Singapore
Republic of Singapore · Capital: Singapore
Singapore pairs a world-class business environment with a selective, points-driven work-pass system (COMPASS). The Employment Pass targets professionals above rising salary floors, Tech.Pass courts senior technology leaders, and low taxes plus safety make it Asia's premier hub for global talent.
Migration statistics
Who is arriving
Top source countries and the make-up of recent arrivals into Singapore.
Policy overview
7 visa routes into Singapore
Eligibility, fees, processing times and whether each route leads to permanent residence.
Employment Pass
SkilledEP
Singapore's main professional work pass, allocated via the COMPASS points framework above a rising salary floor.
Eligibility
- Job offer in a professional/managerial role
- At least S$5,600 a month (financial services S$6,200), rising to S$6,000 (S$6,600) for new applications from 1 January 2027
- Pass the COMPASS points test
- Recognised qualifications
Document checklist (11 items)
Core
Professional
Background
Tech.Pass
TalentTech.Pass
A self-sponsored pass for established tech leaders. New applications close on 27 January 2027, when it is replaced by the ONE Pass (AI and Tech) track.
Eligibility
- Fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500 in the last year
- 5 years in a leading role at a tech company valued at US$500M+ or with US$30M+ funding, or a large tech VC firm
Document checklist (8 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
EntrePass
EntrepreneurEntrePass
For founders starting and operating a venture-backed or innovative business in Singapore.
Eligibility
- Funded, innovative or incubated business
- Active operational role
- Meets one of the entrepreneur, innovator or investor criteria (no minimum paid-up capital)
Document checklist (9 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
ONE Pass
A five-year personalised pass for top earners and leaders across business, arts, science and sport.
Eligibility
- Fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000, or
- Outstanding achievement in arts, sports, science or academia
Document checklist (8 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
Permanent Residence
Permanent residencyPR
Pass-holders may apply for PR, gaining long-term residence, CPF access and greater job mobility.
Eligibility
- Held an eligible pass
- Stable employment and contribution
- Successful PTS assessment
Document checklist (8 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
Student Pass
StudentSG-STP
Study at an accredited institution, usually with limited work rights and a post-study route.
Eligibility
- Acceptance from an approved institution
- Proof of funds for tuition + living costs
- Health cover
Document checklist (9 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
Dependant's / LTVP
FamilySG-DP
Join a spouse, partner or close family member who is a citizen or resident.
Eligibility
- Genuine relationship to a citizen/resident
- Sponsor meets income/housing rules
- Relationship evidence
Document checklist (9 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
Economic context
The numbers behind the move
Pay reflects the local market in Singapore, what you'd typically earn there, not your current salary.
Skill shortages
Sectors actively recruiting from abroad
Where Singapore needs foreign talent most, and what those roles pay.
Technology
A regional tech HQ hub with deep, persistent engineering demand.
Finance & fintech
A leading Asian financial centre competes for finance talent.
Biomedical & pharma
Biopolis and pharma manufacturing recruit researchers globally.
Advanced manufacturing
Wafer-fab and precision manufacturing need engineers.
Recent changes
What's changed lately
Recent policy changes that affect migrants, newest first.
No policy changes recorded in the last 90 days. The intelligence agent is monitoring.
Quality of life
What living there feels like
Central Region (CBD/Orchard)
Global finance hubThe financial and shopping core, ultra-convenient and safe, with the highest rents.
- Cost index
- 95
- 1-bed rent
- $3,000
- Quality
- 85
East Coast (Katong/Bedok)
Beachside & foodA beloved residential east-side near the beach and airport, strong on food and family life.
- Cost index
- 82
- 1-bed rent
- $2,400
- Quality
- 86
Queenstown / West
Near universities & techMature, green estates near NUS and the one-north tech and research cluster.
- Cost index
- 84
- 1-bed rent
- $2,500
- Quality
- 85
Woodlands / North
Affordable & spaciousMore spacious and affordable family neighbourhoods near Malaysia and nature reserves.
- Cost index
- 70
- 1-bed rent
- $1,900
- Quality
- 82
Living essentials
The practical day-to-day of settling in Singapore.
World-class but costly; insurance strongly advised for expats.
Top public schools (competitive) and many premium international schools.
Among the world's most expensive, housing and cars especially.
Among the fastest on earth.
Hot and humid year-round, equatorial.
Safety & climate
The reception you can expect
How welcoming the public and political mood is, how safe it is, and how geopolitically stable the country is right now.
Anti-migrant sentiment
trendVery stable and orderly; some local sensitivity over competition for jobs.
Higher = more hostile public/political climate.
Geopolitical stability
A composite of governance, security and regional-risk signals. Higher means a more predictable environment for settling long term.
Higher = more stable.
Safety
Exceptionally safe; strict laws strictly enforced.
Higher = safer (crime index 9/100).
Where to live
Which Singapore city fits you?
Cities matched to who you are, career, family, retirement, study or remote work. We flag the ones to consider and the ones to approach with care.
East Coast (Katong/Bedok)
Relaxed seaside east
A beloved residential east-side near the beach and airport, strong on food and family life.
Central Region (CBD/Orchard)
Vertical city core
The financial and shopping core, ultra-convenient and safe, with the highest rents.
Queenstown / West
Green and central
Mature, green estates near NUS and the one-north tech and research cluster.
Woodlands / North
Suburban family belt
More spacious and affordable family neighbourhoods near Malaysia and nature reserves.
Get expert help
Immigration solicitors for Singapore
Vetted partners who specialise in these routes. Premium partners appear first.
No partner solicitors listed for Singapore yet. Become a partner →
Keep exploring