Insights for work and life.
Move From China to Singapore: Visa-Free Entry, Work Passes, Family and Tax
Short answer: A move from China to Singapore for work normally needs an Employment Pass or S Pass arranged by the employer, not the 30-day visa-free entry. The EP needs a fixed monthly salary of at least S$5,600 (S$6,000 for new applications from 1 January 2027) and 40 COMPASS points. Bringing family needs at least S$6,000.
Key facts at a glance
- ICA: holders of ordinary PRC passports are exempt from entry visas for stays of up to 30 days since 9 February 2024. This is for visits, not for taking up employment.
- EP qualifying salary (MOM, as at 26 October 2026): S$5,600, rising with age to S$10,700 at 45 and above. For new applications from 1 January 2027: S$6,000, rising to S$11,500.
- COMPASS: an EP application needs 40 points across four criteria and a skills bonus, unless exempt.
- Family: an EP holder earning at least S$6,000 a month can bring a legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 on Dependant’s Passes, and parents only if earning at least S$12,000.
- Tax: a foreigner is a tax resident if in Singapore for at least 183 days in the previous calendar year, and IRAS treats a work pass valid for at least 1 year as tax resident status.
- IRAS: foreign-sourced income received in Singapore by a tax resident individual is generally exempt, except income received through partnerships in Singapore.
This article is general information only and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. For matters needing legal advice, we work with a panel of experienced Singapore law firms.
Do Chinese citizens need a visa to move to Singapore?
For a visit, no. ICA states that, with effect from 9 February 2024, holders of ordinary passports issued by the People’s Republic of China are exempt from visa requirements for a stay of up to 30 days in Singapore, with no entry visa needed beforehand.
That exemption does not allow you to work or to wait in Singapore for a pass. ICA says anyone wishing to stay beyond 30 days may apply online to extend the Short-Term Visit Pass after entering, no earlier than 14 days before it expires, subject to approval and fees. MOM’s guidance to employers is clear: bring candidates in only once the pass is approved, because MOM will not be able to extend their visit pass. An in-principle approval (IPA) letter for an Employment Pass works as a pre-approved single-entry visa, valid for 6 months. Earlier news on the exemption is in our post on visa-free entry between Singapore and China.
Which work pass fits a professional moving from China?
Most professionals use an Employment Pass (EP), and skilled technical staff on lower salaries may qualify for an S Pass. Both are applied for by the Singapore employer, and the candidate does not need to be in Singapore when the application is made.
| Pass | Minimum fixed monthly salary now | New applications from 1 January 2027 (renewals of passes expiring from 1 January 2028) | Family passes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment Pass (except financial services) | S$5,600, up to S$10,700 at 45+ | S$6,000, up to S$11,500 at 45+ | Salary of at least S$6,000 |
| Employment Pass (financial services) | S$6,200, up to S$11,800 at 45+ | S$6,600, up to S$12,700 at 45+ | Salary of at least S$6,000 |
| S Pass (except financial services) | S$3,300, up to S$4,800 at 45+ | S$3,600, up to S$5,100 at 45+ | Salary of at least S$6,000 |
Our salary by age tables give every age band. For the EP, MOM runs a two-stage test: first the qualifying salary, then the points-based COMPASS, which needs 40 points. The four criteria are salary against sector peers, qualifications, diversity and support for local employment, plus bonus points such as the skills bonus for jobs on the Shortage Occupation List. Our guide on earning the 40 COMPASS points explains how employers score.
The diversity criterion looks at the share of the candidate’s nationality among the employer’s PMETs, once the employer has at least 25 PMETs. If the share is under 5%, the application scores 20 points, from 5% to under 25% it scores 10, and from 25% it scores 0. Smaller employers with fewer than 25 PMETs score 10 by default. This is a neutral rule applied to every nationality, and employers can check their position with the Workforce Insights tool on the myMOM Portal.
How does a move from China to Singapore work, step by step?
- The employer advertises the job on MyCareersFuture to consider all candidates fairly, then checks the candidate with MOM’s Self-Assessment Tool.
- The employer applies online. MOM’s processing time is within 10 business days, and the application fee is S$105. Overseas companies without a Singapore-registered entity should allow up to 6 weeks.
- On approval, the employer prints the IPA letter, which is valid for 6 months.
