Independant IT Consultant in Singapore - Please help!

[Dave_33]

Hi all,

I'm planning to move to Singpore with my wife (Singaporean). I am currently working as an employee for a French company (I'm French by the way).
My company offers me the possibility to work as an independant from Singpore, with a contract around 4000 euros a month.

I have seen that I can create a company with "EntrePass". However, I have no successful company owner experience. Also, this option requires a Business Plan and looks quite troublesome.

Is there some "umbrella company" that offers to deal with the administrative paperwork and sponsor my employment pass?

Any suggestion would be appriciated!

[ksl]

Hi all,

I'm planning to move to Singpore with my wife (Singaporean). I am currently working as an employee for a French company (I'm French by the way).
My company offers me the possibility to work as an independant from Singpore, with a contract around 4000 euros a month.

I have seen that I can create a company with "EntrePass". However, I have no successful company owner experience. Also, this option requires a Business Plan and looks quite troublesome.

Is there some "umbrella company" that offers to deal with the administrative paperwork and sponsor my employment pass?

Any suggestion would be appriciated!

Depending on how long you have been married, I would of thought applying for PR the easiest and just registering the business on arrival. Not sure but I think one or two have applied for PR from abroad before they arrived in Singapore!

[Dave_33]

Thanks ksl.
I explored this option, but the problem is if I apply for PR with the support of my wife, I'll be liable for national service! I don't feel ready to serve in the Singapore army yet...

Any other suggestion?

[Saint]

Thanks ksl.
I explored this option, but the problem is if I apply for PR with the support of my wife, I'll be liable for national service! I don't feel ready to serve in the Singapore army yet...

Any other suggestion?

No you wont

[ksl]

Thanks ksl.
I explored this option, but the problem is if I apply for PR with the support of my wife, I'll be liable for national service! I don't feel ready to serve in the Singapore army yet...

Any other suggestion?

I doubt it, if you're over a certain age group and foreign, you will not be called up. Check with Saint! He's done it! I mean it really wouldn't be in Singapores interest to recruit foreign talent, that owes Singapore nothing. Then turn around and expect them to do NS, unless they are very young, I think the age limit may even be set at that of a professional soldier, which at a guess I would say 27. Although I don't really know, but the Army will, so ask them, if Saint cannot settle your mind. Being an ex pro myself with 10 years experience, I know there is an age limit for professionals and National servicemen too, so asking those that have the answers is the only way and have the paperwork sent to you, don't just believe what they say. It will be documented.

[sundaymorningstaple]

They didn't recruit him. He's getting his PR on family ties (Singaporean Wife) just like I did. If he's under 30 there is a very good possibility he'll be called up and if he's under 25 I wouldn't want to be in his shoes unless he's still fit. It's different if you are a PR under the Skilled & Technical Scheme, then you don't have to worry, only your male offsprings who are PR have to worry.

[Dave_33]

Thanks everyone for your precisions.
By the way, I'll turn 27 in september 2009, and I plan to relocate in Singapore in February 2010...
What if I'm called up? Can I simply give up my PR and go home? Hope my wife and my son will not be banned for life from Singapore...

[Saint]

The MUP Mindef would have to pay would probably make it uneconomical to call him up for NS. They would be paying him a salary which is over twice as much as a regular Captain!

[sundaymorningstaple]

True, but that's the way with Singapore. Pennywise and pound foolish. They will spend a fortune so long as they have their way.

[Saint]

PEP could be an option for a couple of years and then become a PR?

[nassaugirl]

You can open a sole proprietorship as a dependant pass holder, which I assume you will be if your wife will be working here.

[Dave_33]

I guess the PEP is the safer option. I'll check it out.
Do you think I can ask my wife (singapore citizen) to set up an home office company which I am the shareholder, then apply for a PEP through this company?

[Strong Eagle]

I guess the PEP is the safer option. I'll check it out.
Do you think I can ask my wife (singapore citizen) to set up an home office company which I am the shareholder, then apply for a PEP through this company?

You have things seriously confused.

a) A PEP is a 'personalized employment pass'. It is issued to you, not a company. Check the MOM website for qualifications. Since you are moving to Singapore, you will need to demonstrate that you have earned S$7,000 in your home country, as well as having suitable credentials.

b) What you are attempting to do with having your wife set up a company and employ you (getting an EP) may be viewed suspiciously OR given that you have a firm contract, it may fly. Think about it... why go to all the hassle of a business plan when one can circumvent the process by having a Singaporean or PR set up a company, then just drag you in on an EP? I don't think MOM is that dumb.

c) It's not very hard to run a sole proprietorship and your business plan would not be very complex. It also has, in my opinion, a high chance of being accepted because you already have a contract that will bring in work.

[Dave_33]

Thank you Strong eagle, it makes more sense now.
Since I don't match the salary requirement for option a), I'll check out option c)

[Saint]

Thank you Strong eagle, it makes more sense now.
Since I don't match the salary requirement for option a), I'll check out option c)

You mention in your original posting a salary of 4000 euros which would match option a. Or are you saying you currently earn way less than that?