Singapore’s 2026 immigration routes fall into four broad categories: work, family, investment and study. The work route looks at the thresholds for the Employment Pass (EP), S Pass or EntrePass. The family route relies on the Dependant’s Pass (DP) and family-based permanent resident (PR) applications. The investment route runs through the Global Investor Programme (GIP). The study route lets international students apply for PR after meeting examination requirements. The sections below set out the officially published thresholds, agencies and systems for each of the four routes.
The work route: distinguish three passes first
The work passes are mainly the EP, S Pass and EntrePass. The EP is for professionals and is assessed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The S Pass is for associate professionals and technicians, and is also administered by the MOM.
The three passes have different threshold criteria and cannot be applied interchangeably. The EP requires meeting the salary threshold and passing the COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) scoring framework. The S Pass looks only at the salary threshold; educational qualifications are optional. The EntrePass does not require a fixed salary; it assesses entrepreneurial track record and innovation criteria.
To compare which pass suits you, first read Which Singapore work visas exist: how the Employment Pass, S Pass and Work Permit differ.
EP: salary threshold and COMPASS scoring framework
The EP uses a two-stage eligibility framework. The first stage is meeting the EP qualifying salary, which is benchmarked against the top one-third of local PMET (professionals, managers, executives and technicians) salaries and scales by age. The second stage is passing the COMPASS, unless exempted.
The EP qualifying salary has two tiers by industry and effective date. Outside financial services, the current minimum qualifying salary is S$5,600 (rising from age 23, up to S$10,700 at age 45 and above); for new applications from 1 January 2027, and renewals expiring from 1 January 2028, the minimum qualifying salary is S$6,000 (up to S$11,500 at age 45 and above). These thresholds are published by the MOM.
The financial services sector has a higher EP qualifying salary. The current minimum is S$6,200 (up to S$11,800 at age 45 and above); for new applications from 1 January 2027 and renewals expiring from 1 January 2028, the minimum is S$6,600 (up to S$12,700 at age 45 and above). The exact age-by-age figures are set out on the MOM page.
The COMPASS requires 40 points to pass. Scoring covers four foundational criteria (C1 salary, C2 qualifications, C3 diversity, C4 support for local employment) and two bonus criteria (C5 skills shortage, C6 strategic economic priorities). Applicants who fail the first-stage salary threshold are not eligible for an EP regardless of their COMPASS score.
The COMPASS criteria and points are as follows:
| Criterion | Condition met | Points |
|---|---|---|
| C1 Salary | Salary at or above the 90th percentile of local PMET in the same sector | 20 |
| C1 Salary | Salary between the 65th and below the 90th percentile | 10 |
| C1 Salary | Below the 65th percentile | 0 |
| C2 Qualifications | Top-tier institution or equivalent degree qualification | 20 |
| C2 Qualifications | Other equivalent degree qualification | 10 |
| C2 Qualifications | No equivalent degree qualification | 0 |
| C3 Diversity | Fewer than 25 PMET employees, default score | 10 |
| C3 Diversity | Candidate’s nationality below 5% of the firm’s PMET | 20 |
| C3 Diversity | Candidate’s nationality 5% to below 25% of the firm’s PMET | 10 |
| C3 Diversity | Candidate’s nationality 25% or more of the firm’s PMET | 0 |
| C4 Support for local employment | Fewer than 25 PMET employees, default score | 10 |
| C4 Support for local employment | Firm’s local PMET share at or above the sector’s 50th percentile | 20 |
| C4 Support for local employment | Firm’s local PMET share between the 20th and below the 50th percentile | 10 |
| C4 Support for local employment | Below the 20th percentile | 0 |
| C5 Skills bonus | Role on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) and nationality share below one-third | 20 |
| C5 Skills bonus | Role on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) and nationality share one-third or above | 10 |
| C6 Strategic economic priorities bonus | Participating in or meeting at least one qualifying programme | 10 |
Top-tier qualifications for C2 include institutions in the QS World University Rankings top 100, other reputable universities in Asia, and Singapore’s autonomous universities. To claim C2 points, you must submit qualification verification with the EP application. The C6 strategic economic priorities bonus is valid for up to 3 years, or no longer than the firm’s participation in the qualifying programme, whichever is shorter.
COMPASS exemptions apply to three groups: those with a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500; applicants on an overseas intra-corporate transfer (overseas ICT) basis; and those employed for 1 month or less. Before submitting a new EP application, employers must still meet the recruitment advertising requirements of the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF). Employers and employment agencies can use the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) to check eligibility before applying.
S Pass and EntrePass thresholds
The S Pass is open to foreign employees of all nationalities and requires a job offer in Singapore. Outside financial services, the current minimum fixed monthly salary is S$3,300 (up to S$4,800 at age 45 and above); for new applications from 1 January 2027 and renewals expiring from 1 January 2028, the minimum is S$3,600 (up to S$5,100 at age 45 and above). These are published by the MOM.
