Bringing in Items into Singapore

There is no limit on the amount of currency you may bring into Singapore. If you are 18 years old or above and are arriving from a country other than Malaysia, you may use the following duty-free concessions for personal consumption:

• Spirits : 1 litre

• Wine or port : 1 litre

• Beer, stout or ale :1 litre

There are no concessions on cigarettes and other tobacco products. This is in line with the Singapore government's campaign to discourage smoking. If you are carrying excess dutiable items, you may leave these in Customs Bond until your departure, provided this is from the same point of entry. Storage costs are chargeable.

Dutiable items include garments and clothing accessories, leather bags, wallets, imitation jewellery, chocolate and sugar confectionery, pastries, biscuits and cakes. Restricted amounts of these items may be brought in duty-free, provided they are meant for personal consumption.

In line with most other countries, Singapore prohibits the entry of some items, while others are subject to controls and restrictions. Prohibited items include:

• Controlled drugs and psychotropic substances

• Firecrackers

• Cigarette lighters of pistol/revolver shape

• Toy coins and toy currency notes

• Reproductions of copyright publications, VCD, DVD or software

• Endangered species of wildlife and their by products

• Obscene articles and publications

• Seditious and treasonable materials

If you have any of the articles listed, entry will only be allowed when you produce the import permit or authorisation from the relevant authorities. A traveler who has medicines which may only be obtained through prescription under Singapore law, especially sleeping pills, depressants, stimulants, etc, must possess a prescription from a physician confirming that the medicines are used for the traveler's physical well-being while traveling.

The above lists of dutiable, non-dutiable, prohibited, controlled and restricted goods are not exhaustive. If you need clarification or further information, please contact:

Head, Terminal Section Airports Branch
Customs & Excise Department
Singapore Changi Airport Changi Airport
P.O. Box 5 Singapore 9181
Tel: (65) 6545 9122 or (65) 6542 7058

Relocating to Singapore

When you are about to relocate to Singapore and intending to move your household and household items, you need to know the Customs regulations for various categories of goods and what to do about them. A person changing residence from abroad to Singapore may be granted relief from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on his used household articles and personal effects (Which excludes liquors, tobacco products and motor vehicles) subject to the following conditions:

• He/She owns and has been using the imported articles and effects for at least three months;

• The articles and effects are imported within six months of his first arrival in Singapore;

• He/She gives an undertaking not to dispose of the articles or effects within three months from the date of import; and

• To provide documentary evidence for such as receipts may be asked for.

When packing up your household and personal goods, you have to ensure that your bill of lading or airway bill and packing list has detailed descriptions of all your possessions that are being brought in. You and your local freight forwarder need these details to prepare the “Customs and Import Declaration” before you can bring certain of these possessions into Singapore.

Keep all receipts by your side in case you need to prove your claim that the imported goods are your personal possessions and have been such for at least three months prior to their import into Singapore.

For controlled goods, you need to obtain approval from the relevant controlling authorities. Controlled, restricted items are as follow:

Controlled or Restricted Item	Authority
Animals, birds and their by-products. Endangered species of wildlife and their by-products. Meat and meat products. Fish and seafood products. Fruits and vegetables.	Agri-food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA)
Arms and explosives, Bullet-proof clothing, Toy guns, pistols and revolvers. Weapons, kris, spears and swords.	Singapore Police Force (SPF)
Films, video and video games. Publications and audio records.	Media Development Authority (MDA)
Pharmaceuticals, Medicines, Poisons.	Health Sciences Authority (HSA)
Telecommunication and Radio communication equipment, Toy walkie-talkies.	Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA)

Dutiable items are as follow:

Dutiable Goods

Intoxicating Liquor - Wines, Beer, Ale, Stout, Porter

Tobacco products - Cigarettes, Cigars

Import of Motor Vehicles

When your household or personal effects arrive into Singapore, please ensure that you and your local freight forwarder to prepare a “Joint Trade Development Board Inward/GST Relief Declaration”. This is best done when you start packing in your items, you list them one-by-one. The forwarder will then arrange with the Appraisement Section for assessment and payment of the Customs duty and Goods & Services Tax (GST) on the dutiable items.

Either the appointed agent or you should complete the “Declaration of Facts”, which can be retrieved from our Customs website under E-Filing section "Application for GST relief on household articles and personal effects".

If necessary, photocopies of supporting documents/ documentary evidences must be submitted to Customs who will then decide on whether the import of used household and personal effects are exempted from charges of GST.

