Singapore
Singapore is a leading global destination for professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and families seeking long-term residence and career opportunities in Asia.
Supported by a stable political environment, a strong economy, and a transparent legal system, Singapore offers a range of immigration pathways tailored to different profiles — from short-term business visitors and skilled professionals to investors pursuing permanent residence.
Immigration rules and eligibility criteria in Singapore continue to evolve, particularly in relation to work passes, permanent residence, and investment-based routes. Understanding the available options and planning the right pathway is therefore essential for individuals and organisations considering relocation to Singapore.
Short-term visas in Singapore are typically issued for temporary visits such as tourism, business meetings, or short professional engagements.
- Tourist Visa: Allows visitors from around the world to enjoy Singapore's attractions for 30 to 90 days, depending on the visitor's nationality.
- Business Visa: Facilitates short visits for business purposes like meetings or conferences, tailored for professionals engaging in transient business activities.
- Multiple Journey Visa (MJV): Designed for frequent business travelers, this visa permits multiple entries over an extended period, enhancing convenience for regular visitors.
- Employment Pass (EP): For highly skilled professionals, managers, and executives employed by a Singapore-registered company. The EP is commonly used by foreign professionals relocating to Singapore and may also serve as a pathway toward Permanent Residence over time.
- Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) – Employment Pass route: Certain multinational companies may transfer key personnel to Singapore under intra-company transfer arrangements. These transfers typically apply to managerial, executive, or specialist roles within the same corporate group and are subject to specific eligibility criteria.
- S Pass: Designed for mid-skilled professionals and technical staff employed in sectors such as manufacturing, construction, and services, subject to qualifying salary and quota requirements.
- Work Permit: Issued to semi-skilled workers in approved sectors, including construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, process, and domestic services, under employer sponsorship.
- Personalised Employment Pass (PEP): Available to high-earning professionals seeking greater employment flexibility, allowing holders to change employers without reapplying for a new work pass.
- Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass): Introduced for top-tier global talent, this pass is designed for individuals with exceptional expertise or international recognition and offers enhanced flexibility, including the ability to work across multiple roles or organisations.
Global investor program (GIP): Singapore’s Global Investor Programme offers eligible entrepreneurs, investors, and business families a route to Permanent Residence through qualifying investment activity in Singapore. The programme is designed for individuals with established business or investment credentials who wish to anchor their long-term presence in the country while contributing to its economic ecosystem.
For further guidance on Singapore residency by investment and long-term residence planning, please see our Singapore Residence Programme.
Permanent Residence (PR) in Singapore allows foreign nationals to live, work, and study in Singapore on a long-term basis. PR status is commonly pursued by professionals, investors, and individuals with strong economic or family ties to Singapore and is subject to assessment by the authorities.
Permanent Residents are required to maintain a valid Re-Entry Permit (REP) in order to travel overseas and return to Singapore while retaining PR status. The duration and renewal of an REP are assessed based on individual circumstances and ongoing ties to Singapore.
PR applications and renewals are discretionary, and careful planning is often required to align immigration status with long-term personal or business objectives.
For detailed guidance on eligibility, renewals, re-entry permits, and investment-based residence options, please see our Singapore Residence Programme.
There may be various ways in which citizenship can be obtained depending on the circumstances. Please reach out to Hudson McKenzie for an assessment to determine the best route.
Consular services such as notarization, apostille, legalization, translations, and general consultations.
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