Self-Employed EP in Singapore

A self-employed Employment Pass (EP) is not a separate pass type. It is a standard Employment Pass that an entrepreneur applies for through a Singapore company they own and actively run, usually as a director or senior executive of that company. Because the application is assessed under Singapore’s existing Employment Pass framework, the same salary and COMPASS criteria apply. Esin Visa supports clients through each stage 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.

Self-Employed EP vs Personalised Employment Pass vs EntrePass

Business owners often compare these three passes. The table below shows how the self-employed EP route differs.

PASS WHO IT SUITS CAN YOU RUN YOUR OWN COMPANY? KEY CRITERIA
Self-employed EP Entrepreneurs and business owners who set up and manage a Singapore company Yes — you are employed by the company you own Standard EP criteria: at least 40 COMPASS points and the minimum qualifying salary (currently S$5,600 a month for most sectors, rising to S$6,000 from 1 January 2027)
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) Senior professionals with high fixed salaries No — PEP holders may not start a business or carry out entrepreneurial activity A fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500
EntrePass Founders of innovative or venture-backed start-ups Yes Assessed against innovation criteria such as recognised venture funding, intellectual property or research collaboration

Esin Visa can review your background and business plan to help you decide which route fits.

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 has extensive work or entrepreneurial experience
  • The application scores at least 40 points under COMPASS, MOM’s points-based framework
  • The declared salary meets the EP minimum — currently S$5,600 a month for most sectors (higher for older applicants and for financial services), rising to S$6,000 from 1 January 2027
  • Degree certificates may need to be verified; for qualifications from mainland China, this is usually a CHSI (Xuexin) verification report
  • The applicant establishes a Singapore company and serves as a shareholder and director or senior executive

Profiles Without Formal Qualifications

Applicants without a formal degree may still be considered where they can show relevant work or business experience, or an innovative business project. This may include:

 

  • Funding from a recognised venture capital firm or business angel programme
  • Nationally recognised intellectual property (IP)
  • Research collaboration with a recognised 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

EP/EntrePass holders earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000 may apply for a Dependant’s Pass (DP) for their spouse and children under 21. Those earning at least S$12,000 may also apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for their parents. 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).

Self-Employed EP Application Process in 8 Steps

1

Background Check / KYC

We review your background, business plan and documents, and complete the know-your-customer (KYC) checks needed before setting up your company.

5

Business Operations / Signing Contracts

The company begins genuine operations, for example, signing client or supplier contracts, which supports the substance of the EP application.

2

Register a Singapore Company

Esin prepares the incorporation documents and registers your Singapore company with ACRA, with you as a shareholder and director.

6

COMPASS Assessment

We assess the application against COMPASS, which needs at least 40 points, and review the proposed salary against the EP minimum.

3

Open a Corporate Bank Account

We coordinate the corporate bank account application so the company can receive capital and start operating.

7

EP Submission and Approval

Esin prepares and submits the Employment Pass application. MOM assesses the application and makes the final decision.

4

Inject Registered Capital

The paid-up capital is deposited into the corporate account, in line with your business plan and the scale of the operations you have planned.

8

Ongoing Compliance Operations

After approval, the company keeps up its accounting, tax, payroll and ACRA filings, which matter when the EP is renewed.

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. For a fuller walkthrough, read our guide to the Employment Pass for business owners 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. EP holders earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000 may apply for a Dependant’s Pass for their spouse and eligible children, while a fixed monthly salary of at least S$12,000 is required to apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass for parents.

No. The Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) is for high earners with a fixed monthly salary of at least S$22,500, and PEP holders are not allowed to start a business or carry out entrepreneurial activity. A self-employed EP is a standard Employment Pass application made through a Singapore company that you own and run, so it is the route business owners generally use to work in their own company.

A self-employed EP follows the same salary criteria as any Employment Pass. For most sectors, the minimum qualifying salary is currently S$5,600 a month, rising with age, and will increase to S$6,000 from 1 January 2027. Financial services roles have a higher threshold. The application must also score at least 40 points under COMPASS.