As a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR), you and your family can live, work, and purchase property in Singapore freely, becoming an integral part of Singaporean society. You are entitled to various benefits, such as free travel to and from Singapore, priority access for your children to the public education system, and mandatory Central Pension Fund (CPF) contributions paid by your employer on your behalf—all of which provide security for your life in Singapore.

PEP, EP, or SP work pass holders can apply for Permanent Resident status after working for a certain period. The Singapore government accepts 20,000 to 30,000 permanent residents each year to maintain a competitive population. Successful PR applicants can sponsor their spouse, children under 21, and their parents for a Long-Term Visit Pass.

Esin Business has extensive experience in helping applicants successfully apply for PR. If you need assistance, please visit our PR Application Services page for more details.

Dependent’s Pass: This permit can be applied for by individuals working or running a business in Singapore and holding an Employment Pass (EP), Singapore Pass (SP), or Entrepreneur’s Pass (EntrePass) for their spouse and children under 21. Children holding Dependent’s Passes can enroll directly at Singapore government primary and secondary schools.

DP Eligibility Criteria:

Salary: The sponsor’s salary must be S$6,000 or more.
Education: No education requirements.
Employment:

Before May 1, 2021, dependents of EP or Entrepreneur’s Pass holders can apply for a Letter of Approval (LOC) through their employer to the Ministry of Manpower. Once approved, they can start work immediately (without using the company’s quota). Dependent’s Pass (DP) holders under SP must apply for a Work Pass before starting work.

Permanent Citizenship (PR): Direct application is not possible, but they can apply as dependents alongside the sponsor.

Starting May 1, 2021, family members of EP or Entrepreneur Pass holders, or DP (Dependant’s Pass) holders who wish to work locally must apply for the relevant work permit (EP, SP, WP). Local employment is no longer permitted solely through a Letter of Commitment (LOC).

Qualifications for Permanent Citizenship (PR): EP and SP holders can apply independently or as family members with a sponsor.

Esin Business can assist you with the following:

1. Providing pre-application information and professional advice for DP applications;
2. Submitting DP application documents;
3. Monitoring the DP application process;
4. Investigating the reasons for rejection if a DP application is rejected, notifying you of the outcome, and following up on the resolution process.

A Work Permit (WP) is a work permit issued by the Ministry of Manpower for foreign workers with lower skill levels.

WP Eligibility Criteria:

No salary or education requirements;
Age requirements: Malaysian citizens (18-58 years old), non-Malaysians (18-50 years old);
Company Quota: For taxpayers in the service sector, the company quota must not exceed 8% (usually 1 WP slot for every 12 local workers; in specialized industries, 1 local worker can be replaced by 7 WP);
Company Requirements:
– Must purchase insurance with a minimum coverage of SGD 15,000;
– Deposit a security deposit of SGD 5,000.
Dependent Pass (DP):
Not eligible to apply.
Permanent Resident (PR) Requirements:
Cannot be applied directly, but can be applied as a dependent.

Entrepass is a visa intended for entrepreneurs who wish to set up a business in Singapore. Once approved, visa holders must set up a company in Singapore and commence regular operations. After obtaining an Entrepass, you can apply for a Dependant’s Pass to bring family members (spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21) to Singapore. Entrepass holders are eligible to apply for permanent resident status in Singapore. A small-scale entrepreneur immigration scheme is available for consideration.

I. EntrePass Eligibility Criteria:

1. Educational Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required, but applicants must have relevant work or business experience, or be able to demonstrate ownership of an innovative industrial project.
2. Residence Permit for Family Members (DP): After meeting the specified criteria, applicants can apply for a Residence Permit for family members, including spouses and children under 21 years of age.
3. Eligibility for Permanent Resident (PR) Status: Direct applications are permitted. Family members may also be included in the application.

II. Singapore Business License Services (Business Entry Category):

1. Requirements for innovative industrial projects:

– Must have obtained funding from a recognized venture capital scheme or angel investor.
– Possess nationally recognized intellectual property rights (IPR).
– Collaborate in research with a recognized research institution.
– Participate in government-approved research incubation projects.
– Obtain support from Singapore government agencies.

2. Requirements for Registering a Private Limited Company:

– Own at least 30% of the company’s shares.
– Maintain a minimum paid-up capital of S$50,000.
– Appoint a company secretary.
– Register a local business address.

