Self-employed EP in Singapore is not an official separate category, but refers to applicants who set up and hold their own Singaporean company, which employs them and applies for an Employment Pass (EP) from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore. This type of arrangement is suitable for entrepreneurs, freelancers, consultants and entrepreneurs who wish to set up their own business in Singapore.
🌟 Self-employed EP Nature and characteristics
✅ The applicant registers a Singapore company (Pte. Ltd.) to hold the position of director or officer.
✅ The company, as an employer, applies to MOM for an Employment Pass for the applicant.
✅ The company needs to have actual operations, real business and economic contribution.
❗ Note: The Self-Employed EP is not an "immigrant visa" but a work permit to legally conduct business in Singapore.
🌟 Basic Requirements for Application
Based on the MOM requirements and the information you have provided, self-employed EPs are required to fulfill the following key criteria:
| entry (in a dictionary, encyclopedia etc) | request |
|---|---|
| Company Registration | Must be a Singapore registered Pte. Ltd. company with shareholders in which the applicant holds a major shareholding (recommended ≥ 30%). |
| duties | Serving as an officer of a company, such as a director, general manager, etc. |
| monthly income (in kind) | Depending on the industry and age, you can consult us to measure the salary. |
| Education/background | Bachelor's degree or higher, or extensive related experience. |
| company functioning | Submit business plans, customer contracts, financial projections, and other materials that demonstrate the company's ability to actually operate. |
| COMPASS Points | Under the new policy, the principal applicant is required to pass COMPASS (Work Permit Supplementary Scoring System)COMPASS is a multi-dimensional assessment of salary, qualifications, and company contributions. |
🌟 COMPASS core assessment dimensions
(brief examples)
Salary level: Competitive against local salaries of the same grade in the same industry
Qualification: Higher education qualification recognized by Singapore
Local contribution of the company: proportion of local staff employed, contribution to industry development
Sectoral Priority: Whether it is an industry sector that Singapore is encouraging to develop
🌟 Self-employed EP Application Process
1️⃣ Register the company, prepare articles of incorporation, shareholding structure and registered address
2️⃣ Create a business plan (with business model, market analysis, financial budget, recruitment plan, etc.)
3️⃣ Company opens a bank account and initiates basic business activities (e.g., signing of contracts, initial revenues, etc.)
4️⃣ Submission of EP Application and Supporting Materials to the MOM
5️⃣ COMPASS Points Audit, MOM Approval for IPA (Approval in Principle Letter)
6️⃣ Fulfillment of obligations to obtain permits and subsequent operational compliance
🌟 Advantages of self-employed EPs
✅ Applicants can legally carry out self-employment in Singapore
✅ Legally holding EP status for permanent residence, business and tax purposes
✅ Provide a basis for future PR (Permanent Resident) applications (subject to certain contributions and years of operation)
✅ Family members can apply for Dependant Pass (DP) or Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
🌟 Caution
⚠ MOM's vetting of self-employed EPs is very stringent, focusing on assessing whether the company has a real business, economic contribution and value to Singapore.
⚠ Do not allow shell companies or self-employed EPs to be used as mere acquisition of residency.
⚠ After successful approval, compliance requirements such as annual corporate tax filings, audits, employer obligations, etc. must still be fulfilled.
🌟 Support we can help provide
Self-employed EP Full planning and application services
Company registration, secretary, registered address, bank account opening
Business Plan and Material Preparation
COMPASS Points Evaluation and Recommendations for Improvement
Follow-up tax, accounting, compliance maintenance
💡 concluding remarks
Self-employment EP is a legitimate path to realize your dream of starting a business in Singapore, but it must be based on real business and financial contribution. If you would like to know about specific schemes, success stories or customized application solutions, please feel free to get in touch and we can provide you with one-stop support!
