The Singapore Employment (Long-Term) Visa is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to stay in Singapore for an extended period of time for the purpose of working legally in the country. This visa is typically issued to foreign workers who have been hired by Singaporean companies or organizations, and who have secured the necessary employment and work permits from the competent authorities.

The main objective of the Singapore Employment (Long-Term) Visa is to attract skilled foreign workers to work and live in Singapore, thereby contributing to the growth and development of the country's economy. It is also intended to help Singaporean companies and organizations address their manpower needs, particularly in industries where there is a shortage of local talent.

To be eligible for a Singapore Employment (Long-Term) Visa, a foreign national must meet certain criteria set by the Singaporean government. These criteria typically include having relevant qualifications and work experience, possessing specialized skills that are in demand in Singapore, and being able to provide proof of financial stability and good health.

To apply for a Singapore Employment (Long-Term) Visa, a foreign national must first secure a job offer from a Singaporean employer. The employer will then need to apply for the necessary employment and work permits on the foreign national's behalf. Once the permits are approved, the foreign national can then apply for the Singapore Employment (Long-Term) Visa.

The application process for the Singapore Employment (Long-Term) Visa typically involves submitting various documents, including the foreign national's passport, educational certificates, and employment contract. The applicant may also need to undergo a medical examination and provide proof of financial stability.

The processing time for a Singapore Employment (Long-Term) Visa can vary depending on the volume of applications received by the Singaporean government. However, the typical processing time is around one to four weeks.

Once a foreign national is granted a Singapore Employment (Long-Term) Visa, they are free to live and work in Singapore for the duration of the visa's validity period. This period can range from one to three years, depending on the type of visa and the foreign national's specific circumstances.

If a foreign national wishes to renew or extend their Singapore Employment (Long-Term) Visa, they will need to meet certain criteria and follow the application process as outlined by the Singaporean government. Renewal or extension is typically granted to foreign workers who have demonstrated a commitment to their work and have made valuable contributions to their respective industries.

Eligibility criteria for a Singapore Employment (Long-term) Visa

To be eligible for a Singapore Employment (Long-Term) Visa, a foreign national must meet certain criteria set by the Singaporean government. These criteria include:

• Relevant qualifications and work experience: The foreign national must possess relevant qualifications and work experience in their field of work, and must be able to demonstrate their expertise and skills.
• Specialized skills that are in demand in Singapore: The foreign national must possess specialized skills that are in demand in Singapore, and must be able to contribute to the growth and development of the country's economy.
• Financial stability: The foreign national must be able to provide proof of financial stability, including evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependents during their stay in Singapore.
• Good health: The foreign national must undergo a medical examination and provide a certificate of good health, indicating that they do not have any contagious diseases that could pose a threat to public health in Singapore.
• Employment and work permit: The foreign national must have secured the necessary employment and work permits from the competent authorities, in accordance with the legal framework for employment in Singapore.
• Salary requirements: The foreign national must meet the minimum salary requirements for the specific type of visa they are applying for. For example, the Employment Pass requires a minimum monthly salary of SGD 4,500, while the S Pass requires a minimum monthly salary of SGD 2,500.

It is important to note that the eligibility criteria for a Singapore Employment (Long-Term) Visa may vary depending on the specific type of visa and the foreign national's specific circumstances.

Application process for a Singapore Employment (Long-term) Visa

The application process for a Singapore Employment (Long-Term) Visa typically involves several steps and requires the submission of various documents. The following is a general overview of the application process:

