How to Apply for Singapore Visa in Dubai & Immigrate from UAE?

Singapore is one of the best places in the world to live, work, and stay with your family. Singapore has always been at the top of the list of international migration destinations for those looking to start a new life in another country.

Singapore has always had a welcoming attitude for immigrants. Every year, the number of immigrants in this country increases. Immigrants make up a significant portion of the population here.

A strong economy, low cost of living, and high quality of life are all reasons to relocate to Singapore.

Y-Axis Dubai offers a wide range of consulting services to help you apply for various types of migration pathways to Singapore.

Singapore Immigration process

Migrating for work

Qualified professionals can choose from 3 types of pathways to migrate to Singapore for work.

Employment Pass (EP):

If you’re a professional, first get a job in Singapore. Then your employer can apply for an EP on your behalf. You can get the EP or S Pass, depending on your experience and qualifications.

You must receive at least a fixed monthly salary of 3,900 Singapore dollars and have strong credentials to apply for the EP.

Personalized Employment Pass (PEP):

The PEP is independent from any employer, allowing you to pursue opportunities in Singapore without affecting the validity of the pass. Once you hold a PEP, you can stay in Singapore for up to 6 months, in between jobs to pursue a new job opportunity. The PEP is valid only for 3 years and is non-renewable.

S Pass: 

This is for mid-level skilled staff. Candidates need to earn at least 2,200 Singapore Dollars a month and meet the assessment criteria.

Eligibility requirement for work permit

To apply, you

• must have a valid passport
• must be at least 18 years of age
• may work within the scope of work specified by the authorities in the work permits given

Once the application has been submitted, the processing time is usually 3 weeks for online applications and 8 weeks for manual applications.

Permit for dependents

Individuals who immigrate to Singapore on a work permit can bring their dependents to Singapore on a work permit.

This must be applied for by the organization that funded the EP, PEP, or S Pass for the person who wishes to bring his or her dependents. It’s valid for up to 2 years, depending on the validity of the EP, PEP, or S Pass.

Eligibility requirements for dependent pass

• The person who’s sponsoring must have a salary of at least 4,000 Singapore Dollars per month.
• Applicant must be legally married to the spouse.
• Children below the age of 21 are considered as dependents.

Permanent residency

There are 3 ways by which individuals can gain permanent residency in Singapore:

• Professional, Technical Personnel, and Skilled Workers scheme (PTS scheme)
• Global Investor Program scheme (GIP Scheme)
• Foreign Artistic Talent scheme (ForArts)

The following groups of foreigners are qualified to apply for permanent residency in Singapore under the PTS and GIP Schemes:

• Spouse and unmarried children of permanent residents or citizens of Singapore
• A Singapore citizen’s aged parents
• Immigrants on an employment pass or S pass
• Investors or entrepreneurs under the GIP scheme

Eligibility criteria under the Foreign Artistic Talent Scheme (ForArts)

• Professional experience and related training/education in their area of practice
• Exceptional accomplishments in the fields of the performing arts, creative arts, literary arts, architecture, and/or media
• Important contributions to the arts and culture scene in Singapore
• A clear track record of local engagements at leadership level
• Concrete plans to participate in Singapore’s arts and cultural sector in the future

Permanent residents in Singapore have access to public housing, high-quality schooling, and heavily subsidized healthcare facilities and won’t be subject to any restrictions with regards to their permits.

Document Checklist for Singapore Visa Applications

• Valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity from the date of entry.
• Completed visa application form (Form 14A for visitors, MOM eService form for work passes).
• Recent passport-sized photograph in color, taken within the last 3 months.
• Flight itinerary or proof of onward/return travel.
• Accommodation details such as hotel bookings or invitation letter from a host in Singapore.
• Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statements, salary slips, or sponsor details).
• Cover letter from local contact, employer, or inviting organization (if required).
• Educational and professional qualification certificates (for work passes, must be verified).
• Employment contract or job offer letter (for long-term work visas).
• Company business profile from ACRA (for employer-sponsored passes).
• Profession-specific licences or registrations (if applying for regulated roles like healthcare or law).
• Additional supporting documents requested by authorities (e.g., medical reports, parental consent for minors, business meeting invitations).

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for a Singapore Work Pass (EP / S Pass)

Follow these steps for most employer-sponsored work visas. (Some requirements differ for EntrePass or ONE Pass.)

Step 1 — Confirm eligibility
Check the correct pass type, salary requirement, and (for EP) COMPASS points to ensure the role and candidate qualify.

Step 2 — Job advertising (if required)
Employers may need to advertise the role on MyCareersFuture to comply with the Fair Consideration Framework before applying.

Step 3 — Collect documents
Prepare the candidate’s passport copy, company ACRA profile, verified educational qualifications, and any profession-specific approvals.

Step 4 — File the online application
Employer or agent submits the application through the Ministry of Manpower portal and pays the fee (S$105).

Step 5 — Wait for assessment
Most EP or S Pass applications are processed within about 10 business days, though some may take longer.

Step 6 — Receive In-Principle Approval (IPA)
If approved, the IPA letter allows entry to Singapore and sets out conditions such as a medical exam if required.

Step 7 — Get the pass issued in Singapore
Employer submits final details, provides a local contact, and pays the issuance fee (S$225 for EP; add S$30 for Multiple Journey Visa if applicable).

Step 8 — Complete biometric registration
The candidate registers fingerprints and a photograph at the Employment Pass Services Centre within 2 weeks of pass issuance.

Step 9 — Receive the pass
The candidate activates the SGWorkPass app and receives the physical card within about 5 working days.

Step 10 — Apply for family passes (optional)
If eligible, dependants can be sponsored for a Dependant’s Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass.

Singapore Short-Term vs Long-Term Visas

Feature	Short-Term Visas (Visit Passes)	Long-Term Visas (Work, Family & Residence Passes)
Purpose	Tourism, short business trips, family visits, medical treatment	Employment, entrepreneurship, study, family sponsorship, or long-term residence
Validity	Typically 30–90 days, extendable up to 89 days from entry	1–5 years, depending on pass type and employer sponsorship
Entry Type	Granted on arrival or via an approved visa application	Must be applied for and approved before entering or starting work/study
Work Rights	Not permitted to work	Allowed to work or run a business (EP, S Pass, EntrePass)
Examples	Short-Term Visit Pass, Business Visit Pass	Employment Pass (EP), S Pass, EntrePass, Dependant’s Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP), Permanent Residence (PR)
Pathway to PR	No	Some long-term passes may lead to Permanent Residence eligibility

 

Recent Policy Updates: Singapore Visa & Work Pass Rules

• Employment Pass (EP) Salary Increase
  From 1 January 2025, the EP minimum qualifying salary has increased to S$5,600 per month (and S$6,200 for Financial Services). This applies to new applications; renewals follow from 1 January 2026.

• S Pass Salary Threshold Adjustment
  From 1 September 2025, the minimum salary for S Pass holders will rise to S$3,300 (higher for Financial Services). Renewals will follow in 2026.

• COMPASS Framework Updates
  The COMPASS evaluation system for Employment Passes now uses updated salary benchmarks and sectoral scoring. Candidates earning S$22,500 or more remain exempt from COMPASS.

• Mandatory Verification of Qualifications
  Employers must submit verified educational and professional certificates for Employment Pass and S Pass applications through MOM-approved verification providers.

• Digital Entry and e-Pass System
  All short-term visitors and pass holders now receive digital entry passes instead of passport stamps. The pass is emailed and must be presented with the passport when leaving Singapore.