Singapore work visa for French citizens

If you're a French citizen planning to work in Singapore, you'll need to apply for the right type of work visa. Singapore offers several options, including:

• Short-term work passes for temporary employment.
• Work visas for professionals seeking career opportunities.
• Work permits for skilled and semi-skilled workers.
• Business visas.
• Internship and student work passes.

How can French people obtain a work visa to Singapore?

The first step is to find a job in Singapore, as your employer or an authorized employment agency must submit your visa application. They will use EP Online, the Ministry of Manpower's digital platform, to submit your work visa application.

Singapore work visa requirements for French people

If you're a French citizen planning to work in Singapore, follow these steps to get your work visa:

1. Secure a job offer. Before applying, you must have a confirmed job in Singapore.
2. Visa application. While you're still in France, your employer or an Employment Agency (EA) will submit your application via EP Online and pay the required fee.
3. Approval or rejection. If approved, your employer will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, which you can use to enter Singapore. If rejected, your employer will be informed with an In-Principle Rejection letter, meaning no visa will be issued.
4. Travel to Singapore. With the IPA letter, you can travel and prepare for the next steps.
5. Final visa issuance. Upon arrival, your employer or EA will apply for your work pass via EP Online, and an additional processing fee will be required.
6. Notification letter. If the work pass is granted, you'll receive a notification letter, which allows you to start working, travel in and out of Singapore, and provides details about any required biometrics.
7. Registration. Within two weeks of receiving your pass, you must register at the Employment Pass Service Center (EPSC).
8. Receive your Pass Card. After registration, you’ll receive your official Pass Card within four working days.

Want to know more? Learn about working in Singapore, the types of work visas, and how to find a job.

Are French citizens allowed to work in Singapore with a short-term visa?

French visitors holding a short-term Visit Pass cannot typically engage in employment in Singapore. Nevertheless, individuals involved in specialized activities—such as media work or public speaking—may be eligible to apply for a Miscellaneous Work Pass, enabling them to work for up to 60 days.

Singapore work visa options for professionals from France

If you're a professional from France considering employment in Singapore, these visa options might suit you:

• Employment Pass (EP) – requires a minimum monthly salary of 3,600 SGD and is designed for executives, professionals, and managers.
• Personalized Employment Pass (PEP) – a flexible pass available to high-earning individuals or those already working in Singapore.
• EntrePass – geared toward entrepreneurs and investors planning to set up a business in Singapore.

Singapore work visa cost for French citizens

There is no standard fee for obtaining a Singapore work visa. However, to qualify for a professional work visa, French citizens must have a job offer with a salary of at least 3,600 SGD per month.

Want to stay informed about updates to the Singapore Employment Pass and Student Pass in 2025? Read more here.

Work visa options in Singapore for skilled and semi-skilled French people

Skilled and semi-skilled French citizens planning to work in Singapore can apply for one of these visas:

• S Pass – for mid-level skilled workers earning at least 2,300 SGD monthly. Subject to quotas and levies.
• Migrant worker permit – restricted to certain nationalities and specific industries, including manufacturing and construction.
• FDW permit – for domestic workers aged 23-50 from approved countries such as Bangladesh, India, and Indonesia.
• Confinement nanny permit – limited to Malaysian nannies for post-birth childcare up to 16 weeks.
• Performing artiste permit – applicable to entertainers in licensed public venues, with restrictions on work duration.

Is there a fixed fee for a Singapore work visa?

No, Singapore does not charge a fixed fee for work visa applications. However, those applying for an S Pass, which is meant for skilled mid-level professionals, must earn at least 2,300 SGD per month to be eligible.

Singapore business visa options for French citizens

A Singapore business visa is valid for up to two years with multiple entry options. Each stay allows a maximum of 30 days. Be sure to submit your application at least two weeks before your trip to avoid any processing delays.

This visa can be used not only for business activities but also for visiting family and friends in Singapore.

Applying for a Singapore business visa: A guide for French people

French people can apply for a business visa to Singapore through an efficient electronic system that has streamlined the entire process. Typically, visa approvals take between five to seven working days.

Upon approval, your visa will be delivered to you in PDF format, allowing you to print it and carry it for your trip.

How to apply for a business visa to Singapore: Requirements for French citizens

French citizens planning to obtain a business visa for Singapore must provide the following:

• An original passport valid for at least six months with at least two blank pages
• A recent 35×45 mm passport-size color photo on a white background
• Completed Form V39(A)
• Invitation letter from the company in Singapore
• A personal cover letter outlining the purpose of travel
• A bank statement covering the last six months with a bank seal
• Proof of return travel (confirmed flight ticket)

Additional documents may be required based on the duration of stay and purpose of the visit, such as proof of accommodation, an employment card, or company registration documents.

Travelers are advised to purchase medical and travel insurance to cover potential healthcare expenses in Singapore, which can be costly.

Find out more about the business visa process and opportunities here.

Work visas to Singapore for interns and students from France

If you're a French citizen looking to work in Singapore, the following visa options are available:

• Training Employment Pass – designed for foreign nationals undertaking short-term education or training in Singapore for up to three months. This pass does not require any fees or quotas for foreign workers.
• Work Holiday Pass – available under the Working Holiday Program for citizens of specific countries, including Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the UK, and the US. Applicants must be aged 18-25 (18-30 for Australians), and the pass is non-renewable and can only be issued once.
• Training Work Permit – intended for unskilled or semi-skilled students or trainees seeking hands-on practical training in Singapore for a period of up to six months.

Training Employment Pass cost in Singapore

To obtain a Training Employment Pass, applicants should be aware of the following fees:

• Application fee: S$105, which covers the initial submission process.
• Processing time: around three weeks, after which an IPA letter will be issued if approved.
• Final issuance fee: once you are in Singapore, an additional payment of S$225 is required for pass issuance through EP Online.

What is the fee for a Singapore Training Work Permit?

Applicants for the Training Work Permit in Singapore must pay an application processing fee of S$35.

Top industries for French citizens seeking work in Singapore

French people can explore job opportunities in the following sectors in Singapore:

1. IT and Software Development

• Software Engineers
• Data Analysts
• Cybersecurity Experts
• Network Administrators

2. Healthcare

• Nurses (especially from the Philippines and Sri Lanka)
• Medical Technicians
• Healthcare Assistants

3. Construction and Engineering

• Civil Engineers
• Construction Workers
• Electrical Engineers
• Mechanical Engineers

4. Hospitality and Tourism

• Hotel Managers
• Chefs/Cooks
• Front Desk Officers
• Waitstaff

5. Manufacturing

• Factory Workers
• Machine Operators
• Quality Control Technicians

6. Domestic Work

• Domestic Helpers (primarily from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka)
• Nannies
• Caregivers