Tisch Global — Visa Guide
Singapore Visa Options for UAE & Saudi Business Owners
A guide to the two main work passes available to Middle Eastern entrepreneurs relocating to or incorporating in Singapore.
At a glance
Which pass is right for you?
Singapore offers two primary visa pathways for foreign business owners. The right choice depends on whether you are taking a salaried role or starting a new innovative venture.
For foreign professionals, managers, and executives with a job offer in Singapore. Business owners who incorporate in Singapore can appoint themselves as a director to qualify.
For foreign entrepreneurs starting or operating a venture-backed or innovative technology business in Singapore. No minimum salary requirement.
Employment Pass
Employment Pass (EP)
The Employment Pass is Singapore's primary work visa for foreign professionals, managers, and executives. For Middle Eastern business owners, it is most commonly obtained by incorporating a company in Singapore and appointing yourself as a salaried director.
Who is it for?
- 1Foreign professionals, managers, and executives with a job offer from a Singapore-registered company
- 2Business owners who incorporate a Singapore company and take a salaried director role within it
- 3Applicants with acceptable professional qualifications, specialised skills, or a degree from an accredited university
Duration
* Eligible tech professionals with skills in shortage may qualify for a longer 5-year pass duration.
Eligibility requirements
- 1Have a job offer in Singapore in a managerial, executive, or specialised role, this can be fulfilled by incorporating your own company
- 2Meet the current salary requirement: S$5,600/month for all sectors, or S$6,200/month for the financial services sector. Salary requirements increase progressively with age, up to S$10,700 for those in their mid-40s
- 3Pass the points-based COMPASS framework with a minimum of 40 points
- 4Hold acceptable qualifications such as professional certifications, specialised skills, or a degree from an accredited university
COMPASS — points-based assessment
COMPASS evaluates both individual and firm-related attributes. Applicants must earn at least 40 points to qualify for an Employment Pass.
Passes for family members
EP holders earning at least S$6,000/month may bring eligible family members to Singapore on the following passes.
- Legally married spouse
- Unmarried children under 21 years old, including legally adopted children
- Common-law spouse
- Unmarried handicapped children aged 21 and above
- Unmarried step-children under 21 years old
- Parents (only if EP holder earns at least S$12,000/month)
How to apply
Done by the employer or employment agent. For overseas companies without a Singapore-registered company, the process typically takes up to 6 weeks.
Once approved, the pass is issued by the employer or employment agent.
The pass holder sets up their digital work pass via the relevant government portal.
The physical pass card is received by authorised recipients or the candidate. Candidates may be required to register fingerprints and a photo upon arrival.
For more detailed information, visit the Ministry of Manpower website →
EntrePass
EntrePass
The EntrePass is designed for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start and operate a business in Singapore that is venture-backed or possesses innovative technologies. It is open to all nationalities, including UAE and Saudi nationals.
Who is it for?
To qualify, two conditions must be met:
- 1The applicant has started, or intends to start, a private limited company registered with ACRA — where the pass holder must hold at least 30% of the registered company, that is venture-backed or owns innovative technologies
- 2The applicant meets at least one of the following criteria (see below)
Raised funding for a past or current business
Supported by a government-recognised or internationally renowned incubator or accelerator
Founded and sold a technology business
Hold intellectual property registered or granted in any country
Have a research collaboration with a Singapore research institution
Key facts
Passes for family members
EntrePass holders may bring family members to Singapore, subject to meeting minimum business spending and local job creation requirements.
| Family member | Requirements to bring them |
|---|---|
| Spouse (legally married or common-law) & Children | Meet at least one of the following: Annual Total Business Spending (TBS) of SGD 100,000 and 1 local employee; OR founded and sold 2+ venture-backed companies; OR raised more than SGD 2 million; OR holds 2+ deep tech intellectual properties |
| Parents | Annual Total Business Spending (TBS) of SGD 200,000 and 2 local employees |
Not sure which pass applies to you?
Every situation is different. Our team assesses your profile individually and recommends the most suitable pathway before beginning any application — in English or Arabic.
The information on this page is provided for general guidance only and is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of 2025. Visa eligibility criteria, salary thresholds, and pass conditions are subject to change by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). This page does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Please consult Tisch Global or refer to the MOM website for the most current requirements before making any application.