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How To Convert Foreign Driving License In Singapore?

4 min read|Last Updated: December 6, 2023|

If you are looking to convert your foreign driving license in Singapore, there are a few things to note. From the types of Singapore driving licenses available, foreign driving license laws to the procedure of converting your foreign driving license, there are strict protocols to keep our roads safe.

Whether you are a business owner who incorporated a company in Singapore or are here on a work visa, the conversion of your foreign driving license is the same.

Types of Singapore Driving Licenses

In Singapore, there are 11 classes of driving licenses, each tailored to the necessary skills to operate the vehicles.

LICENSE CLASSES  PURPOSE 
Class 1 Licenses  Invalid carriages and only can be obtained by those with physical disabilities 
Class 2, 2A & 2B Licenses  For motorcycles only 
Class 3, 3A, 3CA & 3C Licenses  For cars only 
Class 4A Licenses  Right to drive a bus 
Class 4 & 5 Licenses  Right to drive heavy motor vehicles such as trucks or large vans 

Aside from these license classes, there are 3 types of driving licenses based on the driver’s level of driving experience.

  • Provisional Driving License – for those who are learning to drive in a driving school and have passed the Basic Theory Test

  • Qualified Driving License – for those who passed the Practical Driving Test and will be under probation for one year

  • Vocational Driving License – meant for commercial private hire cars, taxis, and bus drivers

Eric

Foreign Driving License Laws in Singapore

If you’re a foreigner who owns a foreign driving license, you are allowed to drive in Singapore if you fulfil these criteria, but this is only applies for a period of only 1 year. You will be required to have a Singapore license after the 1-year period to drive in Singapore.

  • 18 years old and above 
  • Holds a Dependant’s Pass, Student Pass or Work Pass 
  • Foreign driving license owned is in one of these classes – 3A, 3, or 2B  

Only citizens and permanent residents with a valid Singapore driving license can drive. For those who have just become citizens or permanent residents, you will need to convert your foreign driving license into Singapore equivalents within three months of becoming a permanent resident or citizen.

How to Convert a Foreign Driving License to a Singapore Driving License

To convert your foreign driving license to a Singapore driving license, you must first pass the Basic Theory Test (BTT). This test can be booked at an approved driving centre or online.

The next step to obtain your license is to:

  • Apply for conversion at a Traffic Police Test Centre counter – this must be made in person

  • Prepare and bring all the following documents when applying:

    • Original version and photocopy of your NRIC, entry permit, Employment Pass, Dependant’s Pass, social visit pass, or work permit
    • Original version and photocopy of your foreign driving license
    • Passport-size coloured photographic of yourself with a white background and looking straight
    • S$50 for processing fee
Eric

International driving permit or an official English translation of the license is required unless it is from Brunei, Malaysia, or Indonesia.

The validity of the license is 5 years from the date of issuance and will be required to renew within 1 month of its expiry date.

Singapore Office Gif

Singaporeans/ PRs Who Own Foreign Driving Licenses

More steps are required by Singaporeans or permanent residents who have a foreign driving license. The requirements include:

  • Proof that they have worked or studied abroad for a min. duration of 1 year

  • Proof that they have lived abroad for at least 6 months of a 12-month period

  • If expired, a written extract from the relevant authorities is required with information such as:

    • Date the foreign driving test was passed 
    • Issue date  
    • Class of license obtained 
    • Current driving record  

Life in Singapore as an Expat

Most expats come here to work or set up their own company in Singapore. If you’re looking to make your move to Singapore, or for employment pass renewal, we have dedicated professionals who can take care of this for you.

LOOKING TO DRIVE YOUR NEW BUSINESS VENTURE OR CAREER IN SINGAPORE?

Come down to our office or get in touch virtually for a consultation on your potentially new company setup with employment pass.

FAQs

Is the transport system in Singapore easily accessible?2021-09-15T13:24:32+08:00

Singapore has one of the strongest transport infrastructures. Public transportation is easily accessible and gets you around the city fast.

What do I need to do as a probatory driver?2021-08-21T23:38:13+08:00

You will be required to display a Probation Plate on both the front and rear windscreens on their vehicle during the probatory period.

