Useful Information
Reporting in Singapore
Establishing a news bureau
Media organisations that wish to set up a news bureau in Singapore have to apply to the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) for approval. To do so, please email MCI’s Media Division mci_duty_officer@mci.gov.sg with the following information:
- Letter of request from the media organisation, printed on its letterhead
- Background information of the media organisation
- CV of correspondent(s)
Please indicate whether the news bureau will be engaging in other activities besides news gathering and reporting. If the news bureau engages only in news gathering and reporting, it will be considered a representative office and does not need to be registered as a business. If the bureau also engages in other activities, such as the selling of news, then a business office has to be set up. For this, please contact:
Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority
10 Anson Road #05-01/15 International Plaza Singapore 079903 ACRA Helpdesk: (65) 6248 6028 (Mon to Fri, 8.30am to 6.00pm) Email: https://www.acra.gov.sg/enquiry/
Work Passes
Foreigners who intend to work in Singapore must have a valid work pass (commonly known as a work visa) before they start work. Please visit the Ministry of Manpower (MOM)’s website for more information on the various types of work pass, eligibility criteria, and application process.
Foreign media personnel on short-term assignments (up to 60 days) which are not supported or sponsored by any Singapore government agency are required to apply for a Miscellaneous Work Pass (MWP) via MOM’s website.
For enquiries on work pass matters, please contact MOM’s Work Pass Division at mom_wpd@mom.gov.sg.
Tel: (65) 6438 5122 (Mon to Fri: 8.30am to 5.30pm; Sat: 8.30am to 1.00pm)
Press Accreditation
Media personnel working in Singapore may apply for a press accreditation card (PAC) from MCI. The PAC identifies you as a bona fide media and provides access to government information and events.
Eligibility
- Media personnel who regularly cover government events, such as editors, journalists, photographers, camera crew
- Applicants must be full-time employees of an accredited news organisation
- MCI does not accredit media personnel from specialised publications
- Contract staff, temporary staff, interns and freelancers are not eligible to apply for a PAC
To apply for Media Organisation Accreditation or a PAC, please visit the PAC Online website. For enquiries on press accreditation, email: MCI_PAC_Online@mci.gov.sg.
MCI Duty Desk
MCI’s Media Division facilitates the dissemination of government information to local and foreign media organisations based in Singapore via the MCI Duty Desk.
The Duty Desk also provides support and assistance to the media by facilitating media queries.
Official press releases, speeches and statements from government agencies are available at the SG Press Centre.
Operating hours of the Duty Desk are as follows: Mondays – Fridays: 9am to 6pm Eve of Christmas (24 Dec), New Year (31 Dec) and Chinese New Year: 9am to 1pm Weekends and Public Holidays: Closed
Email: mci_duty_officer@mci.gov.sg.
Entry Requirements
The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is responsible for securing Singapore’s borders against the entry of undesirable people and cargo through land, air and sea checkpoints. It also administers immigration and registration services, such as issuing immigration passes and permits to foreigners.
For more information on requirements for entry to Singapore, visit the ICA website.
Customs formalities
Certain goods must be declared and will be allowed entry into Singapore only when you produce the import permit or authorisation from the relevant authorities.
For more information, visit the Singapore Customs website.
Government Directory
The Singapore Government Directory Interactive (SGDi) is an online directory listing the contact details of the Singapore’s government agencies and officers.
General information on taxes
Your tax liability will depend on your tax residency status. For more information, visit the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore website.