Singapore visas
Whether you need a visa to enter Singapore depends on your nationality — only nationals of certain listed countries need an entry visa, and many nationalities are visa-free. Singapore's immigration is run by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), and work passes by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). An entry visa is only pre-entry permission to travel; the immigration pass granted at the checkpoint is what sets your period of stay. This hub explains the main routes in plain language and links to the official sources so you can confirm exactly what applies to you.
Important information
Singaporean visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Entry visas & visit passesShort stays in Singapore — tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips and transit, plus any visa-free or electronic-authorisation options.2 visas
- Work passesComing to Singapore to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.6 visas
- Student's PassStudying in Singapore — student visas and permits for accepted students, and what they let you do.1 visa
- Family & long-term visit passesJoining or sponsoring a family member in Singapore — spouse, partner, child and other relative routes.2 visas
- Business & investor passesInvesting, doing business or coming to Singapore as a highly skilled or exceptional individual.2 visas
- Permanent residence & citizenshipLiving in Singapore long term — permanent residence and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Singaporean visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Singapore — key facts
- Entry document
- Visa-free or entry visa
- Entry visa only for listed nationalities
- Authority
- ICA
- Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
- At the checkpoint
- Visit Pass granted
- The pass, not the visa, sets your period of stay
- Work
- Not on a visit pass
- Working requires the appropriate work pass
Singaporean visas — people also ask
Only nationals of certain listed countries need a Singapore entry visa — many nationalities are visa-free. Use the official ICA and Ministry of Foreign Affairs guidance to check whether an entry visa applies to you.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-09. Information only — not legal advice.