What Is the EntrePass?
The EntrePass is a specialised work pass issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) designed for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to start and operate a business in Singapore. Unlike the Employment Pass, which is tied to employment with an existing company, the EntrePass is tailored for individuals who want to be the founders and driving force behind a new Singapore-registered venture.
Singapore has long positioned itself as one of Asia’s most attractive destinations for entrepreneurs and innovators. The EntrePass scheme is a key pillar of this strategy, enabling foreign entrepreneurs with promising business ideas, proven track records, or significant investment experience to establish themselves in the country. However, the bar for approval is deliberately high — MOM is looking for applicants who can bring genuine innovation, job creation, or investment value to Singapore’s economy.
This guide covers who is eligible for the EntrePass, how to apply, the conditions attached to the pass, and practical tips for maximising your chances of approval.
Who Is Eligible for the EntrePass?
To qualify for an EntrePass, you must be a foreign entrepreneur who intends to start and operate a new business in Singapore, or who has recently registered a company in Singapore that is no more than six months old at the time of application. You must also hold a substantial (at least 30 per cent) shareholding in the company.
MOM evaluates EntrePass applications based on whether the applicant meets at least one of the following qualifying criteria.
For Entrepreneurs
If you are applying as an entrepreneur, you must demonstrate that your business has received funding of at least S$100,000 from a recognised third-party investor (such as a government-affiliated venture capital fund, a venture capital firm, or a business angel listed with an approved angel network). Alternatively, you may qualify if your business is or has been incubated by a Singapore government-recognised incubator or accelerator programme.
MOM also considers factors such as your existing business network, entrepreneurial track record (including previous ventures you have founded), and intellectual property or innovative technology that your business owns or is developing.
For Innovators
Applicants with a strong record of intellectual property or research may qualify as innovators. This includes individuals who hold patents or have ongoing research collaborations with a Singapore-based research institution or institute of higher learning (such as A*STAR, NUS, NTU, or SMU). A demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in your field of expertise — such as awards, publications, or industry recognition — can also support your application.
For Investors
Experienced investors with a strong portfolio and a track record of backing successful businesses may qualify under the investor category. You must demonstrate a history of investing in businesses and present plans to grow either new or existing Singapore-based businesses through your investment activities.
What Types of Businesses Are Eligible?
Not every business qualifies for an EntrePass application. MOM maintains a list of business types that are excluded from the scheme. These ineligible businesses include coffee shops, hawker centres, food courts, bars, nightclubs, karaoke lounges, employment agencies, and geomancy or feng shui practices, among others.
The rationale behind these exclusions is that MOM wants the EntrePass to attract businesses that bring innovation, create skilled jobs for locals, or contribute to Singapore’s strategic economic objectives. Traditional service businesses that do not meet these criteria are generally directed towards other pass categories or are expected to hire local management.
If your business is in an eligible sector, you should ensure that your company has been (or will be) properly incorporated in Singapore with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). The company must be a private limited company registered under the Companies Act.
How to Apply for an EntrePass
The EntrePass application is submitted online through MOM’s EntrePass Online (EPOL) system. Here is a step-by-step overview of the process.
First, prepare your business plan. MOM requires a detailed business plan that outlines your business model, target market, revenue projections, hiring plans, and how the business will contribute to Singapore’s economy. The business plan should clearly articulate the innovative or value-adding nature of your venture.
Second, gather your supporting documents. These include your curriculum vitae, academic qualifications, evidence of funding or incubation (where applicable), intellectual property documentation, and any other materials that demonstrate you meet the qualifying criteria.
Third, if you have not yet registered your company, you may do so before or concurrently with your EntrePass application. If the company is already registered, ensure it is no more than six months old at the time of application. You can learn more about the incorporation process in our step-by-step guide to incorporating a Singapore company.
Fourth, submit your application via EPOL along with the application fee of S$105. MOM will review your application, which typically takes around eight weeks. During this period, MOM may request additional information or clarification.
