Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) is a high qualified work pass for entrepreneur who desire to start innovative companies that add to Singapore’s economy. The visa is focused on the innovative nature of the new company and is not granted to entrepreneurs who wish to start a company in an old established industry.
Basic Requirements and Eligibility to Apply Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) in Singapore
The EntrePass application is reviewed by three government bodies – SPRING Singapore, Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and the National Research Foundation (NRF). The criteria are as follows:
Applicants must demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Be funded by a recognized third-party venture capitalist or business angel
- Hold a nationally-recognized proprietary or licensed Intellectual Property (IP)
- Has research collaboration with recognized research institutions such as A*STAR or an institute of higher learning
- Is an incubatee at a government-approved incubator or accelerator
- Hold significant business experience/network and a promising entrepreneurial track record.
- Has exceptional technical/domain expertise in an area related to the proposed business.
- Holds a good track record of investing in businesses and wants to grow new or existing businesses in Singapore.
Business Categories That Are Not Eligible to Apply Entrepass
- Coffee shops, hawker centres, food courts
- Bars, night clubs, karaoke lounges
- Foot reflexology and massage parlours
- Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), acupuncture, and herbal dispensaries
- Employment agencies and geomancy
Additional Information On Minimum Eligibility Criteria
To Apply Entrepass
You must also meet the minimum eligibility criteria as an entrepreneur, investor, or innovator.
Entrepreneur
- Your company is receiving at least S$100,000 in funding or investment from a third-party venture capitalist (VC) or angel investor duly accredited by a Singapore government agency.
- Your company is incubated by an incubator or accelerator recognized by the Singapore government.
- You have an established business network and entrepreneurial track record.
Innovator
- You possess intellectual property.
- You have research collaborations with a Singapore-based institute of higher learning or a credible research institute.
- You have a record of extraordinary achievements in your key area(s) of expertise.
Investor
- Is willing to invest a substantial amount in a Singapore local company.
- A promising track record in investing and driving the growth of highly-scalable businesses.
- Significant experience working as a senior management professional or at an executive position in a large corporation.
Importance of Your Business Plan To Apply Entrepass
The proposed business plan will serve as the key requirement for the EntrePass application. Thus, the comprehensive business plan should demonstrate the applicant’s professional business experience, outline its goals and objectives, and a detailed plan and strategies for meeting the requirements set by MOM.
Your business plan must comprehensively portray the following information:
Applicant’s Profile
The applicant’s profile must state the following information about an applicant:
- Professional experience
- Awards and recognition from a national body
- Unique skills or resources.
- Academic qualifications
Business Idea
The business idea must demonstrate the following critical data:
- Product and service offered
- Unique and Innovative
- Market analysis
- Supporting documents (e.g., licensing agreements, product certifications and endorsements)
Implementation Plan
An implementation plan must include the following key elements:
- Market plan
- Operation plan
- Financial projections
- Profile of management team
Basic Documents Required for Application:
Before applying for an EntrePass, the applicant should prepare the following documents:
- A completed EntrePass application form.
- A copy of educational certificates.
- A passport-sized photograph taken within the last three months.
- A copy of the passport personal particulars page.
- Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or contracts with potential clients for the new business, if any.
- Brochures, press releases, or any business collaterals from previous or existing business ventures, if any.
- A 10-page business plan.
Note: All documents must be in English or translated into English by a certified translation body.
Application Procedure
The procedure is as follows:
- The EntrePass application form is submitted, along with its supporting documents. MOM may take up to eight weeks to process the application. The processing period may be extended if any further clarification is required.
- Upon approval of the application, an in-principle approval letter (IPA) will be issued. The applicant will have thirty days to register the company with ACRA.
- The applicant will also have six months to move in Singapore and request for the EntrePass to be issued.
- The applicant may be required to register their fingerprints and photos taken for the issuance of the pass.
- The EntrePass card will be delivered within four days.
