Singapore Investor Visa vs. EntrePass: Which is the Better Path to PR?

Facebook0 Tweet0 Stift0 LinkedIn0 Teilen Sie0

According to the Heritage Foundation’s 2025 Index, Singapore has the freest economy in the world. It is a highly developed, safe, and efficient region. As a gateway to the international market, it has attracted both foreign entrepreneurs and multinational corporations to establish their operations here.

Inhaltsübersicht

In recent years, foreign entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) have increasingly looked to Singapore not only as a base for business but also as a destination for family relocation. To support this demand, Singapore offers several investor visa programs designed to entice individuals who want to expand their companies overseas while securing residency. The two key options are the EntrePass program and the Global Investor Programme (GIP).

However, when it comes to securing long-term residency, an important question arises: which of these options offers a clearer path? In this guide, we break down both schemes to help you determine the most suitable route.

Overview of Each Visa Scheme

The Global Investor Programme (GIP) and the EntrePass Scheme are Singapore’s choices for investor visas. These programs were created to draw wealthy people to the country so they could make investments in the national economy.

Both these investor visa programs have unique requirements for qualifying as well as advantages for overseas investors.

GIP is designed for established business owners and investors who have already accumulated significant wealth and are looking to expand their presence in Singapore. Unlike employment-based permits, the GIP offers a direct pathway to Singapore Permanent Residence (PR), making it a highly attractive option for those seeking long-term relocation. The programme requires a substantial commitment, with minimum investments ranging from S$10 million to S$50 million, depending on the chosen option.

In the offshore sector, it is typically seen as a long-term wealth management and business expansion strategy rather than a backup residence.

The EntrePass, on the other hand, is aimed at startup founders operating in innovative, venture-backed, or technology-driven sectors. It is intended for seasoned entrepreneurs or individuals with strong, innovation-focused business plans who wish to establish and grow their companies in Singapore. The EntrePass grants temporary residence, which is renewable as long as the business continues to meet eligibility criteria, and it can eventually lead to PR after several years.

Unlike the GIP, this scheme does not require vast upfront capital but instead emphasizes the innovative value of the business. As an applicant, you must demonstrate that your venture brings something new to the market and support it with venture capital funding or unique intellectual property.

Key Differences at a Glance

Here are the main differences between the two schemes:

Capital Requirement: EntrePass has no set investment threshold. However, sufficient cash must be shown, whereas GIP demands a minimum investment of SGD 10 million. In other words, the capital requirement in GIP is high, and in EntrePass, it is low.

Type of Business: While EntrePass focuses on creative startups and expanding businesses, particularly in the tech and innovation-driven sectors, GIP provides a wider range of investment alternatives and is open to any established business or approved fund.

PR Timeline: EntrePass is a work visa that may potentially result in permanent residence after 3-5 years, whereas GIP goes immediately to PR upon approval.

Family Relocation: Due to the higher investment levels, GIP applications are typically more intricate and closely examined. However, GIP is more inclusive in terms of family relocation, while EntrePass is stricter on family eligibility.

Agency in Charge: The two schemes are also overseen by different authorities. GIP is overseen by EDB, and MOM is in charge of EntrePass.

Overall, the EntrePass is more suitable for active entrepreneurs launching new businesses, whilst the GIP is usually better suited for investors or owners of existing businesses.

Who Should Consider the GIP?

Gaining access to Singapore’s GIP involves more than simply bringing in capital. EDB and the Singaporean government have outlined specific applicant profiles, each with distinct requirements.

The first category targets entrepreneurs with strong business track records. Applicants must show at least three years of entrepreneurial experience, own a minimum of 30% of their company, and demonstrate revenue of at least S$200 million (about US$153 million) in the most recent year, with an average of S$200 million over the past three years.

Another pathway is for individuals planning to set up a family office in Singapore. Candidates need at least five years of experience in management, investment, or entrepreneurship, along with net investable assets of at least S$200 million, typically excluding property.

For investors seeking immediate PR without launching a new startup, the GIP provides a direct route. This option is particularly attractive to those who prefer to rely on established businesses or personal wealth rather than starting from scratch.

The program also stands out for its inclusivity when relocating family members, offering greater flexibility on Dependant Passes compared to other visa schemes.

Global ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) fall under additional GIP profiles, particularly next-generation entrepreneurs and fast-growth company founders. For the next generation, applicants must hold a management role in a family business where the immediate family owns at least 30% or is the largest shareholder. The family business must have achieved a turnover of at least S$500 million in the latest year and maintained the same average over the past three years.

Fast-growth company founders, on the other hand, must be major shareholders and founders of private firms valued at a minimum of S$500 million. These companies must operate in approved industries and have backing from reputable venture capital or private equity firms.

Who Should Choose the EntrePass?

The EntrePass is designed for startup founders who want to launch innovative or tech-driven ventures in Singapore. To qualify, you must either intend to establish or have already registered a private limited company with ACRA. If the business is already registered, it must be under six months old on the application date; if not, you will have 30 days to register it once your application is approved.

Eligibility also extends to early-stage entrepreneurs who can show external support, such as at least S$100,000 in funding from a government-accredited business angel or venture capitalist, or being incubated at a Singapore government-supported incubator. Alternatively, founders may qualify if their company owns intellectual property registered with a recognized national IP institution, if one of the shareholders is the inventor (even of expired IPs), or if the venture maintains ongoing research collaboration with an A*STAR-recognized research institution.

The scheme suits those seeking initial residency with lower capital, long-term growth ambitions, or who do not meet GIP’s high financial thresholds.

Common Challenges with Each Route

While both the GIP and the EntrePass open doors to Singapore, each comes with its own set of hurdles that applicants must be prepared for. Understanding these challenges in advance can save valuable time and increase the chances of success.

Challenges with GIP

Complex documentation requirements, especially around proving the source of funds.
Heavy scrutiny by the Economic Development Board (EDB) to ensure the proposed business or investment aligns with Singapore’s strategic industries.
A lengthy and often rigorous assessment process is required before approval is granted.

Challenges with EntrePass

High rejection rate if the business plan does not demonstrate genuine innovation or scalability.
Renewal is tied to meeting strict business milestones, including local hiring, which can be difficult for early-stage founders.
Funding verification and proof of business viability in the Singapore context remain frequent stumbling blocks.
A longer route to Permanent Residence (PR), requiring sustained performance and strong justification over several years.

Our Expert Recommendation

Choosing between the GIP and the EntrePass ultimately depends on your profile, resources, and long-term objectives. If you are a high-net-worth individual seeking speed, certainty, and the ability to relocate your family with minimal restrictions, the GIP stands out as the superior route. It offers a direct path to PR and is ideal for those with established businesses or wealth looking to anchor assets and family life in Singapore.

On the other hand, if you are a founder with limited capital but a strong vision for building the next tech unicorn, the EntrePass provides a strategic entry point. It rewards innovation, scalability, and early-stage growth potential, though it comes with stricter renewal conditions and a longer timeline to PR.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your financial standing, business maturity, and long-term goals. We recommend seeking a tailored consultation to carefully assess eligibility, challenges, and the most suitable pathway.

How One Visa Can Help

One Visa is a licensed immigration agency in Singapore with specialized expertise in both the GIP and the EntrePass. The team works in direct liaison with key authorities such as the EDB and the MOM, ensuring applications are aligned with official requirements from the start. Their approach goes beyond paperwork, offering strategic visa planning tailored to each client’s business objectives, personal goals, and family relocation needs.

One Visa supports every step of the process with precision, from preparing compelling business plans to structuring funds and providing solid financial proof. They have become a trusted partner for high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs seeking to secure residency in Singapore.