Last updated: 24 Jan 2012

Visas

The granting of visit passes to visitors is determined by the Immigrations and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the point of entry. Visitors must satisfy the following basic entry requirements before they can be considered for entry into Singapore:

• A passport with at least six months validity
• Valid Singapore visa, if applicable (refer to the Visa Requirements page for more information)
• Sufficient funds to last for the intended period of stay in Singapore
• Confirmed onward/return tickets (where applicable)
• Entry facilities to their onward destinations, e.g. visas.
• Completed Disembarkation/Embarkation Card
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if applicable

Although a visa is not required for Australian citizens for a stay of up to 90 days, visitors are advised to check their passports for the arrival endorsement and take note of the number of days stay given before leaving the checkpoint.

All visitors on visit passes are not permitted to engage in any form of business, profession, occupation or paid employment while in Singapore.

Visitors are also reminded that it is a punishable offence to overstay in Singapore beyond the number of days given. If there is a need to stay beyond the period granted, visitors may apply for an extension of stay online via e-XTEND or at the Visitors Services Centre, 4th storey, ICA Building, before the visit pass expires. Application for extension of stay is subject to approval. (Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority).

Expatriates planning to work in Singapore require employment passes from the Ministry of Manpower, (MOM). There are three categories of Employment Passes: P1, P2 and Q1 Pass. The P Pass is for foreigners seeking professional, managerial or executive and specialist jobs. A list of documents required when applying for employment pass can be viewed on Ministry of Manpower website.

Top Business Risks

• Bribery of Foreign Officials
• Tariffs and regulations
• Doing business in Singapore

OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises

Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.

APEC Business Travel Card Scheme

Managed by the Department of Immigration, the APEC Business Travel Card Scheme was developed to make travelling within the 21 APEC member countries much simpler and more efficient.

IP Passport fact sheets

These fact sheets outline foreign Intellectual Property (IP) regimes and some of the issues and challenges which may be faced by Australian exporters.

The current fact sheets are available on the IP Australia website.