In financial services, the current S Pass minimum is S$3,800 (up to S$5,650 at age 45 and above); for new applications from 1 January 2027 and renewals expiring from 1 January 2028, the minimum is S$4,000 (up to S$5,650 at age 45 and above). Declaring educational qualifications in an S Pass application is optional; if declared, the qualifications must be genuine and awarded by an accredited institution in the application form’s drop-down list.
The MOM page states that if the SAT shows eligibility, there is about a 90% chance of obtaining the pass; if it shows ineligibility, the application should not be submitted. Employers can use the SAT to check eligibility before applying. S Pass holders earning at least S$6,000 a month may apply for a DP for their spouse and children, submitted by the employer together with the S Pass or separately afterwards.
The EntrePass is open to all nationalities and suits serial entrepreneurs, high-calibre innovators or experienced investors. Applicants must have founded or intend to found a private limited company registered with ACRA, hold at least 30% equity, and meet one of the conditions for venture capital backing or innovative technology. Enterprise Singapore and the MOM jointly assess EntrePass applications.
An EntrePass must meet at least one qualification: raising at least S$100,000 from a single funding round; backing from a government-approved or internationally known incubator/accelerator; having founded and sold a venture-capital-backed or innovative-technology business; holding intellectual property registered with a recognised national IP body and with clear competitive advantage; or having relevant R&D collaboration with a Singapore university or research institute. Coffee shops, food courts, bars, massage parlours, traditional Chinese medicine, employment agencies and feng shui businesses are not eligible.
Family route: DP, Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) and family-based PR
EP or S Pass holders may apply for a DP for their immediate family members. The conditions are: holding an EP or S Pass; a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000 (based on the individual’s salary, not combined household income); and sponsorship by a Singapore-registered company (usually the employer). These are published by the MOM.
The DP may be issued to a lawful spouse and to unmarried children under 21 (including legally adopted children). Family members who do not qualify for a DP may be eligible for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP). The DP conditions for EntrePass holders are set out separately.
Family-based PR applications have several eligibility categories, set out by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on its permanent resident page. The spouse of a Singapore citizen or PR is sponsored by that spouse via Singpass (Singapore’s digital identity) on the ICA e-Service. Unmarried children under 21 (legitimately born or legally adopted) are sponsored by their parents. A Singapore citizen child aged 21 or above may sponsor ageing parents.
A PR must hold a valid Re-Entry Permit (REP) to return to Singapore as a PR after travelling out. PRs aged 15 and above are issued a blue identity card. The eligibility and sponsorship methods for the family-based PR above are governed by the ICA page.
Investment route: GIP thresholds
The GIP is managed by Contact Singapore under the Economic Development Board (EDB) and targets foreign investors who wish to invest or start businesses in Singapore. Qualifying applicants may apply directly for PR status, across four applicant profiles and three investment options. The programme details were updated on 5 May 2025.
Below are the four applicant profiles and their eligibility:
| Profile | Key eligibility |
|---|---|
| Established business owner | At least 3 years of entrepreneurial and business track record; company annual turnover of at least S$200 million (in the year before application and averaged over the prior three years); at least 30% personal shareholding; in an industry listed in Annex B |
| Next-generation business owner | Close family member holds at least 30% or is the largest shareholder; company annual turnover of at least S$500 million; applicant in management; in an industry listed in Annex B |
| Founder of a fast-growing company | Founder of a non-listed company and one of its largest individual shareholders, with company valuation of at least S$500 million; backed by reputable VC/private equity; in an industry listed in Annex B |
| Family office principal | At least 5 years of entrepreneurial, investment or management experience; net investable assets of at least S$200 million (excluding real estate) |
The monetary thresholds for the three investment options are set by the EDB. Option A: incorporate a new business in Singapore or expand an existing one, investing at least S$10 million, with at least 30% shareholding and a management role. Option B: invest S$25 million in GIP-selected funds that invest in Singapore businesses. Option C: establish a single-family office (SFO) with assets under management of at least S$200 million, of which at least S$50 million must be moved to Singapore and invested in EDB-specified investments.
The GIP application steps in order are: submit a complete application form to the EDB (online and hard copy); attend an interview invited by the EDB; if assessment criteria are met, the ICA issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA) valid for 6 months; complete the investment within 6 months from the IPA letter date; submit proof of investment and an investment undertaking; after EDB verification, the ICA issues a final approval letter; and formalise PR in Singapore within 12 months from the final approval letter date.
Option C applicants must, within 12 months from the final approval letter date, show that at least S$50 million has been deployed into specified investments and maintain it until the Re-Entry Permit (REP) expires. Overall GIP processing takes about 12 months, provided all required documents are submitted completely at application and due diligence is accepted. A spouse and unmarried children under 21 may accompany as dependants; parents and unmarried children above 21 do not qualify as dependants but may apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) tied to the REP validity.