III. Documents required for business establishment:

Businesspeople applying for a Business Visa must prepare the following documents:
1. A completed Business Entry Application Form.
2. Innovative written documents demonstrating compliance with one of the “Innovation” requirements.
3. A business plan in the specified format.
4. A photocopy of the company’s bank account showing a minimum balance of S$50,000, if the company is applying for incorporation prior to submission.
5. A printed copy of the company’s latest business profile, if already registered.
6. A passport photo taken within the last three months.
7. A photocopy of the passport’s personal data page.
8. Written documentation of previous employment and/or business history, if applicable.
9. A copy of your academic certificates (if applicable).
10. Additional documents that may increase the chances of your application’s success, including partnership/licensing agreements, potential clients/suppliers, product certifications, accreditations, etc.
Note: All documents must be submitted in English or accompanied by a certified English translation.

IV. Procedures and Schedule for Submitting Business Establishment Applications:

Once your business registration application documents and supporting documentation are prepared, they must be submitted to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Enterprise SG and MOM – your application will be reviewed by two government agencies. The application process is as follows:
1. The application is submitted to MOM.
2. Once submitted, the average processing time for an Entrepreneur Pass application is approximately 6-8 weeks.
3. If your application is approved, you will receive a Letter of Approval in Principle (AIP). After that, you have 30 days to register your Singapore company, open a corporate bank account, and deposit the required share capital (assuming the company has not been incorporated prior to the application).
4. MOM will require you to submit proof of company registration documents and proof that the minimum paid-up capital has been fully deposited into the corporate bank account before issuing the Final Approval Letter (IPA).
A medical examination report may be required during the business entry process.
5. Once the Final Approval Letter (IPA) is issued, you must settle in Singapore within six months from the date of approval.
6. Within six months of receiving your Entrepreneur Pass, you must submit a lease agreement, employee Central Pension Fund (CPF) statement, the latest company registration documents, and a business plan reflecting the company’s operational status. Failure to submit these documents within the six-month deadline will result in the Entrepreneur Pass being revoked.

V. Rejection of Business License:

1. If you meet the eligibility requirements for business entry, have a strong business background, and your business can create local employment opportunities, your Entrepreneur Pass application will likely not be rejected. However, if your application is rejected, you can appeal within 90 days. The appeal processing time is 4-6 weeks.
2. Please note that Entrepreneur Pass applications will not be approved for the following sectors:
1) Cafes, hawker centers, and food courts
2) Bars, nightclubs, and karaoke establishments
3) Foot massage parlors and massage centers
4) Traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine sales
5) Employment bureaus and feng shui services

VI. You should use the services of a professional firm:

If you are operating on a tight budget, have sufficient time and experience to prepare the necessary documents for an Entrepreneur Pass application, and are prepared to face potential rejections and appeals, you may choose to apply yourself. In other circumstances, using a trusted professional firm to handle your Entrepreneur Pass application is a better option:
1. An experienced professional firm will help you ensure all necessary and supporting documents are completed accurately and efficiently, maximizing your chances of approval.
2. The agent will guide you in developing a business plan that meets government requirements. Typically, you will need to provide information about the risks and prospects of your business.
3. The professional agent will sponsor your application, exempting you from providing a US$3,000 bank guarantee to the authorities.
4. The agent will file and monitor the progress of the application, identify the reasons for rejection, and file appeals if necessary.
It should be noted, however, that the authority to grant an Entrepreneur Pass rests solely with government departments. Professional agents do not have decision-making authority in the application process.

VII. Business License Extension Guide:

The Entrepreneur Pass validity period is set by the government as one or two years. Typically, a renewal form will be sent to you three months before the expiration date. You must apply for a renewal within two months of the expiration date.

The following documents are generally required to apply for an Entrepreneur Pass renewal (or as stated in the renewal reminder letter):
1. A recent copy of the Business Registration Certificate.
2. The latest audited financial statements.
3. The local employee’s highest educational certificate. Please note that local employees must hold at least a National Technical Certificate (NTC2), National ITE Certificate (NITEC), or Vocational Qualification (obtained after a minimum of two years of full-time study).
4. The employee’s CPF statement.
5. An office lease agreement.
6. Supporting documents proving the company’s operational activities, such as an office lease agreement, client correspondence, issued invoices, or other evidence of contract tenders. It is important to note that authorities must verify that the company is actually conducting business and is not simply a fictitious entity.

