In order to visit Singapore, you must meet the following
requirements:
- Valid passport ( your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months)
- Onward/return ticket
- Entry permit for your next destination (if applicable)
- Sufficient funds for your stay in Singapore
- Singaporean visa (if applicable)
If you are staying for less than 3 months, citizens of certain countries (for
example Morocco, Somalia & Russia) will need to apply for a visa. Citizens
of many other countries such as the United Kingdom, France and Canada can enter
Singapore and stay for up to 3 months without one. In all cases, stays
of more than 3 months require a visa; the type of visa depending on the
reason for your stay.
The various types of visas are:
Training Visa Pass
This is for those wishing to train in Singapore, and as such is required by
students from universities in other countries, qualified personnel and people
with a revenue of at least S$2500 working in management or any other specialised
area.
- Professional Visit Pass
A Professional Visit Pass is required if the period of work is very short.
Artists, singers and dancers are among those who may be requiring this.
Work Permit/Employment Pass
Required for those who will be working for a longer period of time.A Work Permit is generally given to low revenue workers (those earning less than S$1600 a month), such as construction workers, maids etc.
- EMPLOYMENT PASS (P Category)
This is for professionals or entrepreneurs in particular domains such as management
or administration. Workers who will be earning (per month) between S$3 500 and S$7 000
will need a P2 pass, and those earning over S$7 000 will require a P1 pass.
P passes are valid for an initial 2 years, and renewable every 3 years thereafter.
- EMPLOYMENT PASS (Q Category)
Qualified workers who can prove that they have special skills ( e.g. baker
or jeweller) can ask for a Q1 pass as long as they will be earning a minimum
monthly salary of S$2 000
- EMPLOYMENT PASS (S Category)
These are for workers and technicians (qualification is evaluated using a
points system) with a revenue of at least S$1800 a month.
- DEPENDANT PASS
Families (spouse and children under 21) of workers holding a P1, P2 or Q1
require dependant passes to stay in Singapore . They don't have an automatic
right to work, but may ask if they wish.
Grand-parents can apply for a Long-Term Social Visit Pass.
Whatever category applies to you, you will have to go through the Ministry of Manpower. There is a whole lot of paperwork involved (and is all done in English, the language of administration in Singapore ), as well as a lot of queuing and waiting around. Luckily, it is usually the employer who takes care of this side of things. You/your employer will also have to prove that no Singaporean can do the job that you are applying for. It goes without saying that you will need a proper contract.
If you are re-entering Singapore to work, you will need a re-entry Permit.
Two very important websites for you to go to are listed below:
Immigration and Checkpoints Authority:
http://app.ica.gov.sg/travellers/index.asp
Ministry of Manpower:
www.mom.gov.sg
And also:
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