and meet the assessment criteria.
Work permits for semi-skilled foreign workers in the construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process or services sector.
Work Permits for domestic workers.

Here is the full list of Personalised Employment Pass.

Set Up a company in Singapore

This requires at least one director whose ordinarily a resident in Singapore (i.e. usual place of residence is in Singapore).

Startup Visa

You can apply for an Singapore EntrePass (the visa that entitles founders and entrepreneurs to Singapore residency) if you:

Have started, or intend to start, a private limited company registered with ACRA.
- If registered, the company must be less than 6 months old on the date you apply.
- If not registered, you can do so after you know the outcome of your application.
Meet any of the following innovative criteria for application as an entrepreneur, innovator or investor.

Youth Mobility Visa

If you are an Australian, French, German, Swiss, Hong Kong, Japanese, New Zealand, UK or US citizen between the ages of 18-30, you may be eligible under the Working Holiday Visa programme (for up to 6 months). Note: you may need a letter of government support to undertake this type of visa.

Singapore Family Visas

If your spouse is a citizen or permanent resident of Singapore, you are probably eligible for residency. Please note that your status of spouse needs to be legally recognised in this country.

Short Term Travel Visas – Singapore

The requirements for travel visas to Singapore are different depending on which passport you have.

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Singapore Citizenship

Here are some of the ways you can get citizenship in Singapore:

If your mother was a citizen of Singapore when you were born and you were born on or after 15 May 2004, you are a citizen of Singapore.
If your father was a citizen of Singapore when you were born, you are a Singapore citizen if he was married to your mother at the time of your birth.
If your spouse is a citizen, you can apply for citizenship after living together in Singapore for a period of 2 years. Please note that your status of spouse needs to be legally recognised in this country.

Young mother, holding her children hand in hand, walking on colorful street in the town of Villefrance, French Riviera

Useful Links:

Singapore Ministry of Manpower

Moving To and Living In

Your guide to life in Singapore. Singapore visas, citizenship and more.

How is life in Singapore?

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