Requirements and Standards for Singapore Self-Employment EP Application in 2025

As Singapore's continued attractiveness to foreign high-end talent continues to rise, Singapore Self-Employment EP has become one of the viable pathways for more and more entrepreneurs and professionals to enter Singapore. Especially for foreign applicants who wish to set up their own companies and operate them personally, Singapore Self-Employment EP provides a legal possibility to "obtain a work pass through corporate identity".

So, what requirements need to be met to apply for Self-Employment EP in 2025? Are the standards higher than before?

Official Minimum Threshold (Can be Considered as "Submission Eligibility")

Self-Employment EP is essentially still an EP, so the basic requirements applicable are consistent with regular EP:

1. Minimum Monthly Salary Requirement for Applicants:
   • Usually starting from SGD 5,000/month,
   • If the applicant is older or in a highly competitive industry, it is recommended to be higher than SGD 8,000~10,000/month to improve credibility.
2. Education and Work Background:
   • Usually requires a bachelor's degree or above (preferably from a recognized formal university)
   • Have relevant work experience, especially management experience, professional skills or project achievements
3. COMPASS Scoring System:
   • From 2023, EP applications must meet the minimum COMPASS score (40 points)
   • Among them, employer-related scoring items (such as local employment ratio) often have no data for new companies, which means you need to rely on the applicant's background and salary to score points
   • However, COMPASS is only a submission threshold, not a standard for successful approval

✅ Meeting the above conditions only means you can submit an application, but does not guarantee approval.

"Actual Review Standards" for Self-Employment EP

In 2025, Singapore's review of EP, especially Self-Employment EP, has become stricter. The key to successful application lies in "actual credibility" and "business reasonableness".

The Ministry of Manpower usually focuses on evaluating the following aspects:

1. Whether the company is actually operating

• Is it a legally registered Singapore company (Pte. Ltd.)
• Is there an actual office address (not just a registered address)
• Is there startup capital, business plan and employment plan

2. Whether the business plan is clear and executable

• Include market analysis, product/service introduction, business model, revenue forecast
• Show why you need to take this position yourself and why you can't hire locals
• Does the plan reflect a willingness to operate locally for the long term, rather than just a "nominal company" to obtain a pass

3. Whether the applicant matches the position

• Do your education and resume support you in this position?
• Are your achievements and experience in the original industry convincing?
• Do you have past projects, client resources or cases to support?

4. Whether you can bring value to Singapore

• Is the company likely to hire local employees?
• Is there technology output, innovation, employment generation and other positive impacts?
• Is there a plan for long-term operation, rather than an "identity application" for residence purposes?

5. Whether the materials are complete and logically clear

• Are all documents authentic, compliant, and convincing
• Can you use a complete logical chain to dispel MOM's doubts
• Are materials such as business plans, job descriptions, and contract arrangements presented professionally

Key Reminder: Pass Rate Depends on "Overall Credibility"

Especially in 2025, the Ministry of Manpower has strengthened the review of EP, including:

• Spot checking whether approved EPs are actually operating
• Verifying the authenticity of application materials
• Identifying those who abuse the EP system to prevent "moving in the name of entrepreneurship"

Therefore, submitting an EP is no longer just formally "meeting the conditions", but requires the overall plan to have credibility.

Recommendation: Preparation is More Important Than Submission

For Self-Employment EP applicants, it is recommended to do the following before submission:

• Prepare a complete, professional, and logical set of application materials in advance
• Conduct background matching analysis and material packaging through professional service agencies
• Clarify risk items to avoid supplementary documents or rejection after submission

✅ Successful EP application = Real background + Professional planning + Strategic presentation

Summary

In 2025, Singapore Self-Employment EP is still a viable path for relocation and entrepreneurship, but the threshold and review standards have significantly increased.

Applicants not only need to meet basic salary and education thresholds, but also convince MOM through complete, professional, and logical business plans and operational arrangements that you truly have the ability and necessity to operate a company in Singapore.

If you are considering coming to Singapore through Self-Employment EP, it is recommended to find professional agencies for assessment and planning from the beginning, rather than "registering a company first and then temporarily supplementing materials", which would be very risky.

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