The EntrePass is Singapore’s bespoke work pass for foreign entrepreneurs who want to set up and run an innovative business in Singapore. It is not the right pass for someone who simply wants to relocate and work — that’s an Employment Pass. The EntrePass is specifically for founders of new, innovative, scalable ventures, and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has tightened it considerably to reflect this.
This 2026 guide explains who actually qualifies, what MOM looks for in the application, the documents required, and the timelines we observe on real submissions.
What Is the EntrePass?
The EntrePass is a work pass issued by MOM that allows eligible foreign entrepreneurs to start and operate a business in Singapore. It is initially issued for one year, renewable for two-year periods provided the business meets specified milestones (revenue, job creation, business spending).
Unlike the Employment Pass, which is tied to working for a Singapore company, the EntrePass is tied to running your own Singapore-incorporated company.
Who Can Apply for an EntrePass in 2026?
You must satisfy at least one of the following criteria. MOM has moved away from a generic founder definition — they now want clear evidence that you fit one of these profiles.
1. Entrepreneur
You have raised at least S$100,000 from a recognised venture capitalist or business angel, or you have been accepted into a Government-recognised incubator or accelerator in Singapore, or your company has a significant business network and is making strategic investments into Singapore.
2. Innovator
You hold intellectual property (patents, trademarks) that is innovative and registered with an approved national IP institution, or you have ongoing research collaboration with an A*STAR research institute or institute of higher learning in Singapore, or your company is engaged in extraordinary technical or domain expertise relevant to a strategic industry.
3. Investor
You have a strong track record of investing in highly scalable businesses, with demonstrable interest and capability to invest in Singapore.
Business Eligibility Requirements
Beyond the founder’s profile, the business itself must meet these baseline requirements:
- The company must be registered with ACRA as a Private Limited (Pte Ltd) — sole proprietorships and LLPs are not eligible.
- If the company is already incorporated, it must be less than 6 months old at the time of EntrePass application. If not yet incorporated, you can apply first and incorporate within 30 days of receiving in-principle approval.
- You must hold at least 30% of the shares in the company.
- The business must be innovative — MOM excludes traditional sectors such as basic F&B (coffee shops, food courts, hawker centres), karaoke/nightspots, foot reflexology and massage parlours, employment agencies (with limited carve-outs), feng shui businesses and similar.
For help with the incorporation step, see our guide on setting up a Singapore company and the Pte Ltd vs LLP comparison.
Renewal Milestones — This Is Where Most Applicants Stumble
The EntrePass is only worthwhile if you can renew it. To renew, you must meet progressive business milestones:
For first renewal (after Year 1):
- Total business spending of at least S$100,000 in the preceding year, AND
- Hire at least 3 Singaporean / PR full-time employees who earn at least the prevailing local qualifying salary and receive CPF contributions for at least 3 months, OR hire 2 Singaporean / PR full-time PMETs (professionals, managers, executives, technicians) earning at least the EP minimum qualifying salary.
For second renewal (Year 3) and beyond:
- Business spending of at least S$200,000 in the preceding year, AND
- 5 Singaporean / PR full-time employees, OR 4 Singaporean / PR full-time PMETs.
Innovators have an alternative renewal track based on R&D activities and IP outcomes rather than headcount.
Does COMPASS Apply to the EntrePass?
No. COMPASS is the points-based system that applies to Employment Pass applications only. The EntrePass has its own qualitative assessment focused on the founder’s track record and the business plan’s substance.
However, EntrePass holders who later hire EP holders for their company will be subject to COMPASS for those EP applications.
Documents Required
The MOM document checklist for the EntrePass typically includes:
- Completed Form 8 (EntrePass application form)
- Detailed business plan (no longer than 10 pages) covering business idea, target customers, financial projections (3 years), and milestones
- Passport bio-data page
- Latest professional qualifications and CV (with at least 5 years of employment / entrepreneurial history)
- For Entrepreneur applicants: VC term sheet or investment confirmation; or incubator acceptance letter; or evidence of strategic Singapore investment
- For Innovator applicants: IP registration certificates; or research collaboration letters from A*STAR or universities
- For Investor applicants: track record of investments and references
- If company already incorporated: ACRA Bizfile profile
- Latest audited financials (if applicable)
The business plan is decisive. Generic, AI-drafted business plans get rejected. MOM wants specificity: target customer profile, unit economics, why Singapore, why now, and why you.
Application Timeline and Costs
Standard processing time is 8 weeks from MOM’s receipt of a complete application. In practice, expect:
- Application fee: S$105
- Pass issuance fee (on approval): S$225
- Initial validity: 1 year
- Total realistic timeline (application + decision + collection): 10–12 weeks
Family Members
EntrePass holders can sponsor dependents only after their business meets enhanced thresholds:
- Dependant’s Pass for spouse and unmarried children under 21: Annual business spending of at least S$100,000 and at least 3 local hires.
- Long-Term Visit Pass for parents, common-law spouse, etc.: Annual business spending of at least S$200,000 and at least 6 local hires.
This is a much higher bar than for EP holders, who can sponsor dependents purely based on their own salary.
EntrePass vs Employment Pass — Which Should You Apply For?
Many founders ask whether to apply for an EntrePass or simply incorporate a company, appoint themselves as a Director, and apply for an Employment Pass.
The honest answer for 2026: if your business does not clearly fit the Entrepreneur / Innovator / Investor criteria above, an EP is almost always faster and easier. You appoint a nominee director (if needed), incorporate, draw a salary that meets the EP qualifying threshold (S$5,600 / month for general roles, S$6,200 for financial services), and apply for an EP under your own company.
The EntrePass becomes preferable when you have institutional VC backing, accelerator placement, or genuine IP — in which case the EntrePass signals MOM’s endorsement and unlocks specific support programmes.
For broader pathways, see our guide on relocating to Singapore.
Common Reasons EntrePass Applications Are Rejected
- Business does not appear innovative or scalable (typical reason for F&B and traditional retail applications)
- Business plan is generic or unrealistic
- Founder profile lacks relevant industry experience
- No clear funding source or investor backing
- Company already incorporated for more than 6 months
- Founder holds less than 30% equity
How Raffles Corporate Services Helps EntrePass Applicants
We routinely help founders with:
- Incorporation of the holding Pte Ltd and structuring of share capital
- Drafting a compliant business plan tailored to MOM’s evaluation criteria
- Liaising with corporate banks for the initial S$50,000–S$100,000 paid-up capital
- Coordinating audited financial statements for renewal applications
- Managing CPF and payroll setup once local hires come on board (critical for renewal)
The official MOM EntrePass portal is at mom.gov.sg. For Singapore corporate setup support more broadly, our sister site Singapore Secretary Services publishes detailed incorporation walk-throughs.
— The Editorial Team, Raffles Corporate Services