Singapore does not have a dedicated "digital nomad visa." This is the first thing to understand. The government issues passes tied to employment, entrepreneurship, or family relationships — meaning your route depends heavily on whether you work for a Singapore-registered entity, a foreign company, or yourself.
The Four Realistic Options
1. Employment Pass (EP)
The EP is designed for professionals employed by a Singapore company. Your employer applies on your behalf through the MOM portal. As of 2026, the minimum qualifying salary is SGD 5,000/month for most sectors, rising to SGD 5,500 for financial services. Candidates are scored via the COMPASS framework, which evaluates salary, qualifications, and whether the employer has a diverse workforce.
- Duration: 1–2 years initially, renewable up to 3 years
- Dependant privileges: Spouse and children can apply for Dependant Pass above SGD 6,000/month
- Self-sponsorship: Not permitted. A registered SG entity must apply
- Processing time: 3–8 weeks
COMPASS scoring in practice
The Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) gives each EP application a score out of 40. You need at least 40 points to qualify. Points come from salary benchmarking, qualifications, diversity bonus, and skills bonus for shortage occupations. A candidate earning SGD 8,000 in a typical role scores around 30 points on salary alone — additional points from a relevant degree and employer diversity typically push over the threshold. Full details at mom.gov.sg.
2. Tech.Pass (Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass)
Launched in 2021 and significantly expanded in 2023, Tech.Pass (now formally the ONE Pass) targets senior tech professionals and founders. Unlike the EP, it allows you to work for multiple employers simultaneously, start a business, and take on advisory roles — making it far better suited to the typical digital nomad profile.
- Salary threshold: SGD 30,000/month (current or in the past year)
- Alternative: 5+ years in tech leadership at a company valued at USD 500M+, or funded startup founder
- Duration: 5 years, renewable
- Self-employment: Yes — you can work for yourself
- Application: Direct application via Ministry of Manpower
3. EntrePass
For founders who want to incorporate and operate in Singapore. You must register a private limited company with ACRA, and your business must be innovative — typically defined as being VC-funded, registered with NRF, or holding IP rights.
- Minimum paid-up capital: SGD 1 (company registration) + business plan submission
- Valid for: 1 year, renewable if business meets milestone criteria
- Not suitable for: Service businesses, consultancies, or freelancing structures without a clear innovation component
4. Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
Primarily designed for spouses and dependants of Singapore citizens/PRs, but occasionally applicable to foreign nationals with a Singaporean spouse. It does not automatically grant the right to work — a separate work authorisation (Letter of Consent) must be obtained. Processing is handled by ICA.
What About Just Staying on a Tourist Visa?
Citizens of most Western countries, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand receive a 30-day visa-free entry, extendable once at the ICA building for another 30 days (total 60 days). Working on a tourist entry — even for a foreign client — occupies a legal grey area. MOM's official position is that "working" in Singapore without a valid pass is prohibited regardless of where the employer is located. In practice, enforcement is rare for short stays, but it is not a stable long-term strategy.
Visa Costs Comparison
| Pass Type | Application Fee | Issuance Fee | Self-Employment | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass | SGD 105 | SGD 225 | No | 3–8 weeks |
| ONE Pass (Tech.Pass) | SGD 105 | SGD 225 | Yes | 8 weeks |
| EntrePass | SGD 105 | SGD 225 | Via company | 8 weeks |
| LTVP | SGD 30 | SGD 30/year | With LOC | 6–8 weeks |
Practical Recommendations
If you are an employee of a foreign company considering relocation: the most common and cleanest route is to have your company register a Singapore entity (takes 1–2 days via ACRA for a Pte Ltd) and sponsor your EP. This costs the company roughly SGD 330 in fees and ongoing local director requirements.
If you are a senior independent tech professional: the ONE Pass is exceptional value given the flexibility it allows. The SGD 30,000/month salary bar is genuinely high, but if you meet it, the pass removes most administrative friction.
If you are a freelancer or contractor below the ONE Pass threshold: Singapore currently has no clean pathway for you. A short stay on a tourist visa for 1–2 months is the practical reality many nomads accept, combined with time in neighbouring countries to manage stay limits.
Official resources
Always verify current requirements directly with the Ministry of Manpower at mom.gov.sg and the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority at ica.gov.sg. Rules change without public notice, and third-party summaries (including this one) may lag behind.