Online business and LTSVP

[thedimsumkid]

Hi guys, long time lurker and first time poster here. I've tried searching but can't find the information I'm looking for so hopefully your expertise can help.

I am a soon to be Singapore Expat where I'll leave my UK life alone to start pastures new. I have no job arranged at the moment but as of today I've been granted a Long Term Social Visitors Pass (LTSVP), pending a medical and payment.

I have some savings that will buy me a few months in Singapore to get settled.

I'm really interested in building an "online empire" that revolves around blogging, affiliate marketing, selling information products and offering a digital coaching and consulting service.

My question is how this whole thing fits in with the LTSVP. Can I engage in activities online that bring in cash with this pass? Can I offer my consultancy skills to individuals without an EP?

My research has suggested that I need an EP to work in Singapore (if so who issues this to me?) or if I were to start a company I need an Entrepass.

Trouble is I don't have 50,000 SGD to qualify for the pass - all the things I do online require low capital.

I want to do things properly! What are my options?

Thanks in advance!

[sundaymorningstaple]

You either gotta work for somebody (EP) or go the EntrePass route (which means the 50K investment) additionally you may need to expand rapidly as you will also need to hire several local within the first year as well as spend at least a certain sum in expenses (not counting your salary/directors fees) so it would appear you have a rough row to hoe.

[thedimsumkid]

Thanks for the help.... So I guess the Entrepass route is out the window (I'm creating a one man maybe two man business, that's the plan).

If someone started a company for me (say a local) could they give me an EP so I can do my thing online? What if I only offer consultancy to non Singaporeans via the internet? Is that possible?

[ksl]

You either gotta work for somebody (EP) or go the EntrePass route (which means the 50K investment) additionally you may need to expand rapidly as you will also need to hire several local within the first year as well as spend at least a certain sum in expenses (not counting your salary/directors fees) so it would appear you have a rough row to hoe.

I agree with SMS! How did you get a LTVSP you must be arriving with family! Not allowed to work on LTVSP, though I would like to know your skill levels and any references you have to work completed. I'm actually going to outsource this kind of work, as I'm getting to knackered to keep it up, and there are many better qualified that can do it much faster. It's very time consuming to do it all, so you need to network yourself. What you do best. You can drop me a line when you can send a PM, you need 5 posts. I would like to hear more about what you have to offer.

I believe there is good prospects for it, and I've been watching an Australian pulling a 100k a year, he's teamed up with overseas value added services, you need good planning skills and solid network, that all need paying from your recommendations.

[thedimsumkid]

I agree with SMS! How did you get a LTVSP you must be arriving with family! Not allowed to work on LTVSP, though I would like to know your skill levels and any references you have to work completed. I'm actually going to outsource this kind of work, as I'm getting to knackered to keep it up, and there are many better qualified that can do it much faster. It's very time consuming to do it all, so you need to network yourself. What you do best. You can drop me a line when you can send a PM, you need 5 posts. I would like to hear more about what you have to offer.

@ksi - Apologies but I have no idea what you are asking for!

I just applied for my LTSVP via the usual routes. Got my EPEC a few weeks ago and then applied.

The LTSVP is there so I can spend time job hunting so I get an EP.

Are we saying that there is no way I can work for myself and do my own thing online whilst on a LTSVP?

Does this mean that if I wanted to make information products like this or this I need to be on an EP?

Can I do this on my LTSVP? So so confusing![/quote]

[ksl]

I agree with SMS! How did you get a LTVSP you must be arriving with family! Not allowed to work on LTVSP, though I would like to know your skill levels and any references you have to work completed. I'm actually going to outsource this kind of work, as I'm getting to knackered to keep it up, and there are many better qualified that can do it much faster. It's very time consuming to do it all, so you need to network yourself. What you do best. You can drop me a line when you can send a PM, you need 5 posts. I would like to hear more about what you have to offer.

@ksi - Apologies but I have no idea what you are asking for!

I just applied for my LTSVP via the usual routes. Got my EPEC a few weeks ago and then applied.

The LTSVP is there so I can spend time job hunting so I get an EP.

Are we saying that there is no way I can work for myself and do my own thing online whilst on a LTSVP?

Does this mean that if I wanted to make information products like this or this I need to be on an EP?

Can I do this on my LTSVP? So so confusing!

Correct you are not allowed to work at all on LTVSP, only seek employment and the company then apply for EP.

Sorry you didn't understand what i was referring too, though i checked the video's and that is what i was referring too..social networking and branding concepts, for entrepreneurs and business consultation.

Of course you can do it if you register your business, but Singapore is very very strict with there passes. There maybe a possibility for EP, but the government just now is turning everyone down, if you read the thread on PR's you will see that problems are around the corner for many.

[thedimsumkid]

Hi guys thanks for your help.

