Which is Easier for PR Application in Singapore: Self-Employed EP or Employment EP?
Many Employment Pass (EP) holders in Singapore are concerned about one question:
Do I have a chance to convert to Permanent Resident (PR)? Between self-employed EP and regular employment EP, which is easier for PR conversion?
There are many rumors online, such as "self-employed EP cannot convert to PR" or "employment EP has more advantages," but there are actually no clear official standards to make an absolute judgment. Let's rationally analyze the differences and key influencing factors from an experiential perspective.
No Written Rules on Which is Easier, But Different Assessment Logic
Singapore's Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has never publicly disclosed specific PR review criteria, nor stated that employment EP is definitely easier for PR conversion than self-employed EP.
In fact, the core indicators when both EP types apply for PR are broadly similar, but with slightly different assessment focuses.
We can compare from the following dimensions:
1. Applicant's Personal Conditions
| Criteria | Employment EP | Self-Employed EP |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Very important, priority given to bachelor's degree and above | Also important, but usually not the core deciding factor |
| Salary | Higher is better, especially above industry average | Similarly helpful, demonstrates company profitability |
| Age | Usually prioritizes talents aged 30-45 | Same as above |
| Work Experience | Clear advantage, helps demonstrate professional background | Better if it reflects past entrepreneurial or management achievements |
| Family Living Together in Singapore | Very important, bonus points | Equally important |
2. Company/Enterprise Influence
| Criteria | Employment EP | Self-Employed EP |
|---|---|---|
| Company Size | Larger companies are more favorable, especially state-owned enterprises, listed companies, MNCs | Depends on applicant's own company, higher annual revenue and more employees are advantageous |
| Industry Type | Priority for popular industries like tech, finance, biotech | Similarly, more favorable if the self-employed company is in government priority sectors |
| Contribution to Local Society | E.g., hiring local employees, participating in social activities | Same applies, especially persuasive with 5-10+ local employees |
3. Overall Logic Comparison
| Assessment Dimension | Employment EP | Self-Employed EP |
|---|---|---|
| How ICA views company background? | Looks at your employer's strength and stable development | Looks at whether your own company operates genuinely, has growth, and employees |
| How ICA views your role? | Whether you're in a key position (e.g., senior management, technical expert) | Whether you're a truly capable business operator |
In short:
✅ Employment EP PR application evaluates your value "as an employee";
✅ Self-employed EP PR application evaluates your contribution "as a business owner".
Common Misconceptions Clarified
- ❌ "Self-employed EP cannot convert to PR": Inaccurate, many successful cases actually come from self-employed EP, the key is genuine business operations.
- ❌ "As long as COMPASS score is enough, you can get PR": COMPASS is only a scoring system for EP application, it has no direct relation to PR approval.
- ✅ ICA mainly evaluates your "long-term contribution potential" to Singapore's society, economy, and employment.
So, Most Important Is — Which Suits You
Actually, most people aren't choosing between "employment EP" and "self-employed EP", but rather their identity, capabilities, and development path naturally determine which method suits them:
- Those who can apply for employment EP are typically professionals employed by large companies, with high education, high positions, and high income.
- Those who can apply for self-employed EP are often business owners with entrepreneurial ability and independent operation experience, preferring to control their own career and status.
✅ Self-employed EP applicants typically wouldn't choose to get employment EP,
✅ While employment EP applicants mostly don't have the conditions or willingness for self-employment.
Therefore, there's no "which is better", only which suits you better.
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