Moving to Singapore has become the choice for an increasing number of entrepreneurs and business people. The process of immigrating to Singapore generally involves three steps: holding a long-term pass, converting to Permanent Residence (PR), and then becoming a Singaporean citizen through naturalization. In this article, we will introduce the most suitable immigration plan for entrepreneurs—immigrating to Singapore by setting up and operating your own company.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- The path: set up or acquire a Singapore company → apply for an Employment Pass (EP) sponsored by your own company → genuinely run the business → apply for PR under the PTS scheme.
- Requirements: the EP salary threshold starts at S$5,600 a month (S$6,200 in financial services) and rises with age, plus a pass of the COMPASS assessment — qualifications and experience are major scoring factors; the company must genuinely operate — premises, a corporate bank account and real business activity.
- Versus GIP: a far lower capital bar and no language requirement; business-owner status also demonstrates economic contribution more strongly at the EP-to-PR stage.
- Family: an EP holder earning a fixed monthly salary of at least S$6,000 can apply for Dependant’s Passes for a spouse and unmarried children under 21.
- Timeline: expect around 24 months end-to-end; ICA’s service standard for PR decisions is within 6 months, with some cases taking longer.
What is Singapore Self-Employment Immigration?
Singapore Self-Employment Immigration refers to the process of establishing or acquiring a company in Singapore and applying for an Employment Pass (EP) as a director of your own company. After obtaining an EP, you can then apply for Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) status, achieving the goal of long-term living, working, and residing in Singapore.
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Who Can Opt for the Singapore Self-Employment Immigration Scheme?
This pathway is particularly suitable for individuals who wish to obtain Singapore immigration status while starting or running a business in Singapore.
Our self-employment immigration program primarily serves the following groups:
- Entrepreneurs eager to expand their business in Singapore through self-employment immigration;
- High-net-worth professionals seeking global career development opportunities;
- Parents hoping to create a better educational and living environment for their families;
- Individuals and families planning for long-term residency in Singapore;
- Those considering applying for Singapore citizenship in the future.
What Are the Advantages of the Self-Employment Immigration Scheme?
Among the many pathways to immigrate to Singapore, the self-employment route is a relatively cost-effective and achievable option.
The application threshold for self-employment immigration is lower, with no language requirements. The investment cost is not as high as the Global Investor Programme (GIP). When applying for PR from an EP, the status of a business owner demonstrates a greater degree of participation and contribution to Singapore’s economy, giving you an advantage over regular Employment Pass holders.
This immigration pathway allows you to expand your business in Singapore and build your commercial empire, achieving a perfect work-life balance—the best of both worlds.
Specific advantages include:
- High Flexibility: There are no strict industry requirements; you can choose an industry you are passionate about to start your business.
- Family Reunification: EP holders can apply for dependant passes for their spouse and children, allowing the family to live together in Singapore.
- A Stepping Stone to PR: Holding an EP paves the way for applying for Singapore PR, providing opportunities for long-term residency and development.
What Key Steps Does Our Tailored Self-Employment Immigration Plan Include?
1. Register or Purchase a Company
You can set up a new company in Singapore or purchase an existing one through our network of resources. This company should be related to your professional background or interests.
Additionally, you will need to prepare the following: a fixed business premise and office lease agreement, a corporate bank account and proof of substantial business activities, and hiring local employees (optional). We can provide you with services related to establishing and operating the company, accompanying you throughout your entrepreneurial journey.
2. Apply for an Employment Pass (EP)
Once the company is established, you can apply for an EP as an employee of the company. This pass allows you to work legally in Singapore.
According to current Singapore immigration regulations, applicants must meet the salary threshold (from S$5,600, S$6,200 for the financial sector, rising with age) and pass the COMPASS assessment — qualifications and work experience are major scoring factors (a degree is not a hard requirement but weighs heavily) — with a genuine job offer. To understand the eligibility requirements in more detail, we strongly recommend that you consult with our advisors to prepare a complete application and ensure a successful EP application on the first attempt.
3. Operate the Company
While holding an EP, you need to actively manage and operate the company, ensuring it has business activities and complies with relevant regulations.
As a newcomer to Singapore or someone unfamiliar with local policies, we fully understand the challenges you face. You don’t need to worry about language barriers or legal hurdles in operating the company. We will guide and protect you, providing detailed professional advice on company operations or offering proxy operation services.
4. Apply for Permanent Residence (PR)
After holding an EP and working steadily in Singapore for a period, you can apply for Singapore PR, which grants you longer-term residency and work rights.
EP holders, especially entrepreneurs, can apply for PR through the Professionals, Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers (PTS) Scheme. During the EP to PR transition, we will strictly manage the relevant eligibility criteria for you (job position requirements, financial stability, proof of social contributions). We have provided PR application consulting for hundreds of clients and will ensure your application documents and qualifications are sufficient and complete.
Why Choose Our Singapore Self-Employment Immigration Program?
We have helped countless clients, including entrepreneurs, professionals, and their families, successfully obtain Singapore PR status. Our services include detailed initial consultations, assistance with collecting and organizing application documents, guidance on online submission, and providing additional information as required by the ICA.
Through our one-on-one, end-to-end service, we ensure every client achieves their goals with full satisfaction:
- Highly Personalized Immigration Plans: We tailor immigration pathways to each client’s unique background, professional field, and long-term goals, ensuring precision and efficiency.
- Seamless End-to-End Support: From the initial eligibility assessment to the final successful PR application, we provide comprehensive and detailed services to help clients navigate each step smoothly.
- Strong Local Resource Network: We have established deep partnerships with major banks, legal, and financial advisors in Singapore, providing clients with extensive professional support.
- Experienced Team: Our team consists of seasoned experts in immigration, law, finance, and other fields, ensuring clients receive the most professional and comprehensive services.
How Long Does Singapore Self-Employment Immigration Take?
From the moment you decide to embark on your Singapore journey, we estimate the entire self-employment immigration process will take approximately 24 months. For the PR stage, ICA’s service standard is a decision within 6 months, with some cases taking longer.
Once you have the basic information, you can start taking action! If you have concerns about operating a company in Singapore, don’t worry. Our self-employment immigration and company proxy operation programs offer a one-stop, hassle-free service. Please contact our professional immigration consultants, and we will provide you with the most suitable plan based on your individual circumstances.
Official Sources & References
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM) · Eligibility for Employment Pass
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM) · Apply for an Employment Pass
- Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) · Becoming a Permanent Resident
- ACRA · Registering a local company via Bizfile
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