Chinese applicants · Republic of Singapore
EntrePass for Chinese citizens
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Source check: all 4 official citations reconfirmed 13 September 2026
Work pass for foreign entrepreneurs starting and operating a venture-capital-backed or innovative business in Singapore.
This page covers the EntrePass specifically for Chinese applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to China. The route's general criteria are summarised below, but the current corridor-specific filing, visa-issuance, and entry position above can still determine whether the route is usable.
- 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
Chinese nationals require a visa for any entry into Republic of Singapore. The EntrePass is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
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.
Plan the practical side of your stay
Once you have checked the official route, you can prepare for day-to-day life in Singapore. These optional services are separate from the application and do not establish visa eligibility.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- ApplyApplicantApply for an EntrePass ↗
Founder submits the EntrePass application with venture, innovation, and company evidence, then completes issuance after approval.
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) · verified
Other Republic of Singapore routes covered for Chinese applicants
Employment Pass (EP)
Work pass for foreign professionals, managers, and executives earning above the qualifying salary, issued to employers.
Student’s Pass
Singapore study permission depends on the institution, full-time course and existing immigration status. Check the appropriate ICA procedure before applying.
Not sure Republic of Singapore is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer entrepreneur routes that Chinese nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Chinese citizens eligible for the EntrePass?+
Eligibility for the EntrePass is set by Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Chinese applicants must meet the general route criteria plus any nationality- or location-specific intake requirements described in the current corridor guidance above.
Where do Chinese 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 Chinese applicants need a tourist visa for Republic of Singapore as well?+
Chinese nationals require a visa for any entry into Republic of Singapore. The EntrePass is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
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.
How we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
Last checked: 8 July 2026