Among all the available passes in Singapore, the Employment Pass (EP) is the best option for foreign entrepreneurs to incorporate their companies in Singapore and relocate to run their business.
- What is the most suitable type of entity to incorporate?
- What visas are needed for me and my family to relocate and work in Singapore?
- What are the tax implications for corporate and personal taxes?
Choosing the best type of entity for foreign entrepreneurs
The recommended entity for foreign entrepreneurs is a private company limited by shares. Here’s why:
- It’s a separate legal entity from the entrepreneur’s. This means personal legal and financial status is not affected even if the company is insolvent or being sued.
- Funding for company’s expansion is easier through issuing of new shares to new shareholders.
Teppei Nitobe
Founder of Glow E Pte Ltd
“ With reliable guidance and high success rate that comes with 10 years of professional experience from Paul Hype Page, I received my employment pass renewal smoothly and will continue PHP annual compliance services to ensure smooth operational of my company.
Thank you. ”
Why an EP is the best option for you and your family
Your new company can now apply for your employment pass, and a dependent pass for your family. It is the best option due to:
- High Chance of Success Rate for Approval and Ease of Renewal as MOM has no stipulated conditions
- S$4,500 is the minimum monthly salary required to pay yourself as the entrepreneur, no extra pension or levies required.
1. You should declare an optimal amount of salary reflecting the your experience and company’s profile
2. Have a Back up Plan or solutions ready at hand, following the advice of an experienced professional agency as you may have less than 14 days to submit an appeal or additional documents
What kind of taxes are you or your company subject to?
Commonly heard and known, Singapore has a favourable tax regime. Read more about it here. A company’s effective tax rate for the first $100,000 profit is estimated about 7%.
Personal Tax for yearly salary of $100,000 is estimated to be 5%.
What is the timeline to start incorporation and EP application?
Day 1) Register an account on our patented platform. Fill up our incorporation and employment pass form.
Day 5) After compliance team approval, Incorporate the company with our nominee services
Day 7) Review client’s Employment pass application and advise on the additional documents that maybe needed such as Business Plan, Tenancy Agreement and etc
Day 10) Submit Application to MOM and open company’s bank account
We are able to fund the company with up to $300,000 to secure a higher approval rate
Day 20) MOM may approve or request for additional documents
Day 30) Submit document after communication with MOM officer and working with client on the needed documents
Our staffs have more than 12 years prior working experience with MOM therefore can manage the requests from MOM with HIGH success rate
Day 35 to 60 days) MOM will approve the application and once client secure employment pass, you can be considered a local resident director, you do not need the nominee director services.
Advise:
The most important factor when setting up a Singapore business is to secure the visa for oneself and family members. Many professionals such as lawyer or tax advisor expert may not have the right experience in visa application hence resulted in client unable to relocate to Singapore after company is set up.
FAQs
The validity of an employment pass is 2 years in general.
After your company has been successfully incorporated, you will receive the Certificate of Good Standing from ACRA and a Company Business Profile. Once you have these documents in hand, you will be assured that your company has been successfully incorporated.
Your registered company name will be reserved for 60 days before incorporation. You can apply for another 60 days extension if you need it.
Yes. An Employment Pass does include Dependent’s Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass for your family members.
Hi,
I am a SPR, I would like to check if I want to include my foreign partner into my newly incorporated co, is it possible to do so, if he is still holding student visa (final year student) in SG, is he eligible for EP ? Will this affect his student visa?
Thank You,
Sandy
Hi Sandy,
In short, your partner may apply for EP. However, do note that upon approval, he has to cancel his Student visa.
Please read our full reply in the forum link below:
https://www.paulhypepage.com/forums/business-forums-singapore/is-student-visa-holder-eligible-for-ep-2/#post-195
Feel free to interact with us in the forum if you need further clarification. We will be happy to assist.
Best Regards,
Paul
Hi, I am a foreigner in SG and I trying to renew my entrepass in SG but I would like to switch to an employment pass, since I am employed by my own company as CEO. At the monent I am also the sole director of my company. My salary is high enough. How can I do it? Can I apply for EP while the renewal of the entrepass in process? Thank you- Simon
Hi Simon,
Your question has been answered under our forum.
https://www.paulhypepage.com/forums/business-forums-singapore/renewal-of-the-entrepass-in-singapore/
Feel free to interact with us in the forum if you need further clarification. We will be happy to assist.