The following is a guideline to what goods are dutiable, prohibited or controlled and what you should do about them.

Goods you must declare (Dutiable Goods)

a. Liquors, tobacco products and motor vehicles are dutiable goods; and

b. If you bring in your vehicle, you need to pay Customs duty. It is 20% of Customs assessed value for motorcars and 12% for motorcycles. In addition to the Customs duty, you need to GST of 5% on the total value of the cost price of the motor vehicle, insurance and freight costs for the importation of the motor vehicle.

Goods that you cannot bring into Singapore (Prohibited Goods)

a. Liquors and cigarettes marked with the words “SINGAPORE DUTY NOT PAID” or “SDNP”on the labels, cartons or packets;

b. Cigarettes with the prefix "E" printed on the packets;

c. Chewing tobacco and imitation tobacco products;

d. Cigarette lighters in the shape of pistols or revolvers;

e. Controlled drugs and psychotropic substances;

f. Endangered species of wildlife and their by-products;

g. Firecrackers (fireworks require a permit);

h. Obscene articles and pornographic publications, video tapes/discs, records, music CDs or cassettes;

i. Reproductions of copyrighted publications, video tapes/discs and software; and

j. Seditious and treasonable materials.

For more information/queries, please contact:

Agri-food and Veterinary Authority
5 Maxwell Road #02-00/#03-00
Tower Block MND Complex
Singapore 069110
Tel: (65) 6222 1211
Fax: (65) 6220 6068
Email : ava_email@ava.gov.sg
Website: www.ava.gov.sg

Films & Publications Department
45 Maxwell Road, #07-11/12 URA Centre
East Wing, Singapore 069118
Tel: (65) 6372 2800
Fax: (65) 6221 0340

Director-General of Customs & Excise
Customs & Excise Department
55 Newton Road, #10-01
Revenue House, Singapore 307987
Tel: (65) 6355 2000
Fax: (65) 6250 8663
Email : ced_feedback@ced.gov.sg
Website : www.customs.gov.sg 

Airports Customs
Duty Office Terminal 1
Tel: (65) 6545 8784
Duty Office Terminal 2
Tel: (65)-6545 7159
Email: ced_airports@ced.gov.sg 

Health Sciences Authority
11 Outram Road, Singapore 169078
Tel: (65) 1800 223 1816
Fax: (65) 6229 0749
Website : www.hsa.gov.sg 

Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
8 Temasek Boulevard, #14-00
Suntec Tower Three, Singapore 038988
Tel: (65) 6211 0888
Fax: (65) 6211 2222
Email : info@ida.gov.sg
Website : www.ida.gov.sg 

Arms & Explosives Branch
Singapore Police Force
Block J, 3 Ladyhill Road, Singapore 258672
Tel: (65) 6838 1764/5
Fax: (65) 734 0531
Website : www.spinet.gov.sg 

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Bringing in Foreign Domestic Workers

There are two ways to bring in a foreign domestic worker:

• On your own application; or

• Through a maid agency.

All applications must be submitted to the Work Permit Department in the Ministry of Manpower. Please note the following requirements:

a. The person you wish to hire as your domestic worker should not be in Singapore at the time that the work permit application is submitted. You cannot apply for a work permit for a foreigner who is in Singapore on a social visit pass.

b. A foreign domestic worker can enter Singapore only after the employer has been issued an in-principle approval letter from the Work Permit Department from MOM and you have given a security deposit of S$5,000. This security deposit of S$5,000 can be in the form of a banker’s or insurance guarantee.

c. A foreign domestic worker should be at least 18 and below 50 years of age and not expecting at the time of the work permit application.

d. Within 14 days of her arrival, the foreign domestic worker must go through a medical examination by a Singapore registered doctor to be certified fit for employment. Thereafter, she must undergo six-monthly medical screenings for VDRL, pregnancy and HIV. If she fails the medical examination, she must be repatriated immediately without exception.

e. A work permit is usually valid for two years, subject to the validity of the foreign domestic worker’s passport. Provided she is certified medically fit for employment and has not contravened any of the work permit conditions, a foreign domestic worker is allowed to work in Singapore until she is 60 years old.

f. An employer has to purchase personal accident insurance for your foreign domestic worker. The minimum sum is S$10,000. The beneficiary of the insurance should either be the worker herself or her next of kin. It is a common practice for employers to include insurance coverage for hospitalization expenses.

g. Besides her salary, you have to pay a monthly levy of S$345 to the Singapore government. This levy must be paid via GIRO deduction. Employers of foreign domestic workers do not have to make Central Provident Fund contributions for the foreign domestic workers.

h. In avoidance of doubts, come to an agreement on the terms and conditions of the employment before your foreign domestic worker begins work. Set out these terms and conditions in a written contract, specifying her wages, duties, rest days and other terms of employment. Am employer should start a bank account for your maid and credit her wages into this account.

