If you need counseling when relocating here, our team of lawyers in Singapore can help you.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Entry visa requirement (from EU) (YES/NO) |
Visa exemptions are available for EU citizens; however, all foreigners need to obtain an e-Pass
|
|
Entry visa requirement (outside EU) (YES/NO)
|
Visas are necessary for the nationals of certain non-EU countries. |
|
Types of visas available for immigration in Singapore |
Visas for employment, visas for entrepreneurs, visas for family reunification, visas for trainees and students. |
| Time frame for obtaining work visa (approx.) |
Approximately 3 to 5 working days. |
| Validity of temporary residence permit | Minimum 6 months and up to 2 years, depending on the visa. |
| Temporary residence permit renewal requirements |
It depends on the pass obtained by the foreigner – for example, for the Employment Pass, renewals must contain the proof of Covid-19 vaccination, the renewal form, the supporting documents for employment in Singapore, etc. |
| Documents for obtaining a residence permit |
The documents that must be prepared vary based on the visa the foreigner wants to obtain. (for Employment Pass the necessary documents are: personal identification papers, information on the education of the applicant, a written consent of the company that will hire the applicant, the application form and others).
|
| Time frame for obtaining permanent residence (approx.) | The issuance of a permanent residence permit takes approximately 4 to 6 months. |
| Investor Visa availability (YES/NO) | Yes, immigration in Singapore is possible possible under the investor visa (Global Investor Program). |
| Start-up Visa Scheme availability (YES/NO) | Yes, the Entrepreneur Pass allows immigration in Singapore for those interested in the startup sector. |
| Sponsorship requirement (YES/NO) | Yes, but it depends on the visa. |
| Time frame for obtaining citizenship | Foreigners can apply for citizenship after 2 years of becoming permanent residents in Singapore. |
| Citizenship/Residency by investment scheme availability (YES/NO) | Residency by investment is possible. |
| Taxation of foreign citizens | Non-residents are taxed with a progressive income tax (ranging from 0% to 22%). |
| Tax benefits for expats | Income from professional services paid to non-residents is taxed at a rate of 15% (personal income tax). Rent and royalties are charged at a rate of 10%. Income obtained outside Singapore is not charged in Singapore. |
Table of Contents
How can your lawyers help me when moving in Singapore in 2026?
Our team of lawyers in Singapore can present the steps that are to be followed when applying for permanent residency and for becoming a citizen, but, prior to entering these processes, numerous steps must be concluded, such as:
- gathering the required paperwork;
- presenting the visa options most suitable to our clients;
- submitting the file to the local immigration authorities;
- waiting for a decision;
- offering full legal assistance during the visa processing and after the relocation to Singapore.
What institution handles immigration formalities in Singapore?
Immigration matters fall under the supervision of the Immigration&Checkpoints Authority (ICA) Singapore.
What are the main categories of visas in Singapore?
Singapore applies a similar immigration system as the one available in other countries. Thus, the local law distinguishes between visas issued for:
- short-term arrivals;
- long-term arrivals.
Are there any visa exemptions for short-term arrivals in 2026?
Yes, some foreign nationals can arrive to Singapore visa-free for short-term stays. This right is granted to foreigners who are citizens of countries included in the visa waiver system. These foreigners can arrive for stays of 30 to maximum 90 days visa free. Some of the nationalities that benefit from this right are:
- UK nationals;
- American citizens;
- China;
- EU countries;
- Australia;
- Brazil;
- South Africa, etc.
What is the maximum duration of my short-term stay in Singapore?
It highly depends on your nationality. For instance, the citizens of the EU can stay up to 90 days in Singapore. The same right is granted to American nationals or UK citizens. Those who arrive from Canada, Mexico, South Africa, Israel, can stay up to 30 days visa-free in Singapore. Our lawyers in Singapore can provide tailored assistance on this matter.
What are some of the popular visa types in Singapore?
Our law firm in Singapore can help foreigners in applying for a suitable visa scheme and we can also present the types of visas, some of them being the following:
- the Employment Pass Scheme;
- Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) Scheme;
- Personalised Employment Pass Scheme;
- S Pass Scheme;
- the Dependent Pass Scheme.
