An Employment Pass (EP) is one of the most preferred work visas for professionals in Singapore. Many company shareholders often wonder: Can I obtain an Employment Pass simply because I own shares in a Singapore company?
Since the EP is designed for active work roles in Singapore, being just a shareholder does not qualify you. You must meet the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) requirements and demonstrate an active contribution to the company.
To obtain an EP as a company shareholder, consider the following two main routes:
- Secure an active role in your company – typically as a director.
- Set up a new company under your name and apply for an EP as both shareholder and director.
Both options are viable and widely used by foreign investors and entrepreneurs looking to live and work in Singapore.
Options for Company Shareholders When Applying for an Employment Pass
As a company shareholder, your role is usually limited to investing and receiving dividends. Typically, shareholders are not automatically employed by the company.
However, companies often appoint shareholders as directors, which then enables them to apply for an Employment Pass.
If you wish to work and live in Singapore, your company must:
- Pay a monthly salary to the Employment Pass holder.
- Maintain sufficient funds to employ the candidate for at least 12 months.
- Ensure secured contracts generate revenue to cover the EP holder’s salary and ongoing business expenses.
Setting Up a New Company to Apply for an EP
If your only role in the Singapore company is as a shareholder, another option is to set up your own company. Singapore makes company formation straightforward, allowing you to:
- Be the director and shareholder.
- Apply for an Employment Pass under your new company.
- Draw a monthly salary as the director, which is crucial for EP approval.
Tip: Ensure your new company can support the financial obligations of employing a foreign EP holder.
You can check the latest EP qualifying criteria, including updates effective from 1 September 2023, on the MOM website.
When Can a Company Shareholder Apply for an EP?
A shareholder may apply for an EP if the company agrees to employ them. The company files the application, and approval is determined based on:
- The shareholder’s professional background and work experience.
- The monthly wage offered.
- The company’s ability to support the candidate’s role.
Benefits of Holding an Employment Pass
Holding an Employment Pass in Singapore offers several advantages:
- Live and work in Singapore. Certain family members can also join if your salary is at least SGD $6,000/month.
- Incorporate and run a company in Singapore.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) in Singapore.
- Ability to open bank accounts, apply for credit cards, rent apartments, and use telco services.
- Visa-free travel in and out of Singapore while the EP is valid.
Our Thoughts on the EP Process
Previously, obtaining an Employment Pass was straightforward. Today, the process is more stringent, requiring:
- A well-prepared business plan.
- Detailed manpower projections.
- The company to be operational for at least 6–12 months before EP application.
This ensures that the company can:
- Prepare all MOM-required documentation.
- Maintain sufficient funds to hire foreign professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are ready to start your Employment Pass application, click here to fill up the Employment Pass Questionnaire. Our in-house agent will help you with this process.
You may also use the Self Assessment Tool (SAT) to check your eligibility for the Employment Pass or S Pass before applying or appealing.
Job scope and qualifications do not match. Educational background and experience must align with the job requirements.
The previous employer did not hire locals or maintained an imbalanced local-to-foreign ratio, showing weak contribution to Singapore’s workforce.
The role can easily be filled by a local candidate.
The applicant does not meet salary or educational qualification benchmarks.
Short job tenures or frequent job changes (less than two years) raise red flags with MOM regarding stability and intent.
After applying for an EP online, the following image can be seen:
- Pending: MOM is still reviewing your documents.
- Approved: MOM has granted the pass, and you can now proceed to card issuance.
- Rejected: The application has been declined, and you may file an appeal within three months.
Approved applicants should schedule an appointment with MOM to receive and activate their Employment Pass.
- S Pass holders cannot own or be a director of a company and are limited in certain industries.
- Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) holders have higher salary requirements and face restrictions on some job types.
- EntrePass holders must meet strict innovation, investment, or entrepreneurial criteria.
By contrast, the Employment Pass offers flexibility, fewer restrictions, and accessibility, making it the most preferred work visa among foreign professionals in Singapore.
Since August 2014, MOM requires most companies to advertise job vacancies on the MyCareersFuture portal for at least 14 days before applying for an EP, ensuring fair consideration for local candidates.
Exemptions apply to:
- Companies with fewer than 25 employees
- Jobs paying more than SGD 12,000 per month
- Intra-corporate transferees (senior managers or specialists)
- Short-term positions (less than one month)
If your EP application is rejected:
- Review MOM’s stated reasons carefully.