• Obtain a job offer from a Singaporean employer: To be eligible for a Singapore Employment (Long-Term) Visa, the foreign national must first secure a job offer from a Singaporean employer. The employer must also obtain the necessary work permit from the Ministry of Manpower.
• Submit an application online: Once the foreign national has secured a job offer, they must submit an application for the Employment (Long-Term) Visa online through the Ministry of Manpower's website.
• Provide supporting documents: The application must include various supporting documents, such as the foreign national's passport, educational certificates, and employment contract.
• Undergo a medical examination: The foreign national must undergo a medical examination by a Singaporean-recognized medical institution to obtain a certificate of good health.
• Wait for approval: Once the application has been submitted, the foreign national must wait for approval. The processing time can take several weeks or longer, depending on the complexity of the application.
• Collect the visa: If the application is approved, the foreign national will receive a Letter of Approval. The foreign national must then collect their visa from a Singaporean embassy or consulate in their home country.
• Register with the authorities: Once the foreign national arrives in Singapore, they must register with the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and obtain a Long-Term Visit Pass. They must also undergo fingerprinting and provide biometric data.

It is important to note that the application process for a Singapore Employment (Long-Term) Visa may vary depending on the specific type of visa and the foreign national's specific circumstances.

Required documents for a Singapore Employment (Long-term) Visa application

Applying for a Singapore Employment (Long-term) Visa requires submitting several important documents. Here are the documents that you need to provide:

Application Form

• The application form must be fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant.

Passport

• You must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Singapore. The passport should be signed by the bearer, not older than 10 years, and have at least one or two free "visa pages." The pictures must be undamaged and securely affixed to the passport.

Two Photos

• The two photos should not be older than six months and show a frontal view of the face covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo. The background should be uniform and white, with clear facial features and eyes not covered by hair or glasses frame. The photo size should be 3x4.

Copy of ID Card

• A copy of the applicant's ID card is required, which should be valid for a minimum of two months beyond the date of departure from Singapore.

Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

• A copy of your residence permit/visa is required if your country of residence and citizenship are different. The copy should be valid for a minimum of two months beyond the date of departure from Singapore.

Photocopies

• You must provide photocopies of the main page of your passport and any previous visas or Singapore resident permits.

Original Employment Letter from the Applicant's Employer in Singapore

• An original employment letter from the applicant's employer in Singapore is required. The letter must be on the official company paper with stamp and signature, date, and clearly mention the full address and contact details of the company. It should also include the name and position of the countersigning officer and details regarding the applicant's employment, such as position, salary, estimated duration, and additional conditions of employment, including accommodation, transport, and living expenses.
• In the case of international transfer of the employee, a letter from the current employer confirming the transfer and approving the leave/absence of the applicant is required.

Curriculum Vitae (CV) of Professional Career, Specifying the Certificates, Diplomas, and Qualifications You Have Obtained

• A Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the applicant's professional career is required, specifying the certificates, diplomas, and qualifications they have obtained.

Proof of Accommodation

• Proof of accommodation is required, which can be in the form of confirmed accommodation reservations (hotel, hostel, or apartment) that mention the applicant's name, dates, and accommodation address details if not indicated in the invitation or contract.

Yellow Fever Vaccination (If applicable)

• If the applicant has been to countries mentioned below six days before their trip to Singapore, they need to show an International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever to the ICA officers at the point of entry.

By providing all the necessary documents, you can ensure a smooth application process for a Singapore Employment (Long-term) Visa.

Processing time & Fees for a Singapore Employment (Long-term) Visa

The processing time and fees for a Singapore Employment (Long-term) Visa can vary depending on the applicant's nationality and the processing center used.

Processing time

The processing time for a Singapore Employment (Long-term) Visa typically takes an average of 3 to 20 calendar days. However, the actual processing time may vary depending on various factors such as the country of application, the completeness of the application, and the workload of the embassy or consulate.

It is advisable to apply for the visa well in advance to avoid any last-minute rush or delays. It is also recommended to check the processing time and other requirements with the Singapore embassy or consulate in your country before submitting the visa application.

In case of urgent travel, applicants can request for an expedited visa processing by paying an additional fee. The embassy or consulate may take a decision on the expedited processing request based on their discretion.