Best Regards,
Paul
Hello,
I am in Singapore on a stable long-term Employment Pass. Would there be any workaround for me to start an online business while still on EP? I wouldn’t want to lose the EP but would be keen to run an online business in parallel.
Thank you,
Alex
Hello Alex
Yes, we are able to assist in helping you register your business and you can keep your current employment. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact us via Paul Hype Page.
Thank you for your comment.
Warm regards
Paul
Hi,
I want to get Employment Pass by incorporating a private limited company in Singapore. How do I show proof of the minimum monthly fixed salary of Singapore Dollar $3900? I have not been getting fixed salary as I have been a freelancer. Can I show this salary proof with this new company by me drawing the fixed salary as CEO? Thank you.
Hi Fred
We are able to assist in your application. Please contact us via Paul Hype Page so we can discuss this further.
Thank you for your comment.
Warm regards
Paul
Hi ,
I am a singaporean holder planning to set up a local photography company with my foreigner holder (malaysian) . Can you guide me further with the procedures and details on how to go further about it. After researching, can i check if a upfront paid up capital of $50,000 is neccessary for applying an employment pass or base on case to case basis?
Thank you.
Hello Chris,
Since you and a foreigner plan to set up a company in Singapore together, you must first fulfill all of the relevant requirements. Your company must have at least one local director and company secretary, a number of shareholders between one and 50, a registered address located in Singapore, paid up capital is minimum S$1,000 and an approved company name.
There is no need for you to pay such a large amount of money to apply for an Employment Pass because we provide Employment Pass application services. Our fee is S$800. Please contact us for further information.
Thank you for your questions.
Paul
My wife is in a DP, we are looking at her setting up a small company in Singapore which she can change her DP into and independent EP (we do not want to have a LOC for the DP), is this somthing you could assist with and be possible?
Hello Nigel,
Any Dependent Pass holder who intends to set up a company in Singapore must first apply for and receive an Employment Pass before doing so.
We provide services related to Employment Pass applications as well as others related to company incorporation in Singapore. Please contact us if you would like to know more.
Thank you for your question.
Paul
Hi
I want to open company and get e pass and dependent pass.
How is it possible please guide me on this.
Hello Nilesh,
If you would like to open a company in Singapore as a foreigner, you will require the services of a professional firm to do so because foreigners may not incorporate a company on their own. You will also need documents which state details about shareholders, directors, the company secretary, the company name, business activities, the company’s constitution, and a non-PO Box registered address in Singapore.
To apply for Dependent’s Pass, you will need to hold either an Employment Pass or S Pass, earn at least S$6,000 in fixed monthly salary, and be sponsored by a Singapore company.
We will be of service to you regarding the opening of your company and application of work passes. Just contact us to find out more.
Thank you.
Paul
Hi there,
I am Malaysia and has been living and working in Australia for the last 13 years. My husband (Australian) has been issued with an EP and his company is in the process of applying a dependant pass on my behalf. I intend to set up a company of my own to run a consulting business, would I be eligible being a dependant pass holder?
Thank you.
Sam
Hello Sam,
As a Dependant’s Pass holder, you could own a company in Singapore. However, to work in the company, you will need to apply for EP after the company is setup.
Our specialists can help you with both setting up a Singapore private limited company and allowing you to receive an Employment Pass. You may reach us via email or telephone for further information.
Paul
Hello,
I am an Australian citizen and my partner is Saudi Arabian citizen.
We operate an online business and are looking to see if it’s possible to open a company in Singapore and would this allow us to operate our online business in Singapore and to live there too?
Thank you
Mandy
Dear Mandy,
Yes it is possible to start your company in Singapore with an employment pass and operate as a online business. Good reason to support why you need to be in Singapore for your business will be an added advantage to help support your work pass application.
Do make an appointment to talk to our corporate specialist for more information to achieve a smooth incorporation with EP work pass.
Best Regards
Paul
I want visa for Singapore on employment pass
Hi Nishika,
EP’s in Singapore are acquired either through your employer or through company incorporation. Should you wish to set up your own company in Singapore, please do not hesitate to inquire about our all-in-one Incorporation with Employment Pass package.
