Singapore’s Immigration Pathways: A Strategic Vision for Global Talent and Investors

Introduction

Singapore has long positioned itself as a hub for global talent and investment, recognizing immigration as a vital component of its economic and societal growth. As Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong stated at the Teck Ghee Citizenship Ceremony held at Nanyang Polytechnic on 9 March 2025, “Immigration is essential and existential for Singapore’s survival.” This underscores the nation’s commitment to attracting skilled professionals and high-net-worth individuals who can contribute meaningfully to its development.

Student Pathway to Permanent Residency

International students studying in Singapore may be eligible to apply to be a Permanent Resident (“PR”), provided they demonstrate a strong educational track record and long-term commitment to residing in Singapore. The eligibility conditions include:

• Having passed at least one national examination conducted in Singapore, such as the Primary School Leaving Examination, GCE ‘N’, ‘O’, or ‘A’ Levels, or
• Being currently enrolled in the Integrated Programme offered by local secondary schools.

Applicants under this pathway should also demonstrate an intention to remain in Singapore after completing their studies, which may include plans for higher education or employment within the country. In reviewing applications, ICA considers the student’s academic performance, duration of study, involvement in co-curricular and community activities, and family background. The objective is to assess the student’s potential for future contribution to Singapore society and the economy.

This pathway supports the long-term integration of international students who have invested in their education locally and have formed meaningful ties to the country.

S Pass

The S Pass is available to mid-level skilled workers, typically associate professionals and technicians. Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for an S Pass:

• A job offer from a Singapore-registered company,
• A minimum monthly fixed salary of S$3,300, or S$3,800 if working in the financial services sector; and
• Declaration of a diploma or degree qualification is optional.

Employers must also comply with foreign worker quota requirements and contribute to the foreign worker levy. MOM evaluates applications based on the candidate’s qualifications, job scope, and experience.

S Pass holders who maintain a stable employment history and demonstrate sustained contributions to Singapore’s economy may be eligible to apply for Permanent Residency under the Professional, Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers (“PTS”) Scheme.

Employment Pass (“EP”)

The Employment Pass (“EP”) is a work visa issued to foreign professionals, managers, and executives who meet the Ministry of Manpower’s (“MOM”) eligibility criteria. Applicants must have a job offer from a Singapore-based employer and satisfy minimum salary requirements. Effective 1 January 2025, the qualifying salary begins at S$5,600 for applicants aged 23 and increases progressively with age, reaching S$10,700 for applicants aged 45 and above (or S$6,200 to S$11,800 in the financial services sector).

In addition to salary thresholds, EP applicants are assessed under the Complementarity Assessment Framework (“COMPASS”). This points-based system evaluates:

• Salary benchmarks relative to the industry norm.
• Qualifications and educational credentials.
• Contributions to workforce diversity.
• Support for local employment.
• Alignment with sector-specific shortages and national economic priorities.

Applicants must score at least 40 points out of 110 points to qualify under     COMPASS. However, individuals earning a fixed monthly salary of S$22,500 or more are exempted from COMPASS.

After establishing a stable career and residency in Singapore, EP holders may become eligible to apply for Permanent Residency through the PTS Scheme.

Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (“ONE Pass”)

The Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (“ONE Pass”) is designed for top-tier global professionals in the fields of business, academia, arts and culture, sports, and research. The ONE Pass allows eligible applicants to concurrently hold multiple professional roles and engage in business or employment activities without requiring additional work passes or approvals.

To qualify for the ONE Pass, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

• Earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 (or its equivalent) within the last 12 months in a company in Singapore
• Earned a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 (or its equivalent) within the last 12 months in an established company outside of Singapore, or
• Will be employed by an established company in Singapore that pays a monthly salary of at least S$30,000, or
• Possess outstanding achievements in one of the approved fields, subject to endorsement by a recognized local agency.

MOM defines an established company as a company with a market capitalisation or valuation of at least US$500 million, or an annual revenue of at least US$200 million.

ONE Pass holders who maintain active professional engagement and contribute meaningfully to Singapore’s economic or cultural ecosystem may also become eligible to apply for PR under the PTS Scheme.

