Singapore Digital Nomad Visa
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Nadia Dardón
Freelance writer
Last update
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Singapore Rating from Citizen Remote
Overall 
3.6
Internet Infrastructure 5.0
Country Stability 5.0
Cost of Living 1.0
Ease of Obtaining Visa 4.0
Taxes 3.0
Quick Visa Facts
Visa length Indefinitely
Possible to extend? N/A
Who can apply? Foreigners with a work contract in Singapore
Minimum Income Requirements $3,000-$5,000
Time for visa applications 7 working days
Want to know if you can apply?
Complete a visa quiz and see if you qualify!
Singapore Digital Nomad Visa Overview
Singapore is an island country and city-state located in Southeast Asia. Its luxurious and futuristic vibes, including Digital Nomads, attract thousands of visitors each year.
Those looking for a digital nomad visa for Singapore will be sad to know there isn’t a Singapore digital nomad visa. However, there are other visas that can be used for this purpose. In this article, we’ll explore these visa options so that you can choose the one that best works for you.
Visiting Singapore is a must for digital nomads and remote workers. This country has a lot to offer for anyone looking to live and work there.
Types of Singapore Digital Nomad Visas Options
Currently, there isn’t a digital nomad visa for Singapore. However, there are different types of visas that allow you to visit and work from Singapore. The country offers various work visas, plus the tourist visa. Here are all the visa options so you can choose the one that works best for you!
All visitors, regardless of their visa, need a SG Arrival Card (SGAC) with Electronic Health Declaration. You can learn more about it through the ICA website.
Singapore Entry Visa
Most visitors do not need a visa to enter Singapore for tourism purposes. In fact, countries like the US, Canada, and Australia do not need a visa to enter Singapore. They can stay for 90 days or less without a visa.
However, there are some specific countries that do need a visa. You can check the full list of countries that need a valid visa to enter Singapore on the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority website. Countries like India, Egypt, or Nigeria will need to apply for an entry visa.
The Singapore Entry Visa is not an immigration pass. It is pre-entry permission for the holder to travel to Singapore. You can apply online for the visa, and you’ll be notified digitally through email.
This is not a guarantee that you’ll be granted entry to the country. The ICA officers at the point of entry will determine this and assign a period of stay granted.
Once you’ve been granted entry, you may extend your period of stay granted by applying for a visa pass extension.
Keep in mind that travelers under this visa are not permitted to engage in any business, professional, or paid employment activities in Singapore.
Work Pass
All foreigners who intend to work in Singapore must have a valid work pass. This is commonly known as a work visa. There are different types, each suitable for different types of work and needs.
Employment Pass
This is aimed at foreign professionals, managers, and executives. All candidates need to earn at least $5,000 per month.
EntrePass
This work pass is for foreign entrepreneurs who are looking to start and operate a business in Singapore that is venture-backed or that possesses innovative technologies.
Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass
Aimed for top talent in business, arts and culture, sports, as well as academia and research.
S Pass
This is aimed at mid-level skilled workers who earn at least $3,000 per month.
Training Employment Pass
Available for foreign professionals undergoing practical training. Candidates must earn at least $3,000 per month.
Work Holiday Programme
The Work Holiday Programme is available to eligible students and young graduates looking to work and holiday in Singapore for up to 6 months.
You can apply if you’re between the ages of 18 and 25. You must be an undergraduate or graduate of a university in Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, or the United States.
A total of 2,000 applications are accepted each year.
What Singapore Visa Type Is the Best for Digital Nomads?
It depends on your necessities or how long you wish to stay in Singapore. If you’re planning to visit for 90 days or less, then a tourist visa is best for you. Most countries don’t even need a visa for that amount of time!
However, if you wish to stay in Singapore for longer, then you’ll need to apply for a work visa that fits your industry and income.
Who Can Apply for the Singapore Visa?
For a Singapore work visa, there aren’t any citizenship restrictions. Anyone can apply as long as they comply with the requirements of the specific work pass, such as age, minimum income, and type of work.
For tourist visas, there aren’t any citizenship restrictions either. Unless you’re from the country listed below, then you can enter Singapore without a visa.
Afghanistan
Algeria
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bangladesh
Belarus
South Korea
Egypt
Georgia
Iran
Iraq
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Lebanon
Libya
Mali
Moldova
Morocco
Nigeria
Pakistan
China
Russia
Somalia
Syria
Tajikistan
Tunisia
Turkmenistan
Ukraine
Uzbekistan
YemenIf You Are a United States Citizen
If you’re a United States citizen, then you may enter Singapore without the need of a visa. You may only stay there for 90 days or less. If you wish to stay for longer, you’ll need to apply for a work visa.
