Beginner’s Guide to Choosing Your Best Immigration Lawyers in Singapore
Relocating to another country for work, study, or any other reason always involves the matter of immigration laws. The legalities behind these rules and procedures are complex and stringent, serving as safeguards for a country’s national security, etc. Falling out of the law here can impact livelihoods and result in a ban from entering a country. Engaging the best immigration lawyers in Singapore is prudent to ensure a smooth process.
Singapore is an international hub of commerce, with an excellent investor-friendly ecosystem, impeccable governance, and world-class infrastructure. As the preferred gateway to Asia, the country’s multicultural and vibrant city life blends well with a competitive business landscape. The Lion City remains one of the most popular destinations for tourists, talents, entrepreneurs, and investors alike.
It’s never advisable to navigate immigration laws on your own, and mistakes can be impossible or costly to fix. In our guide, we take a look at the work of such lawyers and why they are a necessity. After considering the benefits of reliable legal counsel, do take a look at our Top 10 list of names. They are the very best that Singapore has to offer.
What Are Immigration Lawyers?
Immigration is the process of leaving one country for another for reasons of work, studying, visiting as a tourist, etc. Immigration lawyers attend to legal rights, duties, obligations, and privileges that concern a person’s migration status. It overlaps with other legal fields such as tax and corporate laws, criminal and civil laws, family law, etc. These attorneys will be familiar with immigration laws, visa programmes, as well as cross border jurisdictional requirements.
Generally, to enter Singapore, you’ll need either a business visa, social visa, or approval from the relevant ministry. This includes the Singapore Immigrations and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Each procedure is very different, and getting professional help is highly advisable. The best immigration lawyers in Singapore will provide the following services to clients:
- Advise clients on visa requirements, immigration laws, etc.
- Liaise with relevant ministries
- Create immigration plans or strategies
- Handle investor or business visas, long- or short-term work visas
- Prepare and submit appropriate documentation, including notarisation and health testing
- Help foreign businesses set up in Singapore, including work pass applications
- Application for family visas, permanent residencies, or citizenships
- Represent clients in court
- Counsel on asylum status, illegal entries, or overstayed visas
- Handle deportation, including criminal issues
In Singapore, immigration passes differ from visas and affect your stay and entry into the country. Currently, the following are popular types of visa programmes available under its immigration pathways:
- Singapore Work Permit
- Student Visa
- Global Investor Programme
- Singapore Employment Pass Scheme (EP)
- The EntrePass or Entrepreneur Pass Scheme
- Personalised Employment Pass Scheme (PEP)
- S-Pass Scheme
- Dependent Pass Scheme
Why Do You Need Immigration Lawyers?
Securing a legal visa to work or stay in Singapore is an important activity. If you’re starting a business here, it’s all the more crucial that legal professionals are on board to assist. Relocation hiccups affecting your entry status could derail business projects, long-term career plans, and family reunions. It’s not a justifiable risk to take when the stakes are so high.
Reliable immigration lawyers are always current on the latest policy changes or requirements for visas and other entry pathways. They know all the loopholes to fall back on in cases which are not so straightforward. Skilled attorneys also know the pros and cons of one type of visa over another. Strategically, engaging immigration lawyers can spare you from potential legal dilemmas and help deal with crises as they arise.
While it’s not obligatory to engage an immigration attorney, it is prudent to at least speak to one. Aside from online research and information from family and friends, a quick chat with an attorney won’t hurt. It won’t be as expensive as engaging an immigration lawyer, but it gives enough data to make an informed decision. In fact, it completes your due diligence and provides actual and factual legal information that you need.
Where Should I Find the Best Immigration Lawyers in Singapore?
Finding reliable legal counsel that will not waste your resources but adopt a client-first approach can be daunting. Online searches don’t always tick the boxes when it comes to skill, experience, expertise, and proven track records. Helpful insights from family and friends may also not meet your specific needs.
Your immigration situation can be complex or straightforward; either way, it should be under professional care. Ideally, you’ll want a firm that provides viable solutions swiftly and handles issues with confidence. Most importantly, your legal counsel prioritises your needs, having open and honest channels of communication that don’t cost a bomb.
The names on our Top 10 have a reputation for handling immigration matters promptly, professionally, and discreetly. Their experience, in-depth knowledge, and network of contacts set them apart from other run-of-the-mill service providers. They offer an altruistic and holistic approach that ensures clients’ interests and needs take precedence. For a hassle-free and seamless experience, here are the best immigration lawyers in Singapore.