The Professional, Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers (“PTS”) Scheme

The PTS Scheme is the primary avenue through which most professionals apply for Singapore PR. It is designed for individuals who are already working in Singapore under a valid work pass, such as the EP or ONE Pass. Applicants under the PTS Scheme must demonstrate a consistent track record of employment and contribution to the local economy. In assessing applications, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (“ICA”) considers several factors including:

• the individual’s family ties to Singaporeans,
• economic contributions,
• qualifications,
• age,
• family profile
• length of residency,
• the individual’s ability to contribute to Singapore and integrate into Singapore’s society, and
• the individual’s commitment to sinking roots in Singapore.

While there is no fixed timeframe, many successful applicants on average apply for PR after 3 to 4 years of residency and professional engagement in Singapore. Applications are evaluated holistically based on merit and alignment with Singapore’s long-term demographic and economic goals.

Global Investor Programme (“GIP”) for High-Net-Worth Individuals and Entrepreneurs

For entrepreneurs and investors seeking a direct pathway to PR, the Global Investor Programme (“GIP”) offers a route jointly administered by the Economic Development Board (“EDB”) and ICA. The GIP is designed for successful entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals who wish to contribute meaningfully to Singapore’s economy by investing in businesses, funds, or establishing Single-Family Offices.

Applicants must qualify under one of four profiles:

Profile	Established Business Owners	Next-Generation Business Owners.	Founders of Fast-Growth Companies.	Family Office Principals.
To qualify	a) The individual must possess at least 3 years of entrepreneurial and business track record;    b) The individual should currently be running a company with an annual turnover of at least S$200 million in the year immediately preceding the application, and at least S$200 million per annum on average for the three years immediately preceding the application;   c) If the company is privately held, the individual should have at least 30% shareholding in the company; AND   d) the company must be engaged in one or more of the industries recognised by EDB.	a) The immediate family of the individual should have at least 30% shareholding or is the largest shareholder in the company you use to qualify;    b) This company’s annual turnover must be at least S$500 million in the year immediately preceding the application, and at least S$500 million per annum on average for the three years immediately preceding the application;   c) The individual must be part of the management team of the company (e.g. C-suite/Board of Directors); AND   d) The company must be engaged in one or more of the industries recognised by EDB.	a) The individual must be a founder and one of the largest individual shareholders of a non-publicly listed company with a valuation of at least S$500 million;    b) The company must be invested into by reputable Venture Capital/Private Equity firms; AND   c) The company must be engaged in one or more of the industries recognised by EDB.	a) The individual must possess at least 5 years of entrepreneurial, investment or management track record;  AND   b) The individual must have net investible assets of at least S$200 million.   (Net Investible Assets include all financial assets, such as bank deposits, capital market products, collective investment schemes, premiums paid in respect of life insurance policies and other investment products, excluding real estate. Contact Singapore reserves the right to exercise judgement in determining the suitability of the individual’s Net Investible Assets.)
Investment Options	Option A or B or C			Option C only

They may choose from the following investment options:

• Option A: Invest at least S$10 million in a new or existing Singapore-based business.
• Option B: Invest S$25 million in a GIP-select fund that invests in Singapore-based companies.
• Option C: Establish a Singapore-based Single-Family Office with at least S$200 million in Assets-Under-Management (AUM), with at least S$50 million deployed in equities listed on Singapore approved exchanges.

All GIP applicants must also meet detailed qualifying criteria related to business turnover, ownership, track record, and sector focus. GIP applications undergo a rigorous review process involving both EDB and ICA.

As of 5 May 2025, application fees under the GIP have also been increased from S$10,000 to S$20,000 per application, reflecting the comprehensive due diligence and processing involved.

With proper preparation and ongoing compliance with the relevant requirements, the GIP provides a structured and transparent path to residency for successful entrepreneurs and/or high-net-worth individuals and their families.

Conclusion

Singapore remains committed to attracting global talent and investment through structured immigration pathways. The PTS serves as a gateway for skilled professionals to contribute their expertise, while the GIP provides high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs with an opportunity to acquire fast-track PR status in the country. However, both programs come with complexities that require careful navigation. With professional guidance, individuals can successfully manage their immigration journey and become valuable contributors to Singapore’s dynamic economy.

SMTP’s Experience

As a private client firm, our Immigration and Family Offices department has a wealth of experience in navigating applications for clients looking to obtain Singapore Citizenship, PR, EP, ONE Pass, as well as residency passes for their accompanying families who intend to work and live in Singapore. Our lawyers work closely with clients and their advisors, adopting a tailored approach to address families’ specific needs and requirements.

Should you or your clients require any assistance or advice, please feel free to contact our Business Development Team to schedule a consultation.