Self-Employed EP in Singapore

A self-employed Employment Pass (EP) is a commonly used term for an EP application made by an entrepreneur or business owner who establishes and actively operates a company in Singapore. The applicant applies under Singapore’s existing Employment Pass framework, usually as a director or senior executive of the company.

Esin Visa supports clients through the different stages of this process, including Singapore company incorporation, corporate bank account coordination, EP preparation and submission, COMPASS assessment, and ongoing corporate compliance. Support can continue after the self-employed EP is approved, covering bookkeeping, taxation, payroll, annual filings, and other requirements associated with maintaining the Singapore business.

Flexible Control over the Enterprise

As a shareholder and manager, you have the autonomy to decide the company's direction and operational management.

International Business Environment

Singapore offers political stability, a robust legal system, and a superior business environment, facilitating long-term corporate growth.

Significant Tax Advantages

The corporate income tax rate is capped at 17%, with access to various tax incentives and exemptions.

Attract Global Talent

EP status helps companies recruit and retain international professional talent.

Compliant and Sustainable

By operating a genuine business in compliance with Singapore's laws and regulations, you support the long-term development of the enterprise.

Ease of Business Expansion

Connect with Asian markets to facilitate the expansion of regional business and international cooperation opportunities.

Who May Consider a Self-Employed Employment Pass?

  • Entrepreneurs planning to establish a company in Singapore and personally participate in its management
  • Individuals seeking to apply for an Employment Pass (EP) through business operations to legally conduct business in Singapore
  • SME owners or professionals intending to expand into Singapore and Southeast Asian markets to establish a long-term business presence

Self-Employed EP Application Requirements

  • The main applicant possesses extensive work or entrepreneurial experience
  • The applicant must meet the COMPASS points requirements
  • Diplomas must be accompanied by a CHSI (Xuexin) verification report
  • Establish a company in Singapore as a shareholder and director or senior executive

Self-Employed Employment Pass Application Process

No formal educational requirements, but requires relevant work or business experience, or an innovative industry project, including:

  • Funding from a recognized venture capital firm or business angel program.
  • Holding nationally recognized Intellectual Property (IP).
  • Research collaboration with a recognized research institution.
  • Participation in a government-approved incubator or research project.
Happy big Asian family talking, laughing and eating good food at dinner

Immediate Family Members

Residency Application

  • While holding an EP/EntrePass, if the declared monthly salary exceeds SGD 6,000, the spouse and children under 21 may apply for a Dependant's Pass (DP).
  • While holding an EP/EntrePass, if the declared monthly salary exceeds SGD 12,000, parents may apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP).
  • When applying for Permanent Residency (PR) via EP/EntrePass, the spouse and children under 21 can be included as dependants in the PR application.
  • Parents and children aged 21 or over cannot apply for PR together, but parents can apply for a 5-year Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP).

Application Process

1

Background Check / KYC

5

Business Operations / Signing Contracts

2

Register a Singapore Company

6

COMPASS Assessment

3

Open a Corporate Bank Account

7

EP Submission and Approval

4

Inject Registered Capital

8

Ongoing Compliance Operations

How Esin Visa Supports Self-Employed EP Applications

Esin Visa provides coordinated support for entrepreneurs and business owners considering the self-employed EP route in Singapore. This may include company incorporation, application preparation, COMPASS assessment, corporate banking coordination, and ongoing corporate compliance to support the establishment and operation of a Singapore business.

As an entity under Esin Group, Esin Visa focuses on immigration and business establishment support while connecting clients with related corporate services where needed. These may include accounting, tax, payroll, and corporate secretarial support, helping clients manage both Employment Pass requirements and the practical responsibilities of running a business in Singapore.

Local Singapore Team

Familiar with local company registration, EP applications, accounting, taxation, and compliance requirements.

Compliant Application Strategy

Develops reasonable and executable application paths based on actual business operations.

One-Stop Landing Services

Covers company formation, bank account opening, EP applications, and subsequent compliance maintenance.

Long-Term Compliance Support

Assists in completing bookkeeping, taxation, annual audits, payroll, and corporate compliance matters.

Cross-Border Service Experience

Long-term service to Chinese and overseas entrepreneurs, understanding the needs of cross-border setup and operations.

Multi-Resource Support

Integrates banking, taxation, legal, auditing, and business resources to improve landing efficiency.

Self-Employed EP Renewal and Ongoing Compliance

✓ The company maintains genuine and continuous business operations, with operational proof such as client contracts, supplier agreements, project records, or service delivery documents.

✓ The company demonstrates reasonable operating income, expenses, bank statements, and financial records, reflecting its ability to continue as a going concern and its commercial viability.

✓ The company pays salaries on time in accordance with employment contracts and Singapore labor laws, maintaining payslips, bank transfers, and employment records.

✓ The company completes accounting, tax, annual audits, and ACRA filings on time, maintaining a good record of corporate compliance.

✓ The EP holder's position, salary, and scope of duties should remain consistent with the company's actual business, operational scale, and application materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a self-employed Employment Pass in Singapore?

A self-employed Employment Pass refers to an Employment Pass route where an entrepreneur or business owner establishes and actively operates a Singapore company, then applies for an EP typically serving as a shareholder, director, and senior executive. The company should have genuine business activities, a reasonable operational plan, and ongoing operating expenses.

Yes. The process generally involves establishing a Singapore company before proceeding with the Employment Pass application. Esin can assist with this through its company incorporation service in Singapore, including registration preparation, documentation, company setup, and related corporate requirements.

Yes. Applicants must meet the applicable COMPASS points requirements. The assessment forms part of the wider application process alongside factors such as the applicant’s professional or entrepreneurial background, company structure, and proposed role in the business.

The company must continue to operate as a genuine business and maintain proper records and corporate compliance. This can include maintaining contracts and operational records, paying salaries appropriately, keeping financial records, and completing accounting, tax, audit, and ACRA filing requirements on time. Esin’s broader immigration and business services can support these ongoing requirements.

Depending on the applicable eligibility requirements, EP holders can apply for passes for eligible family members. Those who meet the relevant salary threshold may apply for a Dependant’s Pass for their spouse and eligible children, while a higher salary threshold applies for a Long-Term Visit Pass for parents.