Singapore
As one of the Four Asian Tigers, Singapore shares many similarities with Hong Kong in terms of policies, planning, and institutional frameworks. Its economic, cultural, and climatic parallels make it a relatively easy destination for Hong Kong residents to adapt to when relocating. Adding to its appeal, the Singaporean passport ranked first globally in 2024, granting visa-free access to 195 countries and regions.
Work Passes and Permits
Singapore's skilled migration programs are designed to attract professionals across various fields. The three primary categories are:
Employment Pass (EP)
Designed to attract highly skilled professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, engineers, and similar roles.
Applications must be submitted by the employer, who can only apply for 15%–20% of their workforce under the quota.
Applicants must hold a university degree, regardless of the country of issuance.
Minimum monthly salary requirement: SGD 3,900.
For a minimum monthly salary of SGD 6,000, the applicant’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old are eligible for a Dependant’s Pass.
For a minimum monthly salary of SGD 12,000, the applicant’s parents can apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass.
Eligible applicants may apply for Permanent Residency (PR).
S Pass
Targeted at mid-level skilled workers, such as administrative personnel and managerial staff.
Applications must be submitted by the employer, who can only apply for 15%–20% of their workforce under the quota.
Applicants must be university graduates or have completed at least one year of technical certification training.
Minimum monthly salary requirement: SGD 2,400.
For a minimum monthly salary of SGD 6,000, the applicant’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old are eligible for a Dependant’s Pass.
Eligible applicants may apply for Permanent Residency (PR).
Work Permit (WP)
Designed to attract low-skilled foreign workers, such as construction workers, drivers, and similar roles.
Applicants must be between 18 and 50 years old.
No specific educational or salary requirements.
Workers are not allowed to bring their spouse or children.
Workers cannot apply for Permanent Residency (PR).
Singapore Global Investor Programme
Singapore’s investment immigration program has attracted numerous international investors. It allows applicants to bypass the typical long-term residency processes and directly obtain permanent residency (PR), making it one of the fastest routes to securing PR status.
Application Requirements
No restrictions on educational background, age, or language proficiency.
Invest at least SGD 10 million to establish a new business or expand an existing one; or
Invest at least SGD 25 million in an approved fund.
A minimum 5-year investment period is required.
Applicants must have at least 3 years of entrepreneurial experience and submit the last 3 years of audited financial statements of their company.
SGD 50 million in the most recent year and an average annual revenue of SGD 50 million over the last 3 years.
The business must employ at least 30 staff, half of whom must be Singaporean citizens, with 10 being new hires.
Applicants can include their spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old in the application.
Singapore Entre Pass
Application Requirements
Be at least 21 years old and have no criminal record.
Establish a company in Singapore, with the registration date falling within six months before the application.
Hold at least 30% of the company’s shares.
To apply for dependent passes for a spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old, the company must have an annual business expenditure of at least SGD 100,000 & employ at least one Singaporean managerial-level staff member or three full-time Singaporean employees.
To apply for dependent passes for parents, the company must have an annual business expenditure of at least SGD 200,000 & employ at least two Singaporean managerial-level staff members or six full-time Singaporean employees.
Additional Criteria
A. Entrepreneur Application
The company has raised at least SGD 100,000 from a government-accredited investment program, venture capitalist, or angel investor.
The company meets the standards of a government-recognized startup program.
The applicant has previously established and sold a technology company; or
Has secured significant funding from investors; or
Has been featured or recognized by government agencies, reputable media outlets, or industry organizations for professional achievements.
B. Innovator Application
The company holds intellectual property registered in a jurisdiction recognized by international intellectual property organizations.
The company is engaged in a research collaboration with the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR) in Singapore.
The applicant has achieved exceptional accomplishments in a key professional field.
C. Investor Application
The applicant has a proven track record of successful investments.
The applicant intends to make a substantial investment in Singaporean companies.
The applicant has experience in founding and scaling large enterprises or has held senior management positions in large corporations for more than eight years.