2025 Singapore Self-Employed EP Application Process and Timeline Complete Analysis
For overseas individuals planning to start a business or settle in Singapore, the self-employed Employment Pass (EP) has become an efficient and controllable pathway. Under the 2025 policy framework, the core logic of self-employed EP is: applicants obtain residency status through genuine business activities by registering a company in Singapore and hiring themselves as executives.
However, this seemingly simple process can easily lead to repeated requests for supplementary documents or even rejection if key steps and timing are not properly managed. This article will break down the entire process from company registration to final card collection, helping you plan a clear and efficient application route.
1. Preliminary Preparation Phase: Document Completeness Determines Startup Efficiency
The first step in applying for self-employed EP is not directly submitting forms, but completing dual preparation of personal and company materials. This phase requires 1-2 weeks.
Personal documents include: passport valid for at least 6 months, identity card, highest degree certificate (requires CHSI verification), detailed work experience from last two positions (emphasizing management experience)
Basic company registration materials cover: company name pre-approval (must avoid duplicating existing enterprises), business scope description, registered capital confirmation (recommend paid-up capital of S$150,000-300,000), shareholder equity proportions.
2. Company Registration: Industry Average 7-20 Working Days, We Only Need 1-2 Days
After materials are ready, enter the company registration phase:
- Engage a licensed secretarial company to submit registration application to Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)
- Simultaneously complete local director appointment (Singapore citizen/PR)
- Company secretary engagement
- Registered address rental (virtual address acceptable)
Due to generally low efficiency among Singapore service providers, average company registration process takes 7-20 working days, while we at Linkda can complete it in 1-2 days on average, with no expediting fees. Upon successful registration, obtain three key documents: Company Registration Paper (BizFile), Certificate of Incorporation, and Company Constitution.
3. Official EP Application: 10 Working Days Golden Review Period
After company registration, wait 7-10 days for new company information to sync with MOM, then submit EP application online through MOM website. Core steps include:
- Log into EPOL system (requires assistance from local director or service provider with EA qualification)
- Fill out EP application form
- Upload applicant's passport, education credentials, resume
Salary threshold increased. 2025 policy requirements: EP holders' salary threshold raised to monthly ≥S$5,600 for non-financial sectors, ≥S$6,200 for financial sector.
COMPASS scoring must reach 40 points. New companies with fewer than 25 employees automatically receive 10 points each for "Employee Nationality Diversity" and "Local Employee Ratio". Remaining 20 points can be achieved through "Salary" or "Education" (bachelor's degree 10 points, top universities 20 points). Simply put: "If education is insufficient, compensate with salary"
Current official review period is 2-3 weeks, complex cases requiring supplementary documents may extend to 4-6 weeks. Upon approval, receive In-Principle Approval Letter (IPA Letter), a temporary pass valid for 6 months.
4. Dependent Pass and Entry for Card Collection: Final Sprint for Status Landing
After main applicant's EP approval, can submit Dependent Pass (DP) applications for spouse and unmarried children under 21, requiring additional documents like marriage certificate and children's birth certificates. DP approval usually synchronizes with main EP or follows 1-2 days later.
Entry activation deadline is 6 months. Applicants must enter Singapore within IPA validity period and complete key operations: book MOM appointment for fingerprinting and collect physical EP card (approximately 7 days for card production).
Thus, the self-employed EP process is complete. Total timeline approximately 2-4 months, with company registration sync waiting period (7-10 days) and EP approval (2-3 weeks) as core time-consuming steps. Linkda's average processing time is around 1 month.
The value of service lies in providing efficient, worry-free, and reliable processing. For Singapore self-employed EP, from material preparation and company registration to final EP status landing, every step requires close attention to policy details and time windows. With increased processing thresholds and difficulty in 2025, comprehensive planning and professional efficient execution have become core to EP processing. For entrepreneurs truly rooting in Singapore, this EP card's value extends far beyond mere identity documentation—it represents a credible business starting point. Choosing the correct, reliable service provider is a crucial factor in whether your future Singapore operations can achieve twice the results with half the effort.
