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Countries Ranking

Getting residence in Singapore

Singapore ties residence to qualifying employment, entrepreneurship or top talent. Temporary paths (EP, EntrePass) and toward PR.

The essentials · reside · July 2026

For comparing a residence title: timeline, cost, limits.

1–3 months

Employment Pass (EP)

$200–$1,000

2–4 months

EntrePass (entrepreneur)

$500–$5,000

6–12 months

Permanent Residence (PR)

$100–$500

The routes

  • Employment Pass (EP) — 1–2 year renewable pass
  • EntrePass (entrepreneur) — Renewable entrepreneur pass with business milestones
  • Permanent Residence (PR) — PR status (not citizenship)

Who it fits

  • Employment Pass (EP) — Qualified employee, high salary minimum (COMPASS. Verify MOM thresholds)
  • EntrePass (entrepreneur) — Innovative startup or investment per MOM criteria
  • Permanent Residence (PR) — After years on EP/SP, talent profiles, selected investors

Paths by category

Indicative thresholds, timelines and fees. Verify with official sources and local counsel.

Work / employment

Employment Pass (EP)

Work / employment Residence permit Temporary
Who it fits
Qualified employee, high salary minimum (COMPASS. Verify MOM thresholds)
Outcome
1–2 year renewable pass
Typical timeline
1–3 months
Indicative cost
$200–$1,000

Process steps

  1. SG job offer
  2. Employer files EP with MOM
  3. Entry if visa required
  4. FIN card
  5. Renewal

Sources: mom.gov.sg

Entrepreneur / company

EntrePass (entrepreneur)

Entrepreneur / company Residence permit Temporary
Who it fits
Innovative startup or investment per MOM criteria
Outcome
Renewable entrepreneur pass with business milestones
Typical timeline
2–4 months
Indicative cost
$500–$5,000

Process steps

  1. Incorporate SG Pte Ltd
  2. Innovation/funding dossier
  3. MOM EntrePass
  4. Milestones for renewals

Sources: mom.gov.sg

Naturalisation / long stay

Permanent Residence (PR)

Naturalisation / long stay Permanent residence Permanent
Who it fits
After years on EP/SP, talent profiles, selected investors
Outcome
PR status (not citizenship)
Typical timeline
6–12 months
Indicative cost
$100–$500

Process steps

  1. ICA PR eligibility
  2. File e-PR
  3. Interview if called
  4. PR card

Sources: ica.gov.sg

How to read the paths

Each card combines a category (how you qualify), an outcome (what you get) and duration (renewable title or permanent). RBI ≠ CBI: the first grants residence, the second a passport.

  • EU free movement : EU/EEA citizens register their stay. A consular visa is a different route.
  • Work / employment : Status tied to a local employer or qualifying contract.
  • Entrepreneur / company : Activity or company setup: the visa follows the project. A passport is a different outcome.
  • Passive income / retirement : Stable income (pension, dividends, rent) without local employment.
  • Nomad / remote : Remote work for an employer or clients outside the country.
  • Residence by investment : Investment or financial threshold leads to residence. A passport is a different outcome.
  • Citizenship by investment : Investment or contribution → passport (programmes often restricted).
  • Naturalisation / long stay : After years of legal stay: PR, ILR, C permit, etc.
  • Other : Visit, transit or routes outside the frames above.

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