If you want to start an innovative business in Singapore as a foreigner, the EntrePass (Entrepreneur Pass) is the work pass built for you. Unlike an Employment Pass, it has no salary requirement; instead, it looks at the strength of your business. This guide explains who qualifies, the criteria, validity, and how the EntrePass fits your longer-term plans.
Quick answer: The EntrePass is for foreign entrepreneurs starting an innovative, venture-backed, or IP-driven business in Singapore. Your company must be a Private Limited that is registered (or to be incorporated) and less than six months old, and you must meet at least one of the qualifying criteria, such as funding, intellectual property, or incubator support. There is no minimum salary, and the paid-up capital can be as low as S$1. It is issued for one year, then renewable.
What is the EntrePass?
The EntrePass is Singapore’s work pass for foreign founders building a genuinely innovative business. Where standard work passes focus on salary and employment, the EntrePass focuses on the business: its innovation, funding, intellectual property, or research links. It is aimed at tech startups, venture-backed companies, and founders with commercialisable technology.
Who is it for?
The EntrePass targets three broad profiles:
- Innovators / entrepreneurs with a scalable, innovative business idea (ideal for tech startups and disruptive models).
- IP holders with patents or technology that can be commercialised in Singapore.
- Researchers collaborating with a Singapore institution.
If you simply want to run a conventional small business, the EntrePass may not fit; it is designed for innovation-driven ventures.
Eligibility and criteria
Your company:
- