Singapore is one of the most attractive destinations for immigrants in the world, and for good reason—it's a major financial hub with a thriving economy. Singapore immigration will allow you to discover thrilling new prospects and experiences you won't find elsewhere.
The nation's immigration laws, which offer a variety of visa choices and a comparatively easy application process, are intended to draw in top talent, entrepreneurs, and investors. Here, we'll discuss the benefits, requirements, and opportunities available to those looking to make the country their new home.
Benefits of Relocating to Singapore
Here are some of the advantages of Singapore immigration:
1. Excellent Healthcare and Education
Singapore boasts a top-notch healthcare system with modern facilities and many highly skilled medical personnel. All citizens and permanent residents of the nation have access to the nation's universal healthcare system, and private healthcare options are available.
Singapore's education system is well recognized, focusing on science and math. Numerous international schools are available for foreign parents to pick from, and the nation boasts a high percentage of literacy.
2. Cultural Diversity
Singapore is a cultural melting pot, with a diversified population that includes Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other ethnic groups. The cuisine, celebrations, and cultural attractions of the nation all showcase this cultural diversity. In Singapore, foreigners are welcome to become familiar with and involved in the local customs and festivals.
3. Accommodation Options
Foreigners looking to rent in Singapore have many options, including privately owned-condos and HDB (government-owned) apartments. Play areas, gyms, function rooms, and swimming pools are standard on-site features of privately owned flats and condos, particularly the recent ones. Suburban areas are home to landed homes, which resemble single-family homes in the United States.
4. Safety
Singapore is an incredibly safe nation with minimal crime rates and a zero-tolerance drug policy. This is one of the top reasons why it’s among the most popular immigration destinations to move to.Â
Singapore Entry Requirements
Most nations can enter Singapore without a visa, but the application procedure has been streamlined for those who do require one. Regular, official, and diplomatic holders of US passports do not need to obtain a visa to enter Singapore for business or social visits. There are two categories of countries whose citizens meet a Singaporean visa: Assessment Level I and II countries.
A Singapore visa does not serve as an immigration pass. It is a pre-entry permit that allows a person with a valid Singapore visa to travel to Singapore and apply for entry. The Immigration and Checkpoints Officers (ICA) at the point of entry will decide whether to give an immigration pass. Having a valid visa by itself does not guarantee entry to Singapore. You’ll find the duration of stay on the visit pass endorsed on your passport and is independent of the visa's validity.
Singapore Visa Types
As previously stated, a Singaporean visa simply permits transit to Singapore, not entry. So, there are only two categories of Singapore visas, and the passes are of different types. Here are the two kinds of Singapore entry visas:
1. Single journey visa: You can only use the Single Journey Visa once. After leaving Singapore, you cannot return with that visa, even if you have days remaining.
2. Multiple journey visa: The Multiple Journey Visa may be used more than once as long as it remains valid.
Different Types of Passes
Short-Term Visit Pass (It permits the bearer to enter Singapore for a brief social visit, travel, or medical needs. Even travelers who do not require a Singapore Visa will be issued a Singapore Visit Pass upon entry.
A short-term pass for Singapore prevents you from working for any pay. Your Singapore Social Visit Pass will only be valid for 30 days, regardless of whether you visit for leisure, medical care, or both. You mustn't exceed the duration of your Visit Pass, as this is a crime in Singapore.
1. Work Passes & Permits (Work Visas)
Alternatively, this would be referred to as a Singapore work visa. It is lawful for someone to work in Singapore without an employment pass or work permit. Anybody who wants to work in Singapore must have a work pass, regardless of whether they require a Singapore visa. The Singapore work visas are classified into:
- Short-term work passes
- Work visas for professionals
- Work visas for students and trainees
- Work visas for skilled and non-skilled workers
The Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) online application system, EP Online, allows your company or an employment agency to apply for the issuance of a Singapore work visa.
2. Dependent Pass (Family Visa)
This pass is great if you’re considering Singapore immigration. You can apply for this pass if you wish to join a family member already lawfully residing in Singapore. However, your family member needs to meet specific requirements to be granted a dependent visa. Moreover, they can only bring you to Singapore on a dependent pass if you are either their lawfully wedded spouse or a kid (including adopted children) under the age of 21.
