Working in Singapore as Overseas Intra-Corporate Transferee
Here's what you need to know about working in Singapore as an Overseas Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT):
Eligibility:
You must be an existing employee of a multinational company with a presence in Singapore (branch, affiliate, or subsidiary).
You need to have worked for the company for at least one year outside of Singapore before your transfer.
Your role must fall under one of the following categories:
Executive: Primarily directs the organization or a department, supervises other managers, and has authority over day-to-day operations.
Manager: Manages a team or department and exercises significant control over its activities.
Specialist: Possesses specialized knowledge and skills essential for the company's operations in Singapore.
Benefits of ICT Scheme:
Employers can be exempt from advertising the job on MyCareersFuture, a government job portal.
Streamlined application process compared to a standard Employment Pass (EP).
Things to Consider:
Family members of ICTs generally are not eligible for Dependant's Passes or Long-Term Visit Passes (exceptions may apply under specific Free Trade Agreements).
ICT status is temporary and linked to the duration specified in the relevant trade agreement.
There are limitations on seeking future employment in Singapore after the ICT pass expires. An overseas ICT is generally not eligible for future employment in Singapore after the expiry / termination of their work pass, or for permanent residency.
Differences between ICT, other EP holders
The key differences between ICT (Intra-Corporate Transferee) and other Employment Pass (EP) holders in Singapore are:
Job advertising:
ICT: Employers are generally exempt from advertising the job on MyCareersFuture, a government job portal. This is because the transfer is seen as an internal company move.
Other EP holders: Employers typically need to advertise the job on MyCareersFuture for a minimum period to demonstrate fair consideration for local talent before applying for an EP.
Family dependants:
ICT: Family members of ICTs generally cannot get Dependant's Passes or Long-Term Visit Passes to stay in Singapore with them. Exceptions may exist for certain Free Trade Agreements, but these are limited.
Other EP holders: Eligible family members of EP holders can apply for Dependant's Passes or Long-Term Visit Passes to live in Singapore with the pass holder.
Pass duration and future opportunities:
ICT: The ICT pass is temporary, with a maximum validity of 5 years. It's linked to the duration specified in the relevant trade agreement and may be renewed within that limit. ICTs generally face limitations on seeking future employment in Singapore after their pass expires.
Other EP holders: EP validity can be up to 2 years initially and can be renewed for up to 3 years (with exceptions for certain in-demand skills). EP holders have more flexibility to explore other job opportunities in Singapore after their initial contract ends.
Overall focus:
ICT: Designed for established employees within a multinational company to be transferred to a Singapore branch for a specific purpose.
Other EP holders: Open to a wider range of foreign professionals meeting the salary and qualification criteria, offering them the chance to build a career in Singapore.
Can a Job be Exempted from the Advertising Requirement if it will be Filled by an Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT)
A job can be exempted from the advertising requirement on MyCareersFuture if it will be filled by an Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT), but only if all the following conditions are met:
Your candidate meets the definition of an overseas ICT under:
The World Trade Organisation's (WTO) General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). This means they must have worked for your company outside Singapore for at least one year in a managerial, executive, or specialist role before transferring.
OR any applicable Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that Singapore is part of. The specific requirements for ICTs may differ slightly depending on the FTA.
Important to Remember:
Even though advertising is exempt, employers are still required to practice fair consideration during the hiring process.
What Documents are Required to Show that the EP Applicant is an Overseas Intra-Corporate Transferee
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in Singapore requires several documents to prove an EP applicant qualifies as an overseas Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT) under the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) or a relevant Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Here's what you need to provide:
Declaration: A statement from the applicant confirming their employment with the company for at least one year before the transfer to the Singapore branch, affiliate, or subsidiary.
Organizational Charts: Up-to-date organograms demonstrating the corporate structure. This should include:
The company's Singapore branch organization chart highlighting the applicant's position within it.
The applicant's previous company structure (overseas entity) to show their position.
Specialist Documentation (if applicable): If the applicant is considered a specialist, provide a detailed job description showcasing their advanced level of expertise in the relevant field.
Resources:
How Bestar can Help
Working in Singapore as Overseas Intra-Corporate Transferee
https://www.bestar-sg.com/Bestar can provide significant support throughout the ICT application process for both the employer and the applicant. Here's how we can be helpful:
For Employers:
Streamlined Process: We can guide you through the entire MOM application process, ensuring all the necessary documentation is gathered, completed accurately, and submitted in the proper format.
Eligibility Assessment: We can assess the applicant's qualifications and the job requirements to confirm eligibility for the ICT pass under the relevant WTO GATS or FTA.
Compliance Guidance: Bestar stays updated on the latest MOM regulations and ensure your application adheres to them, minimizing the risk of delays or rejections.
Communication Bridge: We can act as a liaison between you and MOM, handling communication and inquiries throughout the application process.
For Applicants:
Preparation and Review: Bestar can help the applicant gather all the required documents, ensuring they are complete and presented professionally.
Supporting Documentation: We can advise on additional documents that might strengthen the application, such as performance reviews or certifications.
Interview Preparation (if applicable): If an interview is part of the process, Bestar can guide the applicant on what to expect and how to best present their qualifications and experience.
Overall Benefits:
Increased Success Rate: Bestar's expertise can significantly increase the chances of a successful ICT application by ensuring everything is done correctly and according to regulations.
Reduced Time and Stress: We handle the complexities of the process, saving you and the applicant valuable time and reducing the stress associated with immigration procedures.
Expert Advice: Bestar can provide valuable insights and guidance based on our experience with similar cases, giving you peace of mind throughout the process.
Finding a Licensed Specialist:
Choose Bestar. We are licensed by the Singapore MOM to handle employment agency matters.
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