Singapore, a city-state that has gone from being a modest trading port to one of the world’s leading financial centres, is known for its safety, innovation and multiculturalism. In 2025 it remains one of the most sought-after destinations for professionals, business owners and travellers.
Among the many people who have decided to move to Singapore, one notable case is Eduardo Saverin, co-founder of Facebook, who renounced his US citizenship and settled in the city. His choice was driven by the low tax burden and the business environment the country offers (CNA Luxury).
Another example is the British inventor James Dyson, who moved part of his commercial operation to Singapore and acquired multimillion-pound properties in Marina Bay (The Guardian). The Singaporean actress Yvonne Lim also returned to the country with her family after living in Taipei, motivated by the quality of education and by safety (8days.sg).
Types of Singapore visa in 2025
1. Tourist visa
- Permitted stay: up to 30 or 90 days, depending on nationality.
- Visa exemption: citizens of the EU, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Japan, among others, do not need a visa for short stays.
- Mandatory: complete the SG Arrival Card online within the 3 days before arrival (ICA Singapore).
Documents required:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Onward or return ticket.
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or letter of invitation).
- Sufficient funds for the stay.
2. Business Visa
- Duration: 30 days, extendable.
- Purpose: meetings, trade fairs, business events, market exploration.
- Visa required: depends on the country of origin; many countries are exempt but must declare the purpose of the trip.
Additional requirements:
- Letter of invitation from a company in Singapore.
- Letter from the applicant’s company stating the purpose of the trip.
- Travel itinerary.
- Proof of accommodation and flight bookings.
3. Employment Pass (EP)
- For: qualified professionals with a job offer in Singapore.
- Minimum salary: SGD 5,000 a month (higher for the financial sector and for applicants over 40).
- Duration: 1 to 3 years, renewable.
- Assessment: since September 2023 the COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework) system has been used to measure the applicant’s suitability.
Requirements:
- University degree or equivalent professional experience.
- Employment contract with a company registered in Singapore.
- Up-to-date curriculum vitae.
- Academic and professional certificates.
- Completed EP eApplication form (submitted by the employer).
4. EntrePass (visa for entrepreneurs)
- For: founders of innovative start-ups in key sectors such as technology, sustainability, biotech and so on.
- Key requirements::
- Incorporate a company in Singapore (this can be done after initial approval).
- Have an innovative, scalable idea.
- Submit a solid business plan.
- Own 30% or more of the company.
- Initial duration: 1 year, renewable if business criteria are met.
Added value: allows you to bring family members (spouse and children) on a Dependant’s Pass if minimum income requirements are met.
5. eVisa (electronic visa)
- Available to: citizens of countries that require a visa (such as India, China and Russia, among others).
- Processing: online, through the official portal or accredited agencies.
- Processing time: 3 to 10 working days.
Documents required::
Payment of fees (approximately SGD 30).
Scanned passport.
Passport-size photograph.
Travel itinerary.
Letter of invitation or accommodation booking.
Comparison table of Singapore visas in 2025
| Visa type | Duration | Intended for | Key requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourism | Up to 90 days | Tourists from exempt countries | Valid passport, SG Arrival Card, proof of funds | No work permit |
| Business | Up to 30 days | Executives, business owners | Letter of invitation, company letter, flight and hotel bookings | Does not allow employment |
| Employment Pass | 1–3 years | Qualified professionals | Contract, salary ≥ SGD 5,000, qualifications, COMPASS system | Renewable |
| EntrePass | Initial: 1 year | Entrepreneurs with start-ups | Business plan, company registered in Singapore, shareholding ≥ 30% | Requires prior approval |
| eVisa | Up to 30 days | Citizens of countries requiring a visa | Online form, passport, photo, itinerary, letter of invitation (optional) | Digital processing |
| S Pass | 1–2 years | Technicians and mid-skilled workers | Salary ≥ SGD 3,150, technical diploma, job offer | Employer quotas apply |
| Work Holiday Pass | Up to 6 months | Students and recent graduates | Aged 18–25, enrolled or recently graduated, nationality of eligible countries | Limited places |
General requirements for any Singapore visa application
Whatever the type of visa, there are a number of common general requirements that apply to most applications:
1. Passport validity
It must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Singapore.
2. Supporting documentation
This may include:
- Accommodation booking.
- Travel itinerary or letter of invitation.
- Onward or return ticket.
- Recent bank statements demonstrating solvency.
- International travel insurance (recommended, but not compulsory).
3. Application form
Each type of visa has its own form. In general:
- The form is completed online.
- A digital signature may be required.
- In some cases, sponsorship by a local entity is needed.
4. Recent photograph
Passport size, white background, no accessories obscuring the face. We recommend one taken in the last 3 months.
5. Payment of fees
This varies according to the visa:
- Tourism: generally free if no visa is required.
- EP: SGD 105 plus SGD 225 on issue.
