Before you start

A valid Singapore work pass (or, at some banks, the In-Principle Approval letter) and your FIN
Passport for identity verification
Proof of a local residential address (tenancy agreement or a utility/telco bill)
Singpass set up with your FIN to use Myinfo auto-fill (foreigners get Singpass access via their pass)

Step-by-step

1
Pick a bank and account type
DBS/POSB, OCBC, and UOB are the main local banks. Compare the everyday accounts (e.g. DBS Multiplier, OCBC 360, UOB One) on minimum balance, fall-below fees, and whether the product is open to foreigners — some are residents-only.
OnlineWho: YouAn evening of comparisonFree to research
2
Apply online with Singpass / Myinfo (DBS, OCBC)
If you have Singpass, apply in the bank app and use Myinfo to auto-fill your details from government records — the fastest route. DBS/POSB and OCBC accept online applications for most work pass types, and DBS will even accept an IPA letter before your card is ready.
Mobile appWho: You~15 minutes to apply; instant or same-day for approval via SingpassNo application fee
3
Or open in person (typically UOB)
UOB usually requires a branch visit to open an account. Bring your passport, work pass/FIN, and proof of address. In-branch opening is also a fallback if your online application is referred for manual checks.
In personWho: You~30–45 minutes at the branchNo opening fee; initial deposit may apply
4
Fund the account and collect your debit card
Make the initial deposit (some accounts require S$500–3,000; DBS Multiplier has none) and keep above the minimum balance to avoid a monthly fall-below fee. The Visa/Mastercard debit card is mailed to your registered address.
OnlineWho: YouCard posted within ~3–5 working days of approvalInitial deposit varies; fall-below fee ~S$2–10/month if below the floor

Documents you’ll need

Passport
Valid work pass card (or IPA letter at banks that accept it) showing your FIN
Proof of residential address (tenancy agreement or utility/telco bill)
Singpass login for Myinfo auto-fill (recommended)

Things most newcomers don’t know

Your FIN and work pass are the keys — no pass, far fewer options.

The major banks verify foreigners against their work pass and FIN. Without a pass, most full retail accounts are out of reach, so opening a bank account is usually one of the first things you do after collecting your card.

Source: DBS — Banking for foreigners

Singpass + Myinfo is the fast lane, and foreigners can use it.

Once your Singpass is active (foreigners get it via their pass), DBS/POSB and OCBC let Myinfo pull your verified details into the application, often enabling instant account opening instead of a branch trip.

Source: DBS — Myinfo with Singpass

Mind the minimum balance and fall-below fee, not just the headline.

OCBC 360 and UOB One ask for an initial deposit around S$1,000 and charge a monthly fee if you fall below the floor; DBS Multiplier has no minimum. The fee, not the opening, is what quietly costs newcomers.

Source: Wise — Foreigner bank account guide

UOB usually means a branch visit; DBS/OCBC are the online-first picks.

If you would rather not queue, start with DBS/POSB or OCBC online. UOB typically requires opening in person, which is fine but slower than the Singpass-driven app flow.

Source: Statrys — Open a bank account in Singapore

Common mistakes to avoid

Assuming any account is open to foreigners — some products are residents-only
Letting your balance fall under the minimum and quietly paying a monthly fall-below fee
Trying to open before you have your FIN/work pass card (check whether the bank accepts an IPA letter)
Not having proof of a local address ready, which can stall verification