Best 5 Pathways of Immigrating to Singapore (2024 Latest Version)

Singapore is known for its welcoming approach towards immigrants, and it has a diverse and multicultural population. As a migrant from Malaysia to Singapore, I did my holistic research before making this big decision. You may refer to my sharing on “Top 5 Reasons of Immigrating to Singapore” and “Singapore vs. Malaysia: Comparing 10 Key Aspects of Life”.

Here are 5 pathways suggested for those who plan to migrate to Singapore!

 

1ST WAY: Professional / Skilled Migration to Singapore

Singapore’s skilled migration primarily targets professionals or those with a university degree or higher. Eligible individuals who are employed by a local company and hold a work visa (or work permit) can apply for permanent residency with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore. Some main types of work visas in Singapore are:

 

  1. Employment Pass (EP)

  • For high-skilled professionals, managers, and executives
  • Minimum salary requirement of SGD 5,000 per month for all sectors except financial services
  • Minimum salary requirement of SGD 5,500 per month for financial services
  • Pass the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS), starting 1 September 2024 (only employers can check for candidates). 
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher, professional certificate, or special skills
  • Monthly salary of SGD 6,000 or more can apply for family passes (spouse and unmarried children under 21)
  • Monthly salary of SGD 12,000 or more can apply for long-term visit passes for parents
  • Applied by employers with no quota limit

 

  1. S Pass (SP)

  • For skilled workers
  • Minimum salary requirement of SGD 3,150 per month for all sectors except for financial services
  • Minimum salary requirement of SGD3,650 per month in financial services
  • Diploma, undergraduate degree, or at least one year of technical course
  • Monthly salary of SGD 6,000 or more can apply for family passes (spouse and unmarried children under 21)
  • Applied by employers, with company quota limits
  • Employers can use Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) to check candidates’ eligibility. 

2ND WAY: Student Visa in Singapore

Student migration applies to foreign students studying in Singapore who meet certain conditions to apply for permanent residency:

  • Reside in Singapore for 2 years or more
  • Study in Singapore (public or private schools)
  • Pass a national-level examination in Singapore (PSLE/O Level/A Level) or is in the Integrated Programme (IP). 

3RD WAY: Entrepreneur Immigration to Singapore

Entrepreneur immigration requires the following info:

  • Register a company with ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority) in Singapore
  • Apply for EntrePass as an entrepreneur, innovator, or investor
  • The applicant must be at least 21 years old, hold at least 30% of the company’s shares. 
  • The company must be newly registered for less than 6 months. 
  • The applicant must meet one of the following minimum criteria:

If you are an entrepreneur,

  •  The company has received at least SGD 100,000 from government investment agencies, Singapore government-recognised venture capitalists or angel investors.
  • The company must be a participant at a government-recognised startup incubator or accelerator project.
  • Outstanding entrepreneurial experience or successful track record of business growth and network.

If you are an innovator,

  • The company is collaborating on research with the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR).
  • The company has intellectual property from recognised institutions and cannot be easily replicated.
  • Outstanding technical knowledge and skills in the relevant industry.

If you are an investor,

  • Plans for large-scale investments in Singapore companies.
  • Experience in establishing large-scale companies or holding senior positions in large companies for over 8 years.
  • Rich investment track record.

4TH WAY: Investment Immigration to Singapore

The Global Investor Programme (GIP) allows global individuals to invest and obtain permanent residency in Singapore. Applicants can apply for permanent residency for their spouses and unmarried children under 21 years old; and long-term visit passes for their parents.

There are two ways to be eligible under this GIP, 

(A) Business Owners (4 options)

There are four options with specific criteria which include but not limited to:

  1. Established business owners
    • At least 3 years of business track record or an annual turnover of at least SGD200million in the year after application
  2. Next generation business owners
    • Your immediate family must hold at least 30% shares or be the largest shareholder in the company
  3. Founders of fast growth companies
    • You must be a founder and one of the largest individual shareholders of a non-publicly listed company with a valuation of at least SG$500million
  4. Family office principals
    • At least 5 years of entrepreneurial, investment or management track record and must have net investible assets of at least SGD200million.

(B) Investment (3 options)

  1. Invest at least SGD 10million to set up a new company or expand an existing business
  2. Invest at least SGD 25million in a GIP-approved fund that also invests in Singapore-based corporations.
  3. Establish a Singapore-based Single Family Office (SFO) with AUM of at least SGD 200million. Out of this, at least SGD 50million must be allocated to any of the following four investment categories within 12 months from the date of the Final Approval letter.
    • Companies listed on MAS-licensed exchanges;
    • Qualifying debt securities;
    • Funds distributed Singapore-licensed/registered managers; or
    • Private equity injection into non-listed Singapore-based businesses.

