Singapore is one of the world’s most business-friendly economies, attracting thousands of entrepreneurs, start-ups, and foreign investors each year. As a result, many foreigners set up new companies in Singapore and plan to relocate here to run or manage these businesses. Naturally, one of the first questions they ask is:
“Can I apply for an Employment Pass (EP) under a newly incorporated company?”
The short answer is: Yes, absolutely.
A newly incorporated company can apply for an Employment Pass for foreign directors, founders, and key managerial or specialist employees.
However, the approval is not automatic. In fact, EP applications from new companies undergo stricter scrutiny, because MOM wants to ensure the company has a genuine business plan, real economic activity, and legitimate hiring needs—not simply created as a shell for obtaining a work pass.
This article explains in detail:
- Whether new companies can apply for EP
- Approval criteria and MOM considerations
- How to strengthen EP applications for new companies
- The documents required
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Practical strategies to improve approval chances
Let’s dive in.
1. Yes, New Companies Can Apply for Employment Passes
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) allows newly incorporated companies to hire foreign professionals through an EP application, provided the company can:
- Show strong business viability
- Demonstrate a genuine hiring need
- Pay a salary that fits the EP criteria
- Prove the applicant has the right skills, qualifications, and experience
This is especially applicable for:
- Foreign founders setting up a Singapore company
- Startups launching regional or global operations
- Foreign companies incorporating a Singapore subsidiary
- Entrepreneurs relocating to run their own business
- Newly formed firms hiring specialist staff not available locally
There is no minimum age for a company before applying—it could be one day old, one month old, or newly registered.
What matters is the strength of the supporting documents and whether the business appears credible.
2. What MOM Looks For in EP Applications From New Companies
When a newly incorporated company applies for an EP, MOM evaluates two main aspects:
A. Whether the APPLICANT is suitable
This includes:
- Relevant education
- Skills, certifications, and experience
- Professional track record
- Matching of skills to job role
- Seniority and salary level
- COMPASS criteria (salary, qualifications, diversity, support for local employment)
B. Whether the COMPANY is viable and genuine
New companies must show they are not “shell companies” formed solely to obtain work passes.
MOM looks at the following indicators:
1. Real Business Activities
MOM checks whether the company has:
- A real office or working space (even co-working is acceptable)
- A functioning website
- Marketing materials
- A clear operational plan
- Active business development
2. Sufficient Capital Injection
A newly registered company should show:
- Paid-up capital (at least S$50,000 is recommended)
- Shareholder commitment
- Financial ability to pay the EP salary
While there is no official minimum, S$50,000 to S$100,000 signals seriousness.
3. Business Plan
The strongest applications include:
- A 12-month business plan
- Financial projections
- Potential clients or partners
- Hiring plans
- Explanation of why the EP applicant is essential
4. Ability to Contribute to Singapore’s Economy
This includes:
- Job creation for locals
- Plans to hire local PMETs
- Skills transfer
- Economic impact
5. Industry Outlook
Applications in high-demand industries have smoother approvals:
- Technology
- Fintech
- AI, machine learning
- Cybersecurity
- Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Global trading
- and more
Industries with lower barriers may require stronger documentation.
3. Why Employment Passes Are Harder for New Companies
Because newly incorporated companies have no track record, MOM applies more rigorous checks to ensure:
- The business is not created just for EP approval
- The company is financially strong enough to operate
- The role is real and crucial to the business
- The applicant is genuinely qualified
This does not mean EP approval is impossible—many foreign founders obtain EPs each year. But strong documentation is essential.
4. How to Strengthen an EP Application for a Newly Incorporated Company
To improve your approval chances, focus on strengthening both the applicant profile and the company profile.
A. Strengthening the Applicant Profile
1. Ensure the Salary Is Competitive
- Meet or exceed the EP qualifying salary
- Align salary with industry benchmarks
- Salary must match the applicant’s seniority
2. Strong, relevant experience
Show:
- Years of experience
- Industry-specific expertise
- Clear track record
- Achievements in past roles
3. Professional qualifications or certifications
Such as:
- MBA, ACCA, CPA
- IT certifications (AWS, CISSP, PMP)
- Engineering qualifications
- Industry licensing
4. Clear job scope
The job description should:
- Match applicant experience
- Show managerial/specialist responsibilities
- Include strategic duties
- Demonstrate why local hires cannot fill the role
B. Strengthening the Company Profile
1. Prepare a Strong Business Plan
A business plan should include:
- Company overview
- Market analysis
- Product/services details
- Business model
- Marketing strategy
- 1–2-year revenue forecast
- Hiring plan
- Explanation of applicant’s role
This is one of the most important documents for new companies.