- EntrePass: SGD 105 plus SGD 225 on issue.
- eVisa: approximately SGD 30.
6. Letter of support (where applicable)
- For work visas: letter from the employer.
- For business: letter from the host company.
- For extended tourist stays: letter of invitation from a resident.
Table of general requirements for a Singapore visa application (2025)
| Requirement | Description | Applies to all visas? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valid passport | Valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry | ✔️ Yes | This is the first requirement to be checked |
| Application form | Specific online form for each type of visa | ✔️ Yes | Must be correctly completed and signed |
| Recent photograph | Passport size, white background, no dark glasses | ✔️ Yes | Must have been taken in the last 3 months |
| Proof of accommodation | Hotel booking or letter of invitation from a local resident | ✔️ Yes (except renewals) | Needed to demonstrate where you will stay |
| Onward or return ticket | Copy of the booking for the flight out of Singapore | ✔️ Yes | May be required at the border |
| Proof of sufficient funds | Bank statements or evidence of income | ✔️ Yes | Suggested amount: SGD 100 per day of stay |
| Letter of invitation | Document issued by a company or person resident in Singapore | ✖️ Some visas only | Compulsory for business and work visas and some eVisas |
| Employment contract or offer | Formal letter of employment issued by the hiring company | ✖️ Work visas only | Employment Pass, S Pass, EntrePass |
| Academic degrees and certificates | Copy of diplomas or official certificates, translated if in another language | ✖️ Work visas only | A sworn translation into English may be required |
| Business plan | Business proposal with projections, investment and legal structure | ✖️ EntrePass only | Assessed by Startup SG or Enterprise Singapore |
| Travel medical insurance | Health cover during the stay | ✖️ Recommended | Not compulsory, but strongly advisable |
| Payment of fees | Depending on the visa: tourism (free), eVisa (~SGD 30), EP/EntrePass (up to SGD 330) | ✔️ Yes | Must be paid when the application is submitted |
Reasons to live in Singapore in 2025
More and more professionals, business owners, expatriates and even families are choosing Singapore as their new home. The reasons go well beyond tax benefits or financial appeal. Here is why Singapore ranks as one of the most desirable places to live:
“Singapore shows that the size of a country does not limit its greatness where there is vision, discipline and openness to the world.”
— Lee Kuan Yew, founding prime minister of Singapore
1. Political stability and public safety
Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world. According to the Numbeo Safety Index 2024, it has one of the lowest crime rates globally. The laws are strict and enforcement is rigorous, which creates an atmosphere of order, civic-mindedness and calm. You can walk at night through almost any neighbourhood without concern.
It also enjoys considerable political stability: the country is predictable in terms of economic and social policy, which makes it an ideal place to settle for the long term.
2. An attractive business environment
With one of the most competitive tax systems in the world (corporation tax is 17%, and there is no tax on dividends or capital gains), Singapore is a genuine haven for entrepreneurs, start-ups and multinationals.
It ranks highly in international league tables such as the World Bank’s Doing Business and the WEF Global Competitiveness Index. It is also home to more than 7,000 multinational companies, particularly in technology, finance, biotechnology and trade.
This environment has led figures such as Eduardo Saverin (Facebook) and James Dyson to move their residence to the country.
3. An elite education system
Singapore’s education system is recognised worldwide for its excellence, especially in mathematics and science. Institutions such as the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) are among the best universities in the world according to the QS Ranking 2024.
There are also numerous international schools teaching in English, French, German and other languages, which makes it easier for expatriate families to settle in.
4. Modern infrastructure and efficient transport
Singapore stands out for its urban planning and its public transport system. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is clean, punctual and safe, and connects the whole city. The government’s digital services (GovTech) allow almost every procedure to be completed online, from renewing visas to registering a company.
Healthcare infrastructure is also first class, with public and private hospitals recognised across Asia for their quality and technology.
5. Multicultural quality of life and a healthy lifestyle
With a diverse population combining Chinese, Indian, Malay and Western cultures, Singapore offers a cosmopolitan, multilingual and very tolerant way of life. English is one of the official languages, which makes integration easier for expatriates.
It is also a green city: urban parks such as Gardens by the Bay and the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve encourage a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. The government promotes sport, recycling and zero-emission transport.
Step-by-step process for applying for your visa
Applying for a Singapore visa is not complicated, but it does require following a precise series of steps depending on the visa you need. Below we set out the general process, which applies to most visas: tourist, business, eVisa, Employment Pass and EntrePass.
Step 1: Determine the right type of visa for your case
Before starting any procedure, identify the visa you need. This will depend on:
- Your nationality
- The purpose of your trip (tourism, business, employment, study, investment)
- The length of your stay
- Whether you are travelling independently or through a sponsoring company
Tip: check the official portal of the ICA (Immigration & Checkpoints Authority) to confirm whether you need a visa and which type applies to your situation: https://www.ica.gov.sg
Step 2: Gather all the necessary documents
The documents vary according to the type of visa, but the most common include:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Recent photograph in digital format (passport size)
- Completed application form
- Onward or return ticket
- Proof of accommodation in Singapore
- Sufficient funds or a letter of sponsorship
- Additional documentation for work or business visas:
- Employment contract
- Business letter of invitation
- Business plan (EntrePass)
Tip: if your documents are in a language other than English, you will probably need a sworn translation..
