(1) Academic and Experience Requirements

Although there are no mandatory academic qualification requirements for the Singapore Self-Employment Immigration Programme, it is recommended that applicants hold at least a diploma or higher qualification and possess executive or entrepreneurial experience. Applicants with a bachelor's degree should have relevant work experience; those with lower academic qualifications should have an extensive executive or entrepreneurial background.

(2) Age Requirements

Generally, applicants with a diploma qualification are recommended to be no older than 50 years of age; those with a bachelor's degree or above are recommended to be no older than 55. If an applicant holds a doctoral degree, has an exceptional background, or makes a substantial investment, the age requirement may be relaxed to 60 years of age or above.

((3) Income Requirements (EP Eligibility)

Applicants are required to maintain a monthly salary at a certain level to demonstrate their contribution to the Singapore economy. In addition to meeting the basic salary requirements, applicants must also pass the points-based COMPASS assessment.

Two-Stage Eligibility Assessment for EP Applications

Stage 1 — Salary Requirement

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifying salary, benchmarked against the top one-third of salaries of local PMETs (Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians) in Singapore, increasing with age.

For new EP applications submitted before 1 January 2027 and renewal applications expiring before 1 January 2028:

● All sectors except financial services: minimum salary of S$5,600/month (increasing with age from 23, up to S$10,700 for those aged 45 and above).

● Financial services sector: minimum salary of S$6,200/month (increasing with age from 23, up to S$11,800 for those aged 45 and above).

Stage 2 — Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS)

Unless exempt, EP applicants must pass the COMPASS assessment. COMPASS uses a transparent points-based system to help select high-quality foreign professionals while enhancing workforce diversity and building a strong local core workforce.

Applicants must attain 40 points to pass the COMPASS assessment.

Applicants who choose the Self-Employment Immigration Programme may arrange for themselves to be placed in executive-level or above positions, and may submit an EP application after meeting the COMPASS threshold of 40 points. Those without a bachelor's degree may meet the scoring requirements by increasing their salary (a monthly salary of S$22,500 provides a direct exemption from the COMPASS assessment).

(4) Position Requirements

Applicants must hold the position of director, executive director, or senior executive in an operating private limited company in Singapore.

(5) Financial Strength

Applicants must possess sufficient financial capability to support both their initial living expenses and business investment in Singapore, together with a sound financial plan. Applicants may be required to submit a detailed business plan clearly demonstrating the future business model, development plans, and intended use of funds for their operations in Singapore.

(1) Company Registration and Operational Requirements

● Applicants must register a company in Singapore and serve as a director or senior executive officer.

● It is advisable to select an industry with a degree of technical content for the nature of the business.

● At the initial stage of company registration, there is no requirement to pay up the registered capital, lease office premises, or hire local employees. However, to meet subsequent EP application requirements, the company must implement actual recruitment plans at the outset of operations. Generally, the company must have been in actual operation for 3 to 6 months after registration and must have completed the payment of registered capital in accordance with regulations.

● The company must engage a qualified Singapore-based corporate secretarial firm or service agent to provide administrative, legal, and operational support, and must have a local registered address.

● The company must have fixed business premises and a tenancy agreement, conduct actual business operations, employ local Singapore staff, and contribute to the Central Provident Fund (CPF) in accordance with the law.

(2) Business Plan and Long-Term Planning

Applicants must submit a detailed business plan covering:

● Personal background and strengths;

● Market analysis and customer channels;

● The feasibility of establishing business operations in Singapore.

In addition, applicants must progressively implement their recruitment plans to ensure the company is not merely a shell entity for the purpose of paying salaries. Applicants must demonstrate to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) that the company is in normal operation and has employed at least 1 to 2 local Permanent Residents or Singapore Citizens, with actual salaries paid and CPF contributions made.

(3) Funding Requirements

Different programme types have different investment amount requirements. It is generally recommended that the registered capital or investment amount be between S$100,000 and S$300,000. Certain special programmes (such as the PIC Self-Employment Immigration Programme) may require a higher investment amount.