Best Regards,
Paul
Hi, I am thinking to set up business consulting company in Singapore.
I am working in Dubai for last 5 years for business consulting and thinking to set up business management company in Singapore and get residency visa for my and family.
I am holding Bachelor degree of economy and Chinese nationality, currently working in Dubai.
Dear Korban,
We’d recommend our all-in-one Incorporation with Employment Pass package for you, the fastest and most efficient way to set up a business in Singapore with everything you need. Do drop us an email at paulhypepage@php-cpa.com.sg and let’s talk more, we look forward to hearing from you.
Cheers,
Paul
Hi there,
I’m interested in ur Singapore corporation with a EP pass ( the package).Can you kindly sent me more info regarding the package.
I do not need a physical office in Singapore, do i have to rent a virtual office instead and for how much it will cost me
Hope to hear from you real soon, Thank you
Dear Pipat,
Great to hear from you! We will be glad to assist with your company incorporation and setup. We also provide registered office or serviced office facilities for your consideration.
We will email you soon about information on how to get started soon.
Best Regards,
Paul
Hi there,
I’m interested in ur Singapore corporation with a EP pass ( the package).Can you kindly sent me more info regarding the package.
Thanking you in advance
Hi Kathy,
Thank you for your interest. Paul Hype Page & Co will be more than happy to assist you to setup your company and applying your Employment Pass to work in Singapore. My colleague will drop you an email shortly with more information.
I am to start digital marketing company in Singapore,I am from India,if I incorporate company in Singapore,how is to apply for employmentpss,what was the capital need to get EP approved,is there any chances to reject my vosa
Dear Reddy,
Our corporate specialist will be able to assist you from incorporation to employment pass as well as all corporate compliance required for your business in Singapore. We will drop you an email with more details shortly
Paul
Hi I’d like to enquire about the paid up capital when incorporating a company in SG. I understand that all it takes is $1. However if I am a foreigner interested in incorporating in SG and applying for an employment pass for myself what would a realistic paid up capital amount be in order to qualify for an employment pass? I was previously employed in Singapore on E-Pass for 3 years (2013- 2016). I am in the service industry (therapy services) and will be doing home visits. Would a paid up capital of say $5k in the company’s corporate account suffice?
Dear Daisy,
Thank you for contacting us.
As you already know, there is no minimum for paid up capital when setting up a company. Based on our experience and knowledge, a paid up capital of $5k will be sufficient to apply for EP and set up a corporate account.
We will send you some more information on incorporation and employment pass. Hope it can answer your questions.
Thank you,
Paul
I incorporated a company in Singapore in 2012 with a Nominee shareholder. I live in India. I now intend to migrate to Singapore and take over the shares from the nominee shareholder except for 30% for local shareholder advantage.
The company has 5 employees- 2 EP and 3 local employees.
May I know the procedure to do the same? Should I apply for Entre Pass or Employment Pass?
Dear Abdul,
Thank you for contacting Paul Hype Page.
We advise you to apply for employment pass under the company that you have incorporated in 2012. We will send you more information regarding employment pass in a separate email so that you will have a better idea before you proceed any further.
Thank you,
Paul
Sir/madam,
1. I already work 3 years as a restaurant manager in Brunei Darussalam.
2. I wish to buy a running restaurant in singapore my investment is around 60000 $ my age is 49 can i get the e pass for me and my family.
3. My son wish to study in singapore I want to know the fees structure for my son (singaporean fees or Foreign students Fees)
4. How many years take time to Migrate from E pass to PR
Hi Sathyam,
Thanks for your interest.
1. I already work 3 years as a restaurant manager in Brunei Darussalam.
2. I wish to buy a running restaurant in singapore my investment is around 60000 $ my age is 49 can i get the e pass for me and my family.
– Once you have your business running in Singapore, you can apply for your employment pass and dependent pass for your family.
3. My son wish to study in singapore I want to know the fees structure for my son (singaporean fees or Foreign students Fees)
– Depending on which school you apply for and your son’s age, estimated tuition fees for international primary school are from SGD$1,000 to SGD$2,500 per month.
4. How many years take time to Migrate from E pass to PR
– There is no fixed time frame for the migration as it depends on many factors that ICA will look into, including your contribution to Singapore during your time as an EP holder, tax payable and more. Some cases take 3 months while there are other cases that can take up to 2 years for result.