Entrepass Application Package
From $1988
- Review and refine Business Plans written by the client
- Collate and Consolidate all supporting documents (Excluding translation and notarization fees if necessary)
- Verify the final proof of application before submission
- Monitor the application status and reply to queries (if any) raises by MOM
- Assist in the Appeal Process if required (Additional Charge)
- Collect the Entrepreneur Pass on behalf of the client, if the client is no longer in SG when the pass is issued
- If Business Plan is provided by us, an additional $5000 will be charged accordingly
Note : Excluding MOM application fee
Steps To Apply Entrepass
Step 1 - Consultation with an Expert
In the first part of the application, you will undergo a free consultation with our expert.
Step 2 - Preparation of EntrePass Application
We will advise and assist in preparing your EntrePass application and ensure that all necessary supporting documents are included to minimise delays and maximise approval.
Step 3 - Preparation of Business Plan
Prepare a comprehensive business plan on your behalf, based on the information you have provided about your new business.
Step 4 - Collate Documents and Review for Submission
We will then gather all the relevant documents and review them before submission. Translate all your documents that are not in English before submitting them to us.
Step 5 - Application Submission
After everything is prepared, we are now ready to submit your application. We will submit and track your application status on your behalf.
Step 6 - Receive MOM’s outcome
Congratulations! Your EntrePass is now approved. For rejected applications, we will review and explore the reasons with the relevant authorities and file an appeal on your behalf.
Need help for your Entrepass Application? Consult with our specialists!
FAQs
What businesses are not eligible to apply for an EntrePass?
Note that not all types of businesses are eligible under the EntrePass scheme.
According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the following businesses do not qualify for the EntrePass scheme:
- Coffee shops, hawker centres and food courts
- Bars, night clubs and karaoke lounges
- Foot reflexology and massage parlours
- Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), acupuncture, and herbal dispensaries
- Employment agencies
- Geomancy businesses
What is the Renewing Procedure?
Three months prior to the expiry of the EntrePass, you will receive a renewal form from the MOM. After completion of the renewal form, you must mail it, along with supporting documents listed below, to the below address:
Work Pass Division, Ministry of Manpower, 18 Havelock Road, Singapore 059764
Supporting Documents Required:
- Most recent audited financial statements
- CPF statements of company’s employees
- Employees’ educational certificates
- Tenancy agreements
- Company’s ACRA registration information
- Company’s bank statements for the past three months
- Recent invoices or contracts
The renewal process will take around eight weeks.
Are EntrePass Holders eligible to apply for Permanent Residence (PR) In Singapore?
Yes! EntrePass holders are eligible to apply for Permanent Residence (PR) in Singapore.
It is advisable to wait for at least six months or longer to meet one of the assessing criteria requiring submission of a minimum of six months payslip and preferably an IRAS tax assessment.
ICA will evaluate according to the applicant’s personal particulars, background, length of stay, and the financial state of the applicant’s business.
At Immigration SG, we provide expert guidance to ensure the smooth execution of your PR application.
How long is the validity for an EntrePass?
A new EntrePass will be valid for one year. The first renewal will be a one-year extension, with subsequent renewals being valid for two years.
Can I sponsor my family to live with me in Singapore?
An EntrePass holder can bring certain family members into Singapore by applying for a Dependant’s Pass or Long Term Visit Pass.
Eligible family members for a Dependant’s Pass include:
- Legally married spouse
- Unmarried children under the age of 21 years (including those legally adopted)
To qualify for the application of Dependant’s Pass, the EntrePass holder must meet the Year 2 renewal criteria, i.e. have minimum annual total business spending (TBS) of S$100,000 and hire three local full-time employees or one local professional, manager, or executive.
Eligible family members to apply for a Long Term Visit Pass include:
- Common-law spouse
- Unmarried disabled children above the age of 21 years
- Unmarried step-children under the age of 21 years
- Parents
Does a Singapore EntrePass holder need to notify changes to the MOM?
An EntrePass holder must notify the MOM if there are any changes in:
- Business activity
- Company name
- Company’s financial information
- Company address
- Salary
- Occupation
- Residential address
- Personal particulars