With the increase in international business transactions, visas have become an important part of every business person. However , visa application requirements, procedures and policies vary from country to country and can be a tedious and time-consuming task for applicants.

Therefore, professional visa agency services have become the first choice of many people. The following only provides an introduction to visas in Asian countries such as Singapore, Japan, China , Vietnam and the Philippines.

I.Singapore visa application

With its stable economic environment, preferential tax policies and superior geographical location, Singapore has become an ideal investment location for global companies, attracting many start-ups to set up companies here. Many companies will choose to set up companies in Singapore to more effectively expand into the Southeast Asian market.

With its stable economic environment, preferential tax policies and superior geographical location, Singapore has become an ideal investment location for global companies, attracting many start-ups to set up companies here. Many companies will choose to set up companies in Singapore to more effectively expand into the Southeast Asian market.

What are the types of Singapore visas?

singapore work visa employment pass

Employment Pass(EP)

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S Pass(SP)

singapore work permit

Work Permit(WP)

singapore work visa employment pass
  • Employment Pass(EP)
    The Employment Pass (EP) is a work visa for professionals, managers, executives, and highly skilled foreign individuals, suitable for applicants with high salaries and professional qualifications. Since it is common for applicants to apply after establishing a company in Singapore under the title of a director or investor, it is also known as a self-employment visa.

What are the requirements to apply for the Singapore Employment Pass (EP)?
The Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) implemented a new work visa system in 2023, raising the minimum monthly salary for the Employment Pass (EP) from the previous SGD 3,500 to SGD 5,000. The system also introduced a “talent screening points framework,” where overseas applicants must achieve a composite score based on several criteria, including income, education, company workforce diversity, and support for hiring Singaporeans.
A. Minimum salary: on-financial sector applicants must have a minimum monthly salary of SGD 5,000, while financial sector applicants need SGD 5,500 (this will be increased to SGD 5,600 for non-financial sectors and SGD 6,200 for financial sectors starting in January 2025, the qualifying salary for an EP will also gradually increase with age) .
B. Quota requirements: None.
How long is the validity of Singapore EP? The visa is valid for 2 years and can be renewed. The validity period is 3 years.
Eligibility to apply for PR (Permanent Residency): Yes.

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  • S Pass (SP)
    The S Pass (SP) is suitable for mid-level skilled workers, aimed at attracting foreign individuals with intermediate professional skills.

What are the requirements to apply for the Singapore S pass (SP)?
A. Minimum salary: Non-financial sector applicants must have a monthly salary of at least SGD 3,150, while financial sector applicants need SGD 3,650.
B. Recognized Qualifications: Applicants must hold qualifications recognized by Singapore.
C. Quota requirements: The number of S Pass employees a company is allowed to hire is subject to quota limits, with a maximum of 15%-18% of the total workforce.
How long is the validity of Singapore SP visa? The visa is valid for 2 years and can be renewed. 
The validity period is 3 years.
Eligibility to apply for PR (Permanent Residency):Yes.

singapore work permit
  • Work Permit (WP)
    The Work Permit (WP) is a visa for low-skilled workers, commonly found in industries such as construction, manufacturing, services, and domestic work.

What are the requirements to apply for the Singapore Work Permit (WP)?
A. Salary requirements: There are no specific salary requirements, but employers must comply with minimum wage regulations.
B. Quota requirements: The quota for WP holders varies depending on the industry.
How long is the validity of Singapore WP visa? The visa is valid for 2 years and can be renewed.
Eligibility to apply for PR (Permanent Residency):No.

II.Japan visa application

As Japan’s position in the global economy rises, an increasing number of foreign professionals and entrepreneurs are choosing to develop, invest in, and operate businesses in Japan. 

The general work visa and the business management visa are two common and important visa types that provide legal opportunities for professionals and business owners to work in Japan.

What are the types of visas in Japan?

1. General work visa
This visa is for foreign individuals engaged in professional work in Japan. Occupation types include engineers, professionals, and more.

What are the requirements to apply for the Japan General Work Visa?
A. Educational and work experience: Applicants typically need a university degree or relevant work experience in the field they are applying for.
B. Employment Contract:
Applicants must have a formal employment contract with a Japanese employer.
C. Technical Qualifications:
Depending on the job category, specific qualifications or technical certifications may be required.

How long is the validity of the Japan General Work Visa?
The visa is valid for 1 to 5 years, with the specific duration depending on the type of work. Renewal is possible, but the extension period is not fixed and will be determined by the reviewing officer.

2. Business management visa

What are the requirements to apply for the Japan Business Management Visa?
A. Office Space Requirements: Must have separate office space, virtual offices are not accepted.
B. Capital requirements:
The company’s capital must be at least 5 million yen or employ two or more full-time employees.
C. Business plan:
A detailed and feasible business plan outlining the company’s long-term development strategy is required.
D. Tax compliance:
The company must comply with Japanese tax regulations and pay all taxes on time.