Should you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Cheers,
Paul
i am having EP with a company where i am director too in singapore but due to financial problem its difficult to run the company at the movement so with this EP can i work for other company?
Hi Aryan,
Please be aware that your EP is strictly tied to one particular company only, so you will need to apply for a new EP if you want to work for a different company.
Thank you,
Paul
Hi,
I have just incorporated a new company and wanted to hire a staff who is currently an EP holder working for another company but in different industry.
Is it possible for my newly incorporated company to apply the EP for this person who is interested in working for my company.
With different industry, will the EP application be more difficult.
Thank you
Regards
Randy
Dear Randy,
It is absolutely possible to apply for an EP. As you probably know, the MOM and government is getting more strict regarding accepting foreigners, especially for the newly incorporated company, therefore it is crucial to choose the right partner who will assist you from A to Z with proficiency.
Please let our corporate representative get in touch with you regarding this EP.
Paul
DEAR SIR I am presently working in singapore holding EP i recently incorporated single director company (may 16) is it possible to transfer EP in my new company i am working here is sg for last 8 years.
thanx
Dear Sunny,
You will need to apply for a new EP application to do so.
As we are specialized in working visa, we will be happy to assist you on this. Please allow our team to liaise with you about this.
Thank you,
Justin
Hi, I have a company in Singapore since Oct’2014 with SGD $250K paid up capital and have a bank account in Singapore with a deposit of above SGD 400K, I have applied for EP through an agent and it was refused. Later – one of friends applied for my EP through his company in SG and MOM reject again. My friend’s company in SG are very well established and have regular construction business with a sound regular transaction for five years. MOM mentioned my salary shown high, as it was only SGD 5000/-. I need to stay in Singapore as I need to recover my money (USD 3.38 million) that I transferred through my Dubai company to a Singapore company in October 2014. Now even I am not getting Social pass to initiate legal action against that company. Can you help me to recover my money ??
Dear Mohammed
We need to understand more about your working experience and education background to be able to advise you more and your chances in applying an employment pass. My colleague will be emailing you with more details.
Paul
Hi,
I am an Entrepreneur since past 9 years in India and would like to relocate to Singapore as an Entrepreneur along with the family. I want to comprehend all the niceties akin to the Minimum Investment required to set up a business in Singapore like (EB5 in USA), how many dependents can budge along with me and what work are they authorized to do etc.,
I would be also interested to identify with whether Paul Hype also deals with buying and selling of running businesses? If so, I will be even interested to pursue buying an existing business.
It would be great if we can have a call or email discussion (whichever the way)
Regards,
Srinivas Yasoda
Dear Srinivas,
In order to run a business in Singapore, you will need to apply for Employment Pass (EP) through MOM (Ministry of Manpower).
We can assist you from incorporation of a company to applying your work pass. You will need a minimum of S$5000 salary a month to be eligible to apply DP for your family. My colleague will be in touch with you shortly with more details.
Paul
Dear Sir/Madam
I am a Bangladeshi National Currently living in UK, I am running my own Travel Agency in UK and I have branch in Bangladesh, Soon I will go back Bangladesh and from there I want to explore my business to Singapore, So I want to get EP and my wife also will go with me.
Moreover, I am graduated from UK, I have several work experiences and also I am running online clothing shop in UK and bangladesh, and I have web design company as well.
so, please advice me relevant procedures and expenses in order to go Singapore, Thanks
Regards
Nasir Uddin
Dear Nasir,
Welcome to Singapore, you have make an excellent choice. At Paul Hype Page, we will be able to provide a one stop solution for you and assist you in Singapore Company Incorporation, Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, employment pass and dependent pass for your family as well as handling all related compliance services for your business.
We will drop you an email to understand more about your business structure so to provide you a more suitable setup plan.
Paul
Hello
I am actually an EP holder for a company. I have created a sole proprietor company actually dormant but want to move it to a Private Limited company. Could I register it with my current EP or will I need to apply to a new EP if I am operating it as director?
Thanks
Dear John,
You may be a director of another company with your current EP pass but you are only allow to working in the company tats apply the EP card for you.
You may also consider setting up your company with a nominee director until you are ready to change employer. Do drop us an email to fill out more.
