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Moving to Singapore

Last activity 10 October 2010 by georgelsf

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Gerald_M

Hi,

I wanted to move to Singapore as an investor in the tourism industry. To start with I prefer to move in as a partner for an existing travel and tour company. How do I go about it and what are the residence permit laws for me and my family.

Thanks
Gerald

beppi

You can get a Singapore PR based on investing a HUGE amount in the country (depending on the circumstances, S$1million or more).
You cannot get any residence visa as owner or partner of a business, only as employee (look up "employment pass"). Getting one based on being employee of your own company is still possible, but very difficult due to too many abusers in the past (look up "Entrepass").

Gerald_M

Thanks for the info, Can you tell me more about employment pass or Entrepass.

Thanks
Gerald

beppi

You should read the Singapore government webpages about these topics - generally excellent information there, and authoritative. Start with http://www.ica.gov.sg
For more backgound information, news and stories browse forum.singaporeexpats.com You can also ask questions there.
As far as I know, the Entrepass route has become very difficult to achieve (and also requires some investment in the company you start here, I recall S$50k but might be wrong on that).
For an Employment Pass you need a local employer that fulfils certain criteria for hiring foreigners and proves that they cannot find a local to fill the role. You also need to have a degree and applicable work experience.
With the current political climate against foreigners "taking Singaporean jobs", you might want to wait with your plans until the situation changes (maybe after the elections next year).

georgelsf

If you are gonna be a partner in an existing company in Singapore, just apply for an employment pass under the company.

Nisha_Olivia

yes and if u d need accomodation in singapore like for ur whole family u can mail me or sms me. deails how much u want to spend on rental on house , flat condo or landed property. my name is Olivia thankz

beppi

Be careful if the above poster (Olivia) turns out to be a property agent. There are many complaints from foreigners being cheated by this profession - and even if you aren't, the best deals are never available through them! It is worth doing the legwork yourself, if you have time for this, not only to save the agent's fee but also because you'll get a nicer place to live for a lower rent!
(If Olivia is a private person willing to help non-commercially, I apologize and suggest you accept her assistance!)

georgelsf

I agree with beppi that property agents can be less than professional in singapore. But if you think that they are bad, landlords can be much worse. The laws in Singapore are  very pro-landlord as well.

I have moved so many times in singapore and I have found agents to be useful. Just try to find a good one and stick with them.

beppi

Avoiding landlords because many of them are bad is much more difficult than avoiding agents ...

georgelsf

I agree, you do have a very valid point.

But the problems usually crop up when you want to leave. Then the lack of a proper contract or communication with your landlord can lead to problems.

Just my two cents, we are going off topic on this thread. :)

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