Singapore’s immigration routes run mainly on four paths. The first is to obtain a work pass (Employment Pass, S Pass, EntrePass and others), then apply for permanent resident (PR) status as a pass holder. The second is the Global Investor Programme (GIP), a direct investment route to PR. The third is to accompany or be sponsored as a family member. The fourth is to apply for naturalisation after holding PR. The sections below set out, route by route, which agency governs each, what the thresholds are and what the costs are.
Work Pass Route: Employment Pass, S Pass and EntrePass
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) divides work passes into categories such as professionals, skilled and semi-skilled workers, and trainees and students. Determine which category you fall into, then choose the corresponding pass.
The Employment Pass (EP) is for foreign professionals, managers, executives and technicians. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requires candidates to earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$5,600 and to pass the COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework).
EP qualifying salary rises with age. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) states that it starts at S$5,600 per month and rises to a maximum of S$10,700 by the mid-40s; candidates in the financial services sector require higher salaries.
EP duration comes in three tiers. First-time candidates may hold it for up to 2 years; renewals for up to 3 years; experienced technology professionals with in-demand skills may receive a pass of up to 5 years. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) states that the EP is renewable, that employers decide whether to provide medical insurance, and that no foreign worker levy or quota applies.
Who may submit an EP application. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) states that the employer or a designated employment agent must apply on the candidate’s behalf; an overseas company with no registered office in Singapore must apply through a local sponsor.
Before applying for an EP, the employer must advertise on MyCareersFuture and fairly consider all candidates. Once the pass is approved, an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter is issued; after the candidate arrives in Singapore and completes card issuance, the pass card is received within 5 working days of registering fingerprints and a photograph.
The EntrePass is for foreign entrepreneurs with venture capital or innovative technology who wish to start a business in Singapore. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) states that the EntrePass sets no minimum salary requirement and candidates may apply directly.
EntrePass duration is also tiered. New passes and first renewals are valid for up to 1 year; subsequent renewals for up to 2 years. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) states that the EntrePass is renewable and that no foreign worker levy or quota applies; Enterprise Singapore and MOM assess applications jointly.
The S Pass is for skilled workers. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requires candidates to earn a monthly salary of at least S$3,300.
The table below summarises the key points of the three main work passes.
| Pass | For | Governing agency | Key threshold | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass (EP) | Foreign professionals, managers, executives, technicians | Ministry of Manpower (MOM) | Minimum monthly salary S$5,600 and pass COMPASS | As per MOM page |
| S Pass | Skilled workers | Ministry of Manpower (MOM) | Minimum monthly salary S$3,300 | As per MOM page |
| EntrePass | Venture capital or innovative technology entrepreneurs | Ministry of Manpower (MOM) | No minimum salary required | As per MOM page |
Global Investor Programme: Three Routes to PR by Investment
The Global Investor Programme (GIP) is managed by Contact Singapore, under the Economic Development Board (EDB). Qualifying global investors may apply directly for Singapore permanent resident (PR) status. EDB states that applicants must have a substantial business track record and a successful entrepreneurial background.
GIP has four categories of qualifying applicants. Established business owners must have at least 3 years of entrepreneurial and business track record, with company annual turnover of at least S$200 million in the most recent year and an average of at least S$200 million per year over the preceding three years, hold at least 30% of a private company, and operate in an Annex B industry.
Next-generation business owners must have an immediate family member holding at least 30% of the company or being the largest shareholder, with company annual turnover of at least S$500 million and an average of at least S$500 million over the preceding three years, be a member of the management team, and operate in an Annex B industry. Founders of fast-growing companies must be the founder and one of the largest individual shareholders of a non-listed company, with company valuation of at least S$500 million, have received investment from a recognised venture capital or private equity fund, and operate in an Annex B industry.
Single-family office (SFO) principals must have at least 5 years of entrepreneurial, investment or management track record and investable net assets of at least S$200 million. The first three categories may choose investment options A, B or C; SFO principals correspond to option C.