VIII. Esin Business can help you in the following areas:

1. Provide pre-application information and professional advice for Entrepass applications;
2. Develop and compile business plans;
3. Prepare project plans and Entrepass application documents as needed;
4. Monitor the Entrepass application process;
5. Coordinate directly with MOM officials if necessary;
6. Submit additional documents as requested by MOM;
7. Closely monitor post-approval arrangements following Entrepass approval;
8. If an EntrePass application is rejected, we will determine the reasons for the rejection, notify you accordingly, and manage the follow-up process.

An Employment Pass (EP) is a work pass issued by Singapore to foreign professionals (managers, supervisors, or specialists). This pass is typically granted to experienced professionals, managers, executives, or project specialists.

The initial validity of an Employment Pass (EP) is typically 1-2 years, and it can be extended before its expiry (renewal also requires meeting the Compass Points System criteria). Holding an EP also qualifies you to apply for Singapore Permanent Citizenship.

I. EP Eligibility Criteria:

1. Salary: Specific salary standards for each position can be found in the PMET (Professional, Management, Executive, and Technical) salary guide published by the Ministry of Manpower.
2. Eligibility: Meeting the Compass points system criteria is sufficient.
3. Quota: There is no formal quota requirement. Each application is evaluated by the authority based on documentation from the employer and applicant.
4. Dependent’s Pass (DP): Applicable to those earning SGD 6,000 or more. Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for parents is available to those earning SGD 12,000 or more.
5. Permanent Citizenship (PR) Eligibility: Direct applications are allowed. Family members can also apply simultaneously.

II. Documents required to apply for a Employment Pass:

1. EP Application Form, which must be signed by the employing Singaporean company.
2. Curriculum Vitae detailing the applicant’s work history and experience.
3. Copies of academic certificates and previous employment references.
4. One passport photograph taken within the last three months.
5. Photocopy of the applicant’s passport data page.
6. Photocopy of the Singaporean company’s business profile.
7. Detailed description of the applicant’s job responsibilities.
8. Detailed description of the company’s business scope and/or products.
9. Additional supporting documents may be requested by the government as needed.
Requirements: Non-English documents must be officially translated into English.

III. Procedures and Schedule for Applying for Employment Pass:

1. Completed application forms must be submitted to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) along with the required supporting documents. Applications can be submitted manually or online. Online applications are generally faster (provided the company has registered its own online EP account), but they do not support the submission of supporting documents.
2. For online applications, once submitted, the standard processing time varies between 1 and 10 business days, depending on the eligibility of the employer and the applicant. For manual applications, MOM processing time is 3 to 6 weeks from the date of submission.
3. The overall application and approval time can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on various factors (such as the completeness of the applicant’s documents, whether the application process is online or manual, etc.).

IV. Employment Pass Application:

1. Once your Employment Pass visa application is approved, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will issue an Approval-in-Principle (IPA) letter to your employer’s registered address. The IPA letter is valid for six months, during which time you must collect your Employment Pass visa.
2. To collect your Employment Pass visa, MOM requires you to present the IPA letter, your passport, and copies of any additional documents specified in the IPA letter.
3. If you are overseas and require an entry visa, the IPA letter serves as a single-entry visa, allowing you to enter Singapore to collect your Employment Pass visa. If you have applied for a Dependent’s Pass and/or Long-Term Visit Pass visa for your family members, you can collect these visas together with your Employment Pass visa upon collection.
Note: Your EP application may be rejected. Therefore, do not make any relocation plans until you receive your approval letter (IPA).

V. Refusal of Employment Pass:

In fact, not all Employment Pass applications are approved. When considering an application, the Ministry of Manpower evaluates the applicant’s academic qualifications, work experience, and employer background. If the initial application is rejected, we will discuss the reasons for the rejection with the Ministry. If possible, we will address the issues raised by the authority before filing an appeal. If the additional details submitted are accepted by the Ministry, your application may be approved. Appeal processing time typically takes 4 to 6 weeks.

VI. Employment Pass Extension Procedure:

Generally, three months before your Employment Pass expires, an extension application form will be sent to your employer’s address. The extension application should be completed and submitted to the Ministry of Manpower at least four weeks before your Employment Pass expires. If your extension application is approved, your employer will receive an approval letter. You will then need to visit a Ministry of Manpower office to pick up your new Employment Pass, or the Ministry will send you one.