3. Student Pass (Student Visa)
If you're considering Singapore immigration to study at any local university, you can apply for a student pass. Once you have been admitted into an authorized Singaporean institution of higher learning, you can apply for a Singapore Student Pass. You have to enroll in the courses full-time. Weekend, evening, and part-time classes are not acceptable.
To qualify for permanent residency as a foreign student, you must live in Singapore for more than two years and pass at least one national test. If you have a student visa, you can work without a work permit as long as you fulfill the requirements.
4. Long Stay Visit Pass
Families of Employment Passes holders who do not meet the requirements for the Dependent Pass may use the long-stay visit pass.
5. Visa-Free Transit Facility
Only citizens of specific nations are eligible for this transit visa to Singapore. They can spend up to 96 hours in Singapore as they wait for a connecting flight, allowing them to exit the airport's transit area.
Singapore Visa Requirements
Here are the general documents you need to apply for Singapore visas and passes:
- Singapore visa application form: You must answer questions about your personal background, marital status, expected stay, purpose of visit, address in your native country, and other details. The signature on the document must be yours. The ICU may request that you turn it in when you get to the entry port in Singapore.
- Your travel document/valid passport
- Photocopy of your passport bio-data
- Travel itinerary
- Passport size picture
- Air tickets
- Letter of introduction: Your local contact or strategic partner must sign this form, which you must attach to your application. It requests personal information from your contact or partner in Singapore, including the reason for your visit, the length of your stay, and the nature of your relationship with them.
- Proof of payment of visa fee
- Yellow Fever Vaccination (if applicable)
Additional Documents
Depending on the kind of pass you apply for, you'll need extra documents for your application. Here are some of the additional requirements:
- Employment Pass Application Form
- Educational Certificates
- Applicant's Resume
- Copy of Hiring Company's Business Profile
- Letter of Support from a Registration Agency
- IPA Letter
- Health Declaration Form
- Travel document
- Applicant's Embarkation/Disembarkation Card
- Copy of Marriage Certificate
- Copy of Birth Certificate (For children applicants)
- Family Member's Passport Details
- Student Pass Application Form
- Singapore School's Registration Acknowledgement Letter
- Employment History
- Documents Showing Applicant's Educational Background
How & Where to Apply for a Singapore Visa
You can apply for your Singapore Visa in the following ways:
1. Online through a strategic partner or local Singaporean contact.
2. Singapore visa application through the Singapore consulate or embassy.
Using a Singaporean Contact or Strategic Partner
You need to look for an authorized visa agent, strategic partner, or local contact in Singapore who can submit your Singapore visa application on your behalf. Travel agencies approved by the Singaporean government to apply for visas are known as authorized visa agents and strategic partners.
They can use the SAVE feature on the ICA website to apply on your behalf. You can inquire about the details of how to contact a strategic partner by going to the closest Singaporean mission.
A local contact in Singapore is someone you know and trust who is a citizen or permanent resident of Singapore and may register on SingPass and submit an application on your behalf. They have to be 21 years of age or older.
Singapore Sticker Visa Application
- Fill out your application form and gather all necessary documents.
- Submit everything at the nearest embassy or consulate.
- Pay the visa application fee.
- Wait for a decision. If it is approved, you will receive your Singapore visa via email or through a third-party service provider. You can now begin your Singapore immigration!
Singapore Visa Processing Time
Typically, your Singapore visa is processed within three business days from the date of your application. However, you should apply at least 30 days before your intended travel to Singapore, as there may be delays or requests for more information.
However, Singapore passes take three to eight weeks to be processed. Once you get your visa, your Singapore immigration begins!
Singapore Visa Application Fee
- Single & Multiple journey visa costs S$30
- Short-term visit passes cost S$40
- Long term visit pass ( issued by ICA) cost S$90
- Long term visit pass (issued by MOM) cost S$330
- Student pass costs S$90
- Work passes and permits range between S$70 and S$330
Conclusion
Singapore immigration offers a gateway to a thriving economy and a high standard of living. With various visa options and a streamlined process, the country welcomes all individuals and families. Moreover, it's a place where innovation meets opportunity! So, will you explore the possibilities and make Singapore your new home?
