Republic of Singapore · entrepreneur
EntrePass
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Work pass for foreign entrepreneurs starting and operating a venture-capital-backed or innovative business in Singapore.
- 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
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.
Indian applicants
Indian EntrePass applicants cluster in SaaS, fintech, and logistics-tech. NUS Enterprise, BLOCK71, and the Indian Tech S…
Chinese applicants
Chinese EntrePass applicants concentrate in deep-tech, biotech, and cross-border e-commerce. Source-of-funds documentati…
American applicants
American EntrePass applicants are typically in venture-backed tech, often establishing a Singapore entity as an Asia-Pac…
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.
- ✓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.
- !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.
- ·IP registration certificates or patent filings.
- ·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.
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
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Employment Pass (EP)
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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.
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.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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