American applicants · Republic of Singapore
EntrePass for American citizens
Work pass for foreign entrepreneurs starting and operating a venture-capital-backed or innovative business in Singapore.
This page covers the EntrePass specifically for American applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to United States. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- Typically 8–12 weeks.
- Government fees
- Application fee SGD 105; issuance fee SGD 225.
- Typical duration
- 1 year initially; renewable for 2 years subject to meeting business milestones.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Bilateral context
No nationality-specific treaty frameworks apply to this combination.
Consular processing: N/A — online application via MOM
Tourist entry vs. this route
Yes — American nationals can enter Republic of Singapore without a visa for short tourism (typically up to 90 days), but tourist entry does not authorise the activity covered by the EntrePass.
Visa overview
The EntrePass allows foreign entrepreneurs to start and run a business in Singapore. Applicants must meet innovation, investment, or track-record criteria — typically venture backing, an incubator programme, significant IP, or a proven entrepreneurial track record. The business must be registered with ACRA within 6 months of application, with at least SGD 50,000 in paid-up capital for the Singapore entity.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Business must be registered with ACRA (or will be registered within 6 months of application) with at least SGD 50,000 in paid-up capital.
- ✓Meet at least one innovator criterion: VC or angel funding, incubator programme participation, significant IP, or collaboration with a Singapore research institution.Ministry of Manpower (MOM) ↗
- ✓Alternatively: meet investor criteria (portfolio of investments) or entrepreneur criteria (proven scaling track record).
Common blockers
- !Business is not innovative — traditional F&B, retail, or services businesses rarely qualify.Ministry of Manpower (MOM) ↗
- !No demonstrable VC backing, incubator acceptance, or IP.
- !Paid-up capital below SGD 50,000.
Typical evidence
- ·ACRA registration or draft constitution.
- ·Term sheet or funding agreement from recognised investors.Ministry of Manpower (MOM) ↗
- ·IP registration certificates or patent filings.Ministry of Manpower (MOM) ↗
- ·Business plan with financial projections.
Application pathway
Develop and validate the business concept
Ensure the business meets innovation, investor, or entrepreneur criteria. Consider applying to Singapore-based incubators (SGInnovate, BLOCK71, NUS Enterprise).
Register or plan ACRA registration
Register the business with ACRA before or within 6 months of application.
Apply online via MOM portal
Submit the EntrePass application with business plan and supporting documents.
Meet renewal milestones
At renewal (after 1 year), demonstrate progress: hiring local employees, revenue generation, and investment raised.
Other Republic of Singapore routes covered for American applicants
Employment Pass (EP)
Work pass for foreign professionals, managers, and executives earning above the qualifying salary, issued to employers.
Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONE Pass)
Premium 5-year pass for top-earning professionals, business leaders, and outstanding achievers — not tied to a single employer.
Not sure Republic of Singapore is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer entrepreneur routes that American nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are American citizens eligible for the EntrePass?+
Eligibility for the EntrePass is set by Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and is not nationality-restricted. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do American applicants typically file the EntrePass?+
N/A — online application via MOM. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by Ministry of Manpower (MOM) — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do American applicants need a tourist visa for Republic of Singapore as well?+
Yes — American nationals can enter Republic of Singapore without a visa for short tourism (typically up to 90 days), but tourist entry does not authorise the activity covered by the EntrePass.
Can I start a restaurant or retail shop on an EntrePass?+
Very unlikely. MOM explicitly states that traditional businesses like hawker centres, coffee shops, foot-reflexology shops, and similar ventures do not qualify. The EntrePass targets innovative, scalable, IP-driven businesses.
How much funding do I need for an EntrePass?+
The business must have at least SGD 50,000 in paid-up capital. If using the innovator pathway, you typically also need evidence of VC or angel investment from a recognised Singapore-based or government-approved investor. The amount is less important than the source — government-linked funds and recognised VCs carry more weight.