How long is the validity of the Japan Business Management Visa?
The validity of Japan’s work visas varies depending on the applicant’s circumstances, typically lasting for 1 year. Depending on the type of work and the applicant’s situation, it may also be valid for 3 or 5 years, with the option to apply for renewal before expiration.

III.China visa application

The main visa type for foreigners working in China is the Z visa. You must first apply to the local competent authority to obtain a work permit before submitting a Z visa application.

What are the requirements to apply for the Chinese work visa?
A. Work permit: Formal employment permit issued by the local competent authority in China.
B. Valid passport:
valid for at least six months.
C. Health certificate:
Health certificate issued by a designated medical institution.
D. Other documents:
Depending on the specific situation, academic certificates, work experience certificates, etc. may be required.
How long is the validity of a China Work Visa?
The Z visa typically allows applicants to stay in China for 30 days. During this period, applicants need to coordinate with their employer to obtain a temporary residence permit, which allows them to stay in China for at least 90 days and up to a maximum of 5 years

IV.Vietnam work visa application

Foreigners working in Vietnam need to apply for a work visa (Visa LĐ).Main types include:

LĐ1 (work permit exempt) and LĐ2 (work permit required)

visa lao dong viet nam bia min

LĐ1 (work permit exempt)

the tam tru ld2

LĐ2 (work permit required)

Applicants need to obtain a work permit from a Vietnamese employer, and the visa is usually valid for 1 to 2 years.
Application requirements include a valid passport, proof of academic qualifications or skills, and health certificate.
The visa is valid for the same period as the work permit and can be renewed upon expiration.

V.Philippines work visa application

Foreigners working in the Philippines need to apply for a work visa:9(g) visa: The most common work visa, for foreigners who need a work permit.
Application requirements:include a valid passport, an employment contract from a Philippine employer, a work permit issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE),and a health certificate.
The validity period of the visa:is determined according to the contract, usually 1 to 3 years, and can be renewed upon expiration. Certificate holders are required to abide by the law and avoid working without a certificate or overstaying their visa.

VI.Summarize

  • The visa application process can be intricate and time-consuming; however, professional agencies can streamline these procedures considerably. InterArea’s highly experienced team offers in-depth expertise and is committed to providing clients with practical guidance and comprehensive support throughout the entire process.

Overseas Visa Application:
Frequently Asked Questions Q&A

Q1: Can Singapore Employment Pass (EP) be renewed?

  • The initial validity period of the Singapore Employment Pass (EP) is two years, and holders can apply for renewal before its expiry. Upon successful renewal, the pass can be extended for up to three years. It is recommended to apply for renewal at least six months before the pass expires to avoid any disruptions.

Q2: What are the key considerations for Vietnam Work Visa (Visa LĐ)?

  • The Vietnam Work Visa is valid for a maximum of two years and can be extended once, with the extension period not exceeding the duration of the original labor contract. After the extension expires, employers must submit an application to the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) in Vietnam to reapply for a new work permit for their foreign employees.

Q3: What are the advantages of Singapore EP?

  • Legal Work Status: EP holders can legally work for specific companies in Singapore without needing additional work permits.
  • Family Accompaniment: Eligible EP holders can apply for Dependent Passes (DP) for their spouses and children.
  • Permanent Residency Application: EP holders have an easier pathway to apply for Singapore Permanent Residency (PR).
  • No Minimum Tax Rate Threshold: EP holders benefit from Singapore’s individual income tax system, which features relatively low tax rates and no asset tax.

Overseas Visa Application:
Frequently Asked Questions Q&A

A: The initial validity period of the Singapore Employment Pass (EP) is two years, and holders can apply for renewal before its expiry. Upon successful renewal, the pass can be extended for up to three years. It is recommended to apply for renewal at least six months before the pass expires to avoid any disruptions.

A: The Vietnam Work Visa is valid for a maximum of two years and can be extended once, with the extension period not exceeding the duration of the original labor contract. After the extension expires, employers must submit an application to the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) in Vietnam to reapply for a new work permit for their foreign employees.

  1. Legal Work Status: EP holders can legally work for specific companies in Singapore without needing additional work permits.
  2. Family Accompaniment: Eligible EP holders can apply for Dependent Passes (DP) for their spouses and children.
  3. Permanent Residency Application: EP holders have an easier pathway to apply for Singapore Permanent Residency (PR).
  4. No Minimum Tax Rate Threshold: EP holders benefit from Singapore’s individual income tax system, which features relatively low tax rates and no asset tax.

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