Singapore Visa Guide For US Citizens
American Citizens need a visa to live and work in Singapore. There are many work permits, called work passes, for skilled workers and professionals. Spouses or dependents of these visa recipients are also eligible for work passes. Eventually, expats can apply for permanent residence.
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Are you looking to move to Singapore? Are you looking to secure a visa to live and work in Singapore while also staying insured abroad? This Pacific Prime article will discuss Singapore visas for US expats looking to relocate there for work or other purposes.
Singapore Immigration Visa
Americans who would like to live in Singapore must have an immigration visa. To obtain one, apply through Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoint Authority. In order to work in Singapore, you will also need the applicable work permits (called passes in Singapore).
The first step is to obtain an entry visa which allows you into the country. This is not an immigration visa, rather, it is the precursor. Once you have entered Singapore with the entry visa, you will be eligible to apply for a visa to stay.
Immigration visas are available for investors, workers, students, and eligible family members of these expats. Pre-marriage Long-Term passes may also be granted to the future spouses of Singapore citizens.
Some examples of notable passes available for working in Mexico include the employment pass, S-Pass, Dependent Pass, and more. Listed below are the passes available for being eligible to work in Singapore as an American Citizen:
- Singapore Employment Pass (EP) and Personalised Employment Pass
- Singapore S-Pass
- Singapore Dependent Pass (DP)
- Long-Term Visit Pass
- Singapore Investor Pass
- Singapore Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass)
Work Passes are issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
1. Singapore Employment Pass (EP)
Singapore’s Employment Pass (EP) is for professionals, managers, and executives from countries outside of Singapore. This is the appropriate pass for an American expat seeking a job in a professional industry, and your future employer will help you apply.
You must earn at least SGD $5,000 a month to qualify for an Employment Pass in Singapore. If you make less than SGD $5000 per month, consider an S Pass.
We offer additional insights into Singapore’s Employment Pass in this article.
Singapore Personalized Employment Pass
Singapore offers Personalized Employment Passes (PEP) to particularly high-earning Employment Pass holders. The PEP has unique benefits and flexibility for these holders. More information about the PEP can be found in this handy article.
2. Singapore’s S Pass
For American citizens with mid-level job experience or being hired into a mid-level position in Singapore, you will likely need an S Pass. This pass is available to job candidates making a minimum of SGD $3000 per month as skilled workers.
This is one type of Work Pass that allows family members, such as spouses and dependent children, to obtain Dependent Passes easily.
3. Singapore’s Dependent Pass (DP)
Singapore offers passes to the children and spouses of Employment Pass and S-Pass holders. This is a type of Work Pass that is made available to Americans and other foreign nationals legally residing in Singapore with a parent or spouse with an Employment Pass or S-Pass.
You will need to provide the appropriate documentation in order to apply for the Dependent Pass. If you have applied for a DP and believe that you were rejected in error, you may appeal the decision within three months of your denial.
More information about obtaining a Dependent Pass (DP) can be found in our more comprehensive guide on DPs. You’ll find more user-friendly tips and pointers with links.
4. Singapore’s Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
For Americans and other foreign nationals in Singapore with a step-parent, child, or common-law spouse with an Employment Pass or S-Pass, you may be eligible for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP).
Some key requirements for the LTVP include being under 21 years of age and proving paternal relationship with the employment pass holder. The following are brief explanations on the different requirements for the LTVP:
- Stepchildren of Employment Pass holders must have approval from the other biological parent and be under 21 years of age.
- Disabled children of Employment Pass holders may be over 21 if they are unmarried and have the correct documentation.
- Parents of Employment Pass holders need a birth certificate to prove their parental relationship to the Employment Pass holder in Singapore.
You will find more guidance on LTVPs in our article.
5. Singapore Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass)
Singapore offers an Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) to Americans and other foreign nationals who want to start or operate a business in Singapore. To qualify for EntrePass, your business must possess innovative technologies or be venture-backed.
To see a more comprehensive guide to the Entrepreneur Pass(EP), continue reading here.
6. Singapore Investor Visas
Rather than obtain a visa, Americans who would like to invest in Singapore and become permanent residents will apply for Permanent Residence through the Global Investor Programme (GIP). You may also be eligible for the program by starting a business in Singapore.
You can find more extensive information in this article about Singapore’s options for investors.
Singapore Immigration-Complimentarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS)
Singapore will use a new framework to review new employment pass applications called the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) beginning September 1, 2023. This framework assesses the firm and the new hire for employment pass eligibility.
For Singapore to issue an Employment Pass under COMPASS guidelines, candidates for the Employment Pass must score at least 40 points in stage 2. Points can be earned by the individual’s qualifications and skills or by the firm’s attributes.
- Individual new hires may earn points based on their salary compared to local salaries and educational qualifications. Bonus points are awarded for new hires in occupations with worker shortages.
- Firms may earn points for hiring candidates that meet diversity criteria relative to their company’s demographics and for offering high salaries in the local area. Bonus points are awarded to firms that partner with the government for innovation.
On September 1, 2024, employment pass renewals will use this additional stage in Employment Pass evaluations as well.
For further information about how COMPASS works, find out more in our user-friendly guide on Singapore Immigration’s new Complimentarity Assessment Framework.