I guess now the question is how can I get an EP if I want to work for myself (i.e. no company to issue an EP!) - it's looking quite impossible for me to set up an internet based business legally (and without having an Entrepass)

I wonder if there are other location independent people, or internet entrepeneurs who have come and set up base in SG.

[ksl]

Hi guys thanks for your help.

I guess now the question is how can I get an EP if I want to work for myself (i.e. no company to issue an EP!) - it's looking quite impossible for me to set up an internet based business legally (and without having an Entrepass)

I wonder if there are other location independent people, or internet entrepeneurs who have come and set up base in SG.

There are quite a few, I have one in my network I'll just get the correct address. http://www.asiabusinessinvestor.com/ and www.sponsormap.com

The thread on Pr's is in the general section, it's getting really difficult here to get any EP. Also video blogging quite a few, though that isn't to say you are doomed, lot's of business could do with your exposure, once you have built traffic with your video web blogging, and its cheaper to live across the border! So don't lose heart! Sending you a PM

[thedimsumkid]

Thanks for your PM ksi.... (can't reply as I don't have enough posts).

That's an interesting link you sent me and something which is very similar to what I want to pursue.

I guess the question is how do I do that legally in Singapore?

[ksl]

Thanks for your PM ksi.... (can't reply as I don't have enough posts).

That's an interesting link you sent me and something which is very similar to what I want to pursue.

I guess the question is how do I do that legally in Singapore?

As i am planning something very similar as part of my marketing strategy, I think we can discuss and exchange information.

This kind of business venture is quite promising in Singapore, I can maybe help with setting up through our own company, or set up a seperate company to do this, as it is very useful for what we need.

We have been doing business for 6 years and are well established in Singapore, and its something i will be doing as part of our global exposure campaign.

My point was that you should follow your strengths and outsource any weakness you have to be cost effective, it will allow you more time to concentrate on important tasks.

[thedimsumkid]

Hi guys... what are the implications of the following scenario.

I register as self employed in UK and have all my consultancy clients pay me direct to my UK bank account with me taking care of the charges.

All business to be done through an online portal.

Can I operate this in Singapore on a LTSVP legally with the aim of raising enough capital to apply for an EntrePass?

[Strong Eagle]

Hi guys thanks for your help.

I guess now the question is how can I get an EP if I want to work for myself (i.e. no company to issue an EP!) - it's looking quite impossible for me to set up an internet based business legally (and without having an Entrepass)

I wonder if there are other location independent people, or internet entrepeneurs who have come and set up base in SG.

This is not exactly correct. There have been a number of posters here who created a company, then had that company apply for a regular ole EP.

Seems like the criteria that you have experience, and an already active business that has a cash flow.

[thedimsumkid]

Hi guys thanks for your help.

I guess now the question is how can I get an EP if I want to work for myself (i.e. no company to issue an EP!) - it's looking quite impossible for me to set up an internet based business legally (and without having an Entrepass)

I wonder if there are other location independent people, or internet entrepeneurs who have come and set up base in SG.

This is not exactly correct. There have been a number of posters here who created a company, then had that company apply for a regular ole EP.

Seems like the criteria that you have experience, and an already active business that has a cash flow.

Interesting thought Strong Eagle... but in my case I thought the only way for me to create a company was through an EntrePass (and I don't have the capital required to qualify).

Could I get a local to create a company on my behalf? If this happens how can I ensure that I'm eligible for an EP (do I have to prove that a local Singaporean can't do what I do?)

[ksl]

Hi guys thanks for your help.

I guess now the question is how can I get an EP if I want to work for myself (i.e. no company to issue an EP!) - it's looking quite impossible for me to set up an internet based business legally (and without having an Entrepass)

I wonder if there are other location independent people, or internet entrepeneurs who have come and set up base in SG.

This is not exactly correct. There have been a number of posters here who created a company, then had that company apply for a regular ole EP.

Seems like the criteria that you have experience, and an already active business that has a cash flow.

Interesting thought Strong Eagle... but in my case I thought the only way for me to create a company was through an EntrePass (and I don't have the capital required to qualify).

Could I get a local to create a company on my behalf? If this happens how can I ensure that I'm eligible for an EP (do I have to prove that a local Singaporean can't do what I do?)

You are being employed by your own Company which as been moved to Singapore. If you document your past business financials and submit them, you will not have to pay the 50K, as you are not a startup.

Though a local manager is required to set the company up and apply for your EP, nothing is guaranteed, though if you have an income of 7k$ you may get a p1 pass.

Either way, your business will be vetted by spring.gov.sg for feasibility, you will have to convince them that you can add value to the government by creating more jobs indirectly by what you are doing, though you maybe limited in employing Singaporeans, as a consultant. You can contribute in many ways to growth, in all industries, if you choose.