For more information, please contact:

Work Permit Department Ministry of Manpower
18 Havelock Road, Singapore 059764
Tel: (65) 6438 5122
Fax: (65) 6534 4840
Email : mom_wpd@mom.gov.sg 
Website : www.mom.gov.sg

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Social Visit Pass, Student Pass

Social Visit Pass

Eligibility

Foreigners visiting Singapore for the purpose of social visit or to attend short business negotiations and discussions who require a longer stay.

Procedure

For an application of short extension of stay, you may apply online at ICA website if you fulfill all the following conditions:

1. you are a national from these countries as listed here

2. you have not previously obtained an extension of stay on this trip

3. you wish to extend your stay for not more than 2 weeks from expiry of current social visit pass

4. your social visit pass currently has a remaining validity of not less than 3 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays

5. you will not return to Singapore within 3 days from the departure date of your current trip

For all other applications you may obtain and submit the application forms at:

Visitor Services Centre
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
4th Storey, ICA Building
10 Kallang Road, Singapore 208718

Types of Application

1. Business Visitor

2. Social Visitor On Short Visit

3. Social Visitor Seeking Medical Treatment

4. Social Visitor Seeking Employment In Singapore

5. Technopreneur/Entrepreneur Scheme

6. Female Social Visitor Whose Child/Grandchild Is Studying in Singapore on a Student's Pass

7. Social Visitor Seeking Permission To Deliver A Child in Singapore

8. Social Visitor Whose Spouse is Singapore Citizen (SC) or Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR)

9. Social Visitor (below 21 years old) Whose Parent is a Singapore Citizen (SC) or Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR)

10. Social Visitor Whose Child (above the age of 21 years old) is a Singapore Citizen (SC) or Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR)

Fees

S$40 for any extension of pass accumulating to a period of 3 months or more from the date of entry/issue and for every subsequent extension accumulating to 3 months or more.

The fee for a visa is S$20 per issue where applicable.

Processing Time

For applications under (1) to (6), you may collect your passport:

Weekdays - in the same afternoon if your queue ticket number does not exceed 7400.
Saturdays - between 11.00 am and 12.00 pm if your queue ticket number does not exceed 7200.

You will have to collect your passport between 9.00 am to 3.00pm on the next working day if your queue ticket number exceeds 7400 on a weekday and between 9.00 am to 12.00 pm if your queue ticket number exceeds 7200 on Saturday.

For applications under (7) to (10), the normal processing time is about 4 weeks. The local sponsor will be notified of the outcome by post.

Security Deposit

When applicable, a security deposit may be required from the local sponsor. Upon approval of the application, ICA will advise whether the security deposit should be in the form of a Banker's Guarantee or Cashier's Order or NETS.

Note

• Photograph is required only for applications of social visit pass with total validity of 6 months or more.

• Medical check-up is required for all applications of social visit pass of 6 months or more. This is a requirement by Ministry of Health. Applicant would only be informed of the need to go for medical check-up if approval is granted. In the meantime, a 2-month extension of stay would be granted to the applicant to complete the medical examination. (The above requirement is not applicable to an applicant below 15 years old).

• A local sponsor (i.e. a Singapore registered corporation / Singapore Citizen / Singapore Permanent Resident who is above 21 years old) must support applications for extension of social visit passes (applicable to non-Malaysians).

• Complete set of Application Form(s) consisting of Form 14 for Malaysians and Forrm14 and V39I for non-Malaysians. Every applicant (including children) has to complete a set of these forms.

• Please note that all original documents must be presented for verification. Official translation of the documents is required if they are not in the English language.

• Please ensure that all forms are duly completed and signed by the applicant and local sponsor. Applications with incomplete forms or documents will NOT be accepted for processing.

• Applicant and local sponsor will have to furnish additional documents and information whenever necessary.

• The application can be submitted by either the applicant or the local sponsor. All female applicants between 15 and 45 years old must be present to declare whether she is pregnant at the time of submission.

• Applicants who are seeking medical treatment of serious illness (e.g. cancer) in Singapore may submit their applications by proxy.

• ICA may share your personal information with other Government agencies to process any applications you have made or to render you a service, so as to serve you in a most efficient and effective way, unless such sharing is prohibited by legislation.

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Student Pass

Eligibility

Any foreigner wishing to pursue full-time studies in Singapore in a CaseTrusted institution that:

• is registered with the Ministry of Education (MOE); or

• is not required to be registerd with MOE but had obtained permission from the Commissioner, Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) to submit Student's Pass applications for international students intending to take up its courses; or

• is licensed by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) to operate as a Childcare centre.

A foreigner is exempted from applying for a Student's Pass if he/she is a:

• Dependant’s Pass holder studying in a Government/ Government-Aided/ Independent school/ Foreign System School/ Kindergarten registered with MOE or Childcare centre licensed by MCYS;

• Immigration Exemption Order holder; and

• Visitor who has been granted a short term Social Visit Pass at the Singapore Checkpoint and wish to attend a short course that can be completed within the validity of the initial Social Visit Pass granted to him/her at the Singapore Checkpoint or 30 days, whichever is shorter. It must satisfy two other criteria, that are, the course:

1. Must be a complete module and stand-alone module of its own. Courses with multiple programme modules are excluded from this Student’s Pass exemption scheme; and

2. Must not involve hands-on practical occupational training and/or industrial attachment which have interaction with walk-in customers or be conducted at premises that are also places of business, e.g. hair salons and beauty salons.

Procedure

a) Approved Private Education Organizations/ Kindergartens registered with MOE/Childcare centres licensed by MCYS

Basic Requirement

To apply for a Student's Pass, applicant must first be accepted by an approved Private Education Organization, a Kindergartens registered with Ministry of Education or a Childcare centre licensed by Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports to pursue an approved full-time course.

With EDB’s launch of the new initiatives under the Education Excellence Framework, from 1 September 2005, all private education organizations will need to be awarded with the CaseTrust for Education to offer school placement for international students. With effect from 1 September 2005, Student's Pass applications will be accepted only if they are for foreign students who are enrolled in a CaseTrusted institution.

For details on the CaseTrust for Education and the list of CaseTrusted institutions, please click here to link up to CASE’s website.

Local Sponsor

A local sponsor is required for the application for a Student's Pass and applicant is required to submit the application through the local sponsor. Applicant's nominated local sponsor must be a Singapore Citizen/Singapore Permanent Resident above the age of 21 years old or the educational institution where applicant intends to study.

Submission of Application

The Student's Pass application must be submitted at least two months and not more than six months from the course commencement date. The completed application form, together with the required documents, can be submitted through the following ways:

a) By dropping in any of the Drop-in Boxes located at:

Information/Queue Ticket Counter
Visitor Services Centre
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
4th Storey, ICA Building
10 Kallang Road, Singapore 208718

b) By post to:

Visitor Services Centre
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
4th Storey, ICA Building
10 Kallang Road, #08-00
Singapore 208718
Attn: Student's Pass II Unit

Note: If the applicant is a People's Republic of China (PRC) national who wishes to pursue a language, commercial, vocational, fine arts course etc at a private education organization in Singapore, the applicant is required to submit the new Student's Pass application through the Singapore Embassy in Beijing. Please note that applications will not be accepted at the Visitor Services Centre, ICA. The Student's Pass application can be submitted to:

Embassy of the Republic of Singapore - Beijing
No. 1 Xiu Shui Bei Jie
Jian Guo Men Wai, Chao Yang District
Beijing 100600
People's Republic of China

However, PRC nationals may submit their Student’s Pass applications directly to the Visitor Services Centre, ICA, if:

• They intend to study in kindergartens registered with MOE / childcare centres licensed by MCYS;

• They intend to take up a full-time course at an approved private education organisation that is awarded Singapore Quality Class for Private Education Organisation SQC(PEO) by SPRING, Singapore;

• They are 19 years old and below at the time of applying for a Student’s Pass to attend a full-time course at an approved private education organisation (i.e, they have applied for a Student’s Pass on or before the 19th birthday); or

• They intend to take up a full-time university degree (Graduate/Post-Graduate) programme, except for the University of London (UOL) tuition programmes, at an approved private education organisation.