If You Are an EU Citizen
If you’re an EU citizen, then you can stay in Singapore for 90 days or less without the need of a visa. If you want to stay for longer, then you’ll have to apply for a work visa.
If You Are a Citizen of Canada
Canadian citizens can also enter Singapore for 90 days or less without a visa. For a longer stay, a work visa is needed.
If You Are a Citizen of Australia or New Zealand
All Australian and New Zealand citizens do not need a visa to enter Singapore for 90 days or less. In order to stay for longer, a work visa is needed.
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Singapore Visa Requirements
There aren’t many requirements for a tourist visa. The work visas, however, have more specific requirements, but they will vary depending on the type of work visa you’re applying for.
In general, you’ll need the following:
Appointment letter
Valid passport
A completed Singapore Work Visa application form
Copy of your work experience certificate
Two passport-size color photographs
Description of the nature of work you will do in Singapore
Proof of Financial Self-Sufficiency
Most work visas request proof of self-sufficiency. Work visas like the Employment Pass require you to earn at least $5,000 per month. The S Pass and the Training Employment Pass require you to earn at least $3,000 per month.
You must prove this by providing bank statements and work contracts that clearly indicate how much you earn each month.
Full Health Insurance
You’ll also need a full health insurance that covers the duration of your visit.
Are you still trying to decide what health insurance you should get? Check this one out!
Minimum Stay Requirement
There is no minimum stay requirement for any of the work visas in Singapore. It will depend on the type of work you’re performing and the contract with your company.
How to Apply for the Singapore Work Visa—Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1— Find a Job in Singapore
The first step for applying for a Singapore work visa is getting a job in the country. That’s because your employer (or an Employment Agency) is in charge of handling your Singapore work visa application.
Step 2— Submit for Work Visa Application
Your employer or the employment agency must now submit the work visa application via EP Online, the online application service found on the website of the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
They’ll need to pay a processing fee. This fee will depend on the type of work pass you’re applying for.
Step 3— Get Approval
If the application is accepted, your employer or employment agency will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. This is what you can use to enter Singapore.
Step 4— Enter Singapore
Once you have your IPA letter, you must travel to Singapore.
Once you’re in the country, your employer must apply through EP Online to get your Singapore work visa issued. Here they’ll need to pay another fee, this one for the work Pass itself.
Step 5— Get a Notification Letter
After your work pass is issued, you’ll get a notification letter. This letter holds information about whether you need to get your photo and fingerprints taken.
You can also use this notification letter to start working and leave and enter Singapore until you get your Employment Card.
Step 6— Register at the EPSC
After your work pass is issued, you must register at the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC).
Step 7— Receive Your Pass Card
After registering for the EPSC, you’ll receive your Pass Card.
Timeline for Applying for the Singapore Visa
The processing times for Singapore work visas are quicker when applications are submitted online. Most applications will take up to 7 working days when submitted online, while manual applications may take up to 6 weeks to process.
How Much Does Applying for a Singapore Visa Cost?
The cost of a Singapore work visa will vary depending on the type of work pass you’re applying for.
The Personalized Employment Pass is USD $70 for application.
The S Pass costs USD $60 for application.
The Employment Pass costs USD $70 for the application.
The EntrePass costs USD $70 for the application.
Singapore Visa Denial
If the application is rejected, your employer or employment agency will receive an In-Principle Rejection letter, and you won’t receive a work visa.
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Living in Singapore as a Digital Nomad
Capital Singapore
Form of Government Parliamentary representative democratic republic
Population 5.454 million
Climate Tropical climate
Language English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil
Currency Singapore dollar (SGD)
7 people in Singapore!
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Attractions and Best Places to Visit
Even though Singapore is a small city-state, there are multiple places to see and things to do. From high-end shopping malls, luxury hotels, and fine dining to vibrant history and diverse ethnic quarters, Singapore has something for everyone. Here are some of the best attractions to visit.
Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands is a resort complex that has a high-end luxury hotel, a mall with a canal running through it, the ArtScience Museum, and the Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck.
Bay East Garden
The Bay East Garden is a beautifully designed green space, perfect for enjoying the vibrant plant life and escaping the city bustle. The best part is the Supertree Grove, a cluster of futuristic structures designed to perform environmentally sustainable functions.
Orchard Road
If you want to go shopping, Orchard Road is the place to go. There are high-end stores at every turn. The whole neighborhood boasts 22 malls and six department stores. Plus, there are four movie theaters, including an IMAX cinema, and a KTV karaoke establishment.
Chinatown
Singapore’s Chinatown neighborhood is vibrant and authentic. You’ll find small mom-and-pop stores, authentic Chinese food, the Chinese Heritage Centre, and the beautiful Sri Mariamman Hindu temple.
