Singapore immigration is popular among international migrants. Living, working, and visiting beautiful places in Singapore is a dream come true for many. They wish to immigrate to Singapore due to its prosperous economy, beautiful destinations, top-notch lifestyle, and low-cost living. You can apply for Singapore immigration for work or to reunite with family members. Your reasons move to Singapore will determine which visa program is suitable for you. You can apply for permanent residency or long-term stay visas. The number of immigrants is increasing each year in Singapore due to its open-door policy. Singapore offers high-level education, low-cost living, and attractive job opportunities to international migrants. Most people from nearby countries move to Singapore. There is different type of visa programs that allow people to immigrate to Singapore. It depends on why you want to move to Singapore. Following are the Singapore visa programs:
- Work-related Immigration
- Family-related Immigration
- Permanent Residency (Pr)
Work-related Immigration
Due to its economy and lifestyle, Singapore is a good choice for skilled immigrants. Singapore offers three types of visas for work.
Entrepreneur Pass
If you want to move to Singapore and start a business there, you can apply for an entrepreneur pass. Entrepreneur Pass allows you to stay in Singapore for 1 year. you may extend the duration. You can also take your dependents after the renewal of the pass. You cannot take them in the first year. Eligibility requirements are mentioned below:
- You should be 21 years old to apply for this pass.
- You should be qualified and experienced.
- Your business should offer local employment.
- You need to get the certification from Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
- If you are starting a new business then you must get funding from accredited VC and corporate with a premier research institution and government-supported incubator. You need to have registered intellectual property.
Employment Pass (EP)
You can apply for an employment pass if you got a job in Singapore. Highly skilled professionals can apply for a vacant job that a Singaporean company is offering if they meet the job requirements. You can stay in Singapore for 2 years after getting Employment Pass. You can extend it for three years. If you switch to another company then that company needs to apply again for Employment Pass. If your job is offering $4000/ month then you can move with your spouse or children to Singapore. If the wage is $8000/ month then you can also bring your parents with you. Following are the requirements for Employment Pass:
- Minimum pay should be $3,300/ month.
- You should be qualified for the post.
- You should have enough experience in the relevant field.
Personalized Employment Pass (PEP)
Personalized Employment Pass is for high-earning professionals. It allows you to shift your jobs without again applying for the pass as it does not belong to one particular employer. You can stay in Singapore for 3 years after getting Personalized Employment Pass. You can stay without any job for 6 months between shifting the jobs. You cannot extend its duration. You can bring your family with you. Minimum pay should be $18,000/ month for visa applications. If you have an Employment Pass then your pay should be $12,000/ month.
S Pass (SP)
S Pass is for less qualified workers to allow them to work in Singapore. You need to have enough qualifications and work experience to apply for S Pass. Minimum pay should be $2,500/ month. You can stay in Singapore for 2 years after getting S Pass and you can extend it for another 3 years. If your job is offering $4000/ month then you can move with your spouse or children to Singapore. The company that is sponsoring you must also provide health insurance.
Family-related Immigration
If you are working in Singapore and have any of the above-mentioned passes then you can apply for visas for your family. You can bring the following members of your family:
- Spouse
- Children
- Parents
Dependent’s Pass (DP)
If you have EP, PEP, SP then you can bring your dependents with you. The company that is sponsoring you needs to apply for a Dependent’s Pass. You can stay in Singapore for 2 years after getting a Dependent’s Pass. You can extend it later on according to the primary applicant’s pass. Your job must offer $4000/ month to bring your dependents. You should have a legal relationship with your partner. Children should be under 21 years old.
Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
EP, PEP, SP holders can apply for their family members’ migration through a Long-Term Visit Pass. The company that is sponsoring you needs to apply for Long-Term Visit Pass. Validity of Long-term Visit Pass is correlated with EP, PEP, SP. If your job is offering $4000/ month then you can move with your spouse or children to Singapore. If the wage is $8000/ month then you can also bring your parents with you.
DP and LTVP for Entrepreneur Pass Holders
You can also take your dependents after the renewal of the Entrepreneur Pass. To bring your spouse and children, you need to invest a minimum of $150,000 and provide a job for 4 locals. You can also take your parents with you if you invest a minimum of $300,000 and provide jobs for 8 locals.
Permanent Residency
You can apply for permanent residency for yourself and the whole family. You can get Singaporean citizenship after getting permanent residency. Different ways can be utilized to obtain permanent residency. It allows you to buy a property and live freely without any restrictions in Singapore. Following are the schemes that you can apply for permanent residency:
PTS Scheme
If you are S Pass or Employment Pass or Entrepreneur Pass holder then you can apply for the PTS scheme to get permanent residency. You must work in Singapore for at least six months to be eligible for this scheme. Your educational background, employment history, current employment status, income tax return history, current employer, and financial background are considered for Permanent Residency.
Global Investor Program
You need to invest at least SGD2.5 million in a business or GIP-approved fund to obtain permanent residency for yourself and your immediate family members. You should have a good business background and history.
Foreign Artistic Talent Scheme
It is for exceptional artistic people who want to get permanent residency in Singapore. This scheme was announced in 1991. You should be a well-known artist in your country and also served in the art and cultural show in Singapore. You must have the required qualifications and training in the relevant art field. The Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and the National Arts Council (NAC) collaborate to issue permanent residency.
The immigration process is complex and We at Abid Nizami Law Associates can help you with that. We have experienced consultants. They can provide any help regarding Singapore Immigration. You can contact us any time.
info@abidassociates.com
