How to Move to Singapore
Singapore is a safe, English-speaking global business hub with no language barrier for many Africans. Work is pass-based: your employer applies for an Employment Pass (professionals) or S Pass (mid-skilled) through the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Salaries are strong and the process is fast and digital.
How to use this guide
Pick the visa type below that matches your plan (work, study, etc.).
Tap it to open and read the simple steps and the papers you need.
Apply yourself on the official website. It's free — no agent needed.
Stay safe: never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" visa. Real applications are made on official government sites. Rules can change, so always double-check on the official website before you apply.
Singapore embassies in Africa — addresses & directions
Singapore work and student passes are applied for online — pass holders usually do not need an embassy visa beforehand. Singapore has limited African missions (e.g. Pretoria, Cairo, Abuja). Use the locator if you need consular help.
Tap “Open in Google Maps” to see the exact location, get directions, and confirm the current address & opening hours.
980-982 Francis Baard Street, Arcadia, Pretoria 0083
+27 12 430 6035 Open in Google MapsNipost Towers, Block A, 6th Floor, 1/3 Ologun Agbaje Street, Victoria Island, Lagos (Honorary Consulate-General)
Open in Google MapsDon’t see your country? Singapore has more missions across Africa — find the nearest one on the official locator.
Usually within a few weeks.
Application + issue fees roughly SGD 105–325 (employer-paid).
Up to 2 years (first), renewable; can lead to PR.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A job offer with a salary above the EP threshold.
- A good degree and professional background.
- You pass the points-based COMPASS assessment.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get a job offer
A Singapore employer offers you a professional role above the salary threshold.
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2
Employer applies online
The employer applies for the EP through MOM's portal.
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3
Get approval (IPA)
On approval you receive an In-Principle Approval letter.
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4
Travel & complete formalities
Enter Singapore, do medicals if needed, and collect your pass card.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- No agent needed — your employer applies directly and quickly.
- Higher salary and strong qualifications improve your COMPASS score.
Who submits this application
You don't fill this form yourself — your employer does.
For this visa, there is no public application a candidate can submit alone. Your employer files everything through their own official portal once you have an offer or a confirmed sponsor. A genuine employer never asks you to pay for this step.
See the official portal your employer uses
Employment Pass and S Pass applications are submitted by your Singaporean employer through the myMOM Portal (they need a Corppass account) — not by you directly. Students instead use SOLAR, accessed with an application number your school provides after you accept your offer.
View official portalUsually within a few weeks.
Application S$105 + issue S$100 (employer-paid); employer also pays a monthly levy.
Up to 2 years, renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A job offer with a salary above the S Pass threshold.
- Relevant diploma/technical qualifications.
- The employer is within its quota for S Pass holders.
What to do, step by step
-
1
Get a job offer
A Singapore employer offers you a mid-skilled role.
-
2
Employer applies online
The employer applies for the S Pass via MOM.
-
3
Get approval (IPA)
Receive the In-Principle Approval on success.
-
4
Travel & collect the pass
Enter Singapore, do medicals, and collect your pass.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Good for technicians and diploma holders who don't meet EP salary levels.
- Employer levies/quotas apply — that's the employer's responsibility.
Who submits this application
You don't fill this form yourself — your employer does.
For this visa, there is no public application a candidate can submit alone. Your employer files everything through their own official portal once you have an offer or a confirmed sponsor. A genuine employer never asks you to pay for this step.
See the official portal your employer uses
Employment Pass and S Pass applications are submitted by your Singaporean employer through the myMOM Portal (they need a Corppass account) — not by you directly. Students instead use SOLAR, accessed with an application number your school provides after you accept your offer.
View official portalA few weeks.
Student Pass ~S$90 (application + issuance); plus tuition.
Course length.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Acceptance at an approved Singapore institution.
- Proof of funds for tuition and living.
What to do, step by step
-
1
Get admitted
Receive acceptance from an approved institution.
-
2
Apply via SOLAR/ICA
The school registers you and you apply through the ICA system.
-
3
Travel & complete formalities
Enter Singapore and complete your Student Pass formalities.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Top universities (NUS, NTU) are world-ranked; scholarships exist.
- English is the language of instruction.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your myMOM Portal (employer-led) / SOLAR (students) first
Employment Pass and S Pass applications are submitted by your Singaporean employer through the myMOM Portal (they need a Corppass account) — not by you directly. Students instead use SOLAR, accessed with an application number your school provides after you accept your offer.
Create accountStart your Student Pass application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationUsually within a few weeks.
~S$105 application + S$225 issuance (sponsor-paid).
Matches the main pass holder; renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- The main pass holder earns above the required salary to sponsor family.
- A genuine marriage or parent-child relationship.
What to do, step by step
-
1
Check the salary rule
The pass holder must earn enough to sponsor dependants.
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2
Sponsor applies online
The pass holder/employer applies for the Dependant's Pass via MOM.
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3
Travel & collect the pass
Enter Singapore and complete the formalities.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Dependant's Pass holders may work if they get a separate work pass.
- Keep certificates officially translated into English.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your myMOM Portal (employer-led) / SOLAR (students) first
Employment Pass and S Pass applications are submitted by your Singaporean employer through the myMOM Portal (they need a Corppass account) — not by you directly. Students instead use SOLAR, accessed with an application number your school provides after you accept your offer.
Create accountStart your Dependant's Pass application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationMost Singapore work visas need a job offer first
Browse visa-sponsored and remote jobs open to Africans, then build a CV tailored to Singapore — both completely free.
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Questions about Singapore visas
How much does the Singapore Employment Pass (EP) cost?
The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) costs: Application + issue fees roughly SGD 105–325 (employer-paid). These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Singapore Employment Pass (EP) take?
Processing for the Singapore Employment Pass (EP) takes usually within a few weeks. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Singapore Employment Pass (EP) valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) is valid for up to 2 years (first), renewable; can lead to PR. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Singapore S Pass cost?
The Singapore S Pass costs: Application S$105 + issue S$100 (employer-paid); employer also pays a monthly levy. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Singapore S Pass take?
Processing for the Singapore S Pass takes usually within a few weeks. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Singapore S Pass valid for?
The Singapore S Pass is valid for up to 2 years, renewable. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Singapore Student Pass cost?
The Singapore Student Pass costs: Student Pass ~S$90 (application + issuance); plus tuition. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Singapore Student Pass take?
Processing for the Singapore Student Pass takes a few weeks. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Singapore Student Pass valid for?
The Singapore Student Pass is valid for course length. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Singapore Dependant's Pass cost?
The Singapore Dependant's Pass costs: ~S$105 application + S$225 issuance (sponsor-paid). These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Singapore Dependant's Pass take?
Processing for the Singapore Dependant's Pass takes usually within a few weeks. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Singapore Dependant's Pass valid for?
The Singapore Dependant's Pass is valid for matches the main pass holder; renewable. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
Fees and processing times last checked against official government sources on 1 June 2026. Always confirm on the official portal before paying anything.