E Pass for own Business

As we have discussed in various threads before, the "EP in one's own company" route has been (ab-)used as loophole to get into Singapore and thus MoM has now restricted it so much that it is of almost no practical use. (I actually wonder why they haven't completely closed it - yet.)
If you cannot fulfil the EntrePass requirements, your chances of being approved are very slim. But of course you can try (and please report your findings here, for others to benefit too!). I suggest you engage a reputed business incorporation service provider to help you through the process. They cost a lot, but without one your chances are even lower.

beepi - thank you very much for your candid, though obviously valuable advice. Wanted to confirm the above as well from a party like yourself who has had enough "exposure" to such processes, but without any personal incentive to advise people like myself, which of course is the prerogative of the Business Incorporation Firm.

FOLLOWUP QUESTION 1 - As there are numerous service providers offering "package" based services that include incorporation + EP, I assume it is advisable to steer clear of the ones who are very confident about obtaining an EP through the business incorporation route? ( I still plan to incorporate a Company in Singapore)

FOLLOWUP QUESTION 2- If I do incorporate a business in SG / establish a bank account, hire locally, pay taxes etc. for a period of 1 year, would it be reasonable to advocate that the chances of applying for an EP AFTER doing the previous activities would greatly enhance chances of approval?
Keeping in mind that neither I nor my business would qualify for an Entre Pass even then, just because of the nature of the business not inviting investment / breakthrough in tech fields etc.

Thank you very much

I never engaged any of the service providers, so cannot recommend for or against any.
(I registered my own, now defunct, business when I was PR - and it was so easy and cheap that it would be ridiculous to engage professional help for it!)
But you could ask the "very confident about obtaining an EP" providers for no (or greatly reduced) fees in case EP is rejected. I predict they will decline that - and then you make your own conclusions!
Applying for EP in an established company (especially if it already pays taxes and employs Singaporeans) is certainly easier than in a new one.

Dear Beppi,
thank you very much once again.
Shall proceed accordingly based on the very practical advice you've provided.
Best wishes

Beppi,
one clarification - if the agencies I scout do NOT, as you stated, withdraw/reduce their fees in the event of a rejection of E Pass as part of their proposal, then it would be prudent for me to incorporate the business on my own ?
Without applying for an EP (and subsequently not intending to for at least a year after after setting up a business), incorporating a business in SG is relatively doable as you have suggested without professional help?
Though keep in mind I'll be doing everything remotely.
Or would you suggest it is still worth the cost?
I have no issue putting in the work doing it alone - just wanted to clarify incase there are any mandatory requirements for me to incorporate such as with ACRA, which would require my having a local representative in lieu of myself.
Thank you

Depending on the kind of legal entity you want to register, you need one or more local directors, managers or partners. And the business definitely also needs a local address. All this can be provided by these agencies (of course for a fee). So I assume you cannot go for it alone if you aren't here.

Great advice from Beppi.

The agencies are almost (each go) successful in doing the leg work, getting the incorporation etc done, some also help with your permit applications etc. Since you aren’t here, that’s your way forward as Beppi mentioned unless you have a local partner. They offer various packages and a little research (bless google) to fulfill/ match your requirements would be straight forward.

Beppi & Shekz,
thank you very much for your invaluable advice.
Best wishes