Freelance journalist on dependant pass. What are my options?

[RubyVernon]

Hi there, I'm an Australian journalist, relocating to Singapore in early December as my husband has just started a permanent job. I will be on a dependant's pass. Ideally I would like to find a full-time job, although I assume this may take time. In the interim, I thought I could write freelance for a number of different magazines. This may be a sensible choice in the economic climate as many companies are imposing staff-hiring freezes which can then lead to more need for freelance contractors.

What are my options? Is it possible for me to start my own business and then employ myself to get a work visa? Where do I start?!

Many thanks in advance for your advice.

[sundaymorningstaple]

You have two options.

"Letter of Consent" which will allow any employer to hire you without regard to meeting the normal EP requirements regarding income and/or qualifications. The employer has to apply for it and it's tied to your spouse's EP.

"Entrepass" which means starting up your own company but you need to submit a business proposal and go through lots of red tape. Can be done as as Pte Ltd company or as a Sole Proprietorship. See this thread for more details: http://www.singaporeexpats.com/forum/ftopic38927.html

I would suggest that you approach the different media here if you have a decent and recent portfolio. The Letter of Consent is the easiest route to go but some employers are hesitant as they don't even know it's available.

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

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

sms

[RubyVernon]

Thanks for your reply. One question. Can I have multiple employers if I go for the "Letter of Consent" option?

[sundaymorningstaple]

I'm afraid I don't have an answer for that one. I would guess probably not. The only reason for that is that I would think they would be consistent across all working permits rather that having one only that is different. I could be wrong though but only MOM would be able to answer that one.

When you change employers while on a Letter of Consent you need to get a new one so that would probably be indicative of only one employer allowed at a time.

sms