Security Deposit

Where applicable, a security deposit may be required from the local sponsor upon approval of the application. The security deposit is not required from the applicant, unless otherwise stated. The amount of security deposit can be seen in the table below:

Country	Rate per person and Form of Security Deposit
Malaysia and Brunei	Nil
Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand	S$1,000 in the form of a Banker's Guarantee from any established banks in Singapore or Cashier's Order or NETS
People's Republic of China, India, Bangladesh and Myanmar	S$5,000 in the form of a Banker's Guarantee from any established banks in Singapore or Cashier's Order
Others	S$1,500 in the form of a Banker's Guarantee from any established banks in Singapore or Cashier's Order or NETS

Exemption from the requirement to furnish a security deposit:

Malaysians/ Brunei nationals; Holders of valid Dependant’s Pass, long term social visit pass, and work pass; Children of Singapore Citizens / Permanent Residents; Foreign students who study in kindergartens registered with MOE / childcare centres licensed by MCYS; Foreign students who attend a full-time course at an approved private education organisation that is awarded Singapore Quality Class for Private Education Organisation, that is, SQC(PEO) by SPRING, Singapore; and Foreign students who pursue a full-time university degree (Graduate/Post-Graduate) programme, except for the University of London (UOL) tuition programmes, at an approved private education organisation.


b) Foreign System Schools

Basic Requirement

To apply for a Student's Pass, applicant must first be accepted by a Foreign System School to pursue an approved full-time course.

Submission of Application

The Student's Pass application must be submitted at least two months from the course commencement date. The completed forms together with supporting documents are to be submitted with queue tickets obtainable at:

Information/Queue Ticket Counter
Visitor Services Centre
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
4th Storey, ICA Building
10 Kallang Road, Singapore 208718

c) Institutes of Technical Education

Basic Requirement

To apply for a Student's Pass, applicant must first be accepted by an Institute of Technical Education to pursue an approved full-time course.

Local Sponsor

A local sponsor is required for the application for a Student's Pass and applicant is required to submit the application through the local sponsor. Applicant's nominated local sponsor must be a Singapore Citizen/Singapore Permanent Resident above the age of 21 years old or the educational institution where applicant intends to study.

Submission of Application

The Student's Pass application must be submitted at least two months from the course commencement date. The completed forms together with supporting documents are to be submitted with queue tickets obtainable at:

Information/Queue Ticket Counter
Visitor Services Centre
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
4th Storey, ICA Building
10 Kallang Road, Singapore 208718

d) Government/Government-aided/Independent Schools

Basic Requirement

To apply for a Student's Pass, applicant must first be accepted by a Government/Government-Aided/Independent School.

Local Sponsor

A local sponsor is required for the application of a Student’s Pass. The local sponsor must be a Singapore Citizen (SC) or Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) above the age of 21 years old. Companies/ Organisations are not allowed to act as sponsors.
If any of the applicant’s parents/ step-parents is a SC/ SPR, the Student’s Pass application must be sponsored by the SC/ SPR parent or step-parent.

Security Deposit

Applicant is exempted from the requirement of a security bond and security deposit.

Submission of Application

The application for a Student's Pass must be submitted at least one month before the course commencement date. Applications can be submitted by post or to ICA directly at the following address:

Visitor Services Centre (VSC)
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
ICA Building
4th Storey, Student’s Pass Unit
10 Kallang Road, Singapore 208718

e) Polytechnics and Universities

Basic Requirement

With effect from 01st January 2005, all applications by foreign students for Student’s Passes to pursue courses offered by the Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) in Singapore are to be submitted via the Student’s Pass On-Line Application & Registration (SOLAR) system. A foreigner who has been offered a place as a full-time matriculated student at any of the IHL has to apply for a Student’s Pass electronically via the Internet using the SOLAR system.

The IHLs include National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Management University, Insead (Singapore), University of Chicago Graduate School of Business (Singapore), Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic, Temasek Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic, Ecole Superieure Des Sciences Economiques Et Commerciales (ESSEC), S.P. Jain Center of Management Singapore, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Singapore and UNSW Asia, The University of New South Wales.

Submission of Application

For electronic submission through the Student's Pass Online Application and Registration (SOLAR) System.

You should have the following documents:

• A valid travel document.

• A Letter of Offer to take up a course from the Institute of Higher Learning (IHL) in Singapore, which has accepted you.

• A notification from the IHL providing you with the information to submit your Student's Pass application electronically.

Note

• Applicant and local sponsor will have to furnish additional information and documents whenever necessary.

• Please note that all original documents must be presented for verification. Official translations of the documents are required if they are not in the English language.

• Please kindly ensure that all forms are duly signed and completed by applicant and the school. Applications with incomplete forms or documents will NOT be accepted for processing.

