Singapore: Visa and immigration

Do I need a visa and/or work permit?

UK nationals wanting to work in Singapore need an Employment Pass (EP). Before applying for an EP you must have secured a firm job offer. For more information about the three categories of employment pass (P1 Pass, P2 Pass, Q1 Pass - for foreign professionals) and the S Pass (for mid-level skilled workers such as technicians), visit the Ministry of Manpower (MOM)  website.

If you want to spend time in Singapore looking for a job, you can apply for the Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate (EPEC). Once your application for an EPEC has been successful, you should then apply for a one-year Visit Pass to allow you to remain in Singapore. The EPEC is issued on a one-time basis and is strictly non-renewable. 

How do I apply for a visa and/or work permit?

A local sponsor - your employer in most cases - is required to apply for the Employment Pass on your behalf. To be eligible, you must receive a fixed monthly salary of at least S$3,000 for the Q1 pass, S$4,500 for the P2 pass and S$8,000 for the P1 pass.

To be considered for an Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate (EPEC), you must possess university qualifications from an approved list of international universities or hold a skilled migrant visa. Check the list of approved universities on the MOM website. All EPEC applications must be submitted online via the MOM website.

If you are not a UK national, contact the Singaporean embassy in the country where you are currently residing about how to obtain visas and work permits. If you are living in the UK, go to the Singaporean Embassy  website.

You might also find it helpful to contact your ministry of foreign affairs (or your own embassy if you are not living in your home country) to ask whether there are any issues to be taken into account when considering working in Singapore.

How do I apply for permanent residency?

UK nationals can become Singapore Permanent Residents (SPRs) by obtaining an Entry Permit. You must be a P, Q or S Work Pass holder to apply for permanent residency. For more information and to download application forms, go to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)  website.