How long is the probation period once I received my Singapore driving license?2021-08-21T23:37:47+08:00

The probation period is 1 year. During this period, you are not to accumulate more than 12 demerit points or will be at a risk of permanently losing the right to drive in Singapore.

How long is my driving license valid for If I am a Singaporean or permanent resident who converted my foreign driving license?2021-08-21T23:37:20+08:00

If you are a Singaporean or permanent resident, and have converted your foerign driving license, the license is valid for life.

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A company is deemed exempt from audits in Singapore, which means these companies will not need to appoint an auditor to have their accounts audited. However, they need to qualify to be a ‘small’ company based on at least 2 of these 3 criteria:

  1. Revenue not exceeding SGD 10 million for the financial year.
  2. Total assets not exceeding SGD 10 million at the end of the financial year.
  3. Number of employees not exceeding 50.

Despite such small companies are exempt from auditing, they still need to prepare accurate financial statements that comply with the standards in Singapore.

Auditing Practices in Singapore

  1. Enhances Credibility And Trust
    By providing independent assurance of the accuracy and reliability of a company’s financial statements, auditing helps to build credibility and trust with investors, creditors, and other stakeholders. This can lead to increased confidence in the company’s financial position and ultimately support its long-term success.
  2. Improves Financial Management
    Auditing provides valuable insights into a company’s financial health, which can help your managers make better decisions and improve financial management practices. This in turn leads to improved efficiency, better use of resources, and ultimately better financial results.
  3. Ensures Compliance With Regulations
    Auditing helps to ensure that a company complies with regulatory requirements and industry standards. By ensuring compliance with regulations, your company will be able to avoid legal and financial penalties and operate in a responsible and ethical manner.
  4. Helps Detect And Prevent Fraud
    Auditors are trained to identify and investigate fraud and other irregularities, which will definitely help you avoid any fraudulent activities in a company. This is especially important for maintaining the integrity of financial reporting and ensuring that stakeholders have accurate information to make informed decisio

ACRA
ACRA is Singapore’s business regulator. It ensures a trusted business environment by overseeing companies, accountants, and corporate service providers. Its functions include registration, financial reporting, auditing, governance, and disclosure. ACRA’s online platform, BizFile+, simplifies business processes.

IRAS
IRAS is Singapore’s tax authority. It assesses, collects, and refunds taxes. IRAS also educates taxpayers and investigates non-compliance. The MyIRAS portal offers online tax services.

Auditing in Singapore
In essence, ACRA sets the rules, and IRAS enforces them. Both agencies work together to maintain the integrity of financial reporting and ensure that companies are operating within the law. This is essential for investors, lenders, and other stakeholders who rely on accurate financial information.

certified audit partner logo

Paul Hype Page provides you with strategic business expansion and business compliance services for over 2 decades, servicing the best of the South East Asia region. We make your entrepreneurial experience seamless for both locals and foreign expats.

We can issue an IRAS-approved audit report that meets both the Singapore government’s requirements and your company’s needs. The audit function of your company is in good hands with our professional Singapore-certified auditors.

Our audit services in Singapore consist of a vast variety to cater to the specific needs of your organization.

  1. Annual Financial Audit
  2. Special Purpose Audit
  3. Certification for Subsidy Claim
  4. Audit
  5. Fixed Assets Certification
  6. Claim Certification
  7. Shares Certification
  8. Personal Income Certification

If you are a foreigner, you will need a nominee director (local director) to incorporate your company in Singapore.

What is a Nominee Director?
Nominee director is an individual who is appointed to act as a director of the company on behalf of another individual or entity. For all foreigners establishing businesses in Singapore, having a nominee director is essential due to regulations from the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).

Here are suitable nominee director services for EP holders in Singapore, allowing the company to transfer ownership to you once your Employment Pass (EP) is approved:

  • Short Term Nominee Director (STND) : 2 months and 6 months

If you are a foreigner, you cannot be the director of the company unless you have an Employment Pass also known as an EP. This renewable work visa permits you to live and work in Singapore, whether you’re an employee, business owner, or anything in between.

It’s the most popular choice for foreigners looking to start a business or relocate to Singapore.

First, You will have to incorporate your company under the name of a local Singapore director (Nominee Director). Then, you will have to apply EPass under your company so that we can transfer the ownership to you under your Employment Pass (EP).