Paul
I am working in Singapore on EP and my wife is on DP. I want to start a company in SG under my wife’s name as I am not allowed by my employer to work anywhere else.Can I do that and what are the requirement for the same.
Thanks,
SAUR
Dear Saur,
Your wife will need to apply for a LOC (Letter of Consent) in order for her to work in Singapore. Do contact our corporate specialist for more information for the different incorporation setup we can assist you in the plan.
Paul
Hi,
I am Nilar ..I am Ep holder and will expire on next month .In between ,I would like to apply Ep under my company as Director . Kind;y guide me what to do and what are the require documents from my side and company side .
Thanks
Dear Nilar,
You can engage to our Incorporation with Employment pass package. This will allow you to setup your company and apply for a employment pass (Work pass) to start your business in Singapore. We will email you with more details.
Paul
Dear sir,
I own a design consultancy firm in China and would like to set up a branch with a local Singaporean partner.
I understand that I need employment pass in order to stay in Singapore and run my business. I also would like to have my wife here with me, that means I will need to apply dependent pass for her and my salary has to be more than 5000 SGD.
My question are
1. Since I am the shareholder of the company, I can give myself any salary. How does the MOM enforce I am really receive 5000SGD from the company?
2. Since it only takes 1SGD to incorporate, it does not make sense if the shareholder’s salary is 5000SGD but there is only 1SGD in the corporate account.
Please advise.
Regards,
Clarence
Dear Clarence,
It is necessary to pay your self the salary that you will declare for Employment Pass and it will reflect in your payslip as well as income tax to Singapore.
Although Singapore allows one to incorporate a private limited company with just $1 as start up capital, we usually advise our client to make it realistic as what you have mention. MOM may also request to see your company corporate bank account to ensure that the company is sincere in operating the business in Singapore and will have sufficient fund to pay the staff before they approve the EP.
To find ou in more details, pls do make an appoint with our consultant, we can assist you to ensure proper setup of your company as well as a smooth work visa application.
Best Regards
Paul
Dear Sir,
I registered my company in 2007 and started doing business for 3years and due to inevitable circumstances couldn’t continue business from 2010 to 2013. Again from 2013 December started doing business and also applied for EP several times but got rejected. Know to continue my business I need to be here and also have plans of relocate to singapore with my family. So could you kindly assist how to move further.
Regards
SNV
Dear SNV
With a good business report to show MOM how variable is your business and intention of employing local Singaporean staff should be able to enhance your chances for EP pass.
Do make an appointment with our corporate specialist for a detail consultation in roder for us to apply the right formula to your business.
Cheers
Paul
I am a doctor from uk working in singapore. I want to ask some advise in starting a company in uk as a co founder and bringing the production to singapore. Can you help
Dear Dr Ali,
Sure, our Incorporation Specialist will be in touch with you soon.
Paul
Hello,
I have a 7yrs old Transcription Company in India and it is Private Ltd. I have a registered office in Singapore as well for 1 1/2 yrs as PTE Ltd . But there no productivity right now . Now I have a client who is ready to give me work from Singapore . Can i apply EP and start my productive business at Singapore ?
Can I bring my dependents as well if so ?
Thanks,
Aarush
Dear Aarush,
Employment Pass Criteria include a minimum salary of $3,300 and acceptable qualifications with past working experience. And From 1 September 2015, work pass holders will also need to meet a minimum salary criteria of $5,000 to enjoy dependant privileges.
Don’t forget to check to ensure that your Singapore company is still registered as you need to renew every year.
We are able to assist you with all corporate compliance and work pass application.
Do contact us!
Best Regards
Paul
Dear sir,
I am from Pakistan i wish to start a retail (convenience store) business in singapore. Please let me know the pedure for the same like :
1) What kind of visa should be obtained and visa charges ?
2) Should the company be registered in the name if a Singapore or PR?
3) What would be registration if I am interested in taking over an existing retail (convenience store ) business setup there ?
Please advise ,
Thanks ®ards !
MUHAMMAD SHAHID
Dear Shahid,
Paul and Hype Page Co. could be your next one-stop solution provider for incorporating as well as operating your business in Singapore, just as it was for several hundred SMEs such as Exempt Private Limited Companies or Private Limited Companies (Pte Ltd) in the past.
We provide your business an expert team of professionals such as tax consultants, lawyers, accountants, company secretaries, and immigration experts who are deeply familiar with Singapore’s legal entities and regulatory framework too.
My consultant will be in touch with you soon.
Paul
Hi
I’m Lorena from United Kingdom
Nurse from the Philippines. Works here in London as a private health care assistant.
I’m really interested to know how can I acquired an Employment Pass to Singapore. Please need assistance.
Thanks and kind regards
Dear Lorena,
You can either setup a company and apply for EP or find a job confirmation to have your new employer apply the work pass for you.
Paul
Hi,
I am working in Singapore on Employment pass of one company as employee. I hold a company in Chennai with partner as a director which is private ltd in India.
Can i register a company here with being part of other company on their EP pass? Or do i need to leave job and then only i can register a company?
Regards,
Peduyyar
Dear Peduyyar,
Under the EP rules, you can only work with the employing company. However you may apply as shareholder for the other company as long as you don’t work there.
Paul
Hi
I run a couple of internet based businesses, it’s a one man company and I’ve been thinking of moving to Singapore mainly for the quality of life, I’d like to keep my business the way it is, so I would not be recruiting anyone nor would I have an office.
Do let me know if this option would work well for me.
Regards
Dear Vishal,
Yes, you will be able to incorporate a company in Singapore with just employee (yourself), however in order to apply for a work pass so that you can stay and work in Singapore, it will be good if you can show why you need to run the internet business in Singapore as it is possible to do it anywhere else. Do make an appointment with our EP specialist so we can go thru in details with you.
Cheers
Paul
we are a newly setup tech startup company in Singapore. I am a Singaporean while my partner is a foreigner who is also the director and shareholder of the company. I am now looking to apply an EP or entrepreneurship pass for the foreign director. So i would like speak with some one who can help us.
Raajesh
Co-founder Piing
Dear Raajesh,
We will be able to assist your on Employment pass application. My colleague will contact you shortly with regards to our service on
Singapore Company Incorporation with Employment Pass (Package)
Paul
Dear Sir / Madam,
I am holding S-pass for last 3 years. I has BBA, 3 Diploma and LCCI level 2 cerfiticate. Now I want to apply E-pass in the company which was incorporated in 03.05.15 that there is no business activity started and paid up capital is $2 (one local director and one foreign director). Is this company eligible to apply E-pass. Please advise me to contact you regarding his concern.
Thanks
Dear Mohankumar,
There are a few eligibility criteria to applying the employment pass. Do book an appointment with us so we can assist you on the best route to Employment pass application.
Best Regards
Paul
I need an Employment Pass. Will you please do everything including getting an employer, job offer letters and other documents etc., required to get EP. If so, what will be your service charges.
Dear Harikishan
https://www.paulhypepage.com/employment-pass-in-singapore/
The Employment Pass in Singapore version for Foreign Entrepreneurs Relocating to Singapore, who would like to start businesses and stay in Singapore. Designed to facilitate the entry and stay of entrepreneurs who are ready to start a new business, the Employment, with an initial validity period of up to two years.
From your description, I can see that you suit into one of our package solution –
Singapore Company Incorporation with Employment Pass
Let have a phone call appointment, you can book me via link :
https://www.paulhypepage.com/book-now/
To take advantage of the immediate benefits of a Singaporean company, I suggest using our Local Resident Director and Registered address services where you can incorporate your business in 3 days.
Please call office at +65 62214711 or +65 84848816 (Mobile) for discussion
Looking forward to hear from you.
Yours
Eric
Hello,
My name is Alexander Johanberg, a 27 year old Swedish native. For the past 7 years, I’ve been living in the U.S. where I studied for my bachelors and MBA. Upon graduation I founded my company, the core business is business consulting, but the plan is to leave the main entity as a holding, this to broaden out my ventures and investments.
Have a great connection in Singapore, and have been thinking for some time to incorporate my holding entity there. Would love some help and support in how I could do this in the best possible way.
Best regards,
Alexander
Hi Alexnder,
It is great to hear from you. Paul Hype Page and Co will be able to assist your company incorporation and setup. We will email you some information about forming a company in Singapore. Do contact us soon for your setup.
Looking forward to meet you.
Cheers
Eric