- You travel to Singapore and show the IPA to the immigration officer. The IPA states whether a medical examination is needed.
- With you in Singapore, the employer issues the pass for S$225. You receive a notification letter valid for 1 month that lets you start work.
- If the notification letter states that registration is required, you register fingerprints and photo, and the card arrives within 5 working days after registration.
- Set up the digital work pass on the SGWorkPass app with Singpass.
For the arrival formalities, see our guide to the enhanced SG Arrival Card. If your own company is setting up in Singapore first, Raffles Corporate Services handles incorporation.
How do I bring my family from China?
An EP holder earning at least S$6,000 a month can sponsor family members. MOM lists a Dependant’s Pass for a legally married spouse and for unmarried children under 21 including legally adopted children. A common-law spouse, an unmarried step-child under 21, or an unmarried handicapped child aged 21 and above, needs a Long-Term Visit Pass instead. Parents can come on a Long-Term Visit Pass only if the EP holder earns at least S$12,000.
MOM states that a separate application is submitted for each family member. Read our family relocation guide and the LTVP for parents of EP holders article for details.
How will my income be taxed after I move?
If you work in Singapore for a year or more you will generally be taxed as a resident. IRAS states that a foreigner is a tax resident for a year of assessment if they stayed or worked in Singapore for at least 183 days in the previous calendar year, or for 3 consecutive years. IRAS also says foreigners issued with a work pass valid for at least 1 year are treated as tax residents, subject to review at tax clearance when employment ends.
| Situation | Singapore treatment (IRAS) |
|---|---|
| 183 days or more in a calendar year | Tax resident, with progressive rates from 0% to 24% and personal reliefs. |
| Three consecutive years | Resident for all three years under the administrative concession, even if below 183 days in the first and third year. |
| Work pass valid for at least 1 year | Treated as a tax resident, subject to review on cessation. |
| Foreign-sourced income brought into Singapore by a resident | Tax-exempt, with the exception of income received through partnerships in Singapore. |
For short secondments, check whether a double taxation agreement exemption applies; IRAS publishes guidance on claiming exemptions under DTAs and on applying for a Certificate of Residence. A short-stay treaty exemption does not suit someone relocating for years. Chinese tax residency rules and any exit steps in China are outside this article, and a tax adviser should check both sides. Our guide on the 183-day rule gives further background.
What should I do in the first 30 days?
Complete pass formalities first, then everyday set-up. The table separates what MOM requires from what is your own planning.
| Timing | Task | Who |
|---|---|---|
| On arrival | Show the IPA to the immigration officer, and complete any medical examination the IPA states. | You |
| Within the IPA’s 6 months | Employer issues the pass while you are in Singapore. | Employer |
| After issue, by the date your appointment letter gives | Fingerprint and photo registration, if the notification letter requires it. | You |
| Within 5 working days after registration | Card delivery. Use the SGWorkPass app meanwhile. | Employer and you |
| Early | Family passes, housing and schools. See our relocation checklist for newly approved EP holders. | You and employer |
Frequently asked questions
Can I work in Singapore on the 30-day visa-free entry?
No. ICA’s exemption is from the entry visa requirement for a stay of up to 30 days. Working needs a work pass, and MOM advises employers to bring candidates in only after the pass is approved.
Do I need to be in Singapore when my EP is applied for?
No. MOM states that candidates do not need to be in Singapore when the employer applies. The pass is issued once you are in Singapore.
How much salary do I need for my spouse and children to join me?
MOM states that an EP holder earning at least S$6,000 a month is eligible to bring a legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21 on Dependant’s Passes.
How long does an EP application take?
MOM states an online application is processed or given an update within 10 business days. It can take longer if MOM asks for more documents.
Will Singapore tax my China income?
That depends on your residency, where the income arises and the treaty. IRAS states that foreign-sourced income brought into Singapore by a tax resident is generally exempt, with limited exceptions, but get advice on your own facts.
Official sources: MOM: Employment Pass eligibility, ICA: visa exemption for PRC nationals and IRAS: tax residency.
Need help with this? Call, SMS or WhatsApp +65 8501 7133, or email [email protected]. Little Big Employment Agency (EA Licence 19C9790) works with a panel of corporate and employment law firms; this article is general information, not legal advice.
Last reviewed: 26 October 2026. The Editorial Team, Little Big Employment Agency.
Real people. Right here in Singapore.