My Company Is New – Can It Still Apply for an Employment Pass in Singapore?

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You’ve just incorporated your company in Singapore.

You have big plans.
You’re ready to start operations.
You may even have secured your first client.

But now you’re asking:

“My company is new — can it still apply for an Employment Pass (EP)?”

This is one of the most common concerns among:

  • Foreign entrepreneurs
  • Startups
  • Newly incorporated SMEs
  • Companies expanding into Singapore

The short answer is:

Yes, a new company can apply for an Employment Pass.

But approval depends on how well your company is structured and presented.

In this detailed guide, we will explain:

  • How MOM evaluates new companies
  • What risks new companies face
  • How to strengthen your EP application
  • Common rejection reasons
  • Strategic steps to improve approval chances

First: Who Approves Employment Pass Applications?

All EP applications are assessed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

When reviewing a new company’s EP application, MOM evaluates two key components:

  1. The candidate (salary, qualifications, experience)
  2. The company (credibility, sustainability, contribution to Singapore)

For new companies, the second component becomes extremely important.

Why Are New Companies Scrutinised More Closely?

From MOM’s perspective, they must prevent:

  • Shell companies created solely to obtain visas
  • Non-operational entities
  • Artificial salary structures
  • Unsustainable businesses

Singapore welcomes entrepreneurship — but EP approval requires genuine commercial intention.

A newly incorporated company does not automatically mean rejection — but preparation matters significantly.

What MOM Looks at in New Company EP Applications

Let’s break this down clearly.

1. Is the Business Genuine?

MOM may assess:

  • What is your business activity?
  • Do you have a clear revenue model?
  • Is there a business plan?
  • Have you secured contracts or clients?
  • Do you have a physical office or coworking space?

If your company was incorporated yesterday and has no activity, approval becomes harder.

2. Paid-Up Capital

Legally, you can incorporate with $1.

But for EP purposes, minimal capital may look weak.

While there is no official minimum capital requirement, reasonable paid-up capital shows seriousness and financial commitment.

Higher capital signals sustainability.

3. Financial Sustainability

MOM will consider:

  • Can the company afford to pay the proposed salary?
  • Is projected revenue realistic?
  • Are financial commitments manageable?

If your startup proposes to pay a high monthly salary without revenue or capital backing, sustainability concerns arise.

4. Local Hiring Plans

Singapore’s framework emphasises supporting local employment.

New companies that:

  • Plan to hire Singaporeans
  • Already hired local staff
  • Show workforce growth plans

Are viewed more favourably.

A company with zero local hiring intention may face higher scrutiny.

5. Salary Benchmark of the Applicant

Whether you are hiring someone or applying for yourself as founder, salary must:

  • Meet EP minimum threshold
  • Be age-appropriate
  • Be competitive relative to industry
  • Be financially sustainable

Salary that is too low fails eligibility.

Salary that is unrealistically high for a startup may appear artificial.

6. COMPASS Scoring Still Applies

Your EP application must score at least 40 points under COMPASS.

Points consider:

  • Salary competitiveness
  • Qualifications
  • Company workforce diversity
  • Support for local employment
  • Strategic industry bonus

New companies may have limited workforce diversity data, which can impact scoring.

Understanding COMPASS before submission is critical.

Special Case: Founder Applying for Own EP

Many new companies are set up by foreign entrepreneurs.

If you are:

  • Shareholder
  • Director
  • Founder

You may apply for your own EP.

However, founder applications face deeper scrutiny because:

  • You control the salary
  • You control company structure
  • You are both employer and employee

MOM will examine:

  • Business plan
  • Capital injection
  • Revenue projections
  • Commercial viability
  • Your background relevance

Strong preparation is essential.

Common Reasons New Company EP Applications Get Rejected

Let’s be realistic.

Rejections often occur because of:

❌ No Business Activity

Company incorporated but no transactions, contracts, or operations.

❌ Low Paid-Up Capital

Minimal capital with high salary proposal.

❌ Weak Business Plan

Vague description without market analysis or projections.

❌ Unrealistic Salary

Salary inconsistent with business scale.

❌ Qualification Mismatch

Founder background unrelated to business activity.

❌ No Local Hiring Commitment

No Singaporean employees or hiring plans.

How to Increase Approval Chances for New Companies

Here are practical strategies:

✔ Inject Meaningful Paid-Up Capital

Demonstrates commitment and sustainability.

✔ Open Corporate Bank Account Early

Shows operational readiness.

✔ Prepare a Detailed Business Plan

Include:

  • Market analysis
  • Revenue model
  • Growth strategy
  • Hiring roadmap
  • Financial projections

Professional presentation strengthens credibility.

✔ Show Early Commercial Activity

Even small contracts or invoices demonstrate business reality.

✔ Hire at Least One Local Employee

This significantly improves company profile.

✔ Structure Salary Carefully

Avoid paying yourself too little or unrealistically high.

✔ Align Your Background With Business

If you are opening a consultancy, show relevant industry experience.

How Long Does EP Take for New Companies?

Processing timeline typically remains:

3 to 8 weeks.

However, new company cases may:

  • Receive additional queries
  • Require further documents
  • Take slightly longer for review

Patience and proper documentation help.

What If My New Company EP Gets Rejected?

If rejected, you may:

  • File an appeal within 3 months
  • Strengthen business fundamentals
  • Inject more capital
  • Hire local employees
  • Adjust salary
  • Improve business documentation

Appeals must provide new information — not repeat the same submission.

Is It Better to Wait Before Applying?

In some cases, yes.

If your company:

  • Has no revenue
  • Has no business activity
  • Has minimal capital
  • Has no office setup

It may be strategic to:

  • Strengthen company first
  • Show some commercial traction
  • Then apply

Timing matters.

Does Industry Sector Matter?

Yes.

Companies operating in:

  • Technology
  • Fintech
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Healthcare innovation

May receive additional strategic consideration under COMPASS bonus points.

But regardless of industry, financial sustainability and credibility remain essential.

Should You Engage Professional Help?

New company EP applications involve both:

  • Immigration law understanding
  • Business structuring strategy

Many founders choose professional support because:

  • They are unfamiliar with Singapore policies
  • They want to avoid rejection
  • They are relocating families
  • They are investing significant capital
  • They want proper documentation drafting

Professional advisors can:

  • Evaluate eligibility
  • Structure salary strategically
  • Draft business plan
  • Assess COMPASS scoring
  • Handle MOM clarifications
  • Prepare appeal if necessary

Reducing uncertainty is valuable when launching a new venture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Company Apply Immediately After Incorporation?

Yes — but strength of company profile matters.

Is There a Minimum Revenue Requirement?

No official minimum — but sustainability must be demonstrated.

Do I Need Local Shareholders?

No, but you need at least one local resident director until EP is approved.

Can I Apply for PR After EP?

Yes, but PR is assessed separately by ICA.

Final Thoughts: New Companies Can Apply — If Structured Properly

If you are thinking:

“My company is new — can it still apply for an Employment Pass?”

The answer is yes.

But success depends on:

  • Salary competitiveness
  • Financial sustainability
  • Business credibility
  • Local hiring plans
  • Proper documentation
  • Strong COMPASS scoring

Singapore welcomes new businesses — but expects seriousness and economic contribution.

The stronger your company foundation, the higher your approval probability.

If you need assistance with:

  • New company EP applications
  • Founder EP structuring
  • Salary benchmarking
  • Business plan preparation
  • COMPASS evaluation
  • EP appeal after rejection

Find out more at https://employmentpassapplication.sg/

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