Inquiry Date: January 2025
Client Background
Entrepreneurs applying for EPs through newly incorporated companies often face additional scrutiny. Without clear evidence of operational activity, business planning, or financial support, applications may be rejected even when the director is well-qualified.
At the same time, restrictions around opening corporate bank accounts created further delays and uncertainty.
There was also an added time pressure. If her EP was approved, she wanted to convert her children’s Student Passes into Dependant Passes, giving them more flexibility and fewer administrative renewals..
The Challenge around passing the Employment Pass Eligibility Check
Entrepreneurs applying for EPs through newly incorporated companies often face additional scrutiny. Without clear evidence of operational activity, business planning, or financial support, applications may be rejected even when the director is well-qualified.
At the same time, restrictions around opening corporate bank accounts created further delays and uncertainty.
There was also an added time pressure. If her EP was approved, she wanted to convert her children’s Student Passes into Dependant Passes, giving them more flexibility and fewer administrative renewals.
Our Approach
We advised the client to:
- Structure her company documentation and operational plan to meet MOM expectations.
- Time the application and supporting materials to show business readiness.
- Present her move from LOC to EP as a strategic step that demonstrated continuity and business stability.
As a result, the submission reflected strong business potential and clear intent.
If you are a business owner or director applying for an Employment Pass, see the Applying for an Employment Pass as a Business Owner or Director section of our Employment Pass Guide for practical insights on timing, structure, and documentation.
Next, we mapped out the dependant sponsorship steps so everything could proceed smoothly once the EP was granted.
The Outcome
MOM approved the EP application in under two weeks. Following this, we helped the client successfully convert her children’s Student Passes into Dependant Passes.
Today, she operates her business in Singapore under a valid Employment Pass, with her family’s immigration status aligned for long-term stability.
What This Case Shows
Many parents accompanying children in Singapore eventually decide to start businesses or formalise their work through an Employment Pass. With the right preparation and positioning, it is entirely possible to secure approval even as the founder of a new company.
Ace your Employment Pass Eligibility Check
If you are in Singapore on an LOC, LTVP, or accompanying a child on a Student Pass, and are thinking about launching a business or transitioning to an EP, we can help.
Apply for a free 20-minute consultation call here to understand your eligibility and how to structure your application for success.