Work Visas and Entrepreneurship in Singapore: A Polish Entrepreneur’s Guide

Singapore’s reputation as a global business hub makes it a dream destination for Polish entrepreneurs looking to expand their ventures. Whether you’re a tech innovator from Kraków or a manufacturing expert from Warsaw, setting up shop in Singapore requires the right work visa—and a bit of know-how. Drawing directly from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Singapore, this guide breaks down the essentials: Employment Passes (EPs), the COMPASS framework, entrepreneurial options like the EntrePass, and everything you need to kickstart your Singapore journey. Let’s get started!

Understanding Work Visas in Singapore

All foreigners intending to work in Singapore must hold a valid work pass before starting employment. The MOM oversees these passes, ensuring they align with Singapore’s goal of balancing a strong local workforce with high-quality foreign talent. For Polish entrepreneurs, two key options stand out: the Employment Pass (EP) for professionals working for a Singapore company, and the EntrePass for those launching their own innovative businesses. Here’s the lowdown:

The Employment Pass (EP): Your Ticket to Work in Singapore

The EP is designed for foreign professionals, managers, executives, and specialists (PMEs) who want to work for a Singapore-registered company. It’s a popular choice for Poles joining existing firms or setting up a subsidiary.

Eligibility for an EP

To qualify, you must:

• Have a job offer from a Singapore-registered company.
• Earn a minimum fixed monthly salary of SGD 5,600 (as of January 1, 2025), or SGD 6,200 if in the financial services sector. This increases with age—e.g., a 45-year-old needs around SGD 10,500.
• Hold acceptable qualifications, typically a degree from a recognized university, professional certifications, or specialized skills.

The COMPASS Framework: A Points-Based Gatekeeper

Since September 1, 2023, for new EP applications (and September 1, 2024, for renewals), the MOM introduced the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS) to assess eligibility beyond just salary. COMPASS ensures EPs go to candidates who complement—not compete with—Singapore’s local workforce. Here’s how it works:

How COMPASS Scores You

You need at least 40 points across four foundational criteria, with two optional bonus categories:

1. Salary (C1): Your fixed monthly salary compared to local PME salaries in your sector and age group.
   
   • 20 points: Top 10% (exceeds 90th percentile).
   • 10 points: Middle range (65th–90th percentile).
   • 0 points: Below average (<65th percentile).
2. Qualifications (C2): Based on your education or professional credentials.
   
   • 20 points: Degree from a top-tier university (e.g., top 100 globally) or equivalent.
   • 10 points: Degree from other recognized institutions or select professional qualifications (e.g., ACCA, CFA—updated list effective January 1, 2025).
   • 0 points: No recognized qualifications.
3. Diversity (C3): Measures your nationality’s share in your employer’s workforce.
   
   • 20 points: Your nationality is <5% of the firm’s PMEs (high diversity).
   • 10 points: 5%–25%.
   • 0 points: ≥25% (low diversity).
4. Support for Local Employment (C4): Your employer’s ratio of local PMEs to foreign workers.
   
   • 20 points: Firm is in the top 10% of local employment support.
   • 10 points: Middle range.
   • 0 points: Bottom 25%.

Bonus Points

• Shortage Occupation List (SOL) (+10 points): If your job is on MOM’s SOL (e.g., AI specialist, green economy roles—updated annually), you score extra.
• Strategic Economic Priorities (+10 points): If your firm partners with agencies like Enterprise Singapore on innovation projects.

Exemptions from COMPASS

You skip COMPASS if:

• Your salary is SGD 22,500+ per month (top earners).
• You’re an intra-corporate transferee under WTO or FTA agreements.
• Your role lasts 1 month or less.

Application Process

1. Your employer (or an agent like Best of Poland) submits the EP application via MOM’s EP Online portal.
2. Upload documents: passport, qualifications (verified since September 1, 2024, for renewals), and company details.
3. Pay SGD 105 application fee + SGD 225 issuance fee.
4. Processing takes 3 weeks (or 8 weeks if the company isn’t Singapore-registered).
5. If approved, you get an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter, valid for 6 months to enter Singapore.

Validity and Renewal

• First-time EPs: Up to 2 years.
• Renewals: Up to 3 years, subject to COMPASS (from September 1, 2024) and updated salary benchmarks (SGD 5,600+ from January 1, 2026, for renewals).

EntrePass: For Polish Entrepreneurs Starting Fresh

If you’re a Polish innovator ready to launch a startup in Singapore, the EntrePass is your visa. It’s tailored for entrepreneurs with venture-backed or tech-driven business ideas.

Eligibility for EntrePass

You must:

• Register (or plan to register) a Private Limited Company with ACRA.
• Have at least SGD 50,000 in paid-up capital (for companies >6 months old).
• Meet one of these criteria:
  
  • Entrepreneur: Your business is funded (SGD 100,000+) by a recognized VC or angel investor.
  • Innovator: You hold intellectual property registered with a national IP body, or you’re part of a Singapore incubator.
  • Investor: You’ve got a track record of investing in businesses.

Application Process

1. Submit via MOM’s EP Online portal with a 10-page business plan.
2. Pay SGD 105 application fee + SGD 225 issuance fee.
3. Processing takes 8 weeks.

Validity and Renewal

• First-time: 1 year.
• Renewals: 1 year initially, then 2 years if your business meets milestones (e.g., hiring locals, spending SGD 100,000+ annually).

Why It’s Great

Unlike the EP, you don’t need a local employer—just a bold idea and some capital. Plus, spouses can work with a Letter of Consent.

Key Considerations for Polish Entrepreneurs

Fair Consideration Framework (FCF)

Before hiring you on an EP, employers must advertise jobs on MyCareersFuture.sg for 14 days to consider local candidates—unless your salary exceeds SGD 22,500/month (exempt from FCF). This ensures fairness, so highlight your unique skills!

Verification of Qualifications

Since September 1, 2024, all EP renewal applicants must verify qualifications with MOM. For Polish degrees, ensure they’re from accredited institutions—or provide proof if they’re not on MOM’s list (updated January 1, 2025).

Costs and Living

• EP/EntrePass fees: SGD 330 total.
• Living costs: SGD 2,000+ for a 1-bedroom rental, SGD 8 for a beer—plan accordingly!

Cultural Fit

Poles’ punctuality and work ethic align with Singapore’s efficiency. Learn to network over kopi and respect the “lah” lingo—you’ll fit right in.

Why Singapore? The Payoff

• Tax Perks: 17% corporate tax, with startup exemptions.
• Connectivity: Gateway to 4 billion Asian consumers.
• Stability: No political chaos—just business focus.
• Events: Expos like Asia Tech x Singapore are networking goldmines.

How Best of Poland Can Help

Navigating visas and COMPASS can feel like decoding a Singaporean hawker menu—tricky but doable with the right guide. At Best of Poland Pte. Ltd., we’ve helped 1,290+ Polish businesses ace this process. From EP applications to EntrePass plans, we’re your one-stop shop. Contact us —let’s make your Singapore dream a reality!

References

All information is sourced from the Ministry of Manpower Singapore website, accurate as of March 2, 2025:

1. MOM, “Work Passes,” https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits
2. MOM, “Employment Pass,” https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/employment-pass
3. MOM, “Eligibility for Employment Pass,” https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/employment-pass/eligibility
4. MOM, “Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS),” https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/employment-pass/compass
5. MOM, “EntrePass,” https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/entrepass
6. MOM, “Upcoming Changes to Employment Pass Eligibility,” https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/employment-pass/upcoming-changes-to-employment-pass-eligibility