Singapore Business Visa for Indians: Requirements, Application Process, and Costs
- Published: 2 August 2024
- 9 min read
- Running a Business
Heather Cameron
Business Writer
From expert guidance and helpful accounting tips to insights on the latest trends in fintech, Heather is here to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners in Singapore with great content. With a background in digital marketing spanning eight years, she has experience writing for various industries and audiences. As Osome’s copywriter, she’s here to inform and inspire our readers with great storytelling.
You've received an invitation letter for a business conference. What now? It's time to get yourself a Singapore business visa. Luckily, the visa application is rather easy for those living in the country of India. This guide explains everything about this specific entry visa, including Singapore business visa requirements, the application process, and the costs involved.
Key Takeaways
- Indian citizens need a visa to enter Singapore for business purposes, and eligibility requires genuine business reasons and sufficient financial resources.
- If you live in a foreign country, you can apply for a Singapore visa online through an authorised visa agent or in person at a Singapore Overseas Mission, with a non-refundable processing fee of S$30.
- A Singapore business visa generally allows multiple entries for up to 30 days per visit, valid for up to 2 years or a period subject to the approval of the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
- Holders of service passports do not need a visa to enter Singapore.
What Is a Singapore Business Visa?
The business visa is a specific type of entry visa that allows you to enter Singapore for business purposes and is subject to a valid visa and clearance at the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority at the point of entry.
There are two Singapore visa types for foreigners conducting business or social visits in Singapore: business visa and social visa. Individuals attending one-time conferences or business events are advised to apply for a business visa, and individuals visiting the country for family or social visits, even medical treatments, are advised to apply for a social visa. They are different from the general tourist visa, which is for those visiting Singapore for a holiday.
By selecting a multiple entry visa during the application access, your business visa will allow multiple entries during its validity period, meaning you can come back even if you have to leave the country after the first visit is complete. This is particularly beneficial for entrepreneurs and business professionals who frequently travel to Singapore for ongoing projects or business meetings, as it eliminates the need to reapply for a new visa each time one enters the country.
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Who Is Eligible for a Singapore Business Visa?
Indian citizens and citizens of certain other countries need a visa to enter Singapore for business. You must have a valid passport with blank pages and a Singapore visa before you visit. Your passport should also have at least six months' validity from your entry point.
Eligibility for a business visa is not just about nationality. Applicants must have a genuine purpose for the business visit. Your visit should be for business activities like meetings, conferences or negotiations and not for employment or long-term residence. If you plan to apply for an Employment Pass, Osome can assist you. However, for business visas, you must visit the local authorised travel agents.
Documents Required for Application
To apply for a Singapore business visa, you need to have the following documents:
- A completed Form 14A, the standard application form for the entry visa.
- A passport valid for at least six months from your entry into Singapore.
- Two passport-size colour photos with a plain white background taken within the past three months.
Apart from these, additional documents may be required on a case-to-case basis. These can be:
- Passport biodata page copy
- An invitation letter issued by a Singapore registered business entity
- Completed Form V39A, Letter of Introduction for Visa Application
- Bank statement, salary slips, or other documents to provide proof of financial capabilities
- An employer’s letter with an official seal
- A cover letter
Please note that all documents must be in English, and you're legally liable for the accuracy of any information declared. Any documents in Hindi or other languages must be translated into English so that the visa officers can assess your application without language issues.
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How To Apply for a Singapore Business Visa
You can apply for a Singapore visa online or in person by submitting the required documents and paying the fee. Online visa application is the quickest and most convenient since you can submit your packet through an authorised visa agent. The list of authorised visa agents is available on the MFA SG website.
If you prefer to apply in person, you can submit your application to a Singapore Overseas Mission. You need to make an appointment and visit during their operating hours. Each method has its steps and requirements, which are detailed below.
Online application process
The online application for a Singapore business visa is easy. First, you need to contact an authorised visa agent and provide them with the required documents, including your completed Form 14A, recent photographs and any additional supporting documents. The agent will submit your application online and update you on the status. To avoid delay, apply for your Singapore business visa at least two weeks before your intended travel date.
Once your e-visa is approved, you will receive an email notification. You can then print it from the ICA website. This digital entry visa will serve as your travel document when you arrive in Singapore.
In-person application process
If you prefer to apply in person, submit your application to a Singapore Overseas Mission. For example, the Singapore Consulate-General in Mumbai processes visa applications for residents of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat and Odisha. Make an appointment before you visit.
Bring all your documents with you during your appointment, such as your completed Form 14A, recent photographs and any additional supporting documents. Submission times for in-person applications are usually Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the mission’s operating hours.
After you submit your application, you will be informed of the status of your authorised visa. If approved, you can collect your visa from the mission, or your local contact can collect it on your behalf through the e-Service.
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Visa Fees and Processing Time
Knowing the fees and processing time for a Singapore business visa is key to planning your trip. A Singapore business visa comes with a processing fee of S$30. It is non-refundable and can be paid online using a Visa or MasterCard credit/debit card.
Usually, a visa application takes between 3 to 5 working days to be reviewed. This timeframe does not include the day of submission, weekends, and public holidays. However, the actual time needed is determined on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, some applications may take longer to process.
