Singapore is widely recognized as one of the most business-friendly countries in the world. With its strategic location in Southeast Asia, strong legal framework, efficient infrastructure, and favourable tax regime, Singapore continues to attract companies seeking regional headquarters or expansion into Asia. 

For businesses planning to establish a presence in Singapore, understanding the visa options available to both owners and employees is crucial. It is not unusual for companies to relocate key executives to manage the entry into a new market. 

Visa Types For Business Owners And Employees

1. EntrePass (Entrepreneur Pass)

For: Foreign entrepreneurs looking to start and operate a business in Singapore.

• Eligibility – Innovative or venture-backed businesses in sectors such as technology, biotech, or digital media.
• Requirements – A business plan, and often, endorsement from a recognised incubator or VC.  The business plan must also include a forecast for the employment of Singapore citizens or permanent residents. 
• Renewal Conditions – Based on business performance and local job creation.

Ideal for start-up founders and innovation-driven enterprises.  A holder of an EntrePass can also act as a Director of multiple companies incorporated in Singapore. 

2. Employment Pass (EP)

For: Foreign professionals, managers, and executives.

• Eligibility – Monthly salary of at least SGD $5,000 (higher for older or more experienced applicants), with acceptable qualifications.
• Company Sponsorship – Required.
• Duration – Initially issued for 1–2 years, renewable.
• Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) – Employers must first advertise the job to locals unless exempt.

Best suited for key foreign hires such as general managers, technical leads, and consultants. It is important to note that an individual with an EP may only act as a Director of the company that sponsors their EP.  It is, however, possible to apply to the Ministry of Manpower requesting that the individual be appointed as the director of multiple companies. The key requirement is to show that the companies are directly related.

3. Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)

For: High-calibre professionals across business, tech, science, and academia.

• Eligibility – Monthly salary of at least SGD $30,000, or with outstanding achievements.
• Validity – 5 years.
• Flexibility – Allows holder to work for multiple companies without reapplying for new passes.

Excellent option for top-tier talent or founders planning long-term relocation.  Unlike a EP, you are not sponsored by a specific company, meaning that should you change roles, it is not necessary to apply for a new work visa.  

4. S Pass

For: Mid-skilled workers.

• Eligibility – Monthly salary of at least SGD $3,150 (as of 2025, increases annually), with relevant qualifications.
• Quota System – Employers are subject to a quota and levy.
• Duration – Up to 2 years, renewable.

Useful for companies hiring technicians, supervisors, or skilled tradespeople.

5. Dependant Pass (DP) And Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)

For: Families of EP and S Pass holders.

• Dependant Pass – For legally married spouses and children under 21.
• LTVP – For common-law partners, stepchildren, or parents (if the EP holder earns a sufficient salary).

These passes allow the family to legally reside in Singapore as long as the EP or S Pass remains valid. 

Key Considerations When Hiring Foreign Talent

• Singapore enforces a Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) which ensures fair hiring practices, especially when hiring foreign vs local talent. There a stringent requirements on businesses that seek to hire foreign talent over local talent. 
• There are quota restrictions especially for S Pass and Work Permit holders. The quota system is based on the Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC), which defines the maximum percentage of foreign workers a company can employ relative to its local workforce 
• Companies must stay updated with Ministry of Manpower (MOM) policies.
• Non-residents are taxed differently; holders of a working visa are often regarding as tax residents of Singapore from the date that they arrive in Singapore and are issued their pass. 

Final Thoughts

Singapore’s robust ecosystem makes it an ideal launchpad for regional expansion. However, navigating the immigration and employment landscape requires careful planning. 

Businesses should assess their workforce needs early and consult with immigration professionals or legal advisors when necessary.

By choosing the right visa types and understanding the regulatory framework, companies can ensure a smooth entry into the Singapore market and build a sustainable, talent-rich operation.

Our Managing Director, Boon Tan, has been appointed as one of the Board of Directors of the Australian Chamber of Commerce (AustCham) Singapore.

This milestone reflects his ongoing commitment to strengthening Australia-Singapore business ties and supporting the community across the region. As a board director, he will contribute valuable insights and help foster business relationships between Australia and Singapore.

We are looking forward to the positive impact that our Managing Director, Boon Tan will bring to the AustCham community.

Our Managing Director, Boon Tan together with Ziyan Chong, Kenneth Kwek, Melissa Laurie and Raj Mannar will be part of Aust Cham Singapore’s Business Briefing Series – “From Down Under to Little Red Dot: Tips for AU Businesses Expanding to SG” on June 26, 2025 (3:30 pm – 5:30 pm SGT) for a dynamic panel discussion.