Sentosa Island
Singapore isn’t known as a beach destination, however, if you’re looking for sand and water, head towards Sentosa Island. Siloso Beach is a good spot for getting in beach time, you can play volleyball or go kayaking and skimboarding. Plus, you can visit the Underwater World Aquarium, where you can swim with dolphins.
Digital Nomad Hotspots
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Tiong Bahru
Neighborhood in Singapore
Tiong Bahru is one of the oldest areas of Singapore. It has seen an increase in investments and development in the last few years, so now it is home to a big expat community. You’ll find hip cafés and multiple restaurants, plus there are a lot of room rental options.
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Little India and Farrer Park
Parks in Singapore
Little India and Farrer Park are located close to the city center, and they have become increasingly popular areas to live in. They’re well-connected and offer many authentic street markets and local restaurants. Here you’ll see a mix of old heritage and traditional Indian, Malay, and Chinese cuisine and architecture.
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East Coast neighborhood
East Coast in Singapore
The East Coast neighborhood is one of the oldest and less developed neighborhoods of Singapore. While you might not see luxurious shopping centers, the East Coast neighborhood offers a more laid-back lifestyle. It is a relaxed neighborhood with multiple shophouses and a bike path that runs adjacent to the beach.
Benefits of Working in Singapore as a Digital Nomad
There are multiple benefits to living and working in Singapore as a digital nomad. The city is well-developed, with a strong infrastructure and a good quality of life.
Singapore is easy and efficient to navigate. The transportation system is comfortable and quick, and there are multiple options like metro, buses, taxis, and more.
Singapore is very bike-friendly. Lots of people use bikes to move around and stay fit. However, if biking is not for you, Singapore has lots of gyms, clubs, and workout facilities.
Singapore is pouring with history, culture, and different ethnicities. One of the official languages is English, so you won’t have a problem communicating. Plus, the locals are very friendly and respectful.
Cost of Living
The official currency of Singapore is the Singapore dollar. 1 USD = 1.34 SGD
The average salary in Singapore is approximately $5,070 SGD ($3,755 USD) per month.
Here’s a rundown of what you should expect to pay per month in Singapore
One-bedroom apartment $4,667.52 SGD ($3,485.56 USD)
Three-bedroom apartment $8,907.58 SGD ($6,651.91 USD)
Monthly electricity, water, and related bills $218.89 SGD ($163.46 USD)
Meal at a simple restaurant $14 SGD ($10.45 USD)
Meal for two at a restaurant $100 SGD ($74.68 USD)
Digital Nomad Essentials
Internet (speed) 241.35 Mbps
Time Zone (GMT+8)
Socket Type type G
Calling Code +65
How to Get a SIM Card in Singapore
Did you know that you can purchase an eSim card with our digital nomad app?
Our all-in-one app has everything you need. It has a huge range of regional and global provider options that cover all countries, including Singapore! Plus, the prices are accessible, and the purchase process is easy.
Become a Digital Nomad in Singapore!
Even though Singapore doesn’t have a digital nomad visa, you can still be one while living there! This luxurious country has a lot to offer to all of its visitors. You will not regret going to Singapore to enjoy their lifestyle!
FAQs About Singapore Digital Nomad Visa
Does Singapore Have a Digital Nomad Visa?
Unfortunately, Singapore does not have a digital nomad visa. However, they have other work visas that could work for digital nomads.
What Is the Length of the Singapore Visa?
The length of a work visa in Singapore will depend on the type of work you’re performing. Some of them are indefinite, others for longer than 90 days.
Is It Possible to Extend the Singapore Visa?
Yes! You can extend your work visa.
Will You Get a Refund for Visa Application If You Are Denied?
No. Sadly, the visa fee is non-refundable.
How Much Money Do You Need per Month in Singapore?
You should earn between $3,000 and $5,000 per month. Keep in mind that different work visas will require different minimum incomes, so check the requirements for the one you’ll be applying for.
Is there a Digital Nomad Community In Singapore?
Yes! There is a big digital nomad and expat community in Singapore, especially in the neighborhood of Tiong Bahru.
What Singapore Neighboring Countries Issue Visas for Digital Nomads?
Philippines
Japan
Thailand
Vietnam
Malaysia
IndonesiaAuthor
Nadia Dardón is a freelance writer from Guatemala. In early 2022 she embarked as a digital nomad, traveling through Europe, focusing mostly on the literary history of each country. She has worked fully remotely for the past four years as a reader, writer, and content creator with experience creating pieces for different industries. She also has a personal blog where she writes about her cultural and literary travels.
