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🇸🇬 Singapore

Visa & Residency

Singapore's work visa system is merit-based and employer-sponsored - there is no freelance visa or digital nomad visa. The Employment Pass (EP) is the primary route for professionals earning S$5,600+/month.

Data verified August 13, 2026

S$5,600/mo

EP Minimum Salary

General sectors 2025; S$6,200 for financial services

S$30,000/mo

ONE Pass Salary

Employer-untied 5-year pass for top talent

S$3,300/mo

S Pass Minimum

Mid-skilled workers (Sep 2025 rate)

3–8 weeks

EP Processing Time

Standard; may vary by nationality and sector

4–6 months

PR Timeline

After 2–3 years on EP; approval not guaranteed

Mandatory

COMPASS System

Points-based framework for all EP applications since 2023

Overview

Singapore's work visa system is merit-based and employer-sponsored - there is no freelance visa or digital nomad visa. The Employment Pass (EP) is the primary route for professionals earning S$5,600+/month. All applicants must now pass the COMPASS points system beyond just salary. The ONE Pass targets top global talent at S$30,000+/month with the unique benefit of not being tied to an employer.

Key Takeaways

  • Minimum salary 2025: S$5,600/month (general sectors); S$6,200 (financial services); thresholds scale with age - by mid-40s: S$10,700 / S$11,800
  • Eligibility: S$30,000/month fixed salary (last 12 months or confirmed offer from Singapore employer), OR outstanding achievement in arts, sports, science/tech, or academia
  • Eligible after: typically 2–3 years on EP or S Pass; spouses and children of citizens/PRs may apply
  • EntrePass: for entrepreneurs with a viable business plan, VC/angel funding, IP, or government incubator backing; no minimum salary; processing ~8 weeks; application fee S$105
1

Employment Pass (EP) - The Primary Professional Visa

The EP is Singapore's main professional work visa for foreign nationals holding a degree or equivalent qualifications. Since 2023, the COMPASS framework adds a points evaluation beyond just salary - requiring applicants to demonstrate value to Singapore's workforce diversity and talent ecosystem.

  • Minimum salary 2025: S$5,600/month (general sectors); S$6,200 (financial services); thresholds scale with age - by mid-40s: S$10,700 / S$11,800
  • COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework): points scored on salary benchmarking vs. peers, qualifications, employer diversity practices, and support for local hiring
  • Renewal (from Jan 2026): existing EP holders must meet new 2025 salary thresholds at renewal
  • Employer-tied: EP is linked to a specific employer; switching jobs requires a new EP application
  • Application fees: S$105 (application) + S$225 (issuance)
  • Family: EP holders earning S$6,000+/month can apply for a Dependent's Pass for spouse and children under 21
2

ONE Pass - For Top Global Talent

The Overseas Networks & Expertise (ONE) Pass is Singapore's most flexible visa - it is not tied to any employer, allowing holders to work for multiple companies, switch roles freely, or launch a startup without re-applying.

  • Eligibility: S$30,000/month fixed salary (last 12 months or confirmed offer from Singapore employer), OR outstanding achievement in arts, sports, science/tech, or academia
  • Employer requirement: company must have market cap ≥ USD 500 million or annual revenue ≥ USD 200 million
  • Validity: 5 years (longest of all Singapore work passes)
  • Benefits: holder can work for multiple employers simultaneously, start new ventures, and bring dependents on Dependent's Pass
  • Application fee: S$105 + S$225 issuance; processing: 4–8 weeks
  • Spouse of ONE Pass holder can apply for a Letter of Consent to work
3

Permanent Residency (PR) - The Long-Term Path

Singapore PR grants access to subsidized healthcare, public housing (HDB purchase), CPF savings, and children's priority enrollment in MOE schools. It is competitive - approximately 33,000–35,000 PR approvals are granted per year against a much larger applicant pool.

  • Eligible after: typically 2–3 years on EP or S Pass; spouses and children of citizens/PRs may apply
  • Evaluation criteria: salary level, employer, length of Singapore residence, qualifications, family ties, community involvement, language ability
  • Processing time: 4–6 months (can exceed 6 months for complex cases)
  • No guaranteed approval - even long-term residents are sometimes rejected; reapplication is allowed
  • Once approved: CPF contributions begin (employee 20% + employer 17% by year 3), HDB flats become available for purchase
  • Path to citizenship: after 2 years as PR, eligible to apply for Singapore citizenship
4

EntrePass & Global Investor Programme

For entrepreneurs and high-net-worth investors, Singapore offers dedicated pathways. The EntrePass targets founders with venture-backed or innovative businesses; the GIP targets established business owners investing significant capital.

  • EntrePass: for entrepreneurs with a viable business plan, VC/angel funding, IP, or government incubator backing; no minimum salary; processing ~8 weeks; application fee S$105
  • GIP Option A: invest S$10 million into a new or existing Singapore business
  • GIP Option B: invest S$25 million into a GIP-approved fund investing in Singapore companies
  • GIP Option C: Single Family Office with AUM ≥ S$200 million; ≥ S$50 million in Singapore
  • GIP eligibility: must have run a business with ≥ S$200 million annual turnover and hold ≥ 30% stake
  • GIP application fee: S$20,000 (revised May 2025); leads directly to Permanent Residency
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FAQs

Common Questions - Visa & Residency in Singapore

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