Introduction
Singapore is a popular destination for both tourism and business. Many foreign nationals looking to enter Singapore will need to obtain a visa. One of the requirements for some Singapore visa types is having a local contact – someone who is a citizen or permanent resident of Singapore. This local contact acts as your sponsor and provides supporting documents for your visa application.
Having a Singaporean local contact can make getting your visa much smoother. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting a Singapore visa with the help of a local contact.
Who Needs a Local Contact for their Singapore Visa?
The following types of visas require a local contact in Singapore:
Employment Pass
The Employment Pass is for foreign professionals working in managerial, executive, or specialized jobs in Singapore. Your local contact will be your employer who has offered you a job and is sponsoring your Employment Pass.
EntrePass
The EntrePass is for eligible foreign entrepreneurs looking to start and operate a business in Singapore. Your local contact can be a Singaporean business partner or investor.
Personalized Employment Pass
The Personalized Employment Pass has largely replaced the Employment Pass. It is for high-earning foreign professionals. Your local contact will be your employing company in Singapore.
Training Employment Pass
This work visa is for foreign trainees or interns on short-term work stints in Singapore. Your local contact will be the company sponsoring your training program.
Dependant’s Pass
If you are the spouse or child (under 21) of someone who holds an Employment Pass or Personalized Employment Pass, you can apply for a Dependant’s Pass. Your local contact will be your family member working in Singapore.
Long-Term Visit Pass
Parents can apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass to stay in Singapore if their children are citizens or permanent residents. Their Singaporean children would be the local contacts.
Finding a Local Contact in Singapore
If you need a Singaporean local contact for your visa application, you have a few options:
Employment
If you have a job offer from a company in Singapore, they will act as your local contact and sponsor your Employment Pass.
Business partnerships
If you are starting a business, connect with Singaporean entrepreneurs or investors who can be your local contacts.
Relocation agents
There are relocation agents in Singapore who can act as visa sponsors and local contacts for a fee.
Friends & family
If you have friends or family living in Singapore, ask if they are willing to be your local contact.
Marriage
Marrying a Singaporean citizen will automatically make them your local contact for visa purposes.
Responsibilities of a Singapore Visa Local Contact
As your visa sponsor, your Singaporean local contact will have certain duties. These include:
Providing an employment letter
For work visas, your local contact will provide a letter confirming they are employing you in Singapore.
Signing visa paperwork
Your contact will need to sign and submit various forms and letters to support your visa application.
Acting as guarantor
They will vouch for your good character as part of your visa application.
Providing financial evidence
Your contact needs to show they can support you financially if needed. This is usually only required if the contact is a family member or spouse.
Updating authorities
They must inform Singapore immigration authorities if you break the conditions of your visa.
Applying for a Visa With a Local Contact
Once you have a local contact, they will work with you to prepare your visa application. Here are the general steps:
1. Choose your visa type
Work with your contact to decide which visa is most appropriate for your purpose in Singapore.
2. Get support letters
Your contact will provide the required letter confirming their sponsorship of your visa.
3. Complete the forms
Fill out the relevant visa application forms accurately and completely.
4. Submit fingerprints
You’ll need to provide fingerprints during the application process.
5. Pay the fees
Fees must be paid for each visa application. Your contact may cover this cost.
6. Wait for approval
It can take a few weeks to get visa approval. You cannot enter Singapore until your visa is issued.
7. Collect your visa
Once approved, you or your contact can collect the physical visa to bring to Singapore.
Living in Singapore With a Local Contact
Once your Singapore visa is approved, your local contact will be responsible for you during your stay. Here are some of their ongoing duties:
- Inform immigration officials if you break visa rules
- Provide updated letters to support visa renewals and new applications
- Cover the cost of any fees for visa renewals
- Monitor that you are complying with the conditions of your visa
- Provide accommodation if they are a family member or spouse sponsor
You must also keep your local contact informed of any changes to your circumstances that could impact your visa status.
Conclusion
Having a local contact is mandatory for many long-term and work visas for Singapore. Choose your contact wisely, ensure they fully understand their duties, and work closely with them throughout the visa process. With their support, you are much more likely to have a smooth and successful Singapore visa application.
References
Ministry of Manpower Singapore. “Work visa: Apply.” Accessed October 15, 2023. https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-visa/apply
Ministry of Manpower Singapore. “Passes for family.” Accessed October 15, 2023. https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/passes-for-family
Singapore Expats. “Finding a Visa Sponsor and Local Contact in Singapore.” Accessed October 15, 2023. https://www.singaporeexpats.com/about-singapore/visa-sponsor.htm
Goh Jun Cheng is the chief staff writer for SingaporeAirport.com. Jun Cheng graduated with a degree in journalism from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.
He has over 5 years of experience writing about aviation, tourism, and lifestyle topics relevant to locals and visitors in Singapore. His articles provide insights into the rich culture, cuisine, and attractions of Singapore. Jun Cheng is an avid traveler who has visited over 15 countries.
When he is not writing or traveling, he enjoys photography, trying new foods, and hiking. As a longtime Singapore resident, Jun Cheng is passionate about sharing hidden gems and perspectives about his home country.
