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The EntrePass is a work pass from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for foreign entrepreneurs who start and run a venture-backed or innovative business in Singapore. Fees are S$105 to apply and S$225 to issue. MOM processes most applications within 6 weeks. Checked .
Who can get an EntrePass?
You must meet both of these.
- Have started, or plan to start, a private limited company registered with ACRA, where you hold at least 30%.
- The company must be venture-backed or own innovative technology.
On top of that you must meet at least one backing test. Enterprise Singapore evaluates applications and may run periodic audits, and MOM says approval of the pass is not a guarantee that your business registration and licences will be approved.
| Backing test | What MOM asks for |
|---|---|
| Funding | At least S$100,000 raised in a single funding round from investors, for any past or current business |
| Accelerator or incubator | Backing from a government-recognised or internationally renowned incubator or accelerator |
| Track record | You founded and sold a venture-backed or innovative business |
| Intellectual property | IP registered with an approved national IP institution |
| Research | An ongoing relevant research collaboration in Singapore, for example with a university or A*STAR |
Which businesses are excluded?
MOM lists food businesses, entertainment venues, wellness services, employment agencies and geomancy businesses as ineligible. A restaurant or a salon founder will not get an EntrePass on the business alone.
How much does an EntrePass cost?
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee, paid by Visa, Mastercard or Amex | S$105 for each pass |
| Issuance fee | S$225 for each pass |
| Multiple-entry visa (MOM's Multiple-entry Visa), if applicable | S$30 each |
There is no foreign worker levy or quota for the EntrePass. MOM gives the application fee and the issuance fee separately. You pay the application fee when you submit, and the issuance fee after in-principle approval, when you are in Singapore to collect the pass.
How does the application work?
You apply as the candidate. MOM does not need an employer to submit for you.
- Prepare the documents MOM lists for the EntrePass.
- Complete the application online.
- Pay the S$105 application fee.
- Receive the in-principle approval letter, a single-entry visa valid for 6 months to enter Singapore and get the pass issued.
- Get the pass issued in Singapore and pay S$225.
You must be in Singapore for the issuance step. The notification letter that lets you work is valid for 1 month from the date of issue.
How long is the pass valid?
A new pass and the first renewal run up to 1 year. Later renewals run up to 2 years. MOM states there is no stipulated minimum salary, and renewals depend on meeting the renewal criteria.
Can you apply before the company exists?
Yes. ACRA says you can apply before incorporation or within six months of setting up the company. Foreigners must engage a corporate service provider (CSP) to reserve the company name and register the company. See register a company in Singapore as a foreigner for the steps.
EntrePass or Employment Pass?
Pick the EntrePass if the company is venture-backed or innovative and you hold at least 30%. Pick the Employment Pass if you will draw a salary from a company that is not eligible under the EntrePass tests. The Employment Pass is scored under COMPASS and has a salary floor. The EntrePass has no stipulated minimum salary. The route for owners applying for an EP through their own firm is explained in employment pass for a company director.
What does the EntrePass not do?
It does not register your company, and it does not grant licences. MOM says plainly that getting an EntrePass does not guarantee that your business registration and licences will be approved. You still need ACRA to approve the company and any licence your trade needs. Check the licence side on GoBusiness before you commit money to the setup.
The pass also ties you to your own venture. It is a pass for running the company you hold at least 30% of, so plan the shareholding on day one. The 30% holding is part of MOM's eligibility test, and MOM makes renewal conditional on meeting the renewal criteria.
Can your family come with you?
MOM offers passes for eligible family members of EntrePass holders. A spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for a Dependant's Pass. For EntrePass families MOM states a processing time of within 6 weeks for most cases, and the main pass holder applies.
Want a provider to register the company for you? Use the quote form on this page to get your details to suitable providers.
Sources
- MOM, EntrePass eligibility: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/entrepass/eligibility (criteria, backing tests, excluded sectors)
- MOM, EntrePass key facts: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/entrepass/key-facts (validity, no minimum salary, no levy or quota)
- MOM, Apply for an EntrePass: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/entrepass/apply-for-a-pass (fees, 6 weeks, in-principle approval)
- MOM, Apply for a Dependant's Pass: https://www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/dependants-pass/apply-for-a-pass (family processing time)
- ACRA, Foreigners registering a business: https://www.acra.gov.sg/how-to-guides/foreigners-registering-a-business-in-singapore/requirements-for-local-residency (timing and CSP rule)