Study route: how international students apply for PR
The study route refers to international students applying directly for PR status after meeting specific conditions, rather than a study visa. The ICA states that students studying in Singapore who have passed at least one national examination (the Primary School Leaving Examination, GCE N/O/A levels) or are in the Integrated Programme (IP) may apply for PR.
Students aged 15 and above may apply via Singpass on the ICA e-Service. Those below 15 may apply through the non-Singpass option on the ICA e-Service. Male students who obtain PR as foreign students or through parental sponsorship must fulfil their National Service (NS) obligation.
This route has no separate salary or investment threshold; assessment focuses on local examination records, length of stay and family ties. The ICA assesses holistically across family connections, economic contribution, qualifications, age, family background and length of residence. The exact document list is set out in the ICA e-Service application checklist.
From PR to citizenship: Singapore citizenship requirements
A PR who meets the residency requirement may apply for Singapore citizenship. Those who have held PR for at least 2 years and are aged 21 or above may apply together with a PR spouse and unmarried children under 21. Those who have held PR for at least 2 years and been married to a Singapore citizen for at least 2 years are sponsored by that spouse.
Other citizenship eligibility includes: unmarried children under 21 of a Singapore citizen (including legally adopted); PR students who have lived in Singapore for over 3 years (of which at least 1 year as a PR) and passed a national examination or are in the Integrated Programme (IP); and ageing PR parents of a Singapore citizen aged 21 or above. These eligibility categories are set out by the ICA.
Citizenship fees vary by case. Adult PRs and PR children: S$100 per application at submission; S$70 citizenship certificate and S$10 identity card (for new citizens aged 15 and above) at formalities. Children of Singapore citizens born overseas: S$18 per application at submission (including the citizenship certificate); S$10 identity card. Other children born overseas or locally: S$100 per application at submission; S$70 citizenship certificate and S$10 identity card. These are published by the ICA; fees are non-refundable in all cases.
Citizenship processing generally takes 12 months; for children of Singapore citizens born overseas it is 1 month, provided documents are complete. Citizenship applicants aged 16 to 60 must complete the Singapore Citizenship Journey (SCJ) programme. All fees are paid online via Visa, MasterCard, American Express, internet direct debit (DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB, Standard Chartered) or PayNow.
Fees, processing times and NS reminders
PR application fees: S$100 per application at submission; at formalities, entry permit S$20, 5-year Re-Entry Permit (REP) S$50, and identity card S$50. These are published by the ICA; fees are non-refundable in all cases. Singpass account approval takes 2 to 5 working days; all applicants are advised to register successfully before starting the application.
PR application processing takes 6 months, provided documents are complete; some applications may take longer. The ICA notifies outcomes by email or via MyICA / e-Service. Approved applicants first receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA); upon meeting the necessary conditions they formally obtain PR status.
Male PRs and citizens must serve National Service (NS). Under the Enlistment Act 1970, males who obtain PR/citizenship as foreign students or through parental sponsorship must register at 16½ and can be enlisted as early as 18; the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) allows deferred enlistment until completion of pre-university qualifications such as A levels or a polytechnic diploma, but not for university studies. Renouncing PR/citizenship before completing NS affects the long-term immigration applications of the individual and their family.
What to read next
- Complete guide to Singapore immigration — summarises the conditions and rough costs of each route, good for building an overall picture first.
- Which Singapore work visas exist: how the Employment Pass, S Pass and Work Permit differ — compares the EP, S Pass and Work Permit and who they suit.
- Singapore investment immigration: choosing between the Global Investor Programme (GIP) and family office — expands on the three GIP investment options and the single-family office trade-off.
- Singapore PR conditions and application approach — sets out who can apply for PR, the documents needed and processing times.
- Singapore citizenship conditions and passport — covers citizenship conditions, the passport and renouncing original nationality.
- ICA and MOM: what each handles and where the official portals are — lists the official portals and warns how to avoid agency traps.
Official sources
- Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) — Becoming a Permanent Resident — PR eligibility, fees, processing times and NS terms.
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM) — Employment Pass eligibility — EP salary thresholds and COMPASS scoring framework.
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM) — S Pass eligibility — S Pass salary threshold and Dependant’s Pass conditions.
- Economic Development Board (EDB) — Global Investor Programme (GIP) — GIP eligibility, investment options and application steps.
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM) — Dependant’s Pass eligibility — DP salary and dependant scope.
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM) — EntrePass eligibility — EntrePass entrepreneurial criteria and excluded industries.
- Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) — Becoming a Singapore Citizen — citizenship eligibility, fees and processing times.
- Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) — Applying for long-term immigration facilities through commercial entities — ICA’s position on and reminders about commercial intermediaries.
This information pack was captured on 2026-10-07. Singapore’s immigration and pass rules change; before applying, refer to the latest content on each agency’s official page. This site is not an immigration agency, does not file applications on behalf of anyone and represents no one; it provides general information only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice.