Incorporation and obtaining an EP are separate matters
Incorporation establishes the business legally; an Employment Pass application concerns permission to work in the company. Plan these separately. Incorporation does not mean a person is authorised to work in Singapore.
Step 1: Discuss your business and personal background
Organise the company plan, proposed activities, founder's experience, role responsibilities and remuneration. Consultation identifies conditions and documents to check; it does not promise outcomes before assessment. Existing companies can describe current operations and staff.
Step 2: Check applicable EP eligibility requirements
EP eligibility includes applicable salary and COMPASS criteria; exemptions are checked separately. Verify requirements against the application date, industry, age and employer. Employers should also check Fair Consideration Framework advertising requirements and exemptions.
Step 3: Arrange incorporation and actual business operations
Before setup, confirm the name, shareholders, directors, registered address and secretary. Arrange business operations, accounting, bank accounts and employment according to actual needs. Sequence depends on documents, licences and processing progress; there is no fixed timeline for every company.
Step 4: Confirm the submitting party and documents
MOM states that employers or appointed employment agents submit EP applications. Obtain the applicant's written consent, prepare documents and submit as required. Founders must also clarify the submitting party and authorisation; “self-employed” does not remove employer submission steps.
Step 5: Arrange issuance and maintenance based on the outcome
After approval, arrange issuance according to the in-principle approval letter and official guidance. Maintain accounting, tax and corporate compliance records, checking requirements before renewal. If further documents are requested or an application is unsuccessful, reassess next steps from the notice rather than assuming incorporation guarantees approval.
Official Information & Further Reading
These links help check current authority guidance. Requirements follow official rules and case-specific notices at application time.