| As a foreign resident, what is my status in your country? |
| Depending on your nationality, you may require a visa to enter Singapore -- even though many can stay up to 30 days without a visa. You must subsequently apply for a relevant permit from the Immigration Department to live and work in Singapore. |
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| What kinds of visas are available? |
As a working resident, you need to obtain an Employment Pass (EP). This is sponsored by the local company you will be working for. Non-working spouses and children will be granted Dependant Passes (DP).
Partners, common-law spouses, parents and adopted children will need to apply for the Long Term Social Visit Pass (LTSVP).
Separate Entry Visas are required for visitors from many countries (including but not limited to): Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Commonwealth of Independent States, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Myanmar, People's Republic of China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Vietnam and Yemen. |
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| What is required to obtain these visas? |
For the Employment Pass, Dependant Pass and Long Term Social Visit Pass applications, Crown Singapore can assist you even before you arrive to guide you through the application process and submit your application.
- Employment Pass - You'll need to furnish a passport, copy of highest academic and/or professional qualifications, application forms and passport photos.
- Dependant Pass - Spouse needs to furnish a passport, marriage certificate (if married), birth certificates (for children only) and application forms.
- Long Term Social Visit Pass - You'll need to furnish a passport, documents which detail the relationship of the applicant to the Employment Pass holder and application forms.
- Entry Visas - Apply for this through the Singapore Embassy in the country of departure.
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| Are spouses permitted and/or likely to find work? |
Yes, a spouse is able to work while holding a valid Dependant Pass, but will need to apply for a letter of consent from the Ministry of Manpower.
If a spouse finds a suitable job -- and there are plenty of job search firms in Singapore -- the employer can also sponsor the spouse for an Employment Pass.
Non-working partners are also greatly involved in volunteer work. In addition, many people in Singapore's expat communities are involved with activities along with their fellow countrymen. Non-working partners who are also parents can even join committees of the various international schools. |
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| What are the main forms of identification and how does a newcomer obtain them? |
| Besides your Employment Pass, Dependant Pass or Long-Term Social Visit Pass card, your passport is a good form of identification as it holds your picture. |
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| Are there any other important permits I must obtain, or places where I must register right away? |
| Once you have obtained your Employment Pass, Dependant Pass or Long-Term Social Visit Pass card, you do not need to apply for any other permit. However, you may want to notify your embassy of your address and contact details in Singapore. |
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| What items should I avoid bringing into the country? |
| Do not bring the normal contraband items -- such as drugs, guns, knives, pornography and narcotics. You should also be careful bringing in videos, as these may be screened for offensive content by the censorship board. Owners of pirated copies of DVDs/VCDs may also be subjected to huge fines. |
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| Is there anything else I should know about entering and remaining in the country legally? |
| You are required to have a return air ticket if you are entering Singapore without an approval letter for any of the above resident passes. Remember to verify the number of days you are allowed to stay in Singapore. This date will be stamped in your passport. |
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| Useful Links |
Immigration and Checkpoints Authority
http://app.ica.gov.sg/index.asp
Singapore Ministry of Manpower
http://www.mom.gov.sg
Singapore Customs
- general customs info
http://www.customs.gov.sg
Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore
- customs info on pets, food, plants
http://www.ava.gov.sg
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