Various Visas for relocating to Singapore
Singapore, as Asia's financial and innovation hub, is renowned globally for its robust legal environment and open business policies. Against the backdrop of escalating global geopolitical instability and economic uncertainty, an increasing number of Chinese companies are viewing Singapore as a strategic hub for expanding into Southeast Asia. Overseas expansion involves not only the cross-border transfer of products and services but also the movement of senior management teams. To this end, Singapore offers diverse visa and support programs for entrepreneurs at different stages of their overseas expansion, attracting foreign talent and supporting business development.
01
Employment Pass (EP)
The Employment Pass (EP) is primarily for foreign professionals, managers, and senior executives employed by Singaporean companies. It can be understood as a high-level work visa for foreign skilled white-collar workers. Chinese entrepreneurs or business owners preparing to go overseas can also obtain an EP by establishing a Singapore private limited company and appointing themselves as a director or senior executive within that entity, thus enabling them to conduct business in Singapore.
Companies registered in Singapore must meet essential requirements, including having an operating address, a bank account, and a local executive secretary, and must demonstrate genuine business activities through company financial statements. Setting up a shell company to obtain an Employment Pass (EP) is illegal and will cause problems during EP renewal. The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) of Singapore will take measures such as company deregistration and pursuing legal action against such behavior.
Whether you are self-employed or employed by another company, the application requirements for an EP are the same.
02
Top-Tier Professional Pass (Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass ONE Pass)
ONE Pass is a personalized work pass launched by Singapore's Ministry of Manpower in January 2023, designed to attract top global talent. Unlike the EP (Employment Pass), this pass is not tied to an employer, allowing holders to freely change jobs in Singapore, work for multiple companies simultaneously, or start their own businesses.
Applicants need to have a fixed pre-tax monthly salary of at least S$30,000 in their country of origin over the past year, or an equivalent monthly salary in a company in Singapore.
Even if you do not meet the above criteria, but have outstanding achievements in fields such as business, sports, arts, culture, or academic research, you may still have a chance to apply. Relevant Singaporean agencies will conduct a comprehensive assessment of each applicant's professional background and key achievements.
Similar to the EP, ONE Pass holders can apply for DP or LTVP for their family members.
03
EntrePass
The EntrePass is a pass specifically designed for outstanding foreign entrepreneurs, top innovators, or seasoned investors who wish to start a business and settle in Singapore. The EntrePass is part of Singapore's efforts to become a global business hub, aiming to attract top business leaders and innovative talent from around the world.
EntrePass is open to people of all nationalities, but the application requirements are very strict. Applicants must have already established or intend to establish a private limited company in Singapore that is backed by venture capital or possesses innovative technology.
04
Technology Pass (Tech.Pass)
Tech.Pass, launched by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), aims to attract top executives and experts in the global technology sector. Applicants can be employees of Singaporean companies, or they can start a business, invest, or serve as a director in Singapore. Applicants only need to meet two of the following three conditions to apply for a Tech.Pass.