• Where applicable, a security deposit may be required from the local sponsor upon approval of the application. The security deposit is not required from the applicant, unless otherwise stated. Applicants are advised to request for receipt for any payment made to the school.

• ICA may share your personal information with other Government agencies to process any applications you have made or to render you a service, so as to serve you in a most efficient and effective way, unless such sharing is prohibited by legislation.

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National Service (NS)

Since the year 1967, compulsory National Service (NS) was implemented to be a conscription of Singaporean young men for the defense of the nation.

All male Singaporeans and Permanent Residents are required to register for National service reaching the age of 16 1/2 years old and to enlist for full-time National Service at the earliest opportunity after they turn 18. This rule also applies to minor citizens who may have dual citizenship.

Full-time National Servicemen have to serve averagely 2 years of full-time service. National Servicemen are liable to continue to have NS obligations up to the age of 40 except for officers who are liable to serve up to the age of 50. National Servicemen who wish to continue their studies may apply for a deferment from full-time national service.

Registration, Pre-Enlistment and Enlistment

Male Singaporeans and Permanent Residents are liable to register for NS upon reaching the age of 16 1/2. The mass media in Singapore routinely carries announcements to inform young men of when they are due to register for NS based on their birth dates.

Central Manpower Base (CMPB) will send registration notices to notify those who are required to register for NS. They can then register online via the world wide web.

If the young men are living overseas when they are due for registration for National Service, CMPB will inform them of the procedures for National Service registration and how to apply for an Exit Permit without them having to return to Singapore. If they do not receive any registration notice from CMPB, they are still required to contact CMPB directly pertaining to their registration for National Service.

Upon expiration of the deferment, they must report to CMPB for pre-enlistment documentation and a fitness examination. Their date of enlistment will be based on their medical status, the outcome of the National Physical Fitness Award test (NAPFA), and vacancies in the enlistment intake.

For more information on registration, you can visit the CMPB website at www.miw.com.sg.

Application for Deferment of Full-Time National Service

National Servicemen who wish to continue their studies may apply for a deferment from full-time national service. For those who are intending to pursue their education oversea can get their parents to furnish a bond. When applying for deferment, they have to provide the following documentary proof for consideration:

• Documentary proof stating the commencement and completion date of the courses of study;

• A copy of parents income tax returns

Operationally Ready National Servicemen

When full-time national servicemen have fulfilled their fulltime service, they are known as Operationally-Ready National Servicemen (ORNSmen or Nsmen).

National Servicemen will be recalled up for a maximum of up to 40 days per year for National Service training which is also called ‘reservist.’ It can include incamp training, mobilization exercises, physical proficiency tests and courses.

Exit Controls

There are exit controls for all National Servicemen including those who have completed their full-time National Service.

One exit control is the expiration of passports for National Servicemen who have not served full-time National Service. Those who are between the age of 11 and 16 1/2 years of age are granted passport extension up to two years or till the age of 16 ½ years, whichever is earlier. For those who are aged 16 and above, their passport will be extended for 1 year. If National Servicemen wish to have longer passport validity, their parents are required to furnish a bond. The monetary bond has to be a bank guarantee for S$75,000 or 50% of the total combined income of the parents for the preceding year, whichever is higher. Those who are accompanying parents who are employed abroad can be bonded by deed with two sureties. Full-time national servicemen will be given a full passport validity of 10 years.

National Service enlisted men of 16 years and above and those who and have not completed full-time National Service have to apply for exit permits if their overseas trips are more than three months long. They will still be required to fulfill the National Service obligations and duties necessary.

National Servicemen who have completed their full-time National Service and go abroad for more than 24 hours and less than six months have to inform the Ministry of Defence Notification Centre. Only those who go overseas for more than six months have to apply for an exit permit.

Applications and issue of exit permits can be submitted via the internet. When the approval is allowed, the applicants will be informed through the system instantly. In some cases documentary proof is needed for verification, applicants will have to contact CMPB regarding the issue of an exit permit.

For more information on National Service, please contact:

MINDEF eService Centre,
Bedok South Road, Singapore 469272
Tel or Fax: 1800 364 6333
Email: esc@miw.com.sg
Website: www.miw.com.sg

Public Relations Branch
Ministry of Defence
MINDEF Public Affairs
MINDEF Building #01-28
303 Gombak Drive, Singapore 669645

For passport matters, please contact:

Immigration and Checkpoints Authority
ICA Building, 10 Kallang Road
Singapore 208718
Tel: (65) 6391 6100
Fax: (65) 6298 0843 / (65) 6298 0837
Email : ica_feedback@ica.gov.sg
Website: http://www.ica.gov.sg

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Permanent Residence (PR)

Non-Singaporeans can apply to be a Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) by obtaining an Entry Permit. It is an application for Singapore Permanent Residency.

