Last updated: 2026-08-12
Can I get an EP by incorporating my own company in Singapore?
Yes in principle — a self-employed EP (director of your own Singapore company) still needs to clear COMPASS and typically requires a minimum paid-up capital (commonly cited around S$50,000, but MOM assesses case-by-case alongside business plan and hiring intent). Incorporation with ACRA happens before or alongside the EP application.
How the self-employed EP route works
You incorporate a Singapore company with ACRA and apply for an EP as a director of that company. The application is still assessed against the same qualifying salary and COMPASS criteria as a regular EP — owning the company does not bypass the framework.
What MOM looks at
A paid-up capital in the region of S$50,000 is commonly cited as the practical benchmark, but MOM assesses each case individually — the business plan, the company's hiring intent and the substance of the business all matter. A company that exists mainly to sponsor the owner's EP is a much harder sell than one with a genuine operating plan.
Related questions
- What are the basic eligibility requirements for an Employment Pass (EP)?
- Can I bring my spouse and children on a Dependant's Pass, and what does it cost?
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