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Expat Tax & Visa

Singapore Remote Work & Digital Nomad Visa & Tax Rules Guide 2026

Guide to working remotely from Singapore for overseas employers. Review MOM visit pass work limits, IRAS 60-day & 183-day tax rules, & digital nomad compliance.

Overview & Statutory Background

Singapore does not currently issue a dedicated 'Digital Nomad Visa'. Foreign nationals entering Singapore on a Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP) or tourist visa are generally expected to be visiting for leisure or business meetings. However, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) and Ministry of Manpower (MOM) permit foreign individuals to perform remote work for an overseas employer while physically present in Singapore under specific conditions, provided they do not interact with Singapore clients or provide services to local entities. Tax obligations depend on physical stay duration (60-day exemption rule vs. 183-day tax residency threshold).

Key Pass Highlights & Statutory Criteria

Digital Nomad Visa
No Special Visa
Verified
Tax Exemption
Under 60 Days
Verified
Tax Residency
183+ Days
Verified
Local Clients Work
Strictly Prohibited
Verified

Evaluation Criteria & Points Breakdown

Overseas Employer & Payment Track

Foreign Remuneration

Employment contract and salary must be paid entirely by an overseas company into a foreign bank account.

Prohibition on Local Business Operations

Zero Local Service

Remote worker cannot solicit Singapore customers, invoice Singapore entities, or perform work for local businesses.

IRAS 60-Day Short-Term Tax Exemption

0% Income Tax

Non-residents performing temporary employment in Singapore for 60 days or less in a calendar year are exempt from Singapore income tax.

183-Day Tax Residency Threshold

Progressive IRAS Rates

Staying in Singapore for 183 days or more in a calendar year qualifies the individual as a Singapore tax resident subject to progressive tax rates (0% to 24%).

Mandatory Eligibility Requirements

Must enter Singapore legally on a valid Short-Term Visit Pass (STVP), tourist eVisa, or visa-free entry allowance.
Must not engage in any employment activities with Singapore employers, local clients, or Singapore-registered entities.
All compensation must be paid by an overseas entity into an overseas bank account.
Foreigners staying over 60 days but under 183 days who earn Singapore-sourced income are taxed at a flat rate of 15% (or resident rates, whichever is higher).
LONG-TERM REMOTE WORK OPTION: Foreigners seeking to reside long-term in Singapore while working remotely should consider applying for ONE Pass (S$30k salary) or PEP (S$22.5k salary) for full legal peace of mind.

Step-by-Step Application & Issuance Process

1

Verify Entry Visa & STVP Allowance

Check entry visa requirements (visa-free 30/90 days or eVisa) and submit SG Arrival Card (SGAC).

2

Establish Remote Work Boundaries

Ensure all work is strictly for foreign employer with no local Singapore client billing.

3

Track Physical Stay Days in Singapore

Log calendar days spent in Singapore to determine IRAS tax obligations (60-day vs 183-day rules).

4

IRAS Income Tax Declaration (If >60 Days)

If staying over 60 days, register with IRAS and file Form B1/M for Singapore tax assessment.

5

Transition to Long-Term Pass (If Staying Long-Term)

Apply for ONE Pass, PEP, or EntrePass if planning to establish permanent residence in Singapore.

Required Document Checklist

Valid Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
Short-Term Visit Pass / SG Arrival Card electronic pass confirmation
Employment Contract with foreign employer explicitly stating remote work arrangements
Foreign Bank Account statements proving overseas salary deposits
IRAS Tax Return filing (if staying in Singapore longer than 60 days)
Travel & Emergency Medical Insurance covering stay duration in Singapore

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

No. Singapore does not have a dedicated 'Digital Nomad Visa'. Foreigners enter under standard Short-Term Visit Passes (STVP) or apply for long-term flexible passes like the ONE Pass (S$30k salary) or PEP (S$22.5k salary).

Yes, provided your work is performed exclusively for an overseas employer, paid into a foreign bank account, and involves zero interaction or business transactions with Singapore clients or entities.

Under IRAS tax rules, non-residents who perform short-term remote employment in Singapore for 60 days or less in a calendar year are exempt from Singapore personal income tax.

Staying in Singapore for 183 days or more in a calendar year qualifies you as a Singapore tax resident. Your employment income earned while physically in Singapore becomes subject to IRAS progressive personal tax rates (0% to 24%).

No. Providing services to local Singapore clients or invoicing Singapore entities without a valid MOM work pass (EP, S Pass, or LOC) is illegal under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act (EFMA).

The Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass) is the premier choice for global remote executives earning S$30,000/month or more, offering 5 years of flexible residence and multi-employer work rights.

Statutory Benchmark Metrics

Digital Nomad Visa
No Special Visa
Tax Exemption
Under 60 Days
Tax Residency
183+ Days
Local Clients Work
Strictly Prohibited
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