How can foreign investors migrate to Singapore in 2026?
Investors can apply for the Investor Scheme, as long as they can satisfy the minimum investment thresholds (S$10 million invested in a newly founded business that will operate as a startup; the same capital can also be used for investments in an approved fund that invests in Singaporean companies). Investors have the following options:
- Option A – investments of S$10 million;
- Option B – investments of at least S$25 million;
- Option C – investments of S$50 million in equities and setting up a Single Family Office with assets under management of S$200 million.
What are the visa options for skilled/semi-skilled employment?
For persons who qualify as skilled workers and semi-skilled workers, the visa options are more extensive compared to the one presented above, as follows:
- the S Pass, available for foreign workers who qualify for job positions that pay at least $3,300 per month;
- the Work Permit for Migrant Workers, issued for persons who qualify as semi-skilled workers who can develop work activities related to manufacturing, construction or the services sector;
- the Work Permit for Migrant Domestic Worker.
Can I obtain a visa for family reunification purposes?
The law in Singapore also prescribes a few visas options for family reunification programs. You are invited to contact our team of lawyers in Singapore if you need advice on any of the following visas:
- Dependant’s Pass, Long Term Visit Pass;
- Pre-Approved Letter of Consent;
- Letter of Consent for Dependant’s Pass Holders who arrived in Singapore for business purposes.
The infographic below presents some of the highlights on the process for relocation to Singapore:
When do I need to apply for a residence permit?
When the duration of the stay is considered a long-stay.
When can I start the procedures for permanent residency?
Compared to most jurisdictions around the world, permanent residency in Singapore can be obtained in a short amount of time, as foreigners must make the proof of having at least 2 years of residency in the country (most jurisdiction require a standard residency period of at least 5 years).
What situations qualify a person for permanent residence in Singapore?
Some of the basic legal pathways for obtaining the permanent residence are the following:
- the legislation on immigration in Singapore allows investors to obtain the permanent residency under the Investor Scheme (known as the Global Investor Program);
- persons who will arrive in Singapore for the purpose of working here are also entitled to permanent residency if they have an Employment Pass or an Entrepreneur Pass;
- permanent residency is available for the spouses of Singapore citizens or permanent residents;
- unmarried children under 21 years old of Singapore citizens/permanent residents;
- legally adopted children (under the age of 21) of Singapore citizens/permanent residents;
- the aged parents of Singapore citizens;
- foreigners who study in Singapore and who have passed a national exam.
Do I need to abide by other obligations if I want to be a permanent resident in Singapore?
Yes. It is important to know that if you want to obtain a residence permit in Singapore on a permanent basis, you will also have to enlist with the National Service. This is a requirement for all male citizens and permanent residents who have an age of minimum 18 years old.
What is the process of obtaining the residence permit in Singapore?
The applications for residence permits are all done using the e-Service of the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority of Singapore. Depending on your legal situation, when applying, you will be using your Singpass account, which can also be issued for foreigners arriving here.
Below, we invite you to watch a short presentation on immigration in Singapore:
Do I need to pay processing fees for my residency application in 2026?
Yes, you must also be prepared to pay a processing fee, which is currently charged at the standard rate of S$100.
What is the duration of the processing formalities?
Please mind that the applications are generally processed in a period of 4 to 6 months, but in some cases, it can take longer than 6 months. Our team of lawyers in Singapore can offer more information on the documents you should prepare for your residence permit application.
Can foreigners become citizens of Singapore?
As it is the case of other jurisdictions, Singapore grants the right to citizenship to foreigners.
Can I retain my first citizenship if I apply for citizenship in Singapore?
No. It must be noted that persons interested in becoming local citizens must be aware that the legislation on immigration in Singapore stipulates that once a foreigner becomes a Singaporean citizen, then he or she has to renounce his basic citizenship, as the national law does not allow dual citizenship.
If you need more details on the legislation for immigration in Singapore, please address to our law firm.