EntrePass Singapore (2026): Requirements & Eligibility for Foreign Founders
Last updated: 19 May 2026 | Reviewed by Cheng King Heng, MOM-Licensed Immigration Consultant (EA Personnel R1102471), MOM EA Licence 10C2994
The Singapore EntrePass is designed for foreign entrepreneurs who want to relocate and build a venture-backed or innovation-driven business in Singapore. Unlike standard work passes, the EntrePass focuses on startup founders with strong business models, intellectual property, or investment backing.
In this 2026 guide, we explain the eligibility criteria, approval pathways, required documents, and how founders can structure their application to improve approval chances before relocating their business to Singapore.
Entrepass Guide
Table of Contents
Who the EntrePass Is Designed For?
The Singapore Entrepass is a work pass scheme offered to foreign entrepreneurs who intend to relocate to Singapore to launch or expand their business with innovative nature. Below includes a typical list of applicants who would succeed in their EntrePass Application:
- Venture-backed startup founders
- SaaS and AI entrepreneurs
- Deep-tech innovators
- Founders accepted into recognised accelerators
- Entrepreneurs relocating regional headquarters to Singapore
For those who are running a traditional business without the above innovation elements, they can learn more about other suitable Singapore work visas here.
What is an EntrePass in Singapore?
The EntrePass in Singapore, also known as the Singapore Entrepreneur Pass, is a specialised work pass specially designed for foreign entrepreneurs or business owners who are keen on launching and driving businesses within Singapore and globally. This work pass targets scalable and innovative businesses that can contribute significantly to the Singapore's economy. It also targets entrepreneurs, innovators, business owners, and investors who aspire to use Singapore as a strategic base for accessing the ASEAN markets and wider Asian region.
In this short video, our immigration specialists walk you through the application process, eligibility criteria, and how to increase your chances of approval. Watch Full Entrepass video.
Overview of the Singapore Entrepass
EntrePass Updates in 2026
Singapore continues to prioritise innovation-led founders under the EntrePass scheme. In 2026, evaluation remains focused on venture-backed startups, proprietary technology, and regional scalability rather than traditional SMEs. Applicants with strong accelerator participation, intellectual property, or cross-border expansion plans typically see stronger approval outcomes.
Features of the EntrePass Singapore
- No minimum capital investment requirements: You meet on of the innovative criteria prescribed by the MOM which capital investment is not required
- No Salary Requirement: Unlike Employment Pass, you are not required to be paid a monthly salary to meet the eligiblity criteria
- Visa Validity: The EntrePass is issued for 1 year on first issue. The 1st renewal is granted for 12 months; the 2nd, 3rd and 4th renewals are each granted for 24 months.
- Worker's Levy: Exempted from paying any worker's levy or quota
- Dependant's Pass Eligibility: You can bring your immediate family and parents (if the required business milestones))
Do I Qualify for EntrePass?
To qualify for the Entrepreneur Pass in Singapore, you must meet certain innovative criteria. See below for a list of criteria:
- You have setup or intend to setup a Singapore Private Limited Company. You must hold at least 30% shares in the Singapore.
- The business must be Venture-backed or owns any innovative technologies. Your company would qualify if you meet one of the below criteria:
- Secured Funding from recognised venture capitalists, companies or business angels. Start Up Sg is one of the eligible investors.
- Designed, manufactured, or brought to market technology-based products, services, or platforms.
- Obtained patents through recognized national intellectual property organizations.
- Engaged in active research partnerships with academic or research institutions.
- 2. Meet the one of the following entrepass criteria:
The venture-backed route is one of several recognised by MOM. The founder must have secured at least SGD 100,000 from a single funding round, raised from a recognised investor for the current or a previous venture.
Recognised investors:
- SEEDS Capital
- Vertex Ventures
- Partners under Enterprise Singapore’s Startup SG Equity (SSGE) Programme
- Internationally renowned VC firms, corporates, business angels
Alternative qualification routes (any of these):
- Innovative technology (developed, produced or commercialised tech products/services/platforms)
- Registered patents with an approved national IP institution
- Ongoing research collaboration with a Singapore institution
- Previously founded and sold a technology business
- Supported by a government-recognised or internationally renowned incubator/accelerator
Reference: https://www.mom.gov.sg/faq/entrepass/which-companies-are-considered-venture-backed-or-own-innovative-technologies and https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/entrepass/eligibility
The support by the governmental organisation or known incubator serves as an endorsement of the founder’s track record.
You have succeed in your previous technology venture and sold the business. The business must be venture-backed or owns innovative technologies.
The registered or intended business possesses Intellectual Property (IP) that is officially registered with a recognized national IP institution.
This IP should offer a substantial competitive edge to the business, characterized by its unique qualities that are not readily duplicable.
The business must have existing research collaboration with Singapore Institutions (of Higher Learning) or Research Institutes.
Requirements on the research partnership:
- Applicant must be involved in the research
- Research must be related to the business
- The research should be verifiable by a contact person working at the institute
Types of businesses that are not eligible to apply for an Entrepass:
- Coffee shops, hawker centres, and food courts
- Bars, night clubs, and karaoke lounges
- Foot reflexology practices and massage parlours
- Foot reflexology practices and massage parlours
- Employment agencies
- Geomancy businesses
Entrepass Vs Employment Pass
| Entrepass | Employment Pass (EP) | |
|---|---|---|
| Company Requirements | Must be a new company setup, registered for less than 6 months | No requirement for how long the company has been established |
| Business Activities | A business plan is enough as proof of business | Need concrete business activities as proof of ongoing business |
| Salary Requirement | No salary required | Minimum SGD 5,600/month (general sectors) or SGD 6,200/month (financial services). Rising to SGD 6,000 / SGD 6,600 from 1 January 2027 |
| Main Evaluation Criteria | Innovative business idea and the applicant’s business track record. A 10-page business plan is required. Check out our full list of Entrepass criteria. | Company sponsors business activities and applicant’s credentials (education, relevant working experience etc.). Check out our full list of criteria. |
| Renewal criteria | Milestone-based: 1st renewal requires 30% shareholding only; 2nd renewal SGD 100,000 TBS + 1 PME at SGD 3,900/month; 3rd renewal SGD 200,000 + 2 PMEs; 4th renewal SGD 300,000 + 3 PMEs | Your company must show proof of business activities for your renewal to be granted. |
| Processing Time | 6 weeks official, 8-12 weeks realistic | 3 – 8 weeks |
| Dependant Pass Eligibility | EntrePass holder must have completed 2 renewal milestones (SGD 100,000 TBS + 1 PME at SGD 3,900/month). Alternative route: previously founded and sold 2+ venture-backed companies that raised SGD 2 million for past or current business | EP holder must earn at least SGD 6,000/month to sponsor Dependant Pass |
| Pass Validity | 1 year on first issue. 1st renewal 12 months; 2nd, 3rd, 4th renewals 24 months each | Issued for 12 – 24 months and can be renewed for 24 to 36 months. |
Documents Required for EntrePass Application
- Detailed business plan: A 10-page Business Plan. Click here to learn more about the Business Plan format
- Completed Entrepass application form
- A copy of the personal particulars page of your passport
- References and testimonials
- Education degrees and certificates (if any)
- Founder's CV
- Other documents: IP documentation, funding agreement, accelerator acceptance letters etc. (that can support the innovation criterion)
- Your company’s latest business profile (only if you have setup your Singapore Company
The Entrepass Evaluation and Approval Process
Issuance and Collection of the Entrepass
Registration and Compliance
Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Application Process
- Incomplete or Inaccurate Information: Ensure that all information provided in the application form is complete and accurate. Any discrepancies can lead to delays or rejections.
- Not Meeting Eligibility Criteria: Familiarize yourself with the eligibility criteria for the EntrePass and ensure that you meet all the requirements before applying.
- Insufficient Supporting Documents: Provide all necessary supporting documents, including a detailed business plan and financial projections. These documents are critical for demonstrating the viability of your proposed business.
- Lack of Business Understanding: Demonstrate a clear understanding of your business and its operations. This includes having a well-thought-out business plan and being able to articulate your business strategy effectively.
- Failure to Meet Renewal Criteria: Ensure that you meet the renewal criteria, which include specific business spending and local employment requirements. Regularly review your business progress to stay on track.
What should I do if my Entrepass visa is rejected?
If your application is rejected, don’t panic! You would be given a rejection letter from MOM stating the reason(s) of rejection. Below includes a list of rejection factors:
- Insufficient innovation position
- Weak business scalability narrative
- Lack of recognised investor backing
- Unclear business revenue model, especially in the financial projection part
- Incomplete market differentiation evidence
In most cases, rejection can be avoided or resolved if you understand the criteria of the Entrepreneur pass. For example, most of the above factor can be addressed by writing a clear and concise business plan that meets the approval benchmark of the entrepass.
At One Visa, we would provided you with a Free Eligibility Assessment for entrepass with our expert consultant so that no time or money is wasted on the application process.
Unsure if You Qualify for an EntrePass?
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EntrePass vs Employment Pass for Startup Founders
| Feature | EntrePass | Employment Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Company ownership | Required | Optional |
| Startup focus | Yes | No |
| Investor backing | Preferred | Not required |
| Proof of Ongoing Biz Activities | No | Yes |
| Eduation Qualification | No | Crucial due to COMPASS Framework. |
As you can see from the above that the Entrepass focus on innovation whereas Employment Pass focus on the education background of the applicant. This does not mean that those without a degree would not be eligible for an Employment Pass.
Renewal criteria of Entrepass
- First renewal (12 months): founder holds at least 30% shareholding. No spending or hire requirement.
- Second Renewal (24 months): Total Business Spending SGD 100,000 + 1 PME at SGD 3,900/month minimum.
- Third Renewal (24 months): TBS SGD 200,000 + 2 PMEs at SGD 3,900/month minimum.
- Fourth Renewal (24 months): TBS SGD 300,000 + 3 PMEs at SGD 3,900/month minimum.
How Local Workforce (LWF) is counted
LWF = (number of PMEs) + (number of LQS employees ÷ 3)
A PME is a local employee earning at least SGD 3,900/month. Each PME counts as 1.
An LQS employee is a local earning below SGD 3,900/month. Each counts as one-third. A secretary on SGD 3,000/month is one-third of a PME, so 3 of them equal 1 PME.
Only Singapore Citizens and PRs count.
Dependant's Pass or Long Term Visit Passes for Family Members
To be eligible for dependant passes or Long term visit pass for your family members, you must achieve certain business milestones. See below for details:
- Dependant's Pass (spouse and children under 21): the EntrePass holder must have completed at least 2 renewal milestones (SGD 100,000 TBS + 1 PME at SGD 3,900/month). As an alternative route, founders who have previously founded and sold 2 or more venture-backed companies that raised at least SGD 2 million for past or current business may also be eligible.
- Long Term Visit Pass Long Term Visit Pass (parents): annual turnover SGD 200,000 AND Local Workforce of at least 2 (using LWF formula). Both required.for your parents: Achieve a business turnover of 200,000 SGD per year
Is it a requirement to setup a company for Entrepass application?
You do not need to start business before applying for the Entrepass. But if you do, you will need to demonstrate that you have the track records and the right background experience. All of this information has to be included in your application.
Starting your business in Singapore is a fairly easy process. Follow these steps:
- Step 1 - Understanding the Requirements of Singapore Company: You need to have at least one local director, one shareholder and a corporate secretary.
- Step 2 - Your Corporate Structure and Supporting Documents Required: nce you have understood the initial requirements for registration of a Singapore company, you need to decide on your corporate structure.
- Step 3 - Choose the Perfect Company Name and correct business activity: Selecting a unique and suitable company name is crucial. Your new company name should align with your brand identity and resonate with your target market.
- Step 5: Registration of your Singapore Private Limited Company: At this stage, you are submitting all the required documents and information to one of the Singapore government agencies, ACRA.
- Step 5 - Open a corporate bank account: This will usually take 3 - 4 weeks to process.
You can be registered within 1-2 days with professional help. See our Singapore company registration guide.
Entrepass vs Employment Pass vs. Tech Pass
| Entrepass | Employment Pass (EP) | Tech.Pass Singapore | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Requirements | Must be new company setup < 6 months | No requirement for how long the company has been established | Not Applicable |
| Business Activities | A business plan is enough as proof of business | Need concrete business activities as proof of ongoing business | Does not require ongoing business activities or business plan proposal for application |
| Salary Requirement | No salary required | SGD 5,600/month (general) or SGD 6,200/month (financial services). Rising to SGD 6,000 / SGD 6,600 from 1 January 2027 | Refer to MOM |
| Main Evaluation Criteria | Innovative business idea and the applicant’s business track records. A 10-page business plan is required. Check out Entrepass Business Plan Guide. | Company sponsors business activities and applicant’s credential (education, relevant working experience etc.). Check out our full list of Employment Pass criteria.. | Refer to MOM |
| Renewal criteria | Milestone-based: 1st renewal requires 30% shareholding only; 2nd renewal SGD 100,000 TBS + 1 PME at SGD 3,900/month; 3rd renewal SGD 200,000 + 2 PMEs; 4th renewal SGD 300,000 + 3 PMEs | Your company must show proof of business activities for your renewal to be granted. | Achieve the required business milestones. |
| Processing Time | 6 weeks official, 8-12 weeks realistic | 3 – 8 weeks | 10 - 12 weeks |
| Dependant Pass Eligibility | EntrePass holder must have completed 2 renewal milestones (SGD 100,000 TBS + 1 PME at SGD 3,900/month). Alternative route: previously founded and sold 2+ venture-backed companies that raised SGD 2 million for past or current business | Refer to MOM | Family members eligible for dependant's passes. |
| Pass Validity | 1 year on first issue. 1st renewal 12 months; 2nd, 3rd, 4th renewals 24 months each | Issued for 12 – 24 months and can be renewed for 24 to 36 months. | 24 months |
Permanent Residency Pathway via the Entrepass
As part of the Skilled Migration under the PTS Scheme, Entrepass holders are eligible to apply for Singapore PR after staying for a fixed amount of time in Singapore. We usually recommend a physical of 1 – 3 years depending on the applicant’s background. See below for the benefits of becoming a Singapore PR
- More stability for your family and business
- Less restrictions working and living in Singapore: No need to apply for a new work pass everytime to operate a new company
- A Singapore PR is granted for a period of 5 years which is much longer than an Entrepass. The renewal criteria is a lot simpler.
