Immigration
Entry Requirements
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business visits of up to 90 days, but you will be issued upon arrival a Social Pass good for a 30-day stay in Singapore. The Social Pass may be extended online for a further 60 days. When when you move to Singapore to live, work or invest there, apply for the appropriate Pass prior to traveling to Singapore.
Quick Guide to Singapore Business, Employment and Short-Term Visitor Passes
- Singapore Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) - For entrepreneurs and those who wish to start and operate a business, this pass is good for up to 2 years and renewable as long as your business is viable
- MOM (Ministry of Manpower) - More information for entrepreneurs
- SPRING - More information for entrepreneurs; offers start-ups assistance in financing, capabilities and management development, technology and innovation and access to markets
- Global Investor Programme (GIP) - For investors
- Personalized Employment Pass (PEP) - For professional workers who wish to stay in Singapore for employment opportunities; based on qualifications (merit) and not dependent on having a job or offer; good for up to 6 months.
- Employment Pass (EP) - For Professional/Managerial and Specialists; must have a local sponsor (employer); passes assigned by level of position and minimum salary; there are three passes: P1, P2 and Q1
- Employment/S Pass Self-Assessment Test will let you check to see if you are eligible for the Employment Pass
- Mid-level skilled workers (e.g. technicians) - The S Pass is for mid-level skilled workers; applicants will be assessed on a points system factoring: education, qualifications, experience and job type and must have a minimum monthly salary of S$2,000
- Strategic Skills List will show you what types of jobs are expected to be in high demand in Singapore over the next few years
- Training Employment Pass (TEP) - For those doing practical training attachments for professional, executive or specialist jobs in Singapore
- Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) - For family members of an EP holder
- Dependant’s Pass For spouse and minor children of EP and S Pass holders MOM
- Singapore Social Visit Pass - For short-term visitors and tourists; you are not permitted to be employed in Singapore; customary business-visitor activities such as job interviews and negotiating contracts are allowed under this permit
- Extension of Short-Term Visit Pass - For visitors on a short visit for social purposes or visitors seeking medical treatment
For additional information concerning entry requirements for your move to Singapore, contact the Embassy of Singapore.
Permanent Residency
You are eligible to apply for Permanent Residency in Singapore if you are:
- A spouse or unmarried children (below 21-years-old) of a Singapore Citizen (SC) or Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR)
- Aged parents of a SC
- P, Q or S Work Pass holders
- Investors/Entrepreneurs
Foreign investors with substantial capital and good entrepreneurial track records may apply for Permanent Residency under the Global Investor Programme.
Please see the Quick Guide to Passes information above for descriptions and links specific to obtaining Work Permits. Please see our Disclaimers about information on this site.