Boon Tan | | 4 min read
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.
