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Singapore Self-Employed Employment Pass (EP)

Fast-track your entrepreneurial journey with self-employment options and full access to Singapore’s business opportunities and local benefits

Processing Time

1-3 months

Status Type:

Temporary Residents

Investment Requirement:

Above 100,000 SGD

Residency Requirement:

None

Language Requirement:

None

Project Overview

The Employment Pass (EP) is a work visa for foreign professionals, managers, executives, and specialists who meet Singapore’s eligibility criteria. It is renewable and typically issued for an initial period of two years, with subsequent renewals of three to five years.

Applications must be submitted by an employer or an appointed employment agent. For overseas companies without a Singapore-registered office, a local sponsor is required. The sponsoring company must maintain employees, a physical office, and financial activity consistent with its business scope (profitability is not strictly required).

Holding an EP offers a pathway to long-term residency. In some cases, after six months on an EP, the applicant and family may apply for Singapore Permanent Residency. After two years, citizenship applications may be considered.

Project Advantages

  1. Pathway to permanent residency
    • After obtaining PR or citizenship, families can access subsidized public housing (HDB flats) at 30–40% of market value
  2. Dependent pass or long-term visit pass for family members
    • EP holders can sponsor eligible dependents (spouse and children under 21) for a Dependent Pass (DP) or Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
    • Minimum monthly salary of S$6,000 is required
  3. Mobility advantages
    • EP holders enjoy multiple-entry privileges, enabling seamless travel for business and international engagements
  4. Tax Benefits
    • No capital gains tax
    • No tax on overseas income
    • No tax on dividend distributions
    • Double taxation avoidance agreements are in place with multiple jurisdictions

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Requirements:

  • Pass the two-stage eligibility framework:
    • Stage 1: Meet the EP qualifying salary
      • The qualifying salary is benchmarked to the top one-third of local Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians (PMET) salaries by age
      • Financial services sector
        • Starting from SGD 6,200 for candidates aged 23 and below, increasing with age
      • Other sectors
        • Starting from SGD 5,600 for candidates aged 23 and below, increasing with age
    • Candidates who do not meet Stage 1 requirements are not eligible for an Employment Pass (EP), regardless of their COMPASS score.
    • Stage 2: Pass the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS), unless exempted 
  • Education
    • Degree-equivalent qualifications from highly recognized institutions earn higher points
    • Professional qualifications recognized as degree-equivalent earn lower points.
    • Candidates without degree-equivalent qualifications can still qualify by earning points through other criteria
  • Recommended age range is 22-55 years
  • Work experience should align with the job offered
    • Must be managerial, executive, or a specialized position

 

Company Qualification Requirements: 

  1. Established business premises with a valid long-term lease agreement
  2. Active company bank account with regular business transactions
  3. Employment of at least two local Singaporean staff, with CPF contributions in compliance with Singapore law
  4. Registered Capital: Minimum SGD 100,000 (recommended SGD 150,000–200,000)
  5. Comprehensive and well-defined business model

Application Process

  1. Candidate Assessment
    1. Determine whether the candidate qualifies for an Employment Pass
      • Salary: Minimum SGD 5,000 (higher for experienced candidates or financial services roles)
      • Education: Recognized degree or professional certification
      • Experience: Relevant to the offered role
      • Job Role: Managerial, executive, or specialized position
      • COMPASS: Must score at least 40 points under the COMPASS framework
  2. Prepare required documents
    • From the employer or appointed employment agent who will apply on behalf of the candidate.
      • ACRA Business Profile
      • Detailed job description
      • Company letterhead for justification (if require)
      • Proof of business activity
    • From the candidate:
      • Passport biodata page
      • Highest educational certificates (in English or certified translation)
      • Resume or CV with employment history
      • Reference letters from previous employers
  3. Submit the EP application
  4. Receive In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter
    • If approved, Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower issues an IPA letter valid for 6 months, allowing entry into Singapore and completion of formalities
  5. Pass Issuance and Card Registration
    • Request pass issuance through EP Online after arrival in Singapore
    • Complete registration at Employment Pass Services Centre
      • EP card will be delivered within 5 working days

Contact Us

General Intake Form

Please use this form to tell us about your background and any questions you may have. Once we review your information, we will assess your case and recommend the immigration pathway that best suits your situation.