Contractors in Singapore

Discuss your views about Singapore business & economy, current policies & issues, starting a business in Singapore.
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Strong Eagle
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Post by Strong Eagle » Mon, 24 Sep 2007 9:40 pm

Bufferine wrote:
You cannot first create a company and then apply for an EP for yourself. (Well, you can, you just won't get very far unless you've got serious amounts of money.) The Entrepass is meant specifically for setting up new companies in Singapore, but the vetting is pretty strict.
The company I'm talking to claims they can do just that - I'm already here on a work permit, but they offer the nominal director service too...

Singapore Immigration allows foreigners to apply for an Employment Pass after they have incorporated their Singapore Company, to enable them to live and work in Singapore. The Singapore Employment Pass comes with a valid stay visa for up to two years. deletions The application can be submitted on-line and due to this the outcome of the application from the Ministry of Manpower is obtained within a shorter period of time and the probability for approval is higher than an EntrePass application.

I can't find where I saw it on the site now, but they claimed their success rates were quite high, and they certainly seem responsive to my questions - expensive though (a little over S$3k for company, work permit, and all the bits and pieces to keep it going for a year). I just googled and found them - I'm guessing there's other companies that offer similar services..[/i]
So, here's the big question: Why would you (MOM) set up a relatively complex scheme of a business plan in order to get an Entrepass and then leave a back door big enough to drive a truck through? It doesn't make sense.

If all it takes is to form a local company with a local director, then apply for an EP, there would be hordes of people swarming to Singapore's shores.

I think there are two controlling factors. First, you really would have to possess skills to qualify for an EP. And second, the director is really holding himself in a legally liable position. He/she is saying that they are creating a specific kind of business which requires a specific kind of employee, yet you know they are doing nothing but providing an end around the proper process.

Who knows? Maybe it works? I wonder for how long?

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jpatokal
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Post by jpatokal » Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:28 am

monkey wrote:Does Singapore have the same concept of "umbrella companies" as in the UK where your employed by the umbrella company and work on the client site. The umbrella company takes care of all paperwork, including taxes, provides for profesional imdemnity insurance etc and you receive a salary for a minimal fee.
So, as far as I'm aware the answer is "no", there are no companies in Singapore that provide such a service, but I'm starting to think fairly seriously about setting up one geared towards expats. I'd be interested from hearing from any current or potential freelancers/contractors out there, especially those unhappy with their current setup; drop me a line if this sounds like you. (If you can't send PMs yet, you can reach me at jpatokal at iki dot fi.)
Vaguely heretical thoughts on travel technology at Gyrovague

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Strong Eagle
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Post by Strong Eagle » Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:49 am

Check out the new Entrepass rules, JP

http://www.mom.gov.sg/publish/momportal ... epass.html

Check the FAQ's as well.

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