USA to Singapore: Visa and Work Permit Guide – Fast Overview
If you are a US citizen planning to work, relocate, or eventually buy property in Singapore, you will usually enter visa‑free for up to 90 days as a tourist, then secure a valid work pass (work visa) such as an Employment Pass or S Pass before working or long‑term relocation.[2] Work passes are approved and regulated by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM), with clear salary, role and employer eligibility criteria to protect both workers and the local labour market.[1][6]
This cluster article supports Homejourney’s broader expat relocation pillar (see: Moving to Singapore from USA: Complete Expat Guide | Homejourney Moving to Singapore from USA: Complete Expat Guide | Homejourney ) by focusing specifically on the USA to Singapore: Visa and Work Permit Guide for Americans in Singapore who may later rent or purchase property.
1. Key Entry Rules for US Citizens Coming to Singapore
Most US passport holders can enter Singapore for short visits without applying for a visa in advance, but this does not allow you to work.[2][4] Understanding this distinction is critical so you stay compliant and protect your long‑term relocation or investment plans.
1.1 Tourist entry from USA to Singapore
According to current guidance, US citizens may enter Singapore visa‑free for up to 90 days for tourism or business visits, provided you hold a passport with at least six months’ validity and a confirmed onward or return ticket.[2] This is sufficient for an initial home‑hunting or scouting trip with Homejourney’s property search tool Property Search , but not for employment.
On arrival at Changi Airport, immigration is efficient – in my experience, it typically takes 15–30 minutes outside of peak evening banks, and the automated lanes for eligible passports move very quickly. Changi’s Terminals 1 and 3 are linked to the city by MRT (Green Line) from Changi Airport station; it is about 35–40 minutes to City Hall or Raffles Place.
1.2 When you need a work pass instead of just a visit
You must not work or earn local employment income on a tourist stay. All foreigners intending to work in Singapore need a valid work pass approved by MOM, commonly referred to as a work visa.[1][2][6] This includes remote workers employed by Singapore entities, even if you keep a US bank account.
If you plan to:
- Relocate as an USA expat in Singapore for a job posting
- Set up a business in Singapore while basing yourself here
- Work as a professional, manager, or executive for a local company
…you will need a suitable Employment Pass, S Pass, EntrePass, or other eligible work authorisation before starting work.[1][3][6]
2. Main Work Pass Options for Americans in Singapore
Singapore has a structured work pass system tailored to job level, qualifications, and salary. For most professionals relocating from the USA to Singapore, the key passes are the Employment Pass (EP) and S Pass.[1][3][6]
2.1 Employment Pass (EP) – for professionals, managers, executives
The Employment Pass is the main work pass for foreign professionals, managers, and executives in any sector.[1][3][6]
Typical profile:
- Mid‑ to senior‑level professionals in finance, tech, consulting, biotech, etc.
- Often relocating with a higher salary package from the US
Key criteria (as at late‑2025; always verify on MOM’s official site [6]):
- Minimum qualifying salary: around SGD 5,000/month for most sectors, with higher thresholds (e.g. about SGD 5,500 and up) for financial services and increasing with age.[1][3][6]
- Job offer from a Singapore‑registered employer with a valid UEN.[1][3]
- Your salary should be in line with market norms and your experience.[3]
- From 2023 onwards, EP applicants must generally pass COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework), which scores criteria like salary, qualifications, and diversity.[3][6]
Validity & fees:
- Typically valid for up to 2 years initially, renewable.[1][3][6]
- Typical MOM government fees: application fee around SGD 105 and issuance fee around SGD 225, usually paid by the employer.[1]
- Processing time averages about 3 weeks for straightforward cases.[1][3]
In practice, most American expats I have met in CBD offices (Raffles Place, Tanjong Pagar, Marina Bay) are on EPs, often earning above SGD 10,000/month, which comfortably supports rent in areas like River Valley, Robertson Quay, or Tanjong Pagar.
2.2 S Pass – for mid‑skilled employees
The S Pass targets mid‑skilled employees in technical, operations, and support roles.[1][2][3]
Key criteria:
- Minimum salary generally around SGD 3,000/month with higher thresholds for certain sectors.[1][2]
- Relevant qualifications such as diplomas or technical certificates.[1][3]
- Subject to employer‑level quota and levy requirements (companies can only have a certain ratio of S Pass holders to local workers).[3]
Validity & fees:
- Valid up to 2 years, renewable.[1][3]
- Application fee about SGD 105, issuance fee about SGD 225, usually borne by employer.[1]
- Processing usually around 3 weeks.[1]
Americans on S Passes often work in specialised manufacturing, labs in areas like one‑north/Biopolis, or operations roles in Jurong and Tuas. Commutes from more affordable heartland neighbourhoods like Queenstown or Clementi (15–25 minutes by MRT to one‑north) help them balance cost of living and quality of life.
2.3 Other passes relevant to USA expats in Singapore
Depending on your situation, you may also explore:
- EntrePass – for foreign entrepreneurs starting a venture‑backed or innovative business in Singapore.[1][6]
- Work Permit – for semi‑skilled roles in sectors like construction and marine; less common for US citizens but important if you are an employer.[1][5][6]
- Dependant’s Pass & LTVP – for legally married spouses and children of eligible EP/S Pass holders, enabling families to stay together.[3][6]
3. Step‑by‑Step: How to Relocate from USA to Singapore for Work
The relocate Singapore from USA journey usually follows a predictable sequence. Getting this right reduces delays and helps with planning leases, school enrolment, and eventual property decisions.
3.1 Step 1 – Secure a job offer
You must first have a confirmed employment offer from a Singapore‑registered company authorised to hire foreign workers.[1][3] Most American expats receive offers from MNCs in Marina Bay, Raffles Place, one‑north, or Changi Business Park.
Practical tip: Ask for a relocation allowance that covers temporary housing (typically 1–2 months of serviced apartment rent), air tickets, and shipment. For central serviced apartments (e.g. around Robertson Quay or Orchard), expect monthly rates from about SGD 4,500–7,000 depending on unit size and facilities.
3.2 Step 2 – Employer applies for your work pass
Your employer (or their appointed agency) submits the work pass application online via the MOM portal, including your passport details, educational certificates, and job terms.[1][2][6] They also pay the government application fee.[1]
Typical documents requested:[1][2]
