Singapore Business Visa for Indians: Requirements, Application Process, and Costs
Can you, as an Indian, quickly enter Singapore to join a business meeting, participate in a project or attend a business conference? Yes! Apply for a Singapore business visa for Indians. Here is a detailed guide that covers this particular visa, its requirements, the application process, and fees.
What is a Singapore Business Visa?
Singapore business visa for Indians is your ticket to this island state, provided you have a valid business reason and enough financial funds. It is an entry-level visa designed for a specific purpose. It enables you to enter Singapore for business purposes.
You may be tempted to apply for a social visa to enter Singapore. However, you should use it only if you are on a social or family visit.
Even if you are visiting Singapore to attend a one-time conference, business meeting, or event, you can get a business visa. It is the best solution for your business visit.
Do not confuse a social or business visa with a general visa allotted to tourists to enter Singapore on a holiday. Each of them serves a specific purpose.
What if you are executing multiple projects at different locations and must dance in and out of Singapore multiple times? Do you need to reapply for a new business visa each time? No!
Business visas, like other visas, are valid for an approved period. At the time of applying for it, choose a multiple-entry visa. It will enable you to leave and enter Singapore on multiple occasions.
It allows you, as a business owner or professional, to prioritise your business activities in and out of Singapore on the basis of their importance, urgency, and the need for your physical presence.
Are You Eligible for a Singaporean Business Visa?
Yes! As an Indian, you are eligible for acquire this visa to conduct business in Singapore. Citizens of certain other countries, too, can do so.
However, whether you get it or not depends on the genuineness of your business reasons and not on your nationality. Business visa is good for participating in business negotiations, meetings and conferences. You will also need a passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry onwards.
You need other visas like an Employment Pass to work or a long-term stay in Singapore.
Documents to Submit with Singapore Business Visa Application
Depending on your case, you need to submit the following documents to apply for a business visa:
- A completed Form 14A
- A passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry into Singapore
- 2 passport-size colour photos (plain white background, not older than 3 months)
- Copy of the biodata page of your passport
- A letter of invitation by a business registered in Singapore
- Completed Form V39A
- Bank statement and salary slips as proof of your financial status
- Your employer’s letter bearing its official seal
- A cover letter
Submit these documents in English. If they are not, get them translated into English to speed up the approval.
Applying for a Singapore Business Visa
You can submit your application for a Singapore business visa online. Or, submit it to a Singapore Overseas Mission after an appointment and during their standard working hours.
You can quickly submit your online application through an authorised visa agent. You can find a list of these agents on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore website. The steps and requirements to get your business visa are as follows:
- Collect the necessary documents
- Fill and file the application
- Pay fees for visa
- Wait for the outcome of processing
- Get your visa
- Confirm validity of visa
Process for Online Application
It is easy to get a Singapore business visa online. Select an authorised visa agent. Depending on your case, they will advise you on the necessary documents to submit with the application.
Include correctly filled Form 14A and the latest photographs. They will go online and submit your application. To improve the chances of visa approval in time, initiate the process at least 2 weeks before you need to travel to Singapore.
On approval, you receive an email notification. Visit the ICA web portal to print it and use it as your travel document to Singapore.
Business Pass Process for Applying in Person
You can visit a Singapore Overseas Mission nearest to you and submit your application and documents in person. Check out the weekdays they accept applications, make an appointment and visit the mission during official hours.
They will tell you the status of the authorised visa.
On approval of the application, visit the mission to collect your business visa or authorise someone to collect it through the e-Service.
Processing Time for Singapore Business Visa for Indians
It is essential that you know how much time it takes to process your business visa. It enables you to plan your business trip accordingly.
Normally, it takes 3-5 working days to review a visa application. However, depending on your case, the approval may take more time. In addition, you may be asked to submit additional documents. So, apply well before your trip to Singapore.
Singapore Business Visa Processing Fee
The processing fee for Singapore business visa for Indians is $30. It is a non-refundable fee whether you get the visa approval or not. You can pay it online it using your debit/credit card.
The fee is charged per application. You must pay it again if you need to reapply. To avoid delays and waste of money, double-check your information and documents before submission.
Also Read: Role of Accounting and Bookkeeping
Collecting Your Visa after Approval
Collection of your approved business e-visa is the easiest part of this process. Your authorised visa agent, local contact, or partner can visit the ICA web portal to print it. It will serve as your entry visa and will allow you to enter Singapore.
Business Visa Notices and Conditions
The validity of Singapore visas differs based on applications. At present, it is 3 months and comes with 30-day allowance per visit. However, be mindful that it can change.
ICA decides about your entry into Singapore. Keep your printed e-visa and passport handy at the entry point for the presentation. You get to enter Singapore only if you fulfil all the entry requirements, including owning a return ticket.
Note that your business visa does not allow you to engage in direct paid work. You must follow all visa requirements and depart before or on the last day of your visa to avoid any legal issues.
Do You Need a Local Contact?
Having a local contact is an important part of fulfilling the Singapore business visa conditions. A Singapore citizen or a Permanent Resident can act in this capacity. They must be at least 21 and have a Singpass or a CorpPass account.
In absense of a local contact, you can also provide a LOI from Indian Embassy or High Commission. However, having a local contact streamlines the visa process.
Visa Free Transit Facility
What if you received very little notice to attend a meeting? In this case, you can use a visit pass to manage your tight schedule. It is also called the Visa Free Transit Facility (VFTF).
A visit visa is valid only for 96 hours. It enables you to transit through Singapore if you are in transit from or to a third country. You must be eligible for it and have a visa or travel documents provided by Indian authorities.
You also need a valid sea or air ticket to depart Singapore before the allotted time ends. VFTF is non-extensible.
Knowing the eligibility criteria for applying to and acquiring a Singapore business visa simplifies your task. Submit your passport, invitation letter, local contacts and any other documents with your application.
Contact us at +65-6536 0036 or email us at info@sbsgroup.com.sg if you have any queries about Singapore business visa for Indians, employment passes, Etc. We can also assist you with the process for company incorporation in Singapore and starting a new business.