The estimated timeline for the Singapore EP application is between 2-4 months, depending on the case. In some instances, it could drag up to 6 months if multiple rounds of appeals are requested.

Singapore Employment Pass, often referred to as the ‘EP,’ a work visa is issued to foreign professionals, managers, executives, and experts relocating to work in Singapore.

You are eligible to apply for EP if you:-

  • Have Job Offer from Singapore Company in managerial, executive, and specialized job
  • Have at least a fixed minimum salary of S$5,000 per month
  • Have recognized diploma or degree from a reputable university
  • Have professional qualifications, specialist skills, and work-related experience
  • Meet the required minimum of 40 points under the new points-based COMPASS to be eligible for this pass.

Reasons to Apply for a Singapore Employment Pass

  1. Legally reside and work in Singapore.
  2. Enjoy hassle-free travel in and out of the country without needing a Singapore entry visa.
  3. Gain a pathway to potentially obtaining permanent residency in Singapore over time.
  4. Have the flexibility to run and work for your own business in Singapore.
  5. Benefit from Singapore’s low tax rates and favorable income tax system.

Are you a business owner in Singapore looking to expand your operations and reach new markets? Considering entry into a new market or expanding an existing one overseas? The MRA grant offers the financial boost you need to make it happen.

The purpose of the MRA grant is to support Singapore owned businesses for business development, promotion, and set-up costs when you set up a business in oversea.

At least 30% of the company’s equity must be held directly or indirectly by Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs) or citizens, determined by ultimate individual ownership.

The grant covers up to 50% of eligible costs for Local SMEs, with specific caps for different activities and limited to a maximum of S$100,000 per new market and may include:

  • Overseas Market Promotion (capped at S$20,000)
  • Overseas Business Development (capped at S$50,000)
  • Overseas Market Set-up (capped at S$30,000)

Currently, from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2025, the grant covers up to 50% of eligible costs, capped at S$100,000.

If you are planning to set up business in Singapore, opening a corporate bank account is a mandatory when you first incorporate a company. It also allow you to keep your business transactions separate from your personal transactions and also helps you to track your business cash flows/income and expenses.

We focus is to prove that your company has a tax substance and select an account that best fits your business needs. Most importantly, you DO NOT need to be physically here! We work closely with our trusted bankers to give you a higher success rate in opening a corporate bank account.

If you are a foreigner, you will need a nominee director (local director) to incorporate your company in Singapore.

What is a Nominee Director?
Nominee director is an individual who is appointed to act as a director of the company on behalf of another individual or entity. For all foreigners establishing businesses in Singapore, having a nominee director is essential due to regulations from the Accounting & Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).

There are 2 types of Nominee Director services in Singapore.

They are:

  • Long term Nominee Director (LTND) : 12 months
  • Short Term Nominee Director (STND) : 2 months and 6 months

If you are a foreigner, you cannot be the director of the company unless you have an Employment Pass.

First, You will have to incorporate your company under the name of a local Singapore director (Nominee Director). Then, you will have to apply EPass under your company so that we can transfer the ownership to you under your Employment Pass (EP).

What is Singapore Employment Pass?
Singapore Employment Pass, often referred to as the ‘EP,’ a work visa is issued to foreign professionals, managers, executives, and experts relocating to work in Singapore.

The estimated timeline for the Singapore EP application is between 2-4 months, depending on the case. In some instances, it could drag up to 6 months if multiple rounds of appeals are requested.

Check Your Company Name through ACRA using our free tool!

The requirements for registering a company in Singapore are simple and straightforward. They are:

At least one local resident director

Both Singapore residents and foreigners can serve as directors of a Singapore company, provided there is at least one director who is a Singapore resident.

At least one shareholder

To register a company in Singapore, you need at least one shareholder who can be a person or another company. You can have up to 50 shareholders, and all of them can be foreigners.

Local company secretary

Every Singapore company must have a company secretary who lives in Singapore and is responsible for ensuring the company meets its regulatory requirements and submits necessary filings.

Minimum of $1 Paid up Capital

You can establish your Singapore company with just $1 in paid up capital and share capital. If needed, you can add more funds later and inform the company registrar.

Registered Address in Singapore

Your company needs a registered address in Singapore where all the official documents will be sent to ; a PO box isn’t acceptable.
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