Singapore Business Visa – A Complete Guide
If you are planning to visit Singapore for meetings, conferences, or exploring new opportunities, you will need a Singapore Business Visa. This visa is designed for professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors who want to enter Singapore for business activities but not for employment.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the Singapore Business Visa – types, eligibility, documents, processing time, fees, and FAQs.
What is a Singapore Business Visa?
A Singapore Business Visa, also known as a business visit pass, allows foreign nationals to enter Singapore for short-term business purposes such as:
Attending business meetings and conferences
Negotiating contracts and deals
Participating in trade fairs and exhibitions
Exploring investment and partnership opportunities
Types of Singapore Business Visas
There are different categories of visas depending on your business purpose:
Short-Term Business Visa (Single Entry) – For one-time visits such as meetings or conferences.
Multiple Journey Business Visa (MJV) – For frequent travelers, valid up to 2 years, with multiple entries allowed.
Employment Pass (EP) – For professionals working in Singapore with a local employer.
EntrePass – For foreign entrepreneurs setting up and running a business in Singapore.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a Singapore Business Visa, applicants must:
Hold a valid passport (minimum 6 months validity).
Have a confirmed purpose of visit (business meeting, conference, trade fair, etc.).
Provide proof of financial means to cover expenses during the stay.
Have an invitation or Letter of Introduction (LOI) from a Singapore-based business entity.
Show return or onward travel tickets.
Documents Required
Here is the list of common documents required for a Singapore Business Visa:
Duly filled Visa Application Form 14A
Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
Recent passport-size photographs (as per ICA guidelines)
Letter of Introduction (LOI) from a Singapore business or local contact
Cover letter from applicant’s employer/company in home country
Flight tickets and hotel accommodation details
Bank statements / financial documents
Proof of previous business dealings (if any)
Processing Time and Validity
Processing time: Usually 3 – 5 working days (excluding weekends and public holidays).
Stay duration: Generally up to 30 days per visit (decided by Immigration at entry).
Validity: Multiple-Journey Business Visa may be valid for up to 2 years.
Singapore Business Visa Fees
Visa fee: SGD 30 (approx. INR 1,800 for Indian applicants).
Service fee: Additional charges by authorized visa agents.
Payment is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.
How to Apply
The process is simple but must be followed carefully:
Fill Application Form (14A) – Complete the official visa form.
Prepare Documents – Passport, photos, LOI, invitation letter, tickets, accommodation.
Submit Application – Through an authorized visa agent or Singapore Consulate/High Commission.
Pay Fees – Visa fee + service charges.
Receive Visa – Approved visas are usually issued as e-Visa.
Limitations of a Business Visa
Cannot take up employment or paid work in Singapore.
Cannot stay beyond the granted duration without extension.
Must strictly use the visa for genuine business purposes only.
FAQs – Singapore Business Visa
Q1. How long does it take to get a Business Visa?
Processing usually takes 3-5 working days.
Q2. Can I work in Singapore with a Business Visa?
No. A Business Visa only allows short-term visits for meetings, conferences, and negotiations. To work, you need an Employment Pass.
Q3. What is the validity of a Business Visa?
Single entry visas are valid for one visit. A Multiple Journey Business Visa (MJV) can be valid for up to 2 years.
Q4. Is an invitation letter mandatory?
Yes, a Letter of Introduction (LOI) from a Singapore-based business or local contact is required.
Q5. What is the processing fees?
The standard fee is SGD 30, plus service charges by the authorized agent.
Why Choose World Overseas Services?
Applying for a visa can be confusing. At World Overseas Services, we simplify the process with:
Expert visa guidance
Document verification and filing support
Fast and hassle-free processing
Dedicated consultants for Singapore visas