What are the other types of work passes available in Singapore?
If you don’t qualify for the Entrepass, you still apply for other work passes that can possibly better match your work experience and skill level. See below for details:
| Employment Pass | Personalised Employment Pass | Tech Pass | S-Pass | Work Permit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - The Employment Pass is available to skilled, well-educated professionals who have been offered a job in Singapore. - Need to be paid a minimum salary of SGD 5,600/month (general sectors) or SGD 6,200/month (financial services), rising to SGD 6,000 / SGD 6,600 from 1 January 2027. - It is valid for 2 year and can be renewed for another year; every future renewal lasts 2 years. - Business Owners and directors are allowed to hold this pass. See our full list of Employment Pass criteria for details. | - Not allowed to operate your own business - Must meet minimum salary requirement of S$22,500 per month. See our full list of PEP criteria. | - Refer to MOM for current eligibility criteria; See the list of Tech.Pass criteria. - Allowed to work for more than one employers and can start own business. | - For medium-skilled foreign technicians in important industries such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, aerospace engineering, electronics, etc. The employer or employment agent must apply for the applicant. - Workers must have several years of experience and a either a degree, diploma, or certificate to demonstrate that they received the necessary education for their chosen field. - Workers must earn a minimum monthly salary of $3,300 in general sectors or $3,800 in financial services, scaled progressively by age and rising to $3,600 / $4,000 respectively from 1 January 2027. - The S-Pass lasts for 2 years and can be renewed up to 3 years. - The S-Pass has quota and levy requirements. The number of S Pass employees cannot exceed 10% of the company's total workforce in the services sector, or 15% in construction, manufacturing, marine shipyard, and process sectors. As for the levy, employers must pay a flat monthly levy of SGD 650 per S-Pass worker across all sectors (since 1 September 2025) to cover their healthcare costs. See full list of S-Pass criteria. | - The Work Permit is for foreign semi-skilled workers from selected Asian countries who work in the construction, manufacturing, marine, or process or service sectors (as well as foreign domestic workers, nannies, and performers). - It is valid for up to 2 years and can be renewed. - Quota is required for the work permit See our full list of Work Permit Criteria. |
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Maximise Your Entrepreneurial Pass Success with Expert Guidance
Navigating the EntrePass application in Singapore can feel complex, particularly given the layered milestone schedule across renewals and the precise way Local Workforce is counted. The opportunities for innovative foreign founders remain strong; the documentation and evidence trail is what makes or breaks an application.
This is where licensed agency support changes the outcome. With more than 15 years of experience in immigration and global mobility advisory, One Visa has supported businesses and professionals across a wide range of Singapore work pass and relocation matters, maintaining a consistently strong approval track record for well-prepared and compliant applications. Contact One Visa for a free EntrePass assessment.
- An EntrePass is a work pass for foreign entrepreneurs keen to start and operate a business in Singapore that is venture-backed or possesses innovative technologies.
- Entrepreneurs who have (or intend to start) a private limited company registered with ACRA in Singapore. The company must qualify under one of MOM’s recognised criteria: venture-backed, innovative technology, registered IP, research collaboration, accelerator/incubator backing, or founders with a track record of building and selling tech businesses.
The EntrePass is specifically designed for entrepreneurs, whereas other visas like the Employment Pass are for professionals, managers, and executives. If you do not meet the entrepass criteria, we can explore other visa options for you. Contact Us at info@one-visa.com for assistance.
Benefits include being able to start and operate your own business in Singapore, no minimum salary requirement, and the possibility to bring family members over.
You can apply through the Ministry of Manpower’s website, providing a business plan, a copy of your passport, and past employment testimonials, among other documents.