5TH WAY: Technology Pass Immigration to Singapore

Applicants do not need to be employed by any enterprise. They need to meet at least two conditions to start a business or work, invest, hold directorships, or serve as lecturers at higher education institutions in Singapore.

Technology Pass applicants should fulfil any two of the following requirements:

  1. Fixed monthly salary of at least SGD 22,500 or equivalent in foreign currency in the past year.
  2. Held a leadership position in a technology company with a market value of at least USD 500million (about SGD 672million) or with at least USD 30million (about SGD 40million) fund raised for at least 5 cumulative years.
  3. Led the development of technological products for at least 5 cumulative years, with active users of at least 100,000 monthly or a revenue of at least USD 100million (about SGD 135million).

 

Singapore authority will access the application and consider other sources of income on a case-by-case basis. 

After settling in Singapore, you can apply for Singapore Permanent Residency to gain additional benefits. These benefits are accessible to you whether you plan to continue living in Singapore or return to your hometown. Permanent Residency in Singapore offers advantages not available to foreigners with valid work passes.

After living in Singapore for at least 2 years as a Singapore Permanent Resident, you are eligible to apply for Singapore Citizenship. Whether you are considering or deciding to convert and become a Singapore citizen, you may read “4 MAIN Things You Must Know Before Applying for Singapore Permanent Residency and Citizenship”. for more insights.

Important: The information and opinions in this article are for general information purposes only. They should not be relied on as professional financial advice. Readers should seek independent financial advice that is customised to their specific financial objectives, situations & needs. This advertisement or publication has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Published By:

Lidwina Teo 维娜

With over 5 years of experience in client service industries, I come to understand and appreciate the importance of high-quality customer service and customer experience. The key is to always prioritize the best interests of customers, ensuring their needs and expectations are met with professionalism.

The passion for client service extends into my current role where I strive to deliver personalized financial planning services. With more than 150 business partners in our company, I can help you achieve your financial goals by analyzing various financial products and offering tailored financial advice. 

Contact me now to request for a quotation or schedule a coffee session for further discussion. See you soon!

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  • Financial Alliance Pte Ltd ( “FAPL”) is licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS”) and allowed to conduct financial advisory activities in accordance with the Financial Advisers Act (Cap. 110) (“FAA”) and the Securities & Futures Act (Cap. 289) (“SFA”) within the jurisdiction of the Republic of Singapore and in accordance with the licenses granted by MAS
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  • 作为提供此类服务的一部分,鑫盟理财会不时向此类咨询者提供有关产品的参考文件和信息(例如,关于海外司法管辖区以外的资金管理或投资咨询服务等信息)。
  • Such documents and information are provided by Financial Alliance Pte Ltd (“FAPL”) is for general information only and is not intended for anyone other than the recipient.
  • 此类由鑫盟理财所提供的文件和信息仅供收件人做一般信息参考。
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  • 鑫盟理财向该人士提供此类文件和信息将不构成要约或招揽购买或出售或认购任何此类资本市场产品,或达成交易或参与任何特定的投资策略,也不构成有关此类金融产品的建议或推荐。
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  • 鑫盟理财无意在分发,出版或使用此类文件可能违反当地法律,或本公司及关联公司或关联人士需要注册,获得许可或符合规定的司法权区向当地人士分发、出版此类文件或供其使用。
  • You shall ensure that you have and will continue to be fully compliant with all applicable laws in your home country when entering into discussion or contracts with FAPL.
  • 在与鑫盟理财进行讨论或签订合约时,您应确保您已完全遵守并将继续遵守您所在原居住国的所有适用法律及条规。

In compliance with the Personal Data Protection Act, Financial Alliance Pte Ltd (“FAPL”) seek your consent to collect and use your personal data (e.g. name, NRIC, contact numbers, mailing addresses, email addresses and photograph) for the purposes of and in accordance with FAPL’s Data Protection Policy, which can be found on FAPL’s website at https://fa.com.sg/data-protection-policy/.

根据《个人数据保护法》,鑫盟理财私人有限公司征求您的同意向您收集并使用您的个人信息。鑫盟理财将根据公司的个人数据保护政策所阐述的用途使用您的个人资料(例如姓名,证件号码,联系电话,邮寄地址,电邮地址和照片)。 该政策可在本公司网站上查寻,网址为 https://fa.com.sg/data-protection-policy/.

By submitting this form, you are deemed to have read and understood FAPL’s Personal Data Policy.

