Comment by czcar | Hacker News Reader

Comment by czcar | Hacker News Reader

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Hey Ash, been meaning to write a blog post as someone who moved their startup from NZ to Singapore - it's not quite as dire as you supposed.

Firstly, I would never recommend anyone to get the Entrepass - best thing to do is just to register a business and apply for an EP pass as an employee of said company. Admittedly in this scenario you would need a local director - but services for this shouldn't run over $1000/annum.

The next statement about spending $100,000+ per year, is again - not true if you are on the standard EP pass.

Rents for accomodation are, however as you stated expensive, we're currently paying $5400 SGD / month for a 3 bdroom in a nice condo in central Singapore.

However, for 2800-3500 / month you can find 3-4 bedroom places that are lacking condo facilities but are more than suitable for living.

If you have any additional questions or queries please don't hesitate.

Also, don't take this as a glowing endorsement of SG - there are plenty of downsides to this island nation for tech.

cam

Hey! Thanks so much for your response! I didn't know about the local company + director option. That sounds like a good path to head down.

I did read somewhere about the $100,000 per year or maybe per two years + hiring minimum 2 singapore nationals by the end of a year. That, or something similar (I think that's the Q1 pass). These are the guidelines governing entrepass renewal. http://www.mom.gov.sg/foreign-manpower/passes-visas/entrepas...

So yes, the local company option really does look like the way to go!

I really love Singapore, went there about 2 years ago and thought of starting a business there (the place is full of opportunity!).

I'll definitely hit you up with more questions if I do decide to move there. Thanks so much for offering! :)

EDIT: Also, do please write that blog post! There's not a lot of info out there about tech startups in Singapore and it would be interesting to read an insider's perspective.

The EntrePass thing is a ball of hurt. Initially it was set up with virtually no onerous terms, but they brought in the crazy conditions about 3 years ago.

Definitely using a local accountant & director to set up the company and then employ yourself is the best way.

One of my companies is incorporated in Singapore. IIRC, it cost us between US$ 5-6,000 to register the company. Yearly maintenance cost is US$ 2,000+ (that includes a local business address, the services of a local director, bookkeeping staff etc.).

We're using services of a firm called Rikvin assoc. They're kind of expensive. If you're physically present in SG, you may find cheaper alternatives.

Are you affiliated with Rikvin? You can register a company in Singapore at $15 one time charge. All these company maintainers are scams, offering EP, tax filing and what not. Singapore is so very business friendly and have e-governance. No need to hire such firms there.

Is it easy enough to get around and socialize in english?

Singapore is English speaking. It's the first language for about a third, with about 20% having no capacity in English. It's the language of business, government and education.

Absolutely. That's what everyone speaks here. Well at least 99.9% of the people you're likely to encounter. :)

try beat Indonesia. cost of starting a company: 4x fresh grad monthly salary. how long? can be 6 months,

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