- Prepare an appeal letter addressing the issues raised.
- Submit additional documents (like improved salary proof or new company financials).
Appeals take a minimum of three weeks, and all must be filed within three months of rejection. After that period, a new application must be submitted.
The Self-Assessment Tool (SAT), available on MOM’s official website, helps employers and applicants check their eligibility before applying for an EP.
It assesses:
- Nationality
- Educational qualifications
- Work experience
- Expected salary
If the SAT shows ineligibility, it is recommended not to proceed, as such applications are likely to be rejected. However, the SAT is an advisory tool, and MOM ultimately makes the final decision after full evaluation.
Yes, you will need to cancel your existing EntrePass before applying for AIP EP.
No, you need not cancel your existing EP. Rather, you should apply for AIP EP along with a letter of no objection from your current employer. Your AIP EP will be treated as an application for an additional EntrePass to work for another company.
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Hi,
kindly advise, please.
I am a Foreigner who owns 60% of of Singapore company(pte ltd) since 4 years ago. I can only come to SG 1 times per 4 months.
10 days in one time. So, there i van stay only 30 days in a year.
A)Can I apply EP by our company?
B) how much does it cost totally?
(company side and my side cost)
Regards.
john
Hi John,
Your question has been answered under our forum.
https://www.paulhypepage.com/forums/business-forums-singapore/applying-ep/
Feel free to interact with us in the forum if you need further clarification. We will be happy to assist.
Best Regards,
Paul
I am the one of the director and share holder with 80% and my share holder and director 20% share. my partner currently in India, i try to apply EP for him, but not successful, Rejected few times. Now i am confused and don’t know how to get EP for my partner.
Hi Arul,
Your question has been answered under our forum.
https://www.paulhypepage.com/forums/business-forums-singapore/ep-for-partner/
Feel free to interact with us in the forum if you need further clarification. We will be happy to assist.
Best Regards,
Paul
Can I invite my employee who is work permit holder to join in as a share holder
HI Ken Ng
Work Permit and S Pass holders are not allowed to administer or manage any business in Singapore. To discuss further, please contact us at Paul Hype Page.
Thank you for your question.
Warm regards
Paul
I’m work permit how to apply ep pass
Is possible for me
Hello Hossan,
You may not apply for an Employment Pass yourself; your employer must do so on your behalf. The application may either be made online or manually. Certain documents such as passport copies and copies of educational certificates will also be required during the application process.
Please contact us for further information on the Employment Pass.
Thank you for your question.
Paul
Hi I’m Malaysian SPR, my gf PRC, i incorporated a company, and already added her as a shareholder, am i able to apply epass for her without a secretary? As i was planning to add myself as a secretary once i successfully put her as a second director.
Hello.
After you have incorporated a company in Singapore, you are required to hire a person to serve as the corporate secretary of the company. As the owner of the company, you may not take up the position yourself. Thus, you must hire another person who will be the corporate secretary.
We at Paul Hype Page & Co do have a package which will enable you to hire a qualified and suitable person who will serve as your corporate secretary. Please contact us for any further information on this matter.
Thank you for your question.
Paul
Hi currently I am working as a Spass holder in SG.Can I do the small online shop in Singapore and how to apply ?
Hello Isazli,
If you would like to start a business of your own in Singapore, you will need to first complete the process of incorporation. Once the incorporation process has been completed, you will have a business of your own over which you will have complete control.
Contact us for further information on incorporation in Singapore. Our experts are always able and willing to assist anyone with any questions related to incorporation.
Thank you for your question.
Paul
currently, I am holding emplyment pass in Singapore.
I have started one new company which have 40% shareholder of mine.
share capital $100,000
Can I apply for an EP from my company? but its new company.
What requirement do we need?
and how you help with this one?
Please let me inform then I will visit your office..
or can Whatsapp me +6593519462
Dear Nishat,
Yes you may apply for EP with your company. Being a director/shareholder, you can also still be an employer of your own company.
There is also no restriction from MOM that the company cannot to be new whatsoever hence if it is a new company, this should not be a problem.
The requirements for employment pass are:
Diploma/Degree from a reputed university
Professional qualifications
Specialist skills
Work related experience
Thank you and Regards,
Paul Hype Page