Migrate to Singapore
While many other countries reject immigration, Singapore continues to maintain an open door policy to all immigrants. In fact, the number of immigrants in this country has steadily increased over the years. Read on to find out more about how to immigrate to Singapore.
The immigrant population is not a new development in Singapore. By World War II, immigrants made up the bulk of the island’s population. In 2017, Singapore’s total population was approximately 5612.3 thousand, of which 1646.5 thousand were non-residents.
The local population is mostly of Chinese descent, with Malays and Indians making up just over 20% of her population.
Reasons to move to Singapore
There is no specific reason why people migrate to Singapore. A large expat population means that it is easier for immigrants to settle in the country. Singapore offers world-class education at every stage, from kindergarten to university. The country has a strong economy and is home to some of the highest paid people in the world. Coupled with the low cost of living, Singaporeans enjoy a high standard of living. The country’s natural beauty and tourist attractions are another reason why people find it attractive.
Immigration to Singapore – the process
Most of Singapore’s immigrant population comes from neighboring countries. There are many ways to immigrate to Singapore from these countries. It mostly depends on why you want to move her.
Migrating for work
The expert can choose from her three types of work visas to immigrate to Singapore.
Employment Pass
Highly qualified professionals can apply for an Employment Pass (EP) to migrate to Singapore. Companies wishing to hire must apply. Valid for up to 2 years as long as you are employed by the same company. If the person changes jobs, the new company will have to apply for EP again. The EP can be extended for up to 3 years.
No surcharges or quotas apply to EP. Immigrants earning US$4,000 or more per month can bring their spouse and dependent children to Singapore. An immigrant earning over her $8,000 a month can also bring her parents to Singapore.
To be eligible for an EP, you must meet the following criteria:
- First-time employees must be paid a minimum salary of $3,300 per month. Depending on the experience of the applicant, the minimum wage may increase.
- The person must have the necessary educational background for the position.
- The person must have relevant experience.
Entre pass
This is also called Business Pass. It is aimed at foreign entrepreneurs who want to move to Singapore and start a new business in the country. The Entre Pass is valid for one year and can be extended further.
A dependent can only be brought into Singapore after her 1st passport renewal. This means that she cannot bring relatives to Singapore for her first year. No surcharges or quotas apply to Entre Passes.
To be eligible for an Entre Pass, you must meet the following criteria:
- Must be 21+. Must be properly trained and experienced.
- Applicants must own at least 30% of the new company.
- The company must be able to offer local jobs.
- The individual company must be registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) or intend to register upon receipt of the Entre Pass.
- A new company must meet one of four criteria:
1. Must be funded by a qualified VC
2. Must have copyrighted intellectual property
3. Must work with major research institutes
4. Must work with government-backed incubators
Personal Employment Passport (PEP)
This is a special visa for high-income professionals and Employment Passport (EP) holders who wish to migrate to Singapore. PEPs are not tied to a particular employer, which gives individuals flexibility when changing jobs.
The visa is usually valid for 3 years and allows you to stay in Singapore for up to 6 months unemployed. This via cannot be extended. No surcharges or quotas apply to PEPs. Applicants may bring their spouse, children and parents to Singapore as dependents.
To qualify as a PEP, you must meet the following criteria:
- If the applicant is a foreign professional, a monthly salary of at least $18,000 is required.
- If the applicant holds a valid EP, the applicant must earn a minimum salary of $12,000 per month.
S pass
This visa is for unskilled workers who wish to migrate to Singapore. Any company wishing to employ the person must apply for this visa. Quotas limit the number of employees a company can hire with her S passport. According to this quota, an S-Pass holder cannot make up more than her 15-20% of the company’s total workforce.
The S-Pass is valid for two years for her and can be extended for another three years for him as long as he is employed by the same company. If the person’s monthly income exceeds USD 4,000, the person’s spouse and children can also migrate to Singapore.
To be eligible for the S Pass, you must meet the following criteria:
- The person must have a monthly salary of at least $2,200
- Applicant’s sponsor company has health insurance
Moving to reunite with family
Immigrants holding an EP, PEP or S passport can bring their legal spouse and dependent children to Singapore on their dependent passports. Stepchildren, common-law spouses and children with disabilities over the age of 21 can migrate to Singapore on a Long Stay Pass (LTVP).
Dependent’s Pass
The application must be made by the company that sponsored the person’s EP, PEP, or S-Pass visa for the person wishing to accompany dependents. Valid for up to two years, depending on the validity of her relevant EP, PEP, or S-Pass visa. You can extend it further. No charges or quotas apply to dependent paths.
To redeem the Family Pass, you must meet the following conditions:
- Sponsors must earn at least $4,000 per month.
- He or she must be legally married to his spouse
- Children are considered dependent as long as they are under the age of 21.
Long stay pass
For those wishing to immigrate their spouse, children-in-law or parents to Singapore. The application must be made by the company that sponsored her EP, PEP, or S-Pass visa for the person wishing to bring dependents. Valid as long as the associated EP, PEP or S-Pass visa is valid. No charges or quotas apply to dependent paths.
To qualify for the Extended Visit Pass, you must meet the following criteria:
- Must earn at least $4,000 a month to bring a spouse and children
- Individuals must earn $8,000 or more per month to bring their parents
Dependent Pass and Extended Visit Pass for Entre Pass Holders
Family members of Entre Pass holders can immigrate to Singapore on either visa as long as the following criteria are met:
- Spouse and children
1. Company must have spent at least $150,000
2. The company must employ at least four of her locals.
- Parents
1. Company must have spent at least $300,000
2. Company must employ at least 8 local people