Dependent Pass change to Sole Proprietor

[Mirandouli]

Can anyone help please? I'm on a dependent pass. I went to MOM and they told me I can register my buiness with ACRA and THEN apply to MOM for a change through LOC. After clearance from Home Affairs and Police Department. I can't wait to hear what other obstacles will be put in my way......

Because I am a professional massage therapist and all the controversy at the moment - with the authorities not distinguishing between professionally trained massage therapists and workeres in massage parlours, I decided to consult a professional accounting firm to help with registration.

They say that a dependent Pass holder can not start up their own buiness in Singapore without a PR or Singaporean as a PARTNER.

What's the go?

I only want to work legitimately with the proper licences/registration but it seems no-one knows the real way to get registered. I'm going round and round in circles like never before in any other country I've practiced.

I THINK I NEED A MASSAGE!

[jpatokal]

Here's the deal -- Singapore isn't interested in providing work permits for jobs that can be performed by Singaporeans, such as traditional massage, and this is why you're getting the runaround. You'll need to spin it so that you're bringing in skills that can't be done by Singaporeans; a certificate in Belgian Spine-Cracking Ang Moh Death Massage, for example.

As you're here on a dependent pass, I presume your partner is Singaporean/PR -- can you get them to sign up to your incorporation papers?

[Strong Eagle]

JP has got it right. Check the second paragraph under eligibility requirements for an Entrepass.

http://www.mom.gov.sg/ProceduresAndGuid ... urs%29.htm

[Mirandouli]

Thanks for the sense of humour - I needed a laugh - it's hard to keep positive when you get door slam after door slam. How about my speciality being "Policy Maker's Mind-Stretching Massage".

My husband is an expat on an employment permit. I was told at MOM that an entrepass would be even harder to obtain. Because a professional Massage therapist is not distinguished in category from a Massage Parlour worker - it precludes me from even aplplying for Entrepass. Quote from page you suggested" [i]"In addition, businesses .... massage parlours, will not be considered for an EntrePass[/i]"

The only thing wrong with the authorities throwing "the baby out with the bath water" when it comes to the Profession is that those of us who are legitimate give up, and those who belong to the shady industry just find another loophole to keep on operating..... Just a shame for the community.

Thanks for your help anyway.