提交此表格,即表示您已阅读并理解鑫盟理财私人有限公司的个人数据政策

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

By submitting this form, I confirm that

提交此表格,即表示

  • I have read and understood FAPL’s Personal Data Policy, and hereby give my acknowledgement and consent to FAPL to use my personal data in accordance with FAPL’s Personal Data Policy.
  • 我已阅读并理解鑫盟理财私人有限公司的个人数据保护政策,并同意鑫盟理财私人有限公司根据个人数据保护政策所阐述的用途使用我的个人资料。
  • I have read and understood the disclaimers above and hereby affirm my acceptance of these terms.
  • 我已阅读并理解了上述免责声明,特此声明接受这些条款。
  • I have not been directly contacted or approached by any representative or employee of FAPL with an offer or solicitation to apply for any financial products not offered in my home country.
  • 鑫盟理财私人有限公司的代表或员工并未直接与我联系或提出要约或招揽购买我原居住国境内所不提供的任何金融产品.
  • Financial Alliance Pte Ltd ( “FAPL”) is licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS”) and allowed to conduct financial advisory activities in accordance with the Financial Advisers Act (Cap. 110) (“FAA”) and the Securities & Futures Act (Cap. 289) (“SFA”) within the jurisdiction of the Republic of Singapore and in accordance with the licenses granted by MAS
  • 鑫盟理财私人有限公司( “鑫盟理财”)持有由新加坡金融管理局(“MAS”)所颁发的牌照,并许可在新加坡共和国境内依据财务顾问法(第110章)和证券与期货交易法(第289章)进行财务咨询等相关业务
  • Any services provided by FAPL to persons not ordinarily resident in Singapore are provided solely on an offshore basis from Singapore, resulting from direct enquiry on the part of the foreign residents.
  • 鑫盟理财为非新加坡居民所提供的任何服务仅限于直接向鑫盟理财发出咨询请求的国外居民。
  • As an integral part of the provision of such services, FAPL may from time to time make available to such residents, documents and information making reference to capital markets products (for example, in connection with the provision of fund management or investment advisory services outside of the foreign jurisdiction).
  • 作为提供此类服务的一部分,鑫盟理财会不时向此类咨询者提供有关产品的参考文件和信息(例如,关于海外司法管辖区以外的资金管理或投资咨询服务等信息)。
  • Such documents and information are provided by Financial Alliance Pte Ltd (“FAPL”) is for general information only and is not intended for anyone other than the recipient.
  • 此类由鑫盟理财所提供的文件和信息仅供收件人做一般信息参考。
  • It does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person.
  • 此类文件和信息不会把-个人投资目标,财务状况或其特定需求等考虑在内。
  • It does not constitute the making available of, or an offer or solicitation by FAPL to buy or sell or subscribe for any such capital markets product or to enter into a transaction or to participate in any particular trading or investment strategy nor an advice or a recommendation with respect to such financial products.
  • 鑫盟理财向该人士提供此类文件和信息将不构成要约或招揽购买或出售或认购任何此类资本市场产品,或达成交易或参与任何特定的投资策略,也不构成有关此类金融产品的建议或推荐。
  • These documents may not be published, circulated, reproduced or distributed in whole or in part to any other person without FAPL’s prior written consent.
  • 未经鑫盟理财的事先书面同意,不得将这些文件全文或部分发布,传播,复制或分发给其他人。
  • This document is not intended for distribution to, publication or use by any person in any jurisdiction, where such distribution, publication or use would be contrary to applicable law or would subject FAPL and its related corporations, connected persons, associated persons and/or affiliates to any registration, licensing or other requirements within such jurisdiction.
  • 鑫盟理财无意在分发,出版或使用此类文件可能违反当地法律,或本公司及关联公司或关联人士需要注册,获得许可或符合规定的司法权区向当地人士分发、出版此类文件或供其使用。
  • You shall ensure that you have and will continue to be fully compliant with all applicable laws in your home country when entering into discussion or contracts with FAPL.
  • 在与鑫盟理财进行讨论或签订合约时,您应确保您已完全遵守并将继续遵守您所在原居住国的所有适用法律及条规。

In compliance with the Personal Data Protection Act, Financial Alliance Pte Ltd (“FAPL”) seek your consent to collect and use your personal data (e.g. name, NRIC, contact numbers, mailing addresses, email addresses and photograph) for the purposes of and in accordance with FAPL’s Data Protection Policy, which can be found on FAPL’s website at https://fa.com.sg/data-protection-policy/.

根据《个人数据保护法》,鑫盟理财私人有限公司征求您的同意向您收集并使用您的个人信息。鑫盟理财将根据公司的个人数据保护政策所阐述的用途使用您的个人资料(例如姓名,证件号码,联系电话,邮寄地址,电邮地址和照片)。 该政策可在本公司网站上查寻,网址为 https://fa.com.sg/data-protection-policy/.

By submitting this form, you are deemed to have read and understood FAPL’s Personal Data Policy.

提交此表格,即表示您已阅读并理解鑫盟理财私人有限公司的个人数据政策