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.
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:
You must also meet the minimum eligibility criteria as an entrepreneur, investor, or innovator.
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:
The applicant’s profile must state the following information about an applicant:
The business idea must demonstrate the following critical data:
An implementation plan must include the following key elements:
Before applying for an EntrePass, the applicant should prepare the following documents:
The procedure is as follows:
In the first part of the application, you will undergo a free consultation with our expert.
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.
Upon approval, an in-principle approval (IPA) letter will be issued. It serves as a pre-approved single entry visa for the worker to enter Singapore.
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.
After everything is prepared, we are now ready to submit your application. We will submit and track your application status on your behalf.
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.
Non-innovative “lifestyle” businesses are typically ineligible. Examples include coffee shops, bars, massage parlours, recruitment agencies, and traditional trading companies.
Renewal depends on meeting specific milestones: you must show evidence of Total Business Spending (TBS) and the number of Full-time Local Employees (FTE) hired, as per MOM’s tiered requirements.
Yes. EntrePass holders can apply for PR after demonstrating that their business is viable, contributes to the Singapore economy, and creates local jobs.
The first pass is valid for 1 year. Subsequent renewals are valid for 2 years each, provided the renewal criteria are met.
Yes, EntrePass holders can sponsor their families (spouse and unmarried children under 21) for a Dependant’s Pass (DP). However, this is not immediate. You are eligible to sponsor family members only after your business meets specific Minimum Total Business Spending (TBS) and Local Employment (FTE) requirements, typically after your first year of operation and upon renewal. For more distant family members like parents, you must meet higher spending and hiring tiers to apply for a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP).
Yes, it is mandatory to notify the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) of any significant changes to your business or personal details. This includes changes in the business address, company name, or core business activities (pivoting). Additionally, if there are changes to your residential address or passport details, these must be updated via MOM’s online portals within 14 days. Failure to report significant business changes can affect your future pass renewals.
As long as you remain a functional director or employee of the sponsoring company, frequent business travel is generally acceptable.
However, to maintain your ‘Tax Resident’ status (staying 183 days or more per year) and strengthen your future PR application, it is highly recommended to spend a significant portion of the year in Singapore. Prolonged absence without clear business justification may lead to closer scrutiny by MOM during pass renewals or by ICA during PR evaluations.
Renewal requirements increase over time. For the first renewal (after year 1), you typically need to hire at least 3 local full-time employees (LQF) or 1 local PME. By the second renewal, these numbers increase. It is crucial to plan your hiring roadmap according to MOM’s “Total Business Spending” and “Local Employment” guidelines.
While MOM doesn’t specify a fixed number of days, being a “resident director” implies you should spend a significant amount of time in Singapore to manage the business. Prolonged absence without a valid business reason may negatively impact your renewal and future PR applications.
If the pivot is significant (e.g., moving from FinTech to Biotech), you must notify MOM and provide a updated business plan. MOM will re-evaluate if the new direction still meets the innovative criteria. Minor pivots within the same tech sector are generally acceptable but should be documented.