Step 3: Submit the application online or through an authorised agency
Depending on the type of visa, there are two main ways to apply:
- For tourist and business visas: through a travel agency or an authorised local sponsor (you cannot apply directly).
- For electronic visas (eVisa): from the ICA portal or through an accredited agency.
- For work visas (EP, S Pass, EntrePass): the application must be submitted by the employing company through the EP Online.
Tip: make sure you pay the relevant fees at the time of application. These range from SGD 30 to SGD 330 depending on the type of visa.
Step 4: Wait for approval
Processing times vary:
- eVisa and tourist visa: 3 to 10 working days
- Employment Pass and EntrePass: 3 to 8 weeks
- S Pass: approximately 3 weeks
You will receive an email notification with the approval, or with further instructions if additional documents are needed.
Step 5: Print your visa or get ready to collect it
Once it has been approved:
- If it is an electronic visa, you will need to print the document and present it on arrival in Singapore.
- If it is a work visa, you will be told where and when to collect your official pass (Employment Pass Card) once you have entered the country.
Remember to take all the physical documentation with you when you travel, even if your visa is electronic.
| Step | Action | Key details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Determine the right type of visa | Assess your nationality, the purpose of the trip (tourism, business, work, entrepreneurship) and its length. |
| 2 | Gather all the necessary documents | Passport, photo, form, proof of funds, accommodation, tickets and documents specific to the visa. |
| 3 | Submit the application online or through an agency | EP and EntrePass via the company; eVisa and tourism through a sponsor or accredited agency. |
| 4 | Wait for visa approval | From 3 days to 8 weeks. The ICA may request additional documents during the review. |
| 5 | Print your visa or get ready to collect it | Take printed copies and all your documents to show at immigration control. |
Points for companies operating in Singapore or relocating employees there
If your company is planning international expansion or needs to send employees to Singapore for work, it is essential to understand not only the appropriate visa types but also the legal and logistical requirements of the country’s business environment. Here are the key points companies need to bear in mind:
1. Legal registration of the company in Singapore
Before it can hire foreign employees, the company has to be registered in Singapore with ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority). The most common forms of establishment are:
- Subsidiary
- Foreign branch
- Representative office (for market research, with no direct commercial activity)
Once registered, the company can apply for specific licences and open local bank accounts.
2. Applying for visas on behalf of employees
Companies are responsible for processing work visas such as the Employment Pass (EP) and the S Pass. They have to submit the application through the EP Online system of the Ministry of Manpower (MOM):
- The application includes the employee’s contract, salary, academic background and employment history.
- Since 2023 the COMPASSsystem has applied, assessing factors such as nationality, level of education, industry and workforce diversity.
Tip: if your company wants to send several employees at once, you can apply for “Trusted Employer” status, which speeds up the process.
3. Employer obligations in Singapore
Hiring foreign workers involves certain legal obligations:
- Paying the fee for each visa issued (SGD 225–330).
- Taking out compulsory medical insurance for each foreign employee.
- Making sure the minimum salary meets the requirements of the visa type.
- Renewing permits before they expire.
- In some cases, complying with maximum quotas of foreign workers by sector.
4. Translation of documents and certificates
All documentation submitted to the Singapore authorities must be in English or accompanied by an official translation. This includes degrees, contracts, certificates and legal documents.
At Alos Soluciones Lingüísticas we can help you with the certified, professional translation of all these documents so that you meet the immigration requirements.
If your company operates in Spanish or other languages, it is important to work with a certified provider of legal or technical translations.
5. Cultural adaptation and language training
To make sure a professional relocation succeeds, we recommend:
- Offering language training in English and/or Mandarin to relocated employees.
- Providing cultural adaptation programmes to help them understand business etiquette in Singapore, which tends to be hierarchical, efficient and results-driven.
- Supporting families, particularly with schooling and housing.
Your ally for making the move to Singapore
Applying for a Singapore visa in 2025, whether for work, business or personal reasons, calls not only for documentary preparation but also for the right language support. From contracts and academic qualifications to business plans, many documents have to be in English and officially translated in order to be accepted by the Singaporean authorities.
At Alos Soluciones Lingüísticas we offer professional certified translation of all the documents required for your visa application, with a guarantee of accuracy and legal compliance. And if your company needs to prepare its team to work or set up in an English-speaking environment such as Singapore, we run specialist courses in professional and business English, tailored to different sectors and levels.
Trust us to support you through this process with complete language solutions that will smooth your path to success internationally.
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