The Lion City, Singapore, is a small but one of the best nations in the world. It’s clean and orderly and one of the best holiday destinations in South East Asia. This place is heaven for adventure seekers, foodies, and people looking for a time to enjoy life. Though quite expensive, you will know it’s worth every penny!

Filipinos can enter Singapore visa free, almost every Citizen of the World can come, too! There are only 36 territories or nations that need pre-approval before entering. There are also many Overseas Filipino Workers, and Filipino turned Singaporean Citizens in Singapore. If you want to work there, this might be helpful, too!

Other Articles You can Read:

Visa Free Countries

Here’s the list of countries that can enter Singapore without the need to have a visa

90 days

Singapore Visa Free Guide for Filipinos.JPG

30 days

All other nationalities can enter Singapore for a maximum stay of 30 days (including the Philippines and Citizens British Overseas Territories without the Certificate of Entitlement).

However, the visa free entry does not apply to the following citizens:

Singapore Visa Free Guide for Filipinos1.JPG

Requirements to Enter Singapore

1. Passport – must be valid at least 6 months at the time of departure

2. Confirmed onward or return tickets

3. Evidence you can enter your next destination (example: a visa)

4. Sufficient funds for your stay

5. Yellow Fever Vaccine, if applicable

6. Electronic Arrival Card or a Disembarkation/Embarkation Card – you can get this on the plane or as you enter the immigration office, you can also do it online (however, it’s still on the testing stage)

Singapore Work Visa

If you want to work in Singapore, then you need a Work Permit or an S Pass. It’s mostly effortless on your part as you only need an agency or employer and as the application and process are taken care of by their side. However, we will give you information about those mentioned.

Embassy: Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Manila
Address: 505 Rizal Drive, Bonifacio Global City, 1634 Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Telephone: +63-2-8856-9922
Website: mfa.gov.sg

Foreign Domestic Workers

Eligibility

Female
23 – 50 years old at the time of application (50 years old can renew until 60)
From an approved source country (the Philippines is included along with Bangladesh, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand)
High School Diploma
Hired at your home country and not be in Singapore during application for Work Permit
Not related to Employer

Employer Requirements

21 years old and above
Not bankrupt
Have the mental capacity to be an employer
Attend Employer Orientation Programme
Bought a USD 5,000 security bond and insurance for helper (FDW should not shoulder this)

Work Permit for Foreign Worker

If you are a semi-skilled worker, then you can also work in the following sectors: construction, manufacturing (not eligible for Filipinos), marine shipyard, process, or services (not eligible for Filipinos).

Eligibility:

18 – 50 years old
Must have Basic or High Skills depending on which sector. You can check here.

Work Permit Conditions

Work Permit is usually good for 2 years but might be dependent on the validity of the passport, bond, and contract
Foreign workers must work only the occupation and employer specified in Work Permit Card. Work Permit should be carried at all times
FW shouldn’t take part in other business or create their own
Not marry a Singaporean or a Permanent resident without the approval of Ministry of Manpower
Not get pregnant or deliver a child in Singapore unless they are already married to a Singaporean
Employer will provide you fixed monthly salary declared to the MOM, buy and maintain medical insurance and security bond, makes you stay on proper housing
The work permit should be canceled within 7 days of termination of employment

Documents Needed

Copy of your Valid Passport
A written consent that you allow the Employer or Agent to apply for a Work Permit for you (there’s no format, and a signed Employment Contract is also okay)

Getting a Work Permit

STEP 1: Your Employer or employment agency should get your details and consent. Fill up an application on this website and pay $35.

STEP 2: After one week, the Employer will print the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter and Work Permit Application Form. The employer must have a security bond of USD 5,000 and medical insurance for the worker.

STEP 3: Wait for the agent or employer to contact you when all is ready. Be sure to bring your passport and IPA letter from your employer when you arrive.

STEP 4: Attend a Settling In-Programme within 3 days of your arrival. It will cost $75 but should be shouldered by the employer. Within 2 weeks of your arrival, you must also have a medical examination by a Singapore Registered Doctor. You will be checked for infectious disease, HIV, syphilis, malaria, and if you are fit to work.