Investment comes in three options. Option A requires setting up or expanding a business in Singapore with an investment of at least S$10 million, holding at least 30%, joining the management team, operating in an Annex B industry, and submitting a 5-year business plan. Option B requires investing S$25 million in a GIP-approved fund. Option C requires establishing a single-family office with assets under management of at least S$200 million, of which at least S$50 million is transferred to Singapore and invested in EDB-specified investments.
GIP application forms. EDB states the electronic application form takes about 30 minutes to complete; Form 4 Entry Permit application requires each applicant to pay a non-refundable S$100 processing fee to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA); the family background Excel sheet takes about 15 minutes.
The GIP process has seven steps. After submission to EDB, applicants are invited for an interview; if they meet the assessment criteria, ICA issues an Approval-in-Principle (AIP) valid for 6 months; the investment must be completed and evidence submitted within 6 months; after EDB verification, ICA issues final approval.
Option C has a separate deployment timeline. EDB requires that at least S$50 million be deployed in specified investments within 12 months of final approval and maintained throughout the validity of the Re-Entry Permit (REP). Applicants must formally obtain PR within 12 months of final approval.
EDB states the entire GIP application takes about 12 months, provided all supporting documents are submitted completely at the time of application. Your application will also be subject to due diligence.
Dependant’s Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass: Who May Accompany
The Dependant’s Pass (DP) is issued to spouses and children of qualifying Employment Pass or S Pass holders. The Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP / LTVP+) is issued to parents, common-law spouses, stepchildren or disabled children of qualifying EP or S Pass holders.
The spouse and unmarried children under 21 of a GIP principal applicant may apply together as dependants. Parents and unmarried children over 21 cannot be dependants, but may apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) tied to the validity of the REP.
Male dependants who obtain PR must fulfil National Service obligations. When the GIP principal applicant is a spouse, male dependants may also be liable for National Service; details at www.cmpb.gov.sg.
Permanent Resident: Who May Apply, How Long, What It Costs
On who may apply for PR, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) lists six categories. These include spouses of Singapore citizens or permanent residents; unmarried children under 21; elderly parents over 21 of Singapore citizens; Employment Pass or S Pass holders; students studying in Singapore who have passed at least one national examination (PSLE, GCE N/O/A levels) or are in the Integrated Programme; and foreign investors.
Apply through the ICA e-Service using a Singpass login. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) states that Singpass account approval takes 2 to 5 working days, and recommends that all applicants register a Singpass successfully before starting the application.
PR fees come in two stages. At submission, S$100 per application; on completion, S$20 for the Entry Permit, S$50 for the 5-year REP, and S$50 for the Singapore Identity Card. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) states that all fees are non-refundable.
Payment methods. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) lists the following: online payment by Visa or MasterCard debit/credit card, American Express credit card, internet direct debit (DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB, Standard Chartered Singapore internet banking) or PayNow.
Processing time. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) states that applications are processed within 6 months where documents are complete; some may take longer. Approved applicants receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA), and obtain PR status once the necessary conditions are met.
In its assessment, ICA considers factors such as family ties, economic contribution, qualifications, age, family profile and length of residence. PR status allows the holder to reside in Singapore permanently; PRs aged 15 and above receive a blue identity card, and must hold a valid REP to leave and return to Singapore.
Naturalisation in Singapore: Conditions and Fees
On who may apply for citizenship, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) lists five categories. These include PRs who have held PR for at least 2 years and are aged 21 and above; PRs who have held PR for at least 2 years and have been married to a Singapore citizen for at least 2 years; unmarried children under 21 of Singapore citizens; students who hold PR and have lived in Singapore for more than 3 years (of which at least 1 year as a PR) and have passed a national examination; and PRs who are elderly parents over 21 of Singapore citizens.