Fees

Singapore Employment (Long-term) visa fees can vary depending on the country and nationality of the applicant. Generally, the fee ranges from 25-100 USD for foreign nationals. It is important to note that this fee is non-refundable, even if the visa application is rejected. It is recommended to check with the Singapore embassy or consulate in your country for the specific visa fee applicable to you. Payment of the visa fee can typically be made through various methods, such as credit card, bank transfer, or cash at the embassy or consulate. It is advisable to keep a copy of the payment receipt as proof of payment.

Validity and renewal of a Singapore Employment (Long-term) Visa

A Singapore Employment (Long-term) Visa is typically valid for one to two years, depending on the duration of the employment contract. After the expiration of the visa, it can be renewed if the applicant is still employed in Singapore and meets the eligibility criteria.

To renew a Singapore Employment (Long-term) Visa, the applicant must submit a new application along with updated documents such as a new employment contract, a new passport, and updated medical and background checks. The renewal process usually takes 3-8 weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of the case and the workload of the authorities.

It is essential to note that a Singapore Employment (Long-term) Visa may not be renewed indefinitely. After a certain period, the applicant may be required to apply for permanent residency or citizenship to continue living and working in Singapore. The exact requirements and timelines for permanent residency or citizenship may vary depending on the individual's circumstances and nationality

Rights and obligations of Singapore Employment (Long-term) Visa holders

As a Singapore Employment (Long-term) Visa holder, you have certain rights and obligations. Some of these include:

Rights:

• Work legally in Singapore: You have the right to work legally in Singapore in the capacity for which you have been issued the visa.
• Travel: You have the right to travel in and out of Singapore as long as your visa is valid.
• Sponsorship: You can sponsor your dependents for dependent passes.
• Access to public services: You have access to public services like healthcare and education.

Obligations:

• Follow laws: As a visa holder, you must follow all laws of Singapore, including immigration laws and labor laws.
• Notify authorities of changes: You are required to notify authorities of any changes to your personal details or employment status.
• Renewal of visa: You must apply for a renewal of your visa before it expires if you wish to continue working in Singapore.
• Taxes: You are required to pay taxes on any income earned in Singapore.
• Report to authorities: If you change your employer, you must report to the Ministry of Manpower within 7 days.
• Return home: You are required to leave Singapore once your visa expires, unless you have applied for and been granted an extension or another type of visa.

It is important to note that violating any of these obligations may result in the revocation of your visa and deportation from Singapore. Therefore, it is important to comply with all obligations and responsibilities as a visa holder.

Differences between a Singapore Employment (Long-term) Visa and other work visas

Singapore offers several types of work visas to foreign nationals who wish to work in the country. Here are the differences between the Singapore Employment (Long-term) Visa and other work visas:

Employment Pass (EP): The Employment Pass is for foreign professionals, executives, and managers. It is issued to those with a job offer and a minimum monthly salary of SGD 4,500. The EP is valid for 1-2 years and is renewable as long as the pass holder remains employed by the same company.

S Pass: The S Pass is for mid-level skilled workers who earn a monthly salary of at least SGD 2,500. The S Pass is valid for 1-2 years and is renewable as long as the pass holder remains employed by the same company.

Work Permit: The Work Permit is for semi-skilled and unskilled foreign workers in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and services. It is valid for up to 2 years and is renewable as long as the pass holder remains employed by the same company.

Personalised Employment Pass (PEP): The PEP is for high-earning foreign professionals who wish to work in Singapore without a job offer. It is issued for 3 years and is non-renewable. PEP holders can switch jobs without reapplying for a new pass, but they must earn a minimum salary of SGD 18,000 per month.

The Singapore Employment (Long-term) Visa is for foreign nationals who wish to work in Singapore for an extended period. It is issued for up to 2 years and is renewable. The main difference between the Long-term Visa and other work visas is that it is not tied to a specific job or employer. This means that Long-term Visa holders can change jobs or employers without the need to apply for a new visa. Additionally, the Long-term Visa has a broader eligibility criteria, allowing more types of workers to apply. However, the Long-term Visa also has a higher minimum monthly salary requirement of SGD 3,600 compared to the S Pass, and it may take longer to process and cost more to obtain.

Frequently asked questions