If approved, you will receive an In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter. You then have six months to complete the formalities, including registering your company (if not yet done), issuing the pass, and commencing business operations.
EntrePass Validity, Renewal, and Conditions
A new EntrePass is initially issued for one year. The first renewal is also valid for one year, and subsequent renewals are valid for two years each. Renewal is not automatic — MOM will assess whether you have met specific milestones at each renewal stage.
Renewal Milestones
At the point of your first renewal (after year one), MOM will typically look at whether your business has met minimum hiring and expenditure targets. For subsequent renewals, the benchmarks become progressively more demanding. You may be required to demonstrate that the business has hired a certain number of local employees, generated a minimum level of total business spending, or achieved revenue milestones.
These conditions are designed to ensure that EntrePass holders are genuinely building businesses that contribute to Singapore’s economy, rather than simply using the pass as a means of residing in the country without meaningful economic activity.
Bringing Your Family
EntrePass holders may be eligible to bring their family members to Singapore on Dependant’s Passes or Long-Term Visit Passes, but this is subject to meeting certain conditions, typically linked to your business’s performance. In general, you must demonstrate that your company has hired a minimum number of local employees and has met certain spending or revenue thresholds before MOM will approve family passes.
EntrePass vs Employment Pass: Which Is Right for You?
Foreign professionals considering Singapore often wonder whether to apply for an EntrePass or an Employment Pass (EP). The key distinction lies in the purpose of the pass.
The EntrePass is for entrepreneurs who are starting a new business. The EP is for foreign professionals who are being hired by an existing Singapore company to fill a specific role. If you are a founder who also holds a senior position in your own company, you may be eligible for either pass, but the requirements differ significantly.
The EP is assessed under the COMPASS framework, which evaluates factors such as salary, qualifications, workforce diversity, and local employment support. The EntrePass, by contrast, focuses on the viability and innovation potential of the business itself.
For founders who have been running their company for more than six months, the EntrePass route may no longer be available, in which case an EP may be the appropriate path. Conversely, if your business is brand new and your salary may not yet meet the EP minimum qualifying salary, the EntrePass may be the better option.
Some entrepreneurs also explore the Personalised Employment Pass (PEP), which offers greater flexibility but is only available to individuals who meet high income thresholds.
Practical Tips for a Successful EntrePass Application
Competition for the EntrePass is strong, and approval is far from guaranteed. Here are some practical tips to strengthen your application.
Invest in a robust business plan. This is the centrepiece of your application. MOM wants to see a clear, well-researched plan that demonstrates market understanding, realistic financial projections, and a genuine commitment to building the business in Singapore. Generic or poorly prepared business plans are a common reason for rejection.
Secure third-party validation. Applications backed by recognised investors, incubators, or research institutions carry significantly more weight. If possible, secure your funding or incubation support before applying.
Demonstrate local economic contribution. MOM is especially keen to see that your business will create jobs for Singaporeans and permanent residents. Including specific hiring plans in your business plan signals that you understand and are aligned with Singapore’s workforce development objectives.
Ensure your corporate setup is solid. Having your company properly incorporated with all statutory requirements in place — including appointing a company secretary, filing your annual returns, and maintaining statutory registers — demonstrates professionalism and seriousness. If you need a local resident director to satisfy the resident director requirement, consider engaging a nominee director service while you await your pass approval.
Conclusion
The EntrePass offers a viable pathway for ambitious foreign entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses in Singapore. While the eligibility criteria are demanding and the renewal conditions require genuine economic contribution, the rewards of building a business in one of Asia’s most dynamic economies can be substantial.
Careful preparation — from crafting a compelling business plan to ensuring your company’s corporate setup is fully compliant — is the key to a successful application. With the right approach, the EntrePass can be your gateway to Singapore’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
If you are considering applying for an EntrePass and need help with company incorporation, corporate secretarial compliance, or navigating the application process, Raffles Corporate Services and our associated employment agency are ready to assist you every step of the way.
— The Editorial Team, Raffles Corporate Services