Singapore Work Pass Cancellation
Your employer will notify Singapore if you are going to leave the country or if your employment will end. You may not work at all in Singapore once your work pass has been canceled, and you may only be in Singapore for a maximum of two weeks once your work pass is canceled.
Work with your employer to arrange transit out of the country. Discuss what kind of allowance you need to get home. Also, discuss any flight arrangements to get you back to your home country. Note that your employer will report the cancellation within one week following your last day of work.
If you need to be in Singapore after your work pass has been canceled or expired, your employer may obtain a special pass on your behalf for the small remainder of your time in Singapore. You will use this document to leave the country within two weeks of your work pass cancellation.
If you have already left the country, your employer will be able to report your departure.
Singapore Permanent Residence (PR) Benefits
If you plan to live and work long-term in Singapore, you will want to consider applying for permanent resident status to access the amazing benefits. These benefits include subsidies for healthcare, education, and housing. You’ll also be able to come and go from Singapore more flexibly.
We’ll offer brief insights into Healthcare, Education, and Housing benefits in this article, but we have more information on Permanent Resident Benefits in this article.
Singapore Permanent Resident Healthcare Benefits
Singapore’s Ministry of Health subsidizes healthcare for citizens and permanent residents. The subsidized healthcare, called MediShield, typically covers inpatient care, selected outpatient procedures, and vaccines.
These subsidies are usually higher for citizens, but permanent residents can also enjoy discounted healthcare.
Permanent residents can enjoy a 25% subsidy on select medications. For more comprehensive medical coverage, residents in Singapore will need to use MediSave to set aside savings or purchase an insurance plan in Singapore for additional coverage.
Singapore Permanent Resident Benefits For Education
Americans with permanent resident status in Singapore will be able to enroll their children in public schools at a reduced cost in Singapore. Singapore assesses school fees and permanent resident status as well as Singapore citizenship status affects eligibility and fees for students.
Also, be aware that some schools in Singapore have a cap on enrollment for Permanent Residents. Children in PR households may apply for certain scholarships if citizenship is the ultimate goal.
Singapore Permanent Resident Benefits For Housing
As a Permanent Resident of Singapore, you will also be eligible for housing schemes through the Housing Development Board. These schemes include rental schemes and eligibility for becoming the owner of HDB flats.
Routes To Permanent Residence (PR) In Singapore
Permanent Resident status is for American citizens and other foreign nationals living in Singapore on a long-term basis. In order to become a PR in Singapore, you must meet the eligibility criteria and apply. Adults will be issued a blue permanent resident card.
Some individuals such as foreign investors in Singapore, elderly parents, or students may be considered eligible for Permanent Residence status in Singapore. Below we have a list of individuals who may be eligible for Permanent Residence:
- Foreign Investors living and investing in Singapore
- Holders of S Passes or Employment Passes
- Students studying in Singapore
- Aged parents of Singapore Citizens
- Spouses of Singapore citizens and permanent residents
- Children under the age of 21 of Singapore citizens and permanent residents
When you apply, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority will consider the following factors before issuing PR status:
- Do you plan to put roots down in Singapore?
- Are you able to contribute to society in Singapore?
- Can you integrate into the society in Singapore?
- Do you have any family ties to Singapore?
- Have you or can you make economic contributions to Singapore?
- What are your qualifications?
- What is your age?
- Family profile
- How long you have lived in Singapore
We offer additional information in our guide to Singapore Permanent Residence (PR) Schemes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Americans will need a visa in order to live and work in Singapore. For starters, Americans wishing to live in Singapore will need an Immigration Visa, available through the country’s immigration and checkpoint authority. Make sure you also get the applicable work permits or passes.
As an experienced international health insurance broker with over 20 years of experience, Pacific Prime has helped both expats and local citizens find health insurance plans that match both their budget range and unique healthcare needs.
Whether you’re an expat wishing to live and work in Singapore or a local Singaporean citizen yourself, our team of specialists will be more than happy to help you out. If you have any further questions, please get in touch with us or get a free quote here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can US citizens live in Singapore?
You can move to Singapore for any reason for 90 days. However, if you wish to stay for longer than 90 days, you must apply for a long-stay visa.
How long can I stay in Singapore without a visa?
You can usually stay in Singapore without a visa for 14-30 days. The allowed duration of your stay depends on the Immigration Officer upon arrival at the Singapore Changi Airport.
How long do I have to wait to get my Singapore immigration visa?
The usual processing time for a Singapore immigration visa is 3-5 working days (note that this doesn’t include the submission day, weekends, and holidays). Additionally, certain applications may also take longer to process.
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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How do American expats typically handle the cost of living in Singapore, and are there any budgeting tips or resources that can help manage expenses?
American expats in Singapore often manage the high cost of living by budgeting carefully for housing, which tends to be the largest expense, and by leveraging local resources such as hawker centers for affordable dining options. They can also reduce costs by choosing public transport over private cars, utilizing employer-sponsored benefits, and comparing utility providers. For additional budgeting tips, tools, and international health insurance plans to safeguard your financial well-being, contact Pacific Prime through our Contact Us page today!
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