The venture-backed route requires at least SGD 100,000 raised from a single funding round, sourced from a recognised investor (SEEDS Capital, Vertex Ventures, partners under Enterprise Singapore’s Startup SG Equity Programme, or internationally renowned VC firms, corporates and angels).
However, venture-backed funding is one of several qualification routes. You may also qualify if you hold registered intellectual property, have an ongoing research collaboration with a Singapore institution, have previously founded and sold a technology business, or are supported by a government-recognised incubator or accelerator.
For full details, see MOM’s eligibility criteria at https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/entrepass/eligibility
Yes. You can apply for a Dependant’s Pass for your spouse and unmarried children under 21, and a Long Term Visit Pass for your parents. Eligibility depends on completing business milestones – typically the 2nd renewal threshold (SGD 100,000 Total Business Spending + 1 PME at SGD 3,900/month) must be met before family can be sponsored on a DP. As an alternative route, founders who have previously founded and sold 2 or more venture-backed companies that raised at least SGD 2 million for past or current business may also be eligible. Check the Dependant Pass Criteria section for the full details.
MOM’s official processing time is 6 weeks from submission. In practice, applications take 8 to 12 weeks. Once approved, MOM issues an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter valid for 6 months. The applicant then attends a biometric appointment at the MOM Services Centre (wait time up to 14 days), and the physical card is processed within 4 working days of the biometric appointment.
Renewal requirements scale with each renewal cycle:
- 1st renewal (12 months): the founder must hold at least 30% shareholding in the Singapore-registered company. No business spending or local hire requirement applies.
- 2nd renewal (24 months): Total Business Spending of SGD 100,000 plus a Local Workforce of 1 PME earning at least SGD 3,900 per month.
- 3rd renewal (24 months): Total Business Spending of SGD 200,000 plus a Local Workforce of 2 PMEs.
- 4th renewal (24 months): Total Business Spending of SGD 300,000 plus a Local Workforce of 3 PMEs.
Local Workforce (LWF) is calculated as: number of PMEs + (number of LQS employees ÷ 3). A PME earns at least SGD 3,900/month; an LQS employee earns below SGD 3,900/month and counts as one-third toward LWF. Only Singapore Citizens and PRs count.
Yes, EntrePass holders can apply for PR in Singapore through the PTS scheme after a stipulated time. Check out our Singapore PR guide.
Yes, you should have a registered address for your company in Singapore.
The focus is on the entrepreneurial value, scalability, and innovation rather than specific industries.
If your application is unsuccessful, you can submit an appeal with additional information supporting your business viability. Refer to MOM’s EntrePass guidance for the current appeal window and process.
If an EntrePass holder does not meet the renewal criteria (such as Total Business Spending or Local Workforce requirements), MOM will not approve the renewal application. The pass will lapse, and the founder must wind down operations or transition to another work pass before the current EntrePass expires. In some cases, founders can submit an appeal with supporting documentation to demonstrate business progress and request additional time. Common transition options include applying for an Employment Pass if the founder has secured a senior management role and the company meets EP salary thresholds.
EntrePass holders are taxed based on their tax residency status in Singapore. An individual is considered a tax resident if they stay or work in Singapore for 183 days or more in a calendar year. Tax residents are taxed at progressive rates ranging from 0% to 24% on chargeable income, while non-residents are taxed at a flat rate of 15% on employment income or the resident rates, whichever is higher.
EntrePass holders who employ local staff (Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents) are required to contribute to the Central Provident Fund (CPF) as employers. CPF contributions are mandatory for local employees earning more than SGD 50 per month, with rates varying based on age and wage.
Companies operated by EntrePass holders are also subject to Singapore corporate income tax at 17% on chargeable income, with partial tax exemptions and rebates available for qualifying start-up companies under the Start-up Tax Exemption (SUTE) scheme.
Yes, EntrePass holders have two main pathways to longer-term residence in Singapore.
Employment Pass conversion: If business priorities change and the founder takes on a senior management role at their own company (or moves to another company), they can apply for an Employment Pass instead. As of 2027, EP applicants must meet the minimum qualifying salary thresholds (SGD 6,000 per month for most sectors, SGD 6,600 for financial services), pass the COMPASS framework points test, and the employer must have posted the role on MyCareersFuture for at least 14 days before applying.
Permanent Residency: EntrePass holders can apply for Singapore PR through the Professionals, Technical Personnel and Skilled Workers (PTS) Scheme after a reasonable period of stay and contribution. PR applications are evaluated holistically on factors including business contributions to Singapore’s economy, job creation for locals, tax contributions, age, qualifications, and family ties. There is no fixed minimum holding period for EntrePass holders before applying, though most successful applicants demonstrate sustained business performance and integration over multiple years.
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