Singapore is an island country consisting of a main island and 62 smaller islands, and is often referred to as a city-country. The Gibraltar of the Far East is a very important point of world trade, here everything is aimed at stimulating growth, which is why Singapore is prominent among the "four Asian tigers" (South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan). 

Singapore has a stable economic and political structure, and its economy is the most developed in Southeast Asia. The country is considered an important banking and financial centre, and in addition to having important industries, the service sector has grown in recent years, contributing to the establishment of numerous foreign multinationals in the country. According to the Doing Business 2014 report, Singapore ranks third among the 189 easiest economies to do business in.

Opportunities exist for international companies in the following sectors:

• Transportation infrastructure sector (highways, subways, rolling stock, etc.).
• The renewable energy sector.
• Fashion sector.
• Catering sector.
• Naval engineering services sector.
• Agri-food sector, specializing in gourmet products.
• Auxiliary construction industry.
• Defense sector.

These opportunities should not only be considered for the local market, but also for Southeast Asia, where Singapore plays an important economic role, including China and India.

Do you need a business visa to travel to Singapore

You won't need a visa if your stay is less than 90 days, but you will need an SG Arrival Card to enter the country for business. You can apply online through the Singapore government website. When you arrive in the country, you will turn in your completed permit to the authorities, who will issue you a business or work card, depending on the reason for your stay.

A business visa in Singapore is required for certain business activities. Below we describe the process of obtaining a business visa.

A Singapore business visa is an immigration document that is required for people from other countries, including India, to enter Singapore. You must apply for and obtain a business visa before entering Singapore.

The Singapore Business Visa is a multiple entry visa that is valid for two years from the date of issuance. However, each application is valid for no more than 30 days. You must apply for a Singapore business visa at least two weeks before your intended date of travel.

You can use this visa to visit Singapore for business purposes as well as to visit friends and family.

How to apply for a Singapore business visa

A convenient electronic system is available to apply for a business visa in Singapore. This system has made the process much easier and faster. You can usually get your visa within 5-7 business days of applying. You will receive your visa as a pdf file to print.

Information for accompanying business visa to Singapore

To obtain a Singapore business visa, you must submit the following documents along with your completed application:

• An original passport with at least six months and at least two blank pages
• A recent 35 × 45 colour photograph on a white background
• Completed Form V39 (A)
• Invitation letter from the host company
• Personal motivation letter explaining the purpose of your trip
• Bank statement and bank stamp for the last six months
• Confirmed return air ticket.

Depending on the reason for your trip, length of stay or nationality, additional documents may be required. For example, you will need a letter on company letterhead explicitly stating the reason for your trip.

In some situations, you may be asked where you will be staying and asked to provide proof, such as a hotel reservation.

You will need to show your employment history to show proof of your employment or proof of your business, such as a charter, partnership document, or certificate of incorporation. You will also need to provide proof of your residence abroad.

It is also recommended that you take out medical and travel insurance for medical emergencies in Singapore, as medical care can be very expensive. Travel insurance can help you in case of a medical emergency, baggage delay or any other interruption to your trip.

Different types of visas

Visas and entry permits fall into two groups: SG Arrival Card and Work Pass, which has several subcategories.

SG Arrival Card.

This is an electronic boarding card for international travelers wishing to enter Singapore. It entitles you to one entry. You must apply for this card in addition to the Arrival Pass.

Work Pass

This pass is issued to highly skilled professionals, managers or foreign executives. You must have an income of at least $50,000 per year to obtain it.

EntrePass: this pass is intended for foreign entrepreneurs wishing to start a business in Singapore.

Individual Employment Pass: this pass is for foreign professionals with high income and is more flexible than the Work Pass.

Work Pass for skilled or semi-skilled workers

S Pass: for mid-level skilled personnel. The applicant must have an income of at least $2,400 per month and meet several evaluation criteria.

Foreign Worker's Permit: issued to qualified personnel in construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding and shipping, and service personnel.

Foreign Domestic Worker (FDW) Permit: The permit is for foreign domestic workers (FDWs) who want to work in Singapore.

Nanny Work Permit: The permit is for nannies (mainly from Malaysia) who come to work in Singapore. It is limited to 16 weeks from the date of birth of the employer's child.

Work permit: for foreign performers working in public entertainment venues such as bars, hotels and nightclubs.

Work Permit for Family Members

Dependent Pass: granted to spouses and children who have a work or S Pass.

Long Term Visit Pass: issued to parents, partners, foster children and children with disabilities with a work or S Pass.

Pre-approved Letter of Consent: issued to spouses or children of citizens residing in Singapore who have an LTVP/LTVP (Long Term Visit) issued by the ICA.

Letter of Consent: this letter is for spouses or children of owners residing in Singapore who have a dependent pass or LTVP/LTVP.

Work Pass and Business Card

Varied Work Pass: issued to foreign nationals, religious workers and journalists who are in Singapore on a short-term business trip (maximum 60 days).

Activity Exempted Work Pass: This card is for short-term activities without a work pass. Each applicant must inform the Ministry of Personnel (MON) of their activity.

Work Pass Exemption for International Students: issued to students who wish to study full-time at an accredited university or institution in Singapore.

ICA Long-Term Visit Cardholder Work Pass: Issued to foreigners married to Singapore citizens or permanent residents, and to parents accompanying a student who is studying in Singapore.