Singapore Employment Pass for Your Own Company Complete Founder’s Guide (2026)

Getting a Singapore Employment Pass for your own company is the most practical route for foreign entrepreneurs who want to establish a legitimate business presence. Unlike the EntrePass which targets high-growth startups, the EP route through company sponsorship works for traditional businesses across all sectors. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) treats owner-director applications with extra scrutiny, but approval rates remain high for well-prepared applications with genuine business intent.

The key distinction is that you're not applying as an entrepreneur seeking a startup visa - you're applying as a skilled professional being hired by a Singapore company that happens to be owned by you. This means meeting standard EP requirements: minimum salary, educational qualifications, and demonstrating the company's ability to pay your salary and contribute to Singapore's economy.

Many founders assume EntrePass is the obvious choice, but the Employment Pass route through company sponsorship is often more practical. EntrePass targets high-growth, scalable startups with significant funding or innovative technology. Most traditional businesses - consulting, trading, services, small manufacturing - don't qualify for EntrePass criteria.

The process involves four distinct phases that cannot be rushed or done simultaneously. Each step has dependencies, and attempting shortcuts often leads to rejection or delays. Understanding the sequence helps set realistic expectations and avoid common mistakes that cost time and money.

ACRA allows company incorporation with just S$1 paid-up capital, but this creates problems for EP applications. MOM expects companies sponsoring foreign employees to demonstrate financial stability. A S$1 company cannot credibly pay S$5,600+ monthly salaries or contribute meaningfully to Singapore's economy.

Paid-Up Capital Strategy

The recommended approach is S$50,000 paid-up capital, which provides credibility for EP applications while remaining accessible for most entrepreneurs. This amount demonstrates serious business intent, covers initial operating expenses, and satisfies MOM's expectation of genuine business operations. You can start with authorized capital of S$100,000-500,000 and pay up S$50,000 initially.

Nominee Director Selection

• Professional service: Use established corporate services firm, not individuals
• Singapore resident: Must be Singapore citizen or PR with local address
• Clean record: No bankruptcy, criminal, or regulatory issues
• Industry experience: Preferably familiar with your business sector
• Resignation process: Clear agreement on resignation timing after EP approval

The EP application for company owners requires standard employment documentation plus additional business viability evidence. MOM wants to see that this is a genuine employment relationship, not just a visa scheme. The application must demonstrate both your qualifications as an employee and the company's ability to sustain employment.

Employment Pass salary requirements are age-adjusted, starting at S$5,600 for younger applicants and increasing to S$10,500+ for those over 40. Your company must demonstrate ability to pay this salary consistently, which is why adequate paid-up capital is crucial. The salary must be competitive for your role and industry in Singapore.

COMPASS Framework for Small Companies

Companies with fewer than 25 PMETs (Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians) receive 10 points by default on the C3 and C4 criteria of the COMPASS framework. However, you still need to meet the overall framework requirements, particularly on salary competitiveness (C1) and qualifications (C2). The framework ensures EP holders contribute meaningfully to Singapore's economy.

• C1 - Salary: Must meet minimum thresholds and be competitive for role
• C2 - Qualifications: Educational background and relevant experience
• C3 - Diversity: Small companies get 10 points automatically
• C4 - Local hiring: Small companies get 10 points automatically

The total investment for incorporating and obtaining EP approval extends well beyond government fees. Hidden costs include professional services, office setup, and maintaining business operations during the application period. Planning for realistic costs prevents cash flow problems that could jeopardize your application.

All amounts in SGD. Prices may vary.

Incorporation Costs

• ACRA incorporation fee: SGD315 (one-time)
• Nominee director service: SGD1200 - SGD2400
• Corporate secretary: SGD1000 - SGD1800
• Registered office address: SGD500 - SGD1200

EP Application Costs

• EP application fee: SGD225 (one-time)
• Professional consultation: SGD2000 - SGD5000 (one-time) (optional)
• Document preparation: SGD500 - SGD1500 (one-time) (optional)
• Business plan development: SGD1000 - SGD3000 (one-time) (optional)

Business Setup Costs

• Paid-up capital: SGD50000 (one-time)
• Corporate bank account: SGD500 - SGD1000 (one-time)
• Office setup/virtual office: SGD2000 - SGD8000
• Accounting software: SGD300 - SGD1200

Ongoing Operational Costs

• Monthly salary (minimum): SGD67200
• CPF contributions: SGD12096
• Accounting services: SGD3000 - SGD6000
• Annual filing fees: SGD60 - SGD400

💰 First Year Total: SGD140000 - SGD160000

📅 Annual Ongoing: SGD85000 - SGD95000

⚠️ Budget extra 20% for unexpected costs like additional documentation, legal advice, or application delays.

The Employment Pass route through company ownership offers significant advantages but comes with substantial commitments and costs. Understanding both sides helps make an informed decision about whether this path aligns with your business goals and financial capacity.

These errors cause application delays, rejections, or unnecessary complications:

1. Using S$1 paid-up capital

❌ Consequence: MOM questions business viability and ability to pay EP salary

✅ How to avoid: Invest realistic S$50,000+ paid-up capital to demonstrate serious business intent

2. Appointing yourself as initial director

❌ Consequence: Cannot be director until EP approved - creates legal complications

✅ How to avoid: Always use nominee director during incorporation and EP application phases

3. Underestimating total timeline

❌ Consequence: Cash flow problems and business planning disruptions

✅ How to avoid: Plan for 3-6 months minimum and maintain adequate cash reserves

4. Generic business plan

❌ Consequence: MOM rejects applications lacking specific Singapore market analysis

✅ How to avoid: Develop detailed business plan with Singapore-specific market research and financial projections

5. Ignoring COMPASS requirements

❌ Consequence: Application rejection despite meeting basic EP criteria

✅ How to avoid: Ensure salary competitiveness and strong qualifications even with small company advantages

Information compiled from official MOM guidelines, ACRA regulations, and consultation with immigration lawyers specializing in entrepreneur visas.

• MOM Employment Pass Guidelines: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/employment-pass (accessed 2026-01-15)
• MOM Employment Pass Eligibility: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/employment-pass/eligibility (accessed 2026-01-15)
• ACRA Company Registration: https://www.acra.gov.sg/ (accessed 2026-01-15)
• MOM COMPASS Framework: https://www.mom.gov.sg/employment-practices/fair-consideration-framework (accessed 2026-01-15)
• MOM Self Assessment Tool: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/employment-pass/eligibility/self-assessment-tool (accessed 2026-01-15)

Information accurate as of January 2026. Verify current requirements with official sources as regulations may change.