Singapore immigration and work-pass options in 2026

Singapore uses different work passes and residence frameworks depending on the applicant's activity, salary, employer, business profile and long-term objective. Company registration, tax residence and immigration permission are separate legal questions.

Current route map

• Employment Pass — professionals, managers and executives under the salary + COMPASS framework.
• S Pass — skilled associate professionals and technicians subject to salary, employer quota and levy controls.
• Work Permit — sector- and source-country-restricted migrant-worker permission.
• ONE Pass — high-earning or exceptionally accomplished global talent.
• Personalised Employment Pass — a one-time, employer-flexible pass for qualifying high earners.
• EntrePass — qualifying founders of venture-backed or innovative-technology businesses.
• Global Investor Programme — EDB-administered permanent residence for qualifying global investors.
• Permanent Residence — ICA's discretionary PR pathways.
• Remote-work options — the position for digital-nomad and freelance intent.

Employment Pass is a two-stage test

For applications in 2026, MOM publishes a starting monthly EP salary floor of S$5,600 outside financial services and S$6,200 in financial services, with higher age-based thresholds. Unless exempt, the candidate must also pass COMPASS with at least 40 points.

Meeting the minimum salary does not itself guarantee a COMPASS pass.

Skilled-worker routes are not interchangeable

The S Pass has a lower salary floor but is subject to employer quota and levy controls. The Work Permit is more tightly limited by sector, source country or region, age and employer rules.

Neither is an open visa that a foreigner can independently obtain without a qualifying employer.

High earners have distinct routes

The ONE Pass and PEP are different products. ONE Pass currently uses a S$30,000 salary framework or specified exceptional-achievement routes. PEP currently requires S$22,500 fixed monthly salary, is issued once for up to three years, and does not permit freelancing or entrepreneurial activity.

Founders should separate EntrePass from incorporation

EntrePass is for eligible entrepreneurs operating a Singapore company that is venture-backed or owns innovative technologies and that satisfies MOM/Enterprise Singapore criteria. Registering a company with ACRA does not itself grant residence or work permission.

Investor permanent residence is GIP

EDB's Global Investor Programme can accord PR to qualifying investors with substantial business or investment track records. Current investment options involve high-value business, fund or qualifying family-office commitments. It is not a general property-purchase residence scheme.

Permanent residence is discretionary

ICA lists Employment Pass and S Pass holders, certain students, specified family members and foreign investors as categories that may be eligible to apply for PR. ICA assesses factors such as economic contribution, qualifications, age, family profile, length of residence and integration. Eligibility to apply is not approval.

Student's Pass and family passes

A foreigner accepted for full-time study generally needs an ICA Student's Pass unless an official exception applies. MOM allows qualifying students to work only within specific rules; after studies and Student's Pass expiry, a graduate needs the appropriate work pass to continue working.

Eligible EP and S Pass holders earning at least S$6,000 fixed monthly salary can generally sponsor a legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 for a Dependant's Pass, subject to current rules.

No dedicated digital-nomad visa

MOM's current work-pass catalogue does not list a dedicated digital-nomad or freelancer residence pass. MOM states that foreigners who intend to work in Singapore must hold a valid work pass. PEP expressly excludes freelancers.

Explore Asia, digital nomad visas, entrepreneur visas, methodology, and the legal disclaimer.

Related published research: South Korea, Japan, United States, and Canada.

Verified against MOM, ICA and EDB sources on 20 September 2026.

Published pathways