Immigration of independent workers to Singapore
Immigration for self-employed workers in Singapore refers to the process whereby applicants register a company in Singapore and, as shareholders, directors, or senior management personnel of that company, apply to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for local residence status or a visa (either an Employment Pass (EP) or an EntrePass). Once the company reaches a certain operational scale and the visa holder has maintained their status for two years, an application for Permanent Residency (PR) is submitted to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore. The applicant and their family members transition from EP visa to PR status, thereby obtaining Singaporean permanent residency. This immigration pathway generally requires meeting certain criteria, including demonstrating sufficient financial capability and entrepreneurial skills, as well as making local investments or establishing businesses that contribute to the country’s economic development.
Why choose immigration for entrepreneurship in Singapore?
Building bridges for opening multi-currency accounts
Singaporean companies can open multi-currency accounts, which facilitate smooth international trade.
Enhancing the company’s international image
A well-structured financial system, no foreign exchange controls, and access to global markets.
Corporate Tax Planning
The corporate income tax rate in Singapore is capped at 17%, with newly established companies eligible for significant tax relief.
Family immigration
Children and parents can apply directly for family visas and long-term visit visas.
Identity Planning Abroad
Customers can move to Singapore by changing their Employment Pass (EP) status to Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) status.
The Advantages of Bilingual Education
Children can hold Dependent Passes to attend school in Singapore and enjoy high-quality bilingual education.
EP Application Requirements
- The principal applicant must have extensive professional or entrepreneurial experience.
- Academic qualifications must be supported by a verification report from the China Higher Education Student Information and Career Center (CHESICC).
- Establish a company in Singapore, acting as a shareholder and director or senior management personnel.
- Specific salary standards for positions may refer to the PMET (Professional, Management, Executive, and Technical) salary guidelines published by the Ministry of Manpower.
- Meet the requirements of the Compass point system.
Eligibility requirements for EP applications
No academic qualifications are required, but applicants must have relevant work or business experience, or be able to demonstrate innovative projects in the industrial field, including:
- Projects that have been funded by venture capital schemes or recognized angel investors.
- Holders of nationally recognized intellectual property rights (IPR).
- Research collaborations with accredited research institutions.
- Research incubation projects approved by the government.
Singapore Work Permit (EP)
Category One: Employment Pass (EP) is valid for foreign nationals working in Singapore, generally as professionals, managers, or skilled workers employed by companies or institutions registered in Singapore.
EP applicants must generally meet the following criteria:
– Have a job offer in Singapore with a minimum salary of S$3,600 (approximately RMB 21,000).
– Have relevant educational qualifications and professional expertise, or demonstrate exceptional vocational skills.
– Have sufficient funds to cover living expenses in Singapore. If you meet the above criteria and have a valid job offer in Singapore, you are eligible to apply for an Employment Pass.
Category Two: Independent Entrepreneurs
– Seeking Permanent Citizenship through small-scale investment entrepreneurship.
– Want to enter Singapore quickly through an accelerated and affordable pathway.
– Currently do not have urgent Permanent Citizenship application requirements, but need a valid entry visa and unrestricted travel rights.
Family Visa (Immediate Family Members)
- During the EP/EntrePass period, if the reported monthly salary exceeds SGD 6,000, spouses and children under the age of 21 can apply for a Dependent Pass (DP).
- During the EP/EntrePass holder period, if the reported monthly salary exceeds SGD 12,000, parents may apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP).
- When EP/EntrePass holders apply for Permanent Residency (PR), spouses and children under the age of 21 can be included as dependents in the PR application.
- Parents and children aged 21 and above cannot apply for PR at the same time. However, parents can apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) which is valid for five years.
Independent Entrepreneur Visa Application Process
✔ Signing of agreements
✔ Registration of entities in Singapore
✔ Opening of corporate bank accounts
✔ Submission of Employment Pass/Entre Pass applications
✔ Approval of Employment Pass/Entre Pass
The Advantages of Esinbiz
The Singapore-based team
Expert in Singapore immigration policy, Partner of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB)
High success rate
The success rate of immigration program applications is 96%.
Professional writing team
Immigration experts professionally design, compile, and refine immigration proposals in Mandarin and English, as well as assist in the organization of comprehensive documentation.
Made to order
Clients enjoy dedicated and personalized service with tailored family office immigration solutions.
Attorney Certification
Esinbiz’s in-house legal team provides strict oversight for your projects.
End-to-end service
Design and establishment of family office structures, along with comprehensive services including identity planning.
Comprehensive after-sales service
Airport shuttle service, property rental, domestic worker recruitment, utility connection management, and telephone card/travel card arrangements.
Children’s Education Planning
Assisting clients in planning their children’s education abroad and applying for admission to universities.
Key Considerations for Self-Employed Workers Switching from EP to Permanent Residence Permits
✔ Singapore companies continue to operate continuously and create local job opportunities in Singapore
✔ Companies maintain profits with healthy financial reports
✔ Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification and substantial corporate management experience
✔ Esinbiz Immigration tailors immigration solutions to each client’s specific circumstances; clients are required to actively cooperate in providing all documents necessary for the application.