VII. Esin Business can help you in the following areas:

1. Provide pre-application information and professional advice for Employment Pass (EP) applications;
2. Submit and manage EP application documents;
3. Monitor the progress of EP applications throughout the process;
4. Coordinate directly with Ministry of Manpower (MOM) officials as needed;
5. Respond to MOM requests and submit additional documents as requested;
6. Closely monitor post-approval arrangements after EP approval;
7. Investigate reasons for EP application rejections and formulate effective appeal strategies.

Introduction to Tech Pass

In early 2020, the Singapore Economic Development Board announced the introduction of a new visa category, the Tech Pass. This initiative aims to attract top global tech talent to Singapore, thereby boosting the development of the country’s tech ecosystem and strengthening Singapore’s position as a leading regional tech hub.

Who is eligible to apply for the Tech Pass?

Applicants do not have to be employed by a Singaporean company. They can be employees of that company, or directly involved in entrepreneurial activities, investments, or serve as directors in Singapore. Applicants only need to meet two of the following three criteria to qualify for the Tech Pass. Holders of existing work passes such as the Employment Pass or Personalized Employment Pass can also apply to convert their passes to the Tech Pass if they meet the eligibility requirements:

A fixed monthly salary of at least S$20,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency for the past year;

A minimum of five years of leadership experience in a technology company with a market capitalization of at least US$500 million or a minimum funding of US$30 million; and

A minimum of five years of cumulative experience leading the development of technology products with at least 100,000 monthly active users or a minimum revenue of US$100 million.

What supporting documents are required?

1. An original, completed, and signed Tech Pass application form (if applying for a Dependent Pass for a spouse and dependents under 21, the corresponding Dependent Pass application form must also be completed; if applying for a Long-Term Pass for a parent, the corresponding Long-Term Pass application form must also be completed);
2. Relevant supporting documents demonstrating compliance with the Technology Pass requirements;
3. A photo page of the applicant’s passport; and
4. If a Dependent Pass/Long-Term Pass is required, proof of the relationship between the dependent and the applicant, along with documents proving compliance with relevant vaccination requirements.

How long does the application process take?

The Technology Pass program opened for applications in January 2020, with a total of 500 slots available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Technology Pass is valid for two years and can be extended if the specified criteria are met, with the extension also valid for two years. The initial application process for the STP typically takes approximately eight weeks. The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) will assess all submitted documents and evaluate the applicant’s potential contribution to Singapore’s technology ecosystem. If the EDB requires additional information from the applicant, the actual processing time may be extended. Once approved, the applicant will receive an electronic letter of approval in principle (IPA).

What steps must be taken after receiving the IPA?

1. The applicant must travel to Singapore to process the STP within the six-month period granted by the IPA. In principle, extensions of the IPA are not permitted.
2. The applicant must commence work or business activities in Singapore and must be present in Singapore to process the STP.

What are the requirements for extending the STP?

To extend the STP after its expiry, the applicant must meet one of the following two criteria:

1. Based on the latest assessment notice from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), the applicant has earned taxable income of at least S$240,000, which may consist of salary income, business income, or a combination of both; or
2. Demonstrate annual business expenditure of at least S$100,000 and employ at least one Singaporean professional/manager/executive or three full-time employees.

In addition, meet at least two of the following ten criteria, with at least one from criteria one to five:

1. Established a company in Singapore that provides technology or technology-based products/services;
2. Held a leadership position in a Singapore technology company (e.g., Chief Executive Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Asia-Pacific Regional General Manager);
3. Held leadership positions in two or more Singapore technology companies;
4. Employed in a Singapore company in a technical role leading a company team (e.g., Senior Engineer or Senior Researcher leading a team in a specific technology area);
5. Employed in two or more Singapore companies in a technical role leading a company team;
6. Served as a member of the board of directors of a Singapore company (which does not have to be a technology company);
7. Acted as an advisor/mentor to a Singapore startup;
8. Held a professor/lecturer/visiting professor/visiting lecturer position at a Singapore higher education institution;
9. Provided certain forms of training (e.g., workshops, corporate training programs) not covered by points 7 or 8 above; and
10. Invested in one or more Singapore technology companies.

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.

More details

More details

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.