Processing fee
The processing fee for a Singapore business visa, which is a type of Singapore visa, is non-refundable, irrespective of the outcome of your visa application. Payment must be made online using a Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card. Ensure you have these payment options available when submitting your application to avoid delays.
Remember that this fee applies to each application. Therefore, if you need to reapply, you must pay the fee again. Double-check all your documents and information before submission to minimise the risk of errors and additional costs.
Processing duration
It generally takes 3 to 5 working days to approve or deny a business visa. This timeline excludes the day of submission, weekends, and public holidays, so plan accordingly to ensure you receive your visa in time for your travels.
Also, some cases may take longer due to various reasons, such as the need for additional documentation or higher volumes of visa applications. Therefore, applying well before your intended travel date is advisable to account for any unforeseen delays.
Collection of Approved Visa
Once your Singapore business visa is approved, collecting your e-Visa is easy. Your local contact, strategic partner or authorised visa agent can print out your e-Visa using the e-Service. This digital document will be your entry visa when you arrive in Singapore.
Since the e-Visa will not be physically endorsed onto the blank pages in your passport, you must print a physical copy of your e-Visa. Keep it with your travel documents and passport to present upon arrival in Singapore.
Important Notices and Conditions
The validity period for Singapore visas can vary for different applications. Currently, Singapore issues visas with a validity of 3 months and a 30-day allowance for each visit. However, it's important to note that this validity period is subject to change.
Entry into Singapore is at the discretion of ICA officers. Make sure you have a printed copy of your e-Visa and your passport ready at the point of entry. Note that even with a valid entry visa, you must meet the prevailing entry requirements, including having a return ticket.
You are not allowed to do direct paid work while in Singapore with a business visa. You must also comply with the visa conditions, do not overstay and depart Singapore on or before the last day of your visa. Failure to comply with these conditions may cause legal issues and affect future entries to Singapore.
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Role of Local Contact
Local contact is a crucial part of Singapore business visa requirements. This person must be either a Singapore Citizen or a Singapore PR who is at least 21 years old and has a SingPass/CorpPass account.
If local contact is unavailable, an LOI from the applicant’s Embassy or High Commission can be accepted as an alternative. However, a reliable local contact will make your visa application much smoother.
Visa Free Transit Facility
The Visa Free Transit Facility (VFTF) in Singapore, also known as a visit pass, is a convenient option for those with a tight schedule and comes with its own merits. This facility allows eligible travellers to transit through Singapore for up to 96 hours as long as they have a travel document issued by a qualified country and a valid onward air or sea ticket departing within the next 96 hours.
Also, Indians and People’s Republic of China Nationals can use VFTF if they are in transit to or from any third country and hold visas issued by the following countries: Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States. Further, travel documents issued by independent states are often subject to assessment of recognition. Therefore, individuals with these documents are advised to apply for an actual visa to enter the country without any hassle.
Single Journey Visa holders can use VFTF on the return journey if they transit through Singapore directly from the country that issued the visa and are en route back to their home country. Finally, VFTF is non-extendable. Travellers must not exceed 96 hours.
Summary
Securing a Singapore business visa involves understanding the eligibility criteria and gathering the necessary documents, including a valid passport and any supportive material, such as an invitation letter and local contact details. When completing the application, make sure to fill out every field in compliance with visa requirements.
Utilising facilities like the VFTF, which comes with its own merits, can also make your business trips more seamless and productive, especially if you hold a valid visa from a qualifying country. If you have any questions about work visas in Singapore, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team of experts!
FAQ
Do Indian citizens need a visa to enter Singapore for business purposes?
Indian citizens must apply for Singapore visas before visiting for business purposes, completing the visa application prior to their arrival in Singapore. You also need to meet the business visa requirements and have all the necessary documentation ready to ensure a smooth application. Meanwhile, a company may apply for work permits on your behalf if they've hired you to work in Singapore.
What are the main documents required to apply for a Singapore business visa?
To apply for a business visa, you must provide the following documents: completed Form 14A, a passport valid for at least six months, two pictures meeting the photo requirements, and additional documents such as Form V39A (Letter of Introduction for Visa Application), an invitation letter from the host business with an official seal, salary slips or banks statements, even a cover letter. You should also have a Singapore citizen or Singapore permanent resident to serve as your local contact.
How much is the processing fee for a Singapore business visa?
Visa applicants must pay the $30 processing fee. This fee can be paid online using a Visa or MasterCard credit/debit card. It is important to note that the processing fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the visa application.
What is the typical processing time for a Singapore business visa?
The typical processing time for a Singapore visa for business is 3 to 5 working days, excluding the day of submission, weekends, and public holidays. However, the processing times may vary depending on the application volume and other factors. Applying well before the intended travel date is advisable to avoid any potential delays.
Can I transit through Singapore without a visa?
Indian citizens can transit through Singapore for up to 96 hours without a valid visa under the Visa Free Transit Facility (VFTF), also known as the visit pass, with a valid onward air or sea ticket departing within 96 hours and a tourist visa issued by the destination country, unless you're returning to your home country. You must also meet Singapore's entry requirements, such as a passport valid for at least six months and proof of sufficient funds for the transit period, such as a bank statement or CD. Note that only visas and documents issued by a qualifying country make you eligible for a visit pass.
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