STEP 5: Give your medical certificate and give it to the employer so that a Work Permit can be issued. Another $35 is paid. The employer should also print the notification letter, which can be used while waiting for the Work Permit card.

STEP 6: If required, you may be asked to register your fingerprints and photo within a week of issuing the Work Permit. Bring your passport, Appointment letter, Notification Letter, and other documents stated.

STEP 7: Wait for the Work Permit to be delivered in your stated address after 4 working days.

S Pass

An S Pass if for a mid-skilled technical staff working in Singapore.

Eligibility:

The fixed monthly salary of at least $2,400
Have a degree or diploma
Have relevant work experience

Documents Needed

Copy of your Valid Passport
A written consent that you allow the Employer or Agent to apply for an S Pass for you (there’s no format, and a signed Employment Contract is also okay)

Getting an S Pass

STEP 1: Your Employer should get the worker’s details and consent. Fill up an application on this website and pay $75.

STEP 2: After three weeks, the employer will print the In-Principle Approval (IPA). The IPA must be sent to you and it will grant you an entry of 60 days.

STEP 3: You will be asked to come to Singapore and get a medical examination. When you are there, the employer or agent submits supporting documents like your current passport, immigration card, medical form, declaration form, medical, and work insurance. A $100 fee will be paid for a pass; then a notification letter will be given to you while waiting for the S Pass card.

STEP 4: If required, you may be asked to register your fingerprints and photo within a week of issuing the Work Permit. Bring your passport, Appointment letter, Notification Letter, and other documents stated.

STEP 5: Wait for the S Pass to be delivered in the stated address after 4 working days.

APEC Business Travel Card

Philippines and Singapore are both members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. For business people who regularly commute to countries who are members, an APEC Business Travel Card is instrumental as you won’t require a visa to enter and premier lanes during arrival.

APEC Member Nations

Singapore Visa Free Guide for Filipinos2.JPG

Benefits of APEC Business Travel Card

Business trips for a maximum of 60 days (no more visa application)
APEC lanes on major airports

Who can get an APEC Business Travel Card in the Philippines

Must be:

A business person that represents a company or an entity that’s involved in international trading, selling of goods or services or investing in APEC Member nations
Not convicted or charged of a criminal offense
Has powers or authority to execute management policies, negotiate, trade, or invest (e.g. CEO, President, VP, Head, BOD) or an official nominated by the heads of the company whose work is involved in trading, investment and dealing with overseas clients or suppliers

Where to apply for an APEC Business Travel Card?

Makati Business Club (MBC)2/F, AIM Conference Center
Benavidez St., Legaspi Village
Makati City
Telephone No.: (+632) 751-1137, 751-1138
Email: makatibusinessclub@mbc.com.ph

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)3rd Floor, Commerce and Industry Plaza (CIP)
1030 Campus Avenue cor Park Avenue
McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio
Taguig City
Telephone No.: (+632) 846-8196 loc 113
Email Address: abtc@philippinechamber.com

Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT)International Trade Complex
Roxas Blvd. cor Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue
Pasay City
Email Addresses: ef.philexport@gmail.com; efosedc@philexport.ph

FAQS in Singapore Visa

1. Can I enter Singapore without a Visa?

Yes, if you are a Philippine Passport Holder, you may enter Singapore for 30 days.

2. Can I work with my Tourist Visa?

No, you can work only with a valid work permit or an S Pass.

3. Is there a penalty for overstaying?

Overstaying may get you to pay a fine of not more than $4,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months, or both!

4. Where is the Singapore Embassy in the Philippines?

Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Manila505 Rizal DriveBonifacio Global City1634 Taguig CityMetro Manila, Philippines

5. What are the office hours?

They are open from Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM.

Singapore is tiny but very diverse; you can see many people of different nationalities working and living here. It’s also a great place to spend a holiday! Hopefully, this guide will help you if you ever want to go there for touristy stuff or work!