Migrating to Singapore
Migrating to Singapore
Why Singapore?
As a well-developed and welcoming country, Singapore is an attractive immigration destination for the following reasons:
- Well-developed Infrastructure Singapore tops the Mercer’s 2017 annual ranking of the “Best City Infrastructure” among 200 cities around the world. This measures electricity, water availability, info-communications network, public transport system, traffic congestion and airport effectiveness.
- Mandarin as one of the most commonly spoken languages The majority of Singaporeans are bilingual in English and one of the three other official languages – Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. With ethnic Chinese making up approximately 76% of the population, Mandarin is one of the most common languages spoken in Singapore.
- Potential for business growth Situated in the heart of the Asian economy, with a stable legal and political system, Singapore remains one of the most promising places in the world for business success.
Work Passes and Permits
Professionals should select the most suitable work visa for migrating to Singapore:
Employment Pass
A highly qualified professional can apply for an Employment Pass (EP) to migrate to Singapore. The company seeking to employ the individual must apply for this. The EP is valid for up to 2 years, provided the same company employs the individual. If the individual switches jobs, the new company will have to reapply for an EP.
Entre Pass
This is also referred to as an Entrepreneur Pass. It is intended for foreign entrepreneurs who want to migrate to Singapore and operate new businesses in the country. The Entre Pass is valid for a period of 1 year and may be renewed further.
Dependents can be brought to Singapore only after the pass has been renewed once. Thus, no dependents can be brought to Singapore in the first year. No levies or quotas are applicable for an Entre Pass.
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
This is a special visa reserved for high-earning professionals who want to migrate to Singapore, as well as Employment Pass (EP) holders. The PEP gives the individual flexibility in terms of switching jobs as it is not associated with any one particular employer.
The visa is typically valid for 3 years and also allows the individual to stay in Singapore for up to 6 months without a job. This visa cannot be renewed. No levies or quotas are applicable for the PEP. The applicant may bring his spouse, children and parents to Singapore as dependents.
S Pass
This visa is intended for less-qualified workers wanting to migrate to Singapore. The company seeking to employ the individual must apply for this visa. The S Pass is valid for a period of 2 years and may be renewed for another 3 years as long as the individual is still employed by the same company.
Moving to Reunite with Your Family
Migrants with an EP, PEP or S Pass may bring their legal spouse and dependent children to Singapore with a Dependent Pass. Stepchildren, a common law spouse and disabled children over the age of 21 years may migrate to Singapore with a Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP).
Dependent's Pass
The company that sponsored the EP, PEP or S Pass visa for the individual wishing to bring his or her dependents must apply for this. It is valid for up to 2 years subject to the validity of the EP, PEP or S Pass visa associated with it. It may be renewed further. No levies or quotas are applicable for a dependent pass.
Long Term Visit Pass
This is designed for an individual who wants his or her common-law spouse, stepchildren and parents to migrate to Singapore. The company that sponsored the EP, PEP or S Pass visa for the individual wishing to bring his or her dependents must apply for this. It is valid as long as the EP, PEP or S Pass visa associated with it is valid. No levies or quotas are applicable for a dependent pass.
Dependent’s Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass for Entre Pass Holders
Family members of an Entre Passholder may migrate to Singapore under either visa as long as the following criteria are met.
Other Avenues for Migrants to Singapore
Permanent Residency (PR)
Permanent residency can provide migrants to Singapore many of the same privileges as Singaporean citizens enjoy. This includes the right to buy a property in Singapore, higher priority public schooling for children and the right to live in the country without being subject to visa restrictions.
Click here to read more about the Work passes and permits required by foreigners.
Our Partners
As an OCBC Premier Banking customer, you will enjoy access to our partnering agencies that provide services to help smoothen your immigration journey in Singapore. Our partners include AIMS Immigration and Relocation Specialist, and Henley & Partners. They offer exclusive privileges and their expert services in the following areas to help address your immigration needs:
Skilled Migration
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Business And Investor Migration
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Student Services
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Corporate Relocation Services
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Family Visas
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Employer Sponsorship Entrepreneurs
Speak to your Relationship Manager to find out more. If you are not an OCBC Premier Banking customer, you can click here to have us contact you and we will be in touch.
