What is Singapore's Employment Pass (EP)?

Professionals, managers and executives with a Singapore job offer. The main route into the country. It lasts up to 2 years initially, up to 3 on renewal. EP holders may apply for Permanent Residence, typically after a couple of years, but approval is discretionary and rates are not published.

What is Singapore's Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)?

Top-tier earners and standouts in the arts, sport, science and academia who want freedom from a single employer. It lasts 5 years, renewable. Same discretionary PR application, from a considerably stronger position.

What is Singapore's EntrePass?

Founders starting a venture-backed or innovation-driven company in Singapore. It lasts 1 year initially, then renewable in 2-year blocks against spend and hiring milestones. PR application possible once the business is established.

What is Singapore's Student Pass?

Students accepted to an approved Singapore institution. It lasts matched to the course. Graduates commonly convert to an EP; some scholarship holders carry service bonds instead.

GlobeQuest

Moving from Saudi Arabia to Singapore

What your passport gets you at the border — and what it takes to actually stay.

Saudi Arabia

SingaporeShort stay

Visa-free

Saudi Arabia passport holders can enter Singapore without a visa.

This is short-stay visitor policy only. It does not let you work, study or settle in Singapore — that needs a residence permit.

Passport Index · updated 17 February 2026Singapore's official immigration service

Long stay

How you actually move to Singapore

Work / sponsoredHigh confidenceVerified July 2026

Employment Pass (EP)

Professionals, managers and executives with a Singapore job offer. The main route into the country.

What you need

Job offer from a Singapore-registered employer, who applies on your behalf
Qualifying salary of at least S$5,600/month in general sectors and S$6,200 in financial services for new applications from 1 January 2026 — benchmarks scale up with age and seniority
At least 40 points on the COMPASS framework across salary, qualifications, workforce diversity and local employment support

How long it lasts: Up to 2 years initially, up to 3 on renewal.
Path to permanent residence: EP holders may apply for Permanent Residence, typically after a couple of years, but approval is discretionary and rates are not published.
Cost: S$105 application plus S$225 issuance, normally employer-paid.
Processing time: Most outcomes within about 3 weeks of a complete online application.

Worth knowing

The floor moves again to S$6,000 (S$6,600 in financial services) from 1 January 2027 — confirmed by MOM in March 2026. Renewals track the new benchmarks from 1 July 2026.
COMPASS points for workforce diversity depend on your employer's existing national mix, so identical candidates can score differently at different firms.

Sources:Ministry of Manpower

Work / sponsoredHigh confidenceVerified July 2026

Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)

Top-tier earners and standouts in the arts, sport, science and academia who want freedom from a single employer.

What you need

Fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 in the last year, or an equivalent offer from a Singapore employer
Alternatively, outstanding achievement in arts, culture, sport, science or academia

How long it lasts: 5 years, renewable.
Path to permanent residence: Same discretionary PR application, from a considerably stronger position.
Cost: Application and issuance fees comparable to the EP.
Processing time: Around 4 weeks.

Worth knowing

The ONE Pass lets you work for multiple employers concurrently, which no other pass allows.
Renewal requires having actually operated in Singapore during the term.

Sources:Ministry of Manpower

InvestmentMedium confidenceVerified July 2026

EntrePass

Founders starting a venture-backed or innovation-driven company in Singapore.

What you need

A Singapore-registered private limited company, or willingness to register within 30 days of approval
Qualification as an entrepreneur, innovator or investor — funding from a recognised VC, IP ownership, incubator backing, or a comparable track record

How long it lasts: 1 year initially, then renewable in 2-year blocks against spend and hiring milestones.
Path to permanent residence: PR application possible once the business is established.
Cost: S$105 application plus S$225 issuance, on top of incorporation.
Processing time: Around 8 weeks — noticeably slower than the EP.

Worth knowing

Lifestyle businesses — F&B, retail, and similar — are explicitly out of scope.
Renewals are judged on real local hiring and spend, not on the idea.

Sources:Ministry of Manpower

StudentMedium confidenceVerified July 2026

Student Pass

Students accepted to an approved Singapore institution.

What you need

Acceptance from an approved institution, which registers you in ICA's SOLAR system
Proof of funds and accommodation
Medical examination

How long it lasts: Matched to the course.
Path to permanent residence: Graduates commonly convert to an EP; some scholarship holders carry service bonds instead.
Cost: S$30 processing plus S$60 issuance, plus a multiple-entry visa fee where applicable.
Processing time: A few weeks after the institution registers you.

Worth knowing