Citizenship fees are by category. Adult PRs and PR children pay S$100 per application at submission, and on completion S$70 for the Citizenship Certificate and S$10 for the Identity Card (new citizens aged 15 and above).
Singapore citizen children born overseas (mother is a citizen, or father is a citizen and married to the mother) pay S$18 at submission (including Citizenship Certificate), and S$10 for the Identity Card. Other overseas or locally born children pay S$100 at submission, and on completion S$70 for the certificate and S$10 for the Identity Card. All fees are non-refundable.
Processing time. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) states that citizenship applications are processed within 12 months; Singapore citizen children born overseas within 1 month. Applicants aged 16 to 60 must complete the Singapore Citizenship Journey (SCJ).
The table below summarises the main fees and timelines for PR and citizenship.
| Matter | Governing agency | Submission fee | Completion fee | Processing time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent resident (PR) | ICA | S$100 per application | Entry Permit S$20, 5-year REP S$50, Identity Card S$50 | Within 6 months with complete documents |
| Citizenship | ICA | S$100 per application (S$18 for overseas-born citizen children) | Citizenship Certificate S$70, Identity Card S$10 | Within 12 months (1 month for overseas-born children) |
National Service: The Legal Obligation for Male Applicants
The Enlistment Act 1970 requires all male Singapore citizens and permanent residents (unless exempted) to serve National Service (NS). After full-time National Service, they become Operationally Ready National Servicemen, with the obligation ending at age 50 (officers) or 40 (other ranks).
Males who obtain citizenship or PR as foreign students or through parental sponsorship must serve National Service. They must register at 16 and a half years of age and enlist at 18 as soon as possible; MINDEF does not permit deferment for university studies.
Giving up or losing PR or citizenship without serving will seriously affect future applications to work, study and reside long-term in Singapore, and will also affect related applications by family members. Breach of the Enlistment Act 1970 is punishable by a fine not exceeding S$10,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 3 years, or both.
The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) states that it is not affiliated with any external commercial entity that claims to be a Singapore immigration specialist, and does not endorse any service that calls itself an immigration adviser. For further enquiries on National Service, contact Central Manpower Base (CMP-B) on 1800-3676767 (local) or 65-65676767 (overseas), email contact@ns.gov.sg.
What to Read Next
- Singapore Immigration Conditions 2026 — Admissibility conditions by route: work, family, investment and study.
- Singapore Investment Immigration: Global Investor Programme (GIP) vs Family Office — Comparing the three GIP investment options and the single-family office route.
- Types of Singapore Work Visas — Differences and eligibility between Employment Pass, S Pass and Work Permit.
- Singapore PR Conditions and Application Approach — Who can apply, documents and approval timelines.
- How Much Does It Cost to Immigrate to Singapore — Official fees, investment thresholds and daily expenses.
- Singapore Citizenship Conditions and Passport — Citizenship conditions and how Chinese nationality is handled.
Official Sources
- Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) — Becoming a Permanent Resident — PR eligibility, fees, processing times and National Service notes.
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM) — Employment Pass Key Facts — EP salary, duration, features.
- Economic Development Board (EDB) — Global Investor Programme — GIP overview and application forms.
- Economic Development Board (EDB) — GIP Fact Sheet PDF (updated 5 May 2025) — Eligibility criteria, investment options and process.
- Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) — Becoming a Citizen — Citizenship eligibility, fees, processing times.
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM) — EntrePass Key Facts — EntrePass eligibility and duration.
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM) — Work Pass Overview — Eligibility by pass.
- Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) — Applying for Long-Term Immigration Facilities Through Commercial Entities — ICA’s position on commercial agents.
- Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) — Payment/Refund FAQ — Payment and refund methods.
This site is not an immigration agency. We do not process applications, represent anyone, or provide immigration or legal advice; we offer general information only.
This information pack was captured on 2026-10-07. Rules change; confirm on the relevant agency pages before applying.