The following groups of foreigners are eligible to submit their applications:

• Spouse and unmarried children (below 21 years old) of a Singapore Citizen (SC) / Permanent Resident (SPR);

• Aged parents of a Singapore Citizen;

• Employment Pass or Work Permit holders;

• Investors and Entrepreneurs;

Procedure

You can submit your application form together with all the required documents personally to:

Permanent Resident Services Centre
5th Storey, ICA Building
10 Kallang Road, Singapore 208718

Documents To Prepare

1) Spouse/Child of a SC/SPR

• 1 set of completed Form 4 obtainable at the Permanent Resident Services Centre. Applicants are required to complete Part A to Part E and Part G and local sponsor to complete Part F and Part H of the application form of (Form 4);

• The Accompanying Notes to Form 4 will detail supporting documents that will have to be submitted together with your application.

2) Aged Parent of a SC

• Submit a complete an original copy of the Form 4 available at the Permanent Resident Services Centre.

• The Accompanying Notes to Form 4 will detail supporting documents that will have to be submitted together with your application.

3) Employment Pass or Work Permit holders

• Applicants who are applying under the following categories of Professionals/Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers Scheme, you would be required to submit two copies of the completed Form 4A (one original and one photocopy). You may obtain the form at the Permanent Resident Services Centre.

• The Accompanying Notes to Form 4 will detail supporting documents that will have to be submitted together with your application.

You may submit an application for PR as soon as you are granted an Employment Pass.

4) Investor and Entrepreneur

• Foreign investors with substantial capital, qualifications and good entrepreneurial track records can apply for permanent residence under the ‘Global Investor Program’.

Under the Global Investor Programme (GIP) administered by the Economic Development Board (EDB, foreigners can be considered for Permanent Resident (PR) status if they invest a certain minimum sum in business set-ups and/or other investment vehicles such as venture capital funds, foundations or trusts that focus on economic development.

Private residential properties investment will be considered for application for Permanent Resident application. A foreigner can be considered for PR status if he invests at least S$2 million in business set-ups, other investment vehicles such as venture capital funds, foundations or trusts, and/or private residential properties. Up to 50% of the investment can be in private residential properties, subject to foreign ownership restrictions under the Residential Property Act (RPA).

Those interested can contact:

Singapore Economic Development Board
250 North Bridge Road
#28-00 Raffles City Tower, Singapore 179101
Tel: (65) 6832 6832
Website: http://www.sedb.com

Fees Payable

The fee for an Entry Permit is S$100 and the fee for a Re-Entry Permit is S$10 per year. For foreigners applying for a visa, the fee is S$20 per issue.

Processing Time

The processing time for an application is averagely three to six months. They will be informed of the outcome by post.

National Service Liability

Under the Enlistment Act, all male Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs) are liable to register for National Service (NS) upon reaching 16 1/2 years old. They are required to serve 2 years of full-time National Service at the age of 18 years old, followed by 40 days of Operationally Ready National Service per year till the age of 50 years (for officers) or 40 years (for other ranks).

Applicants who are given Permanent Residence under the first generation Professionals/Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers (PTS) Scheme or the Investor Scheme are exempted from serving National Service. Male children who are granted Permanent Resident status under their parents' sponsorship are liable for National Service when they reach 16 1/2 years old.

National Service-liable Permanent Residents have to serve National Service. If they renounce or lose their Permanent Resident status without serving or completing full-time National Service, it may affect their future opportunities of applying for work or education in Singapore.

Male ex-Singapore Citizens and ex-Singapore Permanent Residents who are granted Singapore Permanent Resident status are liable for National Service regardless of the type of Permanent Resident status granted to them.

For further questions, please contact the following:

Central Manpower Base
3 Depot Road #03-07, Singapore 109680
Tel: 1800 3676767 (local)
Tel: 65 6567 6767 (overseas)
Email: contact@ns.sg

Application for Re-Entry Permit

Eligibility

A valid Re-Entry Permit (REP) is necessary whenever a Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) wishes to travel out of Singapore. It will enable him/her to retain his/her SPR status while away from Singapore.

