Singapore’s quality of life, safety, cleanliness, and almost zero tolerance for corruption make this country the most preferred destination for work, lifestyles, and business. Before you travel to Singapore, you must understand which types of business visa, passes and permits for employment are available and what you need to be eligible for them.
A copy of the personal particulars page of your passport
Copy of past Employment testimonials in English. (References and testimonials of current and former colleagues)
A business plan of 10 pages or less stating the applicant’s employment history, skills and experiences, academic qualifications and professional achievements.
The business plan must convey the product and services offered, financial plans and market analysis, and legal documents such as product certifications and licensing agreements
Associated documents such as licenses, product certifications (for IP), and recommendations
The EntrePass Singapore Business Visa is valid for a year and can be renewed annually.
Renewing The EntrePass
You must prove that your business has grown at the end of the first year before you can be granted an EntrePass renewal for the 2nd year.
If you don’t meet the renewal conditions, you will be given an extension on your EntrePass for 1 year. Post this all your renewals will be for 2 years each.
Although you can apply for an EntrePass extension within 3 months from the date of expiry, the time taken to process your application could run for 7 weeks.
Weekends and public holidays will not be counted as working days for the purpose of calculating the above periods.
Application Process
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requires that you follow all the steps below for your EntrePass renewal application:
Submit the EntrePass application supported by all necessary documents
Once the application is successful, the MOM will hand you an in-principle approval letter
You must collect the EntrePass before 6 months from the in-principle letter receipt date
Your fingerprint and photograph will be recorded
Delivery of the EntrePass will take place at the address you mention in your application
Singapore EntrePass Processing Time
It takes 3 to 5 working days after your visa application has been submitted by your accredited Visa Agent.
Submit your documents to an Authorised Visa Agent only. It is the agent who will submit documents to the Singapore High Commission online.
Notes for Photograph Uploads
Taken within the last 3 months
No blurs with face in focus. Size: 35mm by 45mm, not counting borders
Photo to be in color and shot against a clear white background and should be well-lit
Photo to show your entire face with the upper shoulders visible. Keep your eyes open and face in front of the camera.
No part of your hair must cover the eyes of the brows
Uniform exposure to light
If you wear specs, the frames should not cover your eyes
Your spectacle lenses should not show glare or reflections
Factors that Could Lead to Delays/Rejections
Incomplete forms and documents submitted may result in the application being rejected or getting delayed.
Applications and the duration of the visa granted, will be processed on their own merits subject to final approval.
Even if you have a Singapore visa your entry into the country is not guaranteed. The Immigration Checkpoints Authority (ICA) can make individual rejections at airports or ports at sea. You must additionally have an unexpired passport, minimum funds to pay for your stay along with confirmed onward/return air tickets.
The running date of your visa begins from the day you seek entry into Singapore. How long you can stay is decided by ICA officers on duty.
Your Singapore visa does not guarantee immigration to Singapore. It lets you visit, and be eligible to enter Singapore. Your immigration pass is subject to approval by the ICA personnel when you reach a port of entry.
How long you can stay is mentioned on the visit pass endorsement on your passport. This is not the same as your visa’s validity.
Applying for Permanent Residence Status in Singapore
The Singapore Permanent Residence (PR) is a perpetual visa that allows foreign experts, certain categories of investors, and families of Singapore citizens or PRs to stay or find a job without worrying about the expiry of their being there.
However, being a Singaporean Permanent Resident also comes with duties. Sons who are also Singapore PRs must enroll in the military by the time they are 16.5 years old and mandatorily serve for two years till the age of 18.
They must also participate in 40 days of Operationally Ready National Service annually until they reach the age of 50 or 40, depending on their ranks.
