Moving from the UAE to Singapore for work or long-term stays involves two main steps: understanding your short‑term visa options and then securing the right work pass to live and work legally. This UAE to Singapore: Visa and Work Permit Guide breaks down how Emiratis and UAE expats can enter Singapore safely, which passes to apply for, and how to plan your relocation and property search with Homejourney’s trusted ecosystem.
This article is a focused cluster within Homejourney’s broader Singapore relocation and property pillar guide. For a full relocation playbook (schools, neighbourhoods, and buying vs renting), see: Moving to Singapore from UAE: Complete Expat Guide | Homejourney .
UAE to Singapore: Who Needs a Visa and Who Doesn’t?
The first step is understanding whether you even need a visa to enter Singapore from the UAE. The rules differ for Emirati citizens and other UAE residents.
Emiratis in Singapore: Visa rules
If you hold a United Arab Emirates passport, you do not need a visa for short business or social visits to Singapore, according to the Singapore Consulate‑General in Dubai.[5] You can typically enter for up to around 30 days, provided you meet entry conditions such as passport validity and proof of onward travel.[5][6]
Key entry conditions at Changi Airport that I see checked most often at immigration:
- Passport validity: At least 6 months remaining from your date of arrival.[3][6]
- Onward/return ticket: Immigration officers often ask to see your return ticket.[6]
- Proof of funds: Bank statements or credit cards showing you can support your stay (especially if you have many previous short stays).
- SG Arrival Card: Mandatory online submission within 3 days before arrival (takes about 5–10 minutes).[6]
Insider tip: At Changi, queues at the main immigration hall are usually shortest between 11am–3pm. If you land from Dubai around 8am–9am on the busy EK/SQ arrivals, expect 20–40 minutes at immigration during peak season.
UAE expats in Singapore: When you need a visa
If you are a UAE resident but not an Emirati citizen, whether you need a visa depends on your passport nationality and document type. Singapore’s official list is maintained by ICA.[3]
In general:
- Many Western, GCC, and ASEAN passports are visa‑exempt for short visits.
- Some nationalities and special travel documents (for example, Palestinian Authority passport or a temporary UAE passport) must obtain a visa before travelling.[3][5]
Use the official ICA checker here: CNA Property News (choose the ICA "Check if you need an entry visa" page referenced).[3]
How UAE Residents Apply for a Singapore Visit Visa
If your passport requires a visa and you live in the UAE, you will typically apply via an authorised visa agent or the Singapore mission in the UAE.[1][4]
Key documents for a Singapore visa from UAE
Based on current practice among authorised agents in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, you should prepare:[1][2][4]
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity, 1+ blank page).[1][2]
- Form 14A (visa application) completed and signed.[1][2][4]
- Recent passport photo (white background, taken within 3 months).[1][2]
- Valid UAE residence visa copy, covering your travel period.[1][2]
- Return flight booking (Dubai/Abu Dhabi/Sharjah – Singapore round trip).[1][2]
- Accommodation proof (hotel booking or Singapore host letter).[1][2]
- Bank statements to show sufficient funds.[1][9]
- Employment documents – salary certificate, trade licence if self‑employed, NOC where needed.[1][4]
- Dependants/minors: sponsor’s salary certificate and consent letters for children.[1][4]
Some nationalities also require a Letter of Introduction (Form V39A) from a Singapore contact with a valid NRIC.[4]
Processing time, fees & validity
- Processing time: Usually 3–7 working days, but can be longer in peak periods.[1][4]
- Fees in UAE: Agents typically charge around AED 250–300 for standard service.[1]
- Stay duration: Most visit visas allow up to about 30 days per entry.[1][2]
- Validity: Often single‑entry, but frequent travellers may receive multiple‑entry visas.
Insider tip: In Dubai, reputable agents near Bur Dubai and Sheikh Zayed Road tend to be familiar with Singapore’s strict documentation checks. Avoid “too cheap” offers — incomplete files are a common cause of delays and refusals. Homejourney always recommends using agents who clearly list their fees and service scope upfront.
From Visitor to Worker: Work Passes for UAE Expats
To work or relocate Singapore from Dubai, a visit visa is not enough. You need a valid work pass issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Your Singapore employer normally applies on your behalf.
Main Singapore work passes UAE expats use
- Employment Pass (EP) – For professionals, managers, and executives with suitable qualifications and salary.
- S Pass – For mid‑skilled staff with a job offer and meeting salary/education criteria.
- One Pass / Tech.Pass / Personalised EP – Special schemes for high‑earning or specialised talent.
For Chinese‑language deep dives on EP and S Pass, see: Homejourney: 关于新加坡工作签证EP SP完整指南的指南 , 从新加坡工作签证EP SP完整移居新加坡指南｜Homejourney安全置业路线图 , 新加坡工作签证EP SP完整亲子游完整指南｜Homejourney安全出行与置业策略 .
High‑level EP and S Pass requirements (UAE perspective)
Exact salary thresholds and rules are updated regularly by MOM, so always confirm on the official site or with a licensed employment agency.
Typical expectations include:
- Confirmed job offer from a Singapore‑registered company.
- Minimum qualifying salary (varies by pass type, sector, and age).
- Relevant degree / diploma and work experience matching the role.
- Employer submits the work pass application online to MOM.
Important safety note: You cannot legally work in Singapore on a tourist or social visit pass. Homejourney strongly cautions UAE expats to avoid agents or employers who ask you to “start first on a visit pass” — this is a red flag.
Step‑by‑Step: UAE to Singapore Work Relocation Roadmap
Based on how most UAE‑to‑Singapore moves unfold for our users, here is a practical, low‑risk sequence:
- Check if you need a visit visa using ICA’s official tool and apply via a reputable UAE agent if required.[3][5]
- Plan a 5–7 day exploratory trip to Singapore to understand areas like Raffles Place, Marina Bay, and River Valley if you prefer central city living, or East Coast / Katong if you enjoy beachside living and easier access to Changi.
- Meet employers or attend interviews (if you don’t already have an offer) and understand your likely salary range — this directly affects your rental budget and property options.
- Employer applies for your work pass (EP/S Pass). Wait for in‑principle approval (IPA) before committing to long leases.
- Use Homejourney’s property search Property Search to shortlist safe, well‑located rental homes within your confirmed salary budget.
- Upon IPA approval
References
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 5 (2025)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 6 (2025)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 3 (2025)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 1 (2025)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 4 (2025)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 2 (2025)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 9 (2025)
