US Citizens’ Guide to Singapore Visas and Permanent Residency
US citizens can stay long-term in Singapore with visas, typically approved based on employment, investment, or family ties. Most American expats secure a work pass, such as the Employment Pass or S Pass, before later applying for permanent residence to stay indefinitely and access local benefits.
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To work legally in Singapore, a US citizen must apply for the correct permit through the Ministry of Manpower, while all immigration visas are issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority.
After spending sufficient time in the country on an eligible pass, Americans may qualify to apply for permanent residence, unlocking access to subsidized healthcare, education options, and housing programs, while also allowing flexibility to remain insured internationally.
Singapore Visa Rules & Entry Requirements for US Citizens
Americans who would like to live in Singapore must have an immigration visa. To obtain one, apply through Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints 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 to enter 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.
The following are the passes available for American citizens to be eligible to work in Singapore:
- 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. Employment Pass for Skilled US Professionals
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.
To qualify for Singapore’s Employment Pass, you must earn at least SGD $5,600 (USD $4,315) per month in the non-financial sector and SGD $6,200 (USD $4,780) in the financial sector. These numbers increase progressively with age. Those earning less can consider an S Pass.
Find out more about Singapore’s Employment Pass in this article.
Personalized Employment Pass for High-Earners
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. S Pass for Mid-Level US Employees
For American citizens 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 $3,800 (USD $2,930) per month as financial service workers and SGD $3,300 (USD $2,545) as workers in other sectors.
This is one type of Work Pass that allows family members, such as spouses and dependent children, to obtain Dependent Passes easily.
3. Dependent Pass for Spouses & Kids of US Expats
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. Long-Term Visit Pass for Eligible US Family Members
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 a paternal relationship with the employment pass holder. The following are brief explanations of 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. EntrePass for US Entrepreneurs & Startup Founders
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. Investor Visa & Pathway to PR via GIP Program
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.
COMPASS Framework: EP Points System & Criteria
Singapore has been using the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) to review new employment pass applications since 2023. It is a point-based system in which applicants must score at least 40 points.
Points can be earned by an individual’s qualifications and skills or by the firm’s attributes, as explained below.
- Individual 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.
- Firm-related attributes: 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.
For renewals, Singapore now applies the COMPASS framework to assess Employment Pass eligibility as well.
For further information about how COMPASS works, find out more in our user-friendly guide on Singapore Immigration’s new Complementarity Assessment Framework.
Canceling Work Visas & Exit Rules in Singapore
Your employer will notify Singapore if you are leaving the country or if your employment is ending within one week following your last day of work. Once your work pass is canceled, you are not permitted to work in Singapore and may only stay for a maximum of two weeks.
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.
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.
The Advantages of Singapore Permanent Residency for US Expats
If you plan to live and work long-term in Singapore, you will want to consider applying for permanent resident status to access the wonderful benefits, including 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.
Healthcare Benefits for Singapore PRs
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.
Education Support for PR-Status Families
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, which 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.
Housing Eligibility for PRs in Singapore
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.
Eligibility Routes to Permanent Residency for US Citizens
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, students, and artists, may be considered eligible for Permanent Residence status in Singapore. Below we have a list of individuals who may be eligible for Permanent Residence:
- Family: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of citizens or PRs
- Parents: Aged 60+ of citizens aged 21 or older
- Work Pass Holders: EP, S Pass, Personalized EP, or EntrePass holders with 6+ months of local work; prioritized by skills, salary, age, and qualifications
- Students: Studied 3+ years in Singapore (≥1 year as PR), passed national exams, or are in the Integrated Programme
- Investors: High-net-worth individuals under the Global Investor Programme (GIP)
- Artists & Cultural Contributors: Proven achievements under the ForArts scheme with plans to engage locally
When you apply, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority will consider the following questions and factors before issuing PR status:
- Do you plan to put down roots 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 have you lived in Singapore
We offer additional information in our guide to Singapore Permanent Residence (PR) Schemes.
FAQs for Americans Relocating to Singapore
How long can an American citizen stay 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 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.
How much does it cost for an American to live in Singapore?
For an American living in Singapore typically costs between USD $1,160 and $4,260 per month, depending on household size and lifestyle. Housing, food, transport, and healthcare are major expenses, making Singapore one of Asia’s most expensive cities.
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 25 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.
With her background as an avid traveler and as an exchange student in Spain, Palida values the benefits of insurance and understands the frustrations that may come with making the best decisions for your health and safety in an unknown environment. Here at Pacific Prime, she aspires to create content that will help expats and travelers understand international health insurance with ease.
In her spare time, Palida enjoys reading short stories as much as binging on sitcoms. She is also a self-proclaimed "foodie" with the goal of trying as many cuisines from all over the world as possible. Combining her passion for writing with her love for food, she is an aspiring Google Local Guide reviewer.
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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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