Republic of Singapore · entrepreneur

EntrePass

By · 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.

No sponsorship requiredDoes not lead to permanent residency1 year initially; renewable for 2 years subject to meeting business milestones.
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
Reviewed Ministry of Manpower (MOM) ↗

In short

As of 8 July 2026, the EntrePass for Republic of Singapore is an unsponsored Singapore immigration route. Sources: official Republic of Singapore government pages, reviewed 8 July 2026.

Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/singapore/entrepass#answer

What is the EntrePass in Republic of Singapore?

EntrePass is an unsponsored Singapore route. Indicative government fees are Application fee SGD 105; issuance fee SGD 225; indicative processing time is Typically 8–12 weeks; typical duration is 1 year initially; renewable for 2 years subject to meeting business milestones. This route does not lead to permanent residence.

Verified against Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on 18 April 2026.

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.

Guidance by nationality

Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.

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

Application pathway

  1. 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).

  2. Register or plan ACRA registration

    Register the business with ACRA before or within 6 months of application.

  3. Apply online via MOM portal

    Submit the EntrePass application with business plan and supporting documents.

  4. Meet renewal milestones

    At renewal (after 1 year), demonstrate progress: hiring local employees, revenue generation, and investment raised.

After approval: prepare for your next step

For EntrePass, use the actual decision and the issuing authority’s instructions to establish what has been granted. A successful application, permission to enter, permission to work and a residence document are not interchangeable.

  1. 1. Check the decision. Confirm the name, passport, status granted, start date and any next action. Resolve an error with the authority before relying on the document for travel or employment.
  2. 2. Establish the travel step. Read any entry window, activation, collection or in-country registration instruction. For an extension or change of status, do not assume leaving the country is required or safe while a further step remains pending.
  3. 3. Confirm what you may do. Check whether employment, self-employment, remote work or study is permitted under the status granted. Do not infer unrestricted work rights from the absence of an employer sponsor.
  4. 4. Organise the household. Check each accompanying person’s permission separately, then arrange healthcare, accommodation, access to money and the relevant local registrations. A tax number or bank account does not by itself prove a right to work.
  5. 5. Keep the ongoing conditions visible. Record the actual expiry, renewal process, permitted absences and any duty to report changes. An initial grant does not automatically establish permanent residence or citizenship.

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

Government links only

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.

  1. ApplyApplicant
    Apply for an EntrePass ↗

    Founder submits the EntrePass application with venture, innovation, and company evidence, then completes issuance after approval.

    Ministry of Manpower (MOM) · verified

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Frequently asked questions

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 long does an EntrePass take to process and how long is it valid?+

Processing typically takes 8-12 weeks. The pass is initially valid for 1 year and renewable for 2 years, subject to meeting business milestones such as hiring local employees, generating revenue, and raising investment. Confirm timelines and renewal criteria on MOM.

Can I bring my family to Singapore if I move as a founder on an EntrePass?+

Yes — an EntrePass is one of the work passes that can sponsor a Dependant's Pass for a legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21, provided the sponsor earns at least SGD 6,000 per month. Verify the current threshold on MOM.

Need tailored advice?

We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.

Find a regulated advisor in Singapore

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: 18 April 2026

See the full evidence trail and methodology