Procedure

Submit your application form personally at the following:

Permanent Resident Services Centre
5th Storey, ICA Building
10 Kallang Road, Singapore 208718

You can obtain the application form from the Permanent Resident Services Centre. If an applicant is abroad at the time of application, he/she may submit his/her application through:

• Singapore Overseas Mission;

• Representative of the foreign government body performing consular functions acting on Singapore’s behalf in that country;

• Local representative in Singapore;

• By mail to the Permanent Resident Services Centre.

Documents Required

• Completed application of Form 6;

• A valid travel document;

• The latest REP, should you have;

• Your Singapore blue identification card or Identity card for National Service personnel;

• Your proof/ documentary proof of employment in Singapore, if applicants acquired SPR under the Professionals or under the Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers Scheme.

For employees:

• A letter (issued not more than one month ago) from the employer attention to the Controller of Immigration, stating the date of employment, position held and monthly salary;

• Income Tax Notices of Assessment for the last 3 years;

• A statement from CPF Board showing the CPF Contribution History for the last 12 months is required.

For self-employed (Including company director, sole proprietor, business partner):

• A valid Practising Certificate (this is applicable to applicants whose occupations require an application of relevant certificates before they can commence with their respective professional practices in Singapore e.g. doctors, lawyers, accountants, etc); or

• A valid Vocational Licence; or

• A valid Business Registration Certificate (Including the names of all the Directors and partners) from the Instant Information Service, Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).

• Income Tax Notice of Assessment for the last 3 years.

A dependent Singapore Permanent Resident who is below 21 years old is required to produce his/her birth certificate, travel document and the parents' Singapore identity cards, marriage certificate, travel documents stating the most recent REPs. When he/she reaches 21 years of age, he/she is required to produce his/her highest qualification certificate and proof of employment in Singapore, should he/she be employed.

The spouse of a Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident has to produce the original marriage certificate and spouse's Singapore identity card.

Fees

S$50 for 5 years
S$100 for 10 years
S$10 per year or part thereof

A separate fee is chargeable for each REP issued. There will be no fees involved if the child's name is in the either parents’ REP.

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Visa Requirement

All travelers are required to go through immigration clearance on arrival into Singapore.

The granting of social visit passes to visitors is determined by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the point of entry. Visitors must satisfy the following basic entry requirements before they are allowed to enter Singapore:

• A passport with at least 6 months validity;

• Valid Singapore visa, if applicable;

• Sufficient funds to last for the intended period of stay in Singapore;

• Confirmed onward/return tickets (where applicable); and

• Entry facilities to their onward destinations, e.g. visas.

The period of stay granted is shown on the social visit pass endorsement given on the visitor's passport. 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 social 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 social visit pass expires. Application for extension of stay is subjected to approval.

Foreigners holding travel documents issued by the following countries will require a visa to enter Singapore:

• Afghanistan

• Algeria

• Bangladesh (Except Diplomatic/Official passport holders)

• Commonwealth of Independent States* (Except Diplomatic/Official/Service passport holders for a stay of up to 30 days)
  - Armenia
  - Azerbaijan
  - Belarus
  - Georgia
  - Kazakhstan
  - Kyrgyzstan
  - Moldova
  - Russia
  - Tajikistan
  - Turkmenistan
  - Ukraine
  - Uzbekistan

• Egypt

• India (Except Diplomatic/Official passport holders)

• Iran

• Iraq

• Jordan (Except Diplomatic/Official passport holders)

• Lebanon

• Libya

• Morocco

• Myanmar (Except Diplomatic/Official passport holders)

• People's Republic of China (Except Diplomatic/Service/Public Affairs passport holders for a stay of up to 30 days)

• Pakistan

• Saudi Arabia

• Somalia

• Sudan

• Syria

• Tunisia (Except Diplomatic/Official passport holders)

• Yemen

In addition, visitors holding Hong Kong Document of Identity, Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Travel Permit, Palestinian Authority Passport, Refugee Travel Document issued by the Middle-East countries and Temporary Passport issued by United Arab Emirates will also require a visa to enter Singapore.

* Nationals of the Commonwealth Independent States may be granted entry into Singapore without visas if they are on transit to a third country. However, they are required to fulfil the following conditions:-

• They are in transit to a third country;

• They hold a valid passport, a confirmed onward air-ticket, entry facilities (including visa) to the third country and have sufficient funds for the period of stay in Singapore;

• They continue their journey to the third country within the 96-hour visa free period granted; and

• They satisfy Singapore's entry requirements. As in all arrivals, the grant of the social visit passes to travellers will be determined by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority officers at the Singapore Checkpoints.