EntrePass (Entrepreneur Pass)

The EntrePass (Entrepreneur Pass) is a work pass issued by Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start and operate a venture-backed or innovative technology business in Singapore. It targets serial entrepreneurs, high-calibre innovators, and experienced investors, and is jointly administered by MOM and Enterprise Singapore. The program was revised in 2024 to place greater emphasis on technology backgrounds and proven entrepreneurial track records.

Unlike many startup visas elsewhere, the EntrePass does not require a minimum investment amount for the initial application. Instead, eligibility is assessed on innovation criteria. The applicant must register or intend to incorporate a private limited company with ACRA and hold at least 30% ownership.

Applicants must meet at least one of five qualifying criteria:

• Venture funding — Raised minimum SGD 100,000 from a single funding round by a recognised VC, angel investor, or Startup SG Equity partner
• Incubator/accelerator support — Supported by a government-recognised or internationally renowned programme (e.g. Y Combinator, MassChallenge, Startup SG)
• Proven exit — Founded and sold a venture-backed or innovative technology business with documented evidence
• Intellectual property — Business holds registered IP from an approved national IP institution providing significant competitive advantage
• Research collaboration — Active research partnership with a Singapore institution of higher learning or research entity

Certain business types are ineligible, including coffee shops, hawker centres, bars and nightclubs, massage parlours, employment agencies, and geomancy businesses.

• Personal particulars page of passport
• Business plan in English (maximum 10 pages) covering product/service, market analysis, operations, and management team
• Curriculum vitae and employment testimonials
• Company's latest business profile or Bizfile information (if applicable)
• Latest financial statements (for companies registered with ACRA for 12+ months)
• Supporting documents per qualifying criterion (investment agreements, incubation agreements, IP documentation, etc.)
• English translations for non-English documents

The initial pass is valid for up to 1 year, with the first renewal also up to 1 year and subsequent renewals up to 2 years. Renewal applications should be submitted 3 months before expiry via the myMOM Portal.

To renew, the applicant must maintain at least 30% shareholding and meet escalating Total Business Spending (TBS) and Local Workforce (LWF) criteria. From the second renewal cycle, the company must demonstrate at least SGD 100,000 in total business spending and provide audited financial statements.

EntrePass holders may sponsor family members only after meeting specific business performance thresholds:

• Spouse and children — Requires at least one of: (a) annual TBS of SGD 100,000 and at least 1 local employee; (b) founded and sold 2+ venture-backed companies; (c) raised over SGD 2 million for a business; (d) possess 2+ deep tech IPs
• Parents — Requires annual TBS of SGD 200,000 and at least 2 local employees

Dependant's Passes are available for legally married spouses and unmarried children under 21. Long-Term Visit Passes cover common-law spouses, unmarried handicapped children aged 21+, unmarried step-children under 21, and parents. All family passes are automatically cancelled if the main EntrePass is cancelled.

Singapore taxes on a territorial basis. Individuals present for 183+ days in a calendar year are tax residents subject to progressive rates from 0% to 24%. Non-residents are taxed at a flat 15% on employment income or progressive rates, whichever is higher. Foreign-sourced income is generally not taxed unless remitted to Singapore. There is no capital gains tax.

Applications are submitted online via the Employment Pass eService on the myMOM Portal. The non-refundable application fee is SGD 105, with an issuance fee of SGD 225 upon approval (plus SGD 30 for a Multiple Journey Visa if required).

Processing takes approximately 6 weeks. Upon approval, an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter is issued, valid for 6 months to enter Singapore. After arrival, the pass is issued either online via Singpass or at the Employment Pass Services Centre. Fingerprint and photo registration must be completed within 2 weeks if required.

The EntrePass holder may only engage in the specific business activity approved in the application. Getting EntrePass approval does not guarantee that business registration and licences will be approved — these are separate processes. The company must be registered as a private limited company with ACRA.

Holders must create an individual profile and claim their company profile on the Startup SG Network platform. MOM must be notified within 5 days of any change to residential address or mobile number. The EntrePass must be cancelled within 1 week of closing the business.

After approximately 2 years (the second renewal), EntrePass holders may apply for Singapore Permanent Residency through the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority under the Professionals/Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers scheme. PR is not guaranteed and is assessed based on business performance, local employment creation, economic contribution, and other factors.