Singapore work visas for American citizens

Main work pass for foreign professionals, managers, executives, and specialists.

Processing time

3-8 weeks

Validity

2 years initially, renewable for 3 years

Government fees

SGD $105 application + SGD $225 issuance

Requirements

• Job offer from Singapore employer
• Minimum monthly salary of SGD $5,000 (higher for older candidates)
• Pass the COMPASS points assessment (from Sep 2023). A degree or professional qualification earns points but is not required if the other criteria reach 40 points

Documents you will need

• Valid passport: With adequate validity
• Educational certificates: Degree transcripts and certificates
• Employment verification: From previous employers
• Passport photos: Recent photos
• COMPASS self-assessment: Points calculator result

Worth knowing

• COMPASS framework assesses salary, qualifications, diversity, support for locals
• Many Singapore tech salaries meet the threshold
• Employer must apply on your behalf via EP Online
• Dependant passes available for spouse and children
• Can apply for Permanent Residence after 6 months

Path to residency: Permanent Residence after 6 months (approval discretionary)

Special pass for established tech entrepreneurs, leaders, and technical experts.

Processing time

4-8 weeks

Validity

2 years, renewable

Government fees

SGD $105 application + SGD $225 issuance

Requirements

• Last drawn fixed monthly salary of at least SGD $20,000
• Led tech company development with at least $500M valuation
• Or led tech product development with at least 100K monthly users

Documents you will need

• Salary documentation: Last 3 months payslips
• Company valuation proof (optional): If using company criterion
• Product metrics (optional): If using product criterion

Worth knowing

• Can start/operate/work for multiple companies
• Can be a company director, investor, or mentor
• Spouse can work without separate pass
• More flexibility than Employment Pass

Path to residency: Can apply for PR like EP holders

For foreign entrepreneurs who want to start and operate a new business.

Processing time

8 weeks

Validity

1-2 years

Government fees

SGD $105 application + SGD $225 issuance

Requirements

• Innovative business idea
• Business must be registered as private limited company
• At least 30% shareholding as an entrepreneur
• Meet 1 of criteria: funding, incubator, IP, VC backing

Documents you will need

• Business plan: Detailed 10-page plan
• Company incorporation: ACRA registration
• Proof of criterion met: Funding letters, incubator acceptance

Worth knowing

• Must be a new company, not a transfer of an existing business
• Venture funding or accelerator acceptance can satisfy an eligibility criterion
• Renewals require meeting business milestones

Personalised five-year pass for high earners and established professionals. Holders may work for or start more than one company.

Processing time

About 4 weeks (up to 8 weeks for the outstanding-achievements route)

Validity

5 years, renewable

Government fees

SGD 105 application + SGD 225 issuance

Requirements

• Fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 30,000 for 12 consecutive months (last year or a forthcoming Singapore role), OR
• Employment with a company of at least USD 500M market cap or USD 200M annual revenue, OR
• Outstanding achievements in arts and culture, sports, science and technology, or academia and research
• For overseas candidates: an offer or track record meeting the salary criterion

Documents you will need

• Salary/employment evidence: Payslips or contract showing the SGD 30,000/month fixed salary
• Passport: Valid travel document
• Evidence of achievements (optional): For the outstanding-achievements route (arts, sport, academia, science/tech)

Worth knowing

• Holders may take several roles or run a company
• Spouse can work in Singapore on a Letter of Consent
• Fixed salary excludes bonuses, equity, and variable allowances
• Renewal requires SGD 30,000/month average over 5 years, or running a company employing 5+ locals