Singapore Visa for Australian Citizens

A Singapore visa allows someone with a valid visa to go to Singapore and enter the country. It is not an immigration pass. Australian citizens do not need a tourist visa to enter Singapore and can stay in the nation for up to 90 days . Please note visitors to Singapore must meet health and entry requirements (if applicable).

Is a Singapore Tourist Visa required for Australians?

Australian passport holders do not need a Singapore Tourist Visa, as they are visa-exempt for 90 days. As Singapore is a small city-state, travelers from Australia can easily cover most of it in 8-10 days. Hence, a tourist visa to Singapore is not required, but SG Arrival Card will be mandatory.

However, for study or work purposes and long-term stays, Australians should apply for a Singapore entry visa within 30 days of their intended arrival. In such cases, standard entry requirements must be met.

Application Methods

If Australian citizens require a Singaporean visa for long-term stay purposes, then they can apply in the following ways:

Online through a Local Contact:

A known Singaporean citizen or Permanent Resident can apply for an Australian citizen. He/She will need to do the following things for the Australian applicant:

• The concerned local person needs a Singpass for the online e-Service.
• There’s a visa application fee of SGD 30.00, which the Local Contact pays.

Authorized Visa Centers in Australia:

Australian applicants can apply in person at any of the five visa centers in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, or Adelaide.

• They can book an appointment and get the necessary documents
• The visa costs AUD 33.00, and there’s an additional service fee of AUD 77.00.

Singapore High Commission in Canberra

To apply at the Singapore High Commission in Canberra, an Australian national will need an appointment, which he/she can book online.

• At the appointment center, they will need to complete an application form (Form 14A).
• A recent passport photo against a white backdrop.
• The original passport and photocopies of specific pages.
• A printout as evidence of a valid Australian visa.
• Flight and accommodation details or a cover letter.
• The V39A form or cover letter, if applicable.
• The visa fee of AUD 33.00, cash only.

False information or incomplete forms can delay or reject the application. Please note visa fee is subject to change without any further notice.

SG Arrival Card for Australians

For Australians traveling to Singapore, the Singapore Arrival Card is a one-time entry permit. Eligible Australian applicants will be issued a visit pass denoting the granted duration of stay. Every visitor needs an SG Arrival Card upon arrival in Singapore, including Australians. It’s important to remember the SG Arrival Card isn’t a visa.

Australian passport holders staying in Singapore for over 90 days for non-tourism purposes may require a visa. They should contact the Singaporean embassy in Canberra for such a visa. While in Singapore on a visit pass, Australian nationals cannot engage in any business, professional, or paid work activities.

Types of Visas Available

Australians don’t need tourist visas for Singapore. But, to live, work, or study there, they must get the right visas.

Student Pass ( Study Visa) for Australians

Australian citizens planning to study in Singapore require a student pass.

• Application is recommended 1-2 months before the course starts.
• A confirmation letter from a recognized educational institution.
• Personal information, past education, previous addresses, and financial proof.
• If an Australian student is underage, parents’ details might be needed.
• Singapore contact and address details.
• A recent passport-sized photo.

After that, an applicant from Australia must gather the necessary details and documents. They can use the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority’s e-Service to apply online. Decisions typically come within 5 days, but it might take longer for certain countries, especially during peak periods like July and August.

Singapore Employment Pass (work visa)

Australians can apply Singapore Employment Pass (work visa) if they meet the following conditions:

• Have a job offer in Singapore.
• Hold managerial, executive, or specialized positions.
• Possess recognized qualifications like a reputable university degree or unique skills.
• Meet certain salary criteria. Specifically, Personalised Employment Pass holders should make at least SGD 144,000 annually. Please note the currency requirements are subject to change.

For Australians Seeking the Singapore Employment Pass

A Singaporean employer or a designated employment agent must apply for the Australian candidate. They must also fulfill the following criteria:

• The Australian applicant needs sponsorship from a reputable company registered in Singapore. New companies need evidence of significant business operations.
• Employers should ensure they hire based on the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF). This makes sure Australian job applicants in Singapore are considered without discrimination.

Applying for an Employment Pass

To apply for a Singaporean Employment Pass, Australians can consider applying for a visa via:

Online:

Citizens from Australia can register an account under a Singaporean company or get help from a visa agency. It usually takes 3 weeks to process.

Manual:

From 2015 onwards, the Ministry of Manpower mostly stopped manual applications. But, they may accept some cases where foreigners, including Australians, come to Singapore for short assignments. This takes about 8 weeks and goes through the Singapore Post.

Path to Singapore Citizenship for Australians

The employment pass can lead to permanent residency and then Singapore citizenship. Employment Pass holders can seek permanent residency, but certain criteria must be met.

To grant permanent residency, Singapore Immigration considers personal contributions, family profile, and cultural integration. However, after 6 months with an Employment Pass, one can apply for permanent residency, but it needs employer approval.

Transition to Singapore Citizenship

By obtaining a Singapore visa, Australians aiming for citizenship require:

• Being a Permanent Resident for at least 2 years and being 21 or older.
• Or being married to a Singapore citizen for 2 years and having permanent residency for the same duration.
• Citizenship application comes with a non-refundable fee.
• Processing takes 6 to 12 months.
• Successful applicants pay extra for the Singapore Citizenship Certificate.
• Citizens over 15 need a pink National Registration Identity Card.
• New citizens might need to renounce Australian citizenship, which may incur costs.

Legal Considerations for Australians

Australians eager to work in Singapore should consider the Singapore employment pass route. This pass is a legal way for Australians to enter and reside in Singapore.

Conclusion

Australians traveling to Singapore can stay visa-free for up to 90 days. Australian citizens must get the necessary visas for extended periods involving work or study. With the help of the Singaporean Employment Pass and Student Pass, they can make the most of the professional and educational opportunities Singapore offers.