EP when hired locally???

[Rambo]

Would it be safe to assume that I would be granted an EP should I be hired locally and relocating to Singapore from abroad? I have a Uni. degree.

SHould I expect the company to deal with all that?

Your info appreciated.

Cheers,

Rambo

[Rob]

You shouldn't EXPECT an Employment Pass. Whether you are granted one will depend upon the relevance of your skills and experience to the job for which you have applied and whether there is a pool of suitably qualified local applicants.

[This message has been edited by Rob (edited 12-01-2001).]

[Mark D]

You again Rambo.

As mentioned above, getting an EP is not a certainty, although in practice most consulting firms seem able to get them for overseas staff, even at junior levels. Any job offer in Singapore will of course be conditional on an EP being granted.

Your employer should submit the application on your behalf after you have completed the relevant sections of the application form.

[Rambo]

Hi,

Thanks for your input, guys! (Yes, it’s me again Mark. Thanks for your help last time, I found that very helpful)

The company hasn’t brought up the issue of EP in our discussions. Maybe they are counting on me getting one. I am optimistic about my chances of getting it, but I won’t take it for granted. I promise you, Rob. :-)

Do you have any more advice regarding the application process and perhaps what has to be in it?

Mark, you told me that 3000 S$ would be enough for accommodation. What does one get for 3000? For tax reasons, I will be better off to have the company pay the landlord directly. Does this mean that the company will be liable to pay the same tax that  would have been mine, had I paid the landlord directly? The reason for asking is that I want to know if the company would rather give me a bigger salary and have me pay the rent to avoid tax.

Any advice you would like to give me is highly appreciated.

Cheers,

Rambo

[Rob]

No probs...I was perhaps a little direct Good luck anyway.

As for accomodation, $3K is plenty if you are single, or a couple. I pay that for a decent sized place just a little way from Orchard road. It is apparently more tax efficient for you if the company pays yr rent direct, or as an allowance. Income tax is low though, so it's not too bad if you have to pay full tax

[Mark D]

As mentioned above, $3k pcm would be enough for a 2-room furnished appartment in a good condo close to the City.

If your company pays direct they would not have to pay tax. You would be liable for tax on this benefit at 10% of your income + other benefits but excluding the housing allowance. Since 10% is likely to be less than your marginal rate, this is why you are better off getting your package structured this way. The IRAS web site explains the tax treatment of accommodation benefits further.