If you are an Aussie who wants to expand your business in Singapore, join us as we discuss the following:

• Tax Talk – How Singapore’s tax system compares to Australia’s, including income tax and GST.
• Hiring Local Talent – Key rules, obligations, and common pitfalls when building a team in Singapore.
• Banking Without Borders – How small businesses can open a Singapore bank account (even from overseas).
• Relocation Essentials – Your options for moving to Singapore with your business – plus what this means for your spouse and family.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from our experts to give you insights, strategies and practical guidance as you expand your business in Singapore with confidence.

Register now and get an early access to our brand-new publication – “Expanding To Singapore: A Guide For Foreign Businesses”.

Registration closes on Monday, 23 June, 5:00PM. If you are having issues registering, please contact events@austcham.org.sg

If you’re an Australian living in the United States, taxes can seem daunting. But knowing whether you’re a resident or nonresident alien—and understanding what that means for your tax situation—is simpler than you think. 

Here’s a straightforward guide to clarify your tax obligations in the U.S.

Who Are You In The Eyes Of The IRS?

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) categorizes people living in the U.S. into two main groups:

• U.S. Persons (citizens, green card holders, or individuals meeting the substantial presence test)
• Foreign Persons (nonresident aliens)

How Do I Know If I’m A Resident Alien?

If you’re not a U.S. citizen but live or work in the U.S., you’re either a resident alien or a nonresident alien for tax purposes. The distinction matters a lot:

• Resident Alien: You’re taxed similarly to a U.S. citizen, meaning you’re required to report and pay taxes on your global income.
• Nonresident Alien: You’re taxed only on income sourced from the U.S.

You become a resident alien if you pass one of two tests:

1. Green Card Test: If you have permanent residency (a “green card”), you’re automatically a resident alien.
2. Substantial Presence Test: If you spend at least 31 days of the current year in the U.S., and a total of 183 days during the past three years (calculated by a special formula), you’re a resident alien.

Certain visas, like student (F, J, M, Q) or teaching visas, have special rules—these days may not count towards residency, at least initially.

Resident Alien Taxes: Reporting Worldwide Income

If you’re a resident alien, you must:

• Declare your global income, including income earned outside the U.S.
• Use standard U.S. tax forms (usually Form 1040 or 1040-SR).

The good news is you may qualify for tax relief through:

• Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (Form 2555): Excludes up to a certain amount of foreign income.
• Foreign Tax Credit (Form 1116): Reduces double taxation by crediting taxes paid to foreign governments.

Key Tax Forms For Resident Aliens

Here are common tax forms you’ll likely encounter:

• Form 1040 or 1040-SR: U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
• Form 4868: Application for Automatic Extension (extends filing, but not payment deadlines)
• Form 2555: Foreign Earned Income Exclusion
• Form 1116: Foreign Tax Credit
• Schedule B, C, D, E: Reporting various income types (interest, business income, capital gains, etc.)
• FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR): Reporting foreign bank accounts
• Form 8938 (FATCA): Reporting specified foreign assets

Nonresident Alien Taxes: Paying Only On U.S. – Sourced Income

As a nonresident alien, your tax obligations differ:

• You only pay taxes on U.S.-sourced income.
• Income is classified as either:
  • Effectively Connected Income (ECI): Tied to active U.S. trade or business, taxed at graduated rates similar to U.S. residents.
  • Non-Effectively Connected Income: Usually taxed at a flat 30% (or lower treaty rate) and includes passive income like dividends and royalties.

Tax Forms For Nonresident Aliens

Nonresident aliens typically file:

• Form 1040-NR: U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return
• Form 8843: For exempt individuals (students or trainees)
• Form W-7: Application for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

When Are My Taxes Due?

• Resident Aliens: Generally due by April 15th each year. Extensions are available until October 15th if requested by April 15th (Form 4868).
• Nonresident Aliens:
  • Employees (subject to withholding): Due April 15th.
  • Others (not employees or without withholding): Due June 15th.
  • Extensions available (also via Form 4868).

Special Situations & Extensions

• Out of the Country? You automatically receive a two-month extension to June 15th if your primary residence or business is outside the U.S. Additional extensions (up to December 15th) are available upon request.

Important: Tax Treaties & Exceptions

Australia and the U.S. have a tax treaty to prevent double taxation. If applicable, you must:

• File Form 8833 to disclose treaty-based positions.
• Understand treaty specifics, which could lower withholding rates and reduce tax burdens.

Penalties And Compliance

Non-filing or late filing can incur penalties and interest charges. Green card holders who do not file tax returns risk losing their U.S. residency status.

It’s critical to stay compliant with all forms and filing deadlines to avoid unnecessary penalties.

Help When You Need It

Navigating the complexities of U.S. taxes as an Australian expat can be challenging – it is highly recommended you seek the services of a qualified CPA who understands expat taxes.