Last updated: March 2026
One of the first things people want to know before engaging an immigration lawyer in Singapore is straight-forward: how much is this going to cost? And honestly, it is a fair question.
Immigration lawyer costs in Singapore are not always easy to pin down because it depends heavily on what you need done, how complex the situation is, and whether you are dealing with a first-time application or a rejection.
This guide breaks it all down clearly. You will find a fee breakdown by application type, an explanation of what drives costs up or down, and what is typically included in the fees you are quoted.
Guide Contents
The table below gives you a realistic starting reference for 2026, including what we charge here at Transform Borders, because transparency is something we truly believe in. Transform Borders is a Singapore-based immigration consultancy founded by Sulochana Uthirapathi in 2017.
Immigration Lawyer Fees In Singapore (2026 Breakdown)
| Service / Application Type | Estimated Lawyer Fee (SGD) | Transform Borders (SGD) |
| New Employment Pass (EP) Application | 1,000 to 2,500 SGD | 1500 SGD |
| Employment Pass (EP) ,Renewal | 500 to 1,500 SGD | 800 to 1000 SGD |
| Employment Pass (EP) ,Appeal (after rejection) | 1,000 to 5,000 SGD | 1000 SGD |
| S Pass ,New Application | 800 to 1,500 SGD | 1200 SGD |
| ONE Pass ,Application | 1,500 to 3,500 | 1500 SGD |
| EntrePass , Application | 1,500 to 3,500 SGD | 2000 SGD |
| Singapore PR ,New Application | 1,500 to 3,500 SGD | 2500 SGD |
| Singapore PR ,Reapplication (after rejection) | 2,500 to 6,000 SGD | 2500 SGD |
| Singapore Citizenship , Application | 2,000 to 5,000 SGD | 2500 SGD |
| Singapore Citizenship ,Appeal | 1,000 to 8,000 SGD | 1000 SGD |
| Dependant Pass / LTVP, Application | 500 to 1,500 SGD | 800 SGD |
| ICA Clarification Letters / Follow-up | 500 to 1,500 SGD | 800 SGD |
| Letter of Consent (LOC) | 500 to 800 SGD | 750 SGD |
Important: These are estimated professional fees only. They do not include government processing fees charged by MOM or ICA, which are usually paid separately. Government application fees MOM/ICA are typically around SGD 105 to SGD 225 and apply across most applications. Always ask for a clear, itemised quote before engaging in any legal service.
What Affects the Cost of an Immigration Lawyer in Singapore?
Not everyone pays the same. Here are the main factors that influence what you will actually end up paying:
1. Whether It Is a First Application or a Rejected One
Rejection cases are almost always more expensive. When you have already been turned down by MOM or ICA, the lawyer needs to understand why, restructure your profile, and prepare a stronger resubmission or formal appeal. That takes significantly more time and legal expertise than a clean first-time application.
2. Case Complexity
A straightforward Employment Pass application for a well-paid professional with a complete document set is very different from a case involving business ownership, multiple dependents, gaps in employment history, or prior immigration issues. The more complex the case, the more time a lawyer needs to invest, and the higher the fee.
3. Your Document Readiness
Turning up to a consultation well-prepared with your payslips, tax records, employment contracts, and company documents already organised will generally reduce billable time. Some firms charge by the hour for complex or non-standard cases, so the more work they have to do to reconstruct your profile, the higher the cost.
4. The Type of Firm You Engage
A large law firm that handles many different legal services usually charges higher fees than a smaller firm that focuses only on immigration. This doesn’t mean the big firm is better. For most immigration cases, a specialist immigration agency or consultancy can often provide the same help at a lower cost and better value.
5. The Experience Level of the Lawyer
A senior immigration lawyer with a strong track record will charge more than a junior one. For complex cases involving citizenship appeals, COMPASS scoring challenges, or ICA dispute letters, experience matters a great deal. For straightforward renewals or simple EP applications, a competent junior consultant may be more than adequate.
What Is Usually Included in the Fee?
When you engage an immigration lawyer or legally guided consultancy in Singapore, a standard fee typically covers:
- A detailed eligibility and risk assessment of your profile
- Advice on the right pass or application type to pursue
- Review and organisation of supporting documents
- Preparation and submission of the application to MOM or ICA
- A cover letter or legal representation letter, if required
- Follow-up communication with MOM or ICA on your behalf
- Advice on what to do if the application is rejected
Usually, some costs are not included in the main service fee. These include government fees charged by MOM or ICA, which you have to pay separately. Other things like translating documents that are not in English, notarising documents, or extra work needed if the application gets rejected are also normally not part of the original price. If those situations happen, they are usually charged separately as an additional service.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Most reputable immigration lawyers in Singapore are upfront about their fees. That said, here are a few things to always clarify before you sign anything:
- Are government fees charged by MOM or ICA included or billed separately?
- Is there a fixed fee for the entire engagement, or will you be billed hourly if complications arise?
- What happens if MOM or ICA issues an additional query or Request for Further Information? Is that covered or a separate charge?
- If your application is rejected, is an appeal handled under the same fee or a new one?
Always ask for a written scope of work and a clear fee breakdown before engaging. A trustworthy firm will have no hesitation giving you this.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does an immigration lawyer cost in Singapore?
Fees range from roughly SGD 800 for simple agency-handled work passes to SGD 12,000 or more for complex legal cases involving citizenship appeals or highly contested rejections. For most standard applications like an Employment Pass or a Singapore PR, you can expect to pay between SGD 1,500 and SGD 5,000 for a legally guided consultancy.
2. Can I do my immigration application myself without a lawyer?
Yes, you can self-file most standard applications. However, for PR, citizenship, or any case involving a prior rejection, professional guidance significantly increases your chances of a successful outcome. Mistakes in an immigration application can be very costly.
3. Are immigration lawyer fees in Singapore tax deductible?
For companies handling employee work passes and EP applications as a business expense, these costs may be deductible. For individuals, this is typically not applicable. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
4. What is the difference between a fixed fee and an hourly rate for immigration work?
Most immigration matters in Singapore are handled on a fixed or flat fee basis, which gives you certainty on cost upfront. Some lawyers, particularly for complex appeal cases or ongoing advisory work, may bill by the hour. Always confirm the billing model before engaging.
5. What happens if my application is rejected after I have paid the lawyer fee?
This depends on the terms of your engagement. Most firms do not refund fees for rejections, as the fee covers the work done to prepare and submit the application. An appeal or reapplication is typically a separate engagement. Always clarify the firm’s policy on rejections upfront.
About the Author: Sulochana Uthirapathi is the Founder of Transform Borders, a Singapore immigration consultancy established in 2017. She specialises in Employment Pass (EP), Permanent Residency (PR) and Citizenship applications, supporting professionals, families and corporate clients with legally guided and structured immigration processes.