The futuristic city-state of Singapore certainly attracts several people’s attention and influences them to move here. Though a lot of us see Singapore as a travel destination, a less-known fact is that it is a perfect place for digital nomads and remote workers. Housing various coworking spaces, trendy coffee shops, and shopping malls, Singapore is more than just a tourist attraction.
If you are someone who doesn’t want to move there permanently but a month or two doesn’t sound enough then the new Digital Nomad Visa program is the best option for you. If you wish to learn about this new visa, keep reading this article.
Does Singapore have a Digital Nomad Visa?
Citizens from various countries are free to enter Singapore without a visa, whether they are digital nomads or not. However, other interested individuals must familiarize themselves with the complex yet well-defined Singapore digital nomad visa terms.
While the Singapore government hasn’t introduced a digital nomad visa program per se, there are alternative options that offer similar benefits. Depending on your plans and preferences, you can acquire a tourist visa, work visa, work holiday visa, or Singapore entry visa. However, keeping the requirements of a digital nomad in mind, a Singapore work visa might be the best option for remote workers looking to live in the Republic of Singapore.
Make sure to check your home country’s visa policy to see whether you can enter Singapore visa-free.
Who can Apply for the Singapore Digital Nomad Visa?
Some eligibility requirements must be fulfilled in order to apply for a Singapore Digital Nomad Visa (work pass in this context). Take a look below to see if you stand up to the eligibility criteria:
- Minimum age of 18 for non-domestic migrant workers
- Work within the scope of your role
- Have valid documents
There are various work visas and the specific requirements will be defined by the “type” of work pass you choose.
Employment pass
- Foreign professionals, managers, and executives
- Meet the minimum income requirement of $5600
S pass
- Foreign nationals with mid-level skills
Work permit
- Citizens from the following foreign countries: Malaysia, China, India, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Macau, and South Korea
How do you apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Singapore?
While there is no specific digital nomad visa as of yet, interested parties can apply for a work visa (work pass) by following the step-by-step guide below.
- Get a job in Singapore.
A work visa requires you to have a local employer based in Singapore. Hence, one of the most important things to do is to get a job offer.
- Check Eligibility requirements
First and foremost, you need to find an adequate work pass that suits your needs and work nature. You can do so by going to their official website or contacting an embassy.
- Apply for a visa application.
Your employer will be responsible for submitting the work visa application. They can do so on the official Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website.
- Pay the fee
The next step would be to pay the visa fee for your chosen type of work pass.
- Wait for feedback
Once all the steps have been completed, you just need to sit tight and wait for the authorities to process your application. Your employer will receive feedback through an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter.
- Enter Singapore
You can enter Singapore after acquiring the IPA letter. Following that, you’ll need to register yourself at the EPSC (Employment Pass Services Centre) and receive your pass card.
How Much Does it Cost?
You may be surprised to hear this but the freelance visa to this beautiful city-state isn’t all that expensive. The costs vary as per the type of pass you choose but here’s a rough overview.
Employment pass
- Processing fee: S$105
- Renewal fee: S$225
S pass
- Processing fee: S$75
- Renewal fee: S$100
Work permit
- Processing fee: S$35
- Renewal fee: S$35
Singapore Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
There are some requirements that you must fulfill to get this visa.
Required documents
You must have the following documents with you during the time of your visa application.
- Valid passport: a passport that will remain valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Singapore.
- Valid health insurance: medical insurance that will remain valid and cover all expenses for the duration of your entire stay. It can be private health insurance or international.
- Financial stability: This means that you have to submit documents that prove that you are self-sufficient and you can financially support yourself while staying in Singapore.
- Proof of employment: Applicants must submit proof that they are recommended by an employer in the country. This could be proved by submitting an employment contract or appointment letter.
- Two photographs: must be clear, colored, and recent.
- Filled out visa application form for a work visa.
- A certificate proving your work experience.
- Skillset: a document outlining the nature of the work you intend to do in Singapore.
Financial requirements
A Singaporean digital nomad visa “work visa” also poses a requirement for minimum income. Remote workers need to prove that they can afford their stay in the country. However, each type has varying requirements.
- Employment pass: meet the minimum income criteria of $5600 for all sectors and $6200 for financial services.
