Before you apply for a Singapore visa for your next business trip, you need to know the Singapore business visa Validity. Holders of a business visa can stay in Singapore for up to 30 days maximum to conduct their activities. They are also expected to leave the country on or before the 30th day, as failure to do so will be seen as an immigration violation that will attract very strict sanctions. This page contains key information about the Singapore business visa.
Singapore As A Business Hub
The Singaporean economy is a highly developed and advanced free market economy ranked as one of the most flexible in the world. The ease of doing business in the country is quite high, which has attracted billions worth of foreign direct investment over the last three decades. The free market economy, strong regulations, and advanced infrastructure make the country a perfect business destination for investors.
Ranked as the 4th least corrupt country in the world and the most pro-business, it also has very low tax rates and the second highest GDP per Capita in the world.
Currently, Singapore’s GDP is $397 billion, and it is the home to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).
Business opportunities in Singapore are numerous, but as a foreigner, you will need to get a business visa before entering the country to exploit emerging opportunities, manage your current investment portfolio, or attend business events.
What Is A Singapore Business Visa?
The business visa is a travel document issued by the immigration authorities through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to citizens of foreign nations that are not on the visa-exempt list. This visa is a shirt term visa that allows the visitor to stay up to 39 days. Although an application for the visa is relatively straightforward, applicants are advised to submit their applications at least 2 weeks before their planned trip to avoid delays.
During peak periods, there may be more delays due to an increase in the number of visa applicants. Besides using it for business trips, it can also be used to visit Singapore to see family and friends in Singapore for a short while.
How To Apply For A Business Visa?
There are three ways to apply for a business visa, and we review the options below.
Embassy: This option is for applicants who have a Singaporean embassy in their country.
They may visit the embassy to submit a physical application form and physical copies of their documents if they are not eligible for electronic applications. The embassy will communicate an interview date and request original copies of all the travel documents submitted previously. This method may take up to 14 days for the visa to be issued.
Authorised Visa Agent: This option is also for those who don’t come from visa-exempt countries. The government of Singapore assigns a designated agent in countries where they don’t have an embassy or consulate. The authorised visa agents play the embassy's role and accepts visa applications on behalf of the government of Singapore.
Electronic Application: The third option is to apply for it electronically. Rather than submit physical documents, the applicant can fill out the form online and attach scanned copies for submission. The online method takes 5-7 working days for processing, and if approved, the visa will be sent to their inbox as a pdf file for printing. The printed copy is what the applicant must bring in their trip to enter Singapore, as immigration officers on duty will request it.
Here is how to apply for a business entry visa online
Visit VisaHQ
Choose Singapore as your destination
Choose your country
Select “Business visa”
Fill out the application form
Attach the necessary documents
Pay the visa fees
Submit for approval
Singapore Business Visa Requirements
Here are the documentary requirements for a valid visa to Singapore.
Application Form: The applicant must complete the business visa application form and sign it.
Passport: They must attach a copy of their passport bio-data page. Only passports with at least 2 blank pages and 6 months of validity is accepted.
Photograph: A 35x45 colored photograph on a white background is required. Only clear photographs are accepted.
Invitation Letter: If they are invited by an organization or company, the host must issue a signed invitation letter printed on their letterhead explaining the purpose of the trip.
Personal Cover Letter: A cover letter written and signed by the applicant explaining their purpose for the trip.
Bank Statement: A Bank statement for the last six months duly signed and sealed by the bank. It must contain a minimum balance to cover travel and living expenses.
Confirmed Air Ticket: A confirmed flight ticket reservation for the return trip.
Kindly note that you may be asked to provide additional documents, such as an employment card or proof of business ownership, depending on your country.