Essential employment paperwork in Singapore
Before you start your life in Singapore, you would need a proper visa, especially for work and business. Find the appropriate type of pass for your line of work when you move in the country.
Visa
Employment and Dependent Pass
- Working professionals in Singapore usually get an Employment Pass (EP). Applications for EP (and Dependent Pass applications for accompanying family) are submitted to the Ministry of Manpower by the sponsoring company on behalf of the foreign hire. The application is a relatively straightforward process taking two to three weeks of processing time. The application may be submitted manually or online. Presently, the issue of an Employment Pass (EP) is tied to a specific employer, and any change of employer requires a new application. If an EP holder leaves the company, his EP is cancelled and he must leave Singapore unless he is hired by a new company. However, the new PEP is not tied to any employer and will be granted on the strength of an EP holder’s credentials.
The Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)
- The PEP is a new scheme to facilitate the contributions of global talent to Singapore. A PEP holder can remain in Singapore for up to six months in between jobs to look for new job opportunities.
Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass)
- This pass allows foreigners to start and operate a business in the country. There are certain requirements and eligibility for the type of business that can grant you and EntrePass. Check with the MOM's website for details
"Once I arrived slightly early at the MOM, and by the actual time of my scheduled appointment, I was walking out the door, all the paperwork and processing complete. Pretty painless." - Ella Smythe, Expat in Singapore
Taxes
Like Hong Kong, Singapore is considered by many as a tax haven because of the low tax rates. This also makes Singapore an attractive place to relocate to.
Corporate income tax is levied at a rate of 18%. For tax residents, individual income taxes are based on a progressive system. Tax amounts range from 0% to 20%, depending on the income bracket one falls into. The tax rate for non-residents is a flat rate of 15%.