ICA's employment policy for Visit Pass Holders like Spouses

[Heidaa]

I have a question on ICA's employment policy for long term visit pass holders. I am a Singapore PR and my wife is in Singapore with me holding a Long Term Visit Pass. I am the owner of successful one man consulting company here and I would like to appoint my wife as director for my company who would actually be "non-executive director"

It says on the ICA website that "Holder of Visit Pass is not permitted to work or engage in any business, profession or occupation without a valid work permit or written consent from the Controller of Work Pass."

I think my wife wouldn't be considered as working in Singapore as she would be merely a non-executive director and it shouldn't not constitute as employment if you ask me.

She would be paid director fees every now and then which would mean that she would be paying taxes to Singapore. Any thoughts/experiences

[Asdracles]

First answer will be a question.

Why she's not on a Dependant Pass? I don't know the chances of getting also PR, but Dependant Pass should be easy and you would solve the problem

[ksl]

First answer will be a question.

Why she's not on a Dependant Pass? I don't know the chances of getting also PR, but Dependant Pass should be easy and you would solve the problem

PR and Citizens cannot have the spouse on dependant pass, only LTVSP until they get PR or an EP, S pass on their own merits.

[Strong Eagle]

I have a question on ICA's employment policy for long term visit pass holders. I am a Singapore PR and my wife is in Singapore with me holding a Long Term Visit Pass. I am the owner of successful one man consulting company here and I would like to appoint my wife as director for my company who would actually be "non-executive director"

It says on the ICA website that "Holder of Visit Pass is not permitted to work or engage in any business, profession or occupation without a valid work permit or written consent from the Controller of Work Pass."

I think my wife wouldn't be considered as working in Singapore as she would be merely a non-executive director and it shouldn't not constitute as employment if you ask me.

She would be paid director fees every now and then which would mean that she would be paying taxes to Singapore. Any thoughts/experiences

You can try but I don't think it will fly. A company can have a non resident director, certainly but in this case, your wife is resident as LTSVP. Second, if a director is remunerated, it is for work performed and is taxable. I don't think you'll be able to convince the authorities that working as a director is not being engaged in a business or profession.

[jpatokal]

Didn't we discuss this in an earlier thread? While I agree that salary (definitely) and directors' fees (almost certainly) would be considered "work" in Singapore, there's nothing stopping her from getting/buying some of your shares and earning nice, juicy, tax-free dividends on them. Try not to get divorced though