2. Provide Proof of Business Activity
Examples:
- Invoices
- Client contracts
- Letters of intent
- Supplier agreements
- Partnership letters
- Website analytics
- Sales pipeline
MOM wants to see genuine business traction.
3. Show a Real Workspace
Even co-working spaces count, such as:
- JustCo
- WeWork
- Distrii
- The Executive Centre
Provide address proof or tenancy agreement.
4. Demonstrate Local Hiring Commitment
Companies that plan to hire locals later show stronger prospects.
Mention:
- Future roles for Singaporeans
- Training plans
- Upskilling initiatives
This supports COMPASS scoring under the “Local Employment” criteria.
5. Inject Adequate Paid-Up Capital
Paid-up capital of S$50,000 or higher is recommended as it demonstrates:
- Financial seriousness
- Ability to operate
- Ability to pay salaries reliably
For tech startups, higher capital may be needed depending on the model.
5. Documents Required for EP Application Under a New Company
For Company:
- ACRA Bizfile
- Business plan
- Paid-up capital evidence
- Tenancy agreement (if applicable)
- Website, marketing materials
- Contracts, invoices, or LOIs (if any)
- Organisation chart
- Financial projections
For Applicant:
- Passport copy
- Resume/CV
- Educational certificates
- Transcripts
- Reference letters
- Portfolio (if applicable)
- Professional certifications
- Passport-sized photo
For EP Application Submission:
- Job description
- Salary details
- Company information
- Supporting documents
6. Common Reasons EP Applications From New Companies Get Rejected
1. Weak or generic job description
MOM rejects applications with unclear or overly simple roles.
2. Pay does not match job role
If salary appears too low or too high compared to role and experience, MOM may reject it.
3. Insufficient business activity
New companies with no clients, no website, and no operational proof are at risk.
4. Lack of relevant experience
If the applicant’s background does not match the job scope.
5. Low paid-up capital
Capital that appears too small to pay salaries or operate business.
6. Job roles that locals can fill
Roles in marketing, sales, admin, or HR require very strong justification.
7. Poor COMPASS score
Failure in salary, qualification, diversity, or local employment criteria.
7. Strategies to Improve Approval Success for New Companies
Below are practical, proven methods used by corporate services firms to secure EP approvals for new companies:
1. Craft a detailed and convincing job scope
Focus on strategic, technical, or managerial tasks.
2. Emphasise the applicant’s unique skills
Show why the applicant is essential, especially for early-stage companies.
3. Strengthen the company’s online presence
- Professional website
- Clear services
- Real contact info
- Social media or LinkedIn presence
4. Provide proof of clients or partnerships
Even early leads show market demand.
5. Increase paid-up capital if needed
Higher capital = stronger financial credibility.
6. Prepare a strong business plan
A persuasive business plan significantly increases approval likelihood.
7. Consider applying after starting some business activities
Examples:
- First client secured
- Market outreach done
- Basic operations started
8. Use a professional corporate service provider
Experts know how to structure:
- Job descriptions
- Business plans
- Supporting documents
- COMPASS optimisation
- Appeal letters
This greatly boosts approval success, especially for borderline cases.
8. What If the EP Is Rejected?
If an EP under a new company is rejected, you can still:
✔ File an appeal
With improved:
- Salary
- Job description
- Applicant documentation
- Proof of business activity
✔ Reapply after strengthening the company profile
Many EPs for new companies are approved on the second try after improvements.
✔ Seek professional evaluation
Corporate service providers can identify gaps and improve your case.
Conclusion
Yes, an Employment Pass can be successfully applied for under a newly incorporated company in Singapore. Thousands of foreign entrepreneurs and startup founders obtain EPs each year. However, approval is not guaranteed, especially since new companies lack financial history and operational track records.
To maximise your chances of approval, both the applicant and the company must present strong evidence of:
- Business viability
- Genuine hiring need
- Financial capability
- Relevant professional expertise
- Economic contribution to Singapore
By preparing proper documentation, building a convincing business plan, ensuring competitive salary, and demonstrating real business activities, newly incorporated companies can secure EP approvals with confidence.