A Quick Guide to Visa Schemes for Relocating to Singapore

Posted by Strategic Migration Services on April 18th, 2023

Singapore, a thriving business hub, is home to over 2.5 million immigrants who work and live in this island state. This country offers lucrative work opportunities and a high quality of life, making it an attractive destination for foreign migrants. If you want to move here, you can consult Singapore immigration consultants to learn about the visa application process. These experts can help you understand your visa options and file an application as per relevant rules. Let’s discuss the common visa schemes in Singapore to help you make an informed decision.

Visa Schemes for Moving to Singapore

Singapore offers different visa schemes for foreign professionals who want to relocate and work in this country. In addition, their family members can get visas to settle here. Students who get accepted into educational institutes in this country may also get special passes to remain here for a specified duration. However, this section will focus only on the visa schemes that allow foreign nationals to live and work in Singapore. Here are the notable visa schemes to consider when you want to move to this country:

• Employment Pass (EP): Skilled employees, directors, and executives in a company can get an EP for 1-2 years. You must check the minimum salary requirements and provide a declaration from your sponsor explaining why they have hired you instead of a local candidate. However, this scheme does not have any quota restrictions. EP holders may apply for permanent residency (PR) in due time.
• Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass): EntrePass is for innovative entrepreneurs who establish new ventures in Singapore. While it has no quota requirements, it has multiple criteria to ensure approval. Singapore immigration consultantscan guide you effectively if you plan to apply for the EntrePass scheme. This visa is subject to renewal after the applicant demonstrates the fulfilment of the stipulated business milestones.
• Personalised Employment Pass (PEP): The PEP scheme is similar to the EP, but it does not require sponsorship from a specific company. The PEP holder can explore opportunities from different employers, provided they do not remain unemployed for more than six months at a stretch. This scheme does not have quota requirements and the PEP holders may apply for PR in due course. However, a PEP holder may not start a new business in Singapore under this scheme.
• S-Pass: This scheme is for junior or mid-level executives who meet the minimum salary criteria. Skilled workers and employees with technical qualifications can move to Singapore with an S-Pass and apply for PR in due time. The sponsor company must adhere to foreign quota guidelines while issuing the sponsorship.
• Dependent Pass: People who hold EPs and S-Passes can get their families to settle in Singapore by applying for Dependant Passes. Their spouses and unmarried children below the age of twenty-one years are eligible for this scheme.

Work pass holders may apply for PR if they fulfil the requisite criteria. In addition to these work pass schemes, foreign nationals can also leverage miscellaneous work pass schemes and specific work permits to work in Singapore. You can consult your Singapore immigration consultants to weigh your options and make the right choice. Reach out to a top migration services specialist to learn more!