Singapore continues to be a prime destination for foreign investors and professionals looking to set up and grow their business in Asia. With its business-friendly environment, strategic location, and strong legal framework, Singapore offers an ideal platform for regional expansion. However, for foreign entrepreneurs and key personnel planning to relocate, understanding the country’s employment visa landscape is essential.
At JUNIPERS, we assist foreign clients not only with company incorporation and tax structuring, but also with immigration advisory, including visa applications for work permits and residency in Singapore. Here’s a breakdown of the most common employment visa types and insights into the current visa application environment.
1. Employment Pass (EP)
Who is it for?
Professionals, managers, and executives with job offers in Singapore and a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$5,000. The salary requirement is higher for older or more experienced applicants, and varies for different sectors. Candidates must possess acceptable qualifications, relevant work experience, should be sponsored by a Singapore- registered entity, and passes the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) assessment, which evaluates factors such as diversity, qualifications, and local workforce contribution of the applicant and his hiring entity. EPs are commonly applied for Company directors and regional heads, foreign entrepreneurs setting up Singapore entities and key hires for business expansion into Singapore.
2. EntrePass
Who is it for?
High calibre Entrepreneurs who wish to start and operate innovative, venture-backed or R&D-intensive businesses in Singapore. The applicant must have a sound business plan and have obtained endorsement from a government-recognised partner agency. EntrePass are commonly applied by foreign Startup founders in tech, fintech, sustainability, or biotech sectors.
A company is considered venture-backed or owns innovative technologies if it has:
- Raised funding from capital providers including government investment vehicles, venture capitalists, corporates, family offices, and business angels.
- Developed, produced or commercialised tech products, services or platforms.
- Registered patents with an approved national IP institution.
- Ongoing research collaboration with a research institution.
3. S Pass
Who is it for?
Foreign mid-level skilled workers earning at least S$3,150/month (higher for older applicants). The total number of S Pass holders in a Company is subject to foreign worker quotas and levy. S Passes are commonly applied for supervisory roles, technicians, skilled professionals in engineering, logistics, and support functions.
4. Dependant’s Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
Who is it for?
Family members (spouse and children) of EP or S Pass holders.
Understanding the Visa Environment in Singapore
Singapore’s immigration landscape is merit-based, transparent, and increasingly aligned with national workforce objectives. While the system is open to global talent, the government is also focused on maintaining fair hiring practices and supporting the development of local professionals. In recent years, applications have been more closely scrutinised, particularly in sectors where the government encourages local upskilling and employment.
That said, genuine business owners, qualified professionals, and innovative startups continue to enjoy strong support under well-defined immigration pathways. Timely planning, clear documentation, and understanding of key regulatory frameworks—such as the COMPASS system—are essential for a successful application.
How We Can Help
At JUNIPERS, we provide end-to-end support for foreign investors and professionals, including:
- Recommending the most suitable visa type based on your profile and business goals
- Preparing and reviewing all necessary documentation
- Submitting and monitoring visa applications with the relevant authorities
- Advising on ongoing compliance and renewals
Whether you’re establishing a new regional HQ, relocating a founder, or building your management team in Singapore, our experienced immigration advisors are here to help you every step of the way.
Looking to move to Singapore for business?
Contact us for a free consultation on your immigration and business setup needs today.
掌握新加坡的就业准证制度：外国投资者需要了解的要点
新加坡一直是外国投资者和专业人士在亚洲设立和扩展业务的首选目的地。凭借其亲商的营商环境、战略性地理位置和稳健的法律制度，新加坡为企业的区域拓展提供了理想的平台。然而，对于计划迁居的外国企业家及核心员工来说，了解新加坡的就业准证体系是至关重要的。
在 博胜，我们不仅协助外国客户进行公司注册和税务结构规划，也提供移民咨询服务，包括协助申请在新加坡工作的准证和居留签证。以下是新加坡几种最常见的就业准证类型及当前签证环境的解读。
1. 就业准证（Employment Pass，EP）
适用于谁？
适用于在新加坡拥有工作聘请合同的专业人士、经理和高管。申请人须具备最低月薪 S$5,000，经验丰富或年纪较大的申请者，其薪资门槛会相应提高，不同行业也会有所差异。申请人须具备认可学历和相关工作经验，并由新加坡注册实体担保，同时需通过互补性评估框架（COMPASS），评估内容包括多元性、资历、对本地劳动力的贡献等。
EP 是公司董事、区域负责人、在新加坡设立实体的外国创业者以及业务拓展所需核心人员常见的工作准证选择。
2. 创业准证（EntrePass）
适用于谁？
适用于希望在新加坡创办并运营具有创新性、风险投资支持或以研发为核心的企业的高潜力创业者。申请人需提交具备前景的商业计划书，并获得政府认可合作机构的背书。
EntrePass 申请人多为科技、金融科技、可持续发展、生物科技等领域的外国初创企业创始人。
若企业具备以下条件之一，则可被视为具备创新性或获得风投支持：
- 获得政府投资机构、风险投资公司、大型企业、家族办公室或天使投资人的投资；
- 开发、生产或商业化技术产品、服务或平台；
- 拥有国家知识产权机构批准注册的专利；
- 与研究机构开展持续的研发合作项目。
3. 技术准证（S Pass）
适用于谁？
适用于薪资不低于 S$3,150/月（经验越丰富者，门槛越高）的中级技术人才。S Pass 的核准数量受限于公司配额及人力税。
S Pass 常用于主管、技术员、工程、物流及后勤支持等岗位。
4. 家属准证（Dependant’s Pass）与长期探访准证（Long-Term Visit Pass, LTVP）
适用于谁？
适用于持有 EP 或 S Pass 的人员之配偶及子女。
了解新加坡的签证申请环境
新加坡的移民体系以择优录取、程序透明为核心，同时与国家人力资源发展目标紧密结合。虽然新加坡欢迎全球人才，但政府也积极推动公平招聘制度，并支持本地人才的发展。
近年来，签证审批变得更为严格，尤其是政府鼓励本地技能提升及就业的行业。但对于真正的企业主、合格的专业人才及具创新力的创业企业，新加坡仍提供明确且支持性强的移民路径。
因此，成功申请准证的关键在于提前规划、提交完整清晰的文件，以及理解如 COMPASS 等核心法规要求。
我们如何协助您
在博胜，我们为外国投资者和专业人士提供全方位支持，包括：
- 根据您的背景及业务目标，推荐最合适的签证类型
- 协助准备和审阅申请文件
- 提交和跟进与政府部门的签证申请流程
- 提供后续合规和续签方面的建议
无论您是计划设立区域总部、迁移创始人，或是在新加坡组建管理团队，我们经验丰富的移民顾问都将全程协助您的每一步。