- S pass: meet the minimum income criteria of $3300 for all sectors and $3800 for financial services.
- Work permit: depends on the skill level.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Singapore Digital Nomad Visa?
The standard time for the Singapore visa application process is estimated to take 7 working days. Ideally, your application will be processed within the first 2-3 weeks of submission and you’ll receive feedback. However, you should keep in mind that the time will vary based on factors such as the accuracy of your application, the competency of the departments, the amount of burden they are dealing with, and perhaps even some government policies.
Online visa applications are processed faster than manual ones.
Benefits of the Singapore Digital Nomad Visa
Good internet connection
Internet connectivity in Singapore is something beyond extraordinary. Most parts of the city experience high-speed internet and connectivity, that is perfect for digital nomads. On average, digital nomads can expect 297.57 Mbps in the well-developed parts of the speed. Higher speeds are also available with a wired connection and fiber cable alternatives. If you want extra reliability, you can always buy a local SIM card upon arrival and opt for mobile data. However, note that there are a lot of good providers in the city so make sure to compare data packages beforehand. A lot of cafes, co-working spaces, and local restaurants offer free wifi as well. You can certainly maintain a good work-life balance and access fast connections to meet deadlines.
Culture and nature
Singapore is a lively place with a diverse culture. You can go to the extent of saying that this country is a melting pot of culture. Its rich history influences its culture, traditions, and surroundings hugely, but it also adds to its uniqueness. You’ll find the friendly locals very kind and hospitable as they’ll welcome you with open hearts. The cultural activities, music, art, and literature also depict the local culture properly.
Singapore is also a haven for nature lovers. You can engage in a range of outdoor activities and connect with nature while enjoying green spaces, parks, lush greenery, and scenic landscapes.
Good food
As for food, Singapore has all sorts of famous South Asian food. You can find a plethora of good restaurants and coffee shops here. Make sure to try some of the traditional recipes that are mostly available from street vendors. You can even take food tours to enjoy the best of it and immerse yourself with other visitors.
Do Digital Nomads Pay Tax in Singapore?
Digital nomads who stay and work in Singapore for more than 183 days in a calendar year will be required to pay taxes. The country has implied a 15% tax on personal income (employee income) and this is in accordance with the progressive resident rates. As for the other income generated in the country, there is a non-resident rate of 24%.
Renew Digital Nomad Visa Singapore
Another good thing about the Singapore digital nomad visa is that it has an amazing renewal policy. While the exact duration depends on the type of work pass you choose, they typically last for 2 years.
You can renew it and extend your stay as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. Other than that, make sure to renew it at least 7-12 weeks prior to its expiration date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can enter Singapore without a visa?
US citizens, Australian citizens, or people with Canadian nationality can enter Singapore and enjoy a visa-free entry. However, this is not a long-term solution and such travelers can only stay for a maximum of 90 days. Some other visa-exempt countries include Iran, Yemen, Azerbaijan, and Libya.
What are some other visa options in Singapore?
In case you don’t want to apply for a Singapore work visa, you can explore other options such as an entry visa and tourist visa. Each is adequate for a certain audience so make sure to align your purpose with the visa.
Can the citizens of European countries enter Singapore without a visa?
EU citizens are free to enter Singapore without a visa. They can stay for up to 90 days and enjoy the same benefits as granted by a “tourist visa”.
What is the best place for digital nomads in Singapore?
Chinatown has plenty to offer for those who are willing to take a chance and trust their instincts. Most importantly, the scope of development seems really promising! You’ll also be able to enjoy the rich cultural scene. You are bound to be dazzled by its charm each day you spend here.
How many types of work visas are there in Singapore?
There are different types of work visas (work pass) in this city-state and the options include employment pass, entry pass, S pass, training employment pass, and Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass. You can choose one that fits your needs and work.
Final Thoughts
After careful consideration and evaluation, it’s safe to say that Singapore is a great option for digital nomads. In addition to accessing various opportunities, you can settle down here and call this place your home. Singapore is an advance, known for its uniqueness and technological significance.
Digital nomads and remote workers are sure to enjoy the Southeast Asian influence, affordable cost of living, and pleasant weather here. We hope it answered all your questions, provided the list of necessary documents, and helped you evaluate the visa policy of this country. If you require any further information, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help.
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