Singapore Immigration
Glossary

The Employment Pass (EP) is primary work authorisation for foreign professionals, managers, and executives. It allows holders to work for a qualifying employer and is the most common pass held by PR applicants.

The S Pass is work authorisation for mid-skilled foreign workers earning above the qualifying salary threshold. It is positioned between the Employment Pass (for professionals) and the Work Permit (for lower-skilled workers) in work pass framework.

The EntrePass is work authorisation for foreign entrepreneurs who have incorporated or intend to incorporate a private limited company. It is designed for founders who will be actively involved in running an innovative, venture-backed, or high-growth business.

The Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is a premium work pass issued to high-earning foreign professionals that is not tied to a specific employer. Unlike a standard EP, the PEP allows holders to remain between jobs for up to 6 months without requiring a new pass, offering greater flexibility.

The Work Permit is work authorisation for lower-skilled or semi-skilled foreign workers in sectors such as construction, marine shipyard, process, and certain service roles. It sits below the S Pass and Employment Pass in work-pass hierarchy and is governed by stricter sectoral rules, quotas, and levy requirements.

A Dependant Pass (DP) allows the immediate family members of qualifying work pass holders to live. It is issued to the legal spouse and unmarried children under 21 of Employment Pass and S Pass holders earning above the qualifying threshold.

The Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) is issued to close family members of Citizens and Permanent Residents who do not qualify for a Dependant Pass. The LTVP+ is an enhanced version issued to spouses of Citizens, granting work authorisation and a clearer pathway to PR.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is government agency responsible for border control, immigration, and the issuance of identity documents. ICA processes all Permanent Residency (PR) and Citizenship applications and is the sole authority in making approval decisions.

Singapore Permanent Residency (PR) is an immigration status that grants foreign nationals the right to live and work indefinitely, with fewer restrictions than work pass holders but fewer rights than Citizens. PR is valid for 5 years initially and must be renewed through a Re-Entry Permit.

A Re-Entry Permit (REP) is the document that allows PRs and Citizens to re-enter after travelling abroad. For PRs, it is also the mechanism by which PR status is maintained and renewed — without a valid REP, a PR holder who leaves may lose their PR status upon return.

Singapore Citizenship is the highest form of immigration status, granting full legal rights including voting rights, a passport, and access to all public services and schemes. does not permit dual citizenship — Singaporeans who acquire foreign citizenship must renounce their citizenship, and foreigners who naturalise must renounce their prior citizenship.

The National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) is official identity document issued to all Citizens and Permanent Residents. It contains the holder's IC number — a unique identifier used across government services, financial institutions, healthcare, and employment.

The Central Provident Fund (CPF) is mandatory social security savings scheme, covering retirement, healthcare, and housing. Citizens and PRs are required to make CPF contributions; foreign work pass holders are not. The CPF Board manages three accounts: Ordinary Account (OA), Special Account (SA), and MediSave Account (MA).

National Service (NS) is mandatory military or civil defence service requirement for male Citizens and first-generation male PRs. It represents commitment to collective defence and is deeply embedded in the nation's social identity.

The Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) is employer-fairness regime requiring employers to give fair consideration to Singaporean candidates before hiring foreign professionals on Employment Passes. Employers must advertise positions on the national jobs platform for at least 14 days before applying for an EP for a foreign candidate (with exceptions for certain salary levels and roles).

The Global Investor Programme (GIP) is investment-based PR pathway for high-net-worth foreign nationals who invest substantively in economy. Administered by the Economic Development Board (EDB), the GIP grants PR to qualifying investors upon meeting defined investment and business contribution thresholds.

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) is public housing authority, responsible for planning, building, and managing public residential housing. Approximately 80% of resident population lives in HDB flats. Citizens and PRs have different access levels to HDB housing.

A Letter of Consent (LOC) is a document that authorises a Dependant Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP+) holder to work for a specific employer, without requiring a separate work pass. The LOC is tied to a specific employer — if the holder changes jobs, a new LOC must be obtained.

The e-PR system is ICA's online portal for submitting Permanent Residency applications. Applicants upload personal, employment, family, and financial documentation through the platform and then track the outcome digitally.

Dual citizenship means holding citizenship in two countries at the same time. does not generally permit dual citizenship for adults acquiring or retaining Citizenship.

MediShield Life is basic national health insurance scheme that helps cover large hospital bills and selected costly outpatient treatments. Premiums are generally paid from MediSave balances within CPF.