identity · Week 1-2 (after EP card)
How to apply for SingPass (Singapore foreigner guide)
SingPass is your digital ID for 2,700+ government and private services. Without it you can't file taxes, open accounts, or access HealthHub.
Source: SingPass · verified 2026-04-06
Why this matters
SingPass is your single login to 2,700+ government and private services — tax filing, CPF, banking, healthcare, housing.
SingPass (Singapore Personal Access) is the national digital identity. Without it you cannot file taxes, access CPF, open bank accounts digitally, or use most government e-services. Any FIN holder (EP, SP, DP, Student Pass) can register. OneKey Token was discontinued April 2021 — current methods are SingPass App, Face Verification, and SMS OTP.
If you skip it: Cannot file taxes (penalty up to SGD 1,000), cannot access CPF, cannot open bank accounts via digital onboarding, blocked from 700+ government services.
When to do it
Earliest
After receiving EP card with FIN (typically at EPSC registration — SingPass is set up on the spot).
Optimal
Same day as EPSC visit — staff guides you through SingPass setup at the counter.
Deadline
No hard deadline, but you cannot file taxes or access government services without it.
If late: Blocked from all government e-services. Tax filing deadline (April 18) will be missed if you delay too long.
How to do it
For the applicant
- 1
Buy a Singapore SIM card first (need local number for SMS 2FA)
- 2
Go to singpass.gov.sg → Services → Register for Singpass
https://www.singpass.gov.sg - 3
Enter your FIN, personal details, contact info
- 4
Choose Face Verification (recommended — immediate, no waiting)
Allow camera access. Good lighting, remove mask/glasses, keep still.
- 5
Create your SingPass password
- 6
Set up SMS 2FA with your Singapore phone number
- 7
Download SingPass app → activate with ID + password + SMS OTP → set up biometrics
Common mistakes
- · Trying to register without a local SIM — SMS OTP requires Singapore number
- · Looking for OneKey Token — discontinued since April 2021
- · Not downloading the SingPass app — you need it for QR login on government sites
What you need
- · ep_card — FIN number is required for registration
For the spouse
- 1
Wait until DP card is issued (has FIN printed on it)
- 2
Follow same steps as applicant using spouse's own FIN
What you need
- · passport — Spouse FIN from DP card
Cost
SGD 0 (free)
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Related steps
identity
Collect your EP card
You can't open a bank account, register SingPass, or sign a lease until you have your physical EP card. This is the gate.
money
File income tax (annual)
Annual deadline: April 18. File via myTax Portal with SingPass. SRS contributions reduce taxable income up to SGD 35,700/year — biggest saving.
money
Open a bank account
You need a local bank account to receive your salary, pay rent, and use SingPass services. Most expats pick DBS Multiplier.
This is one of 13 things you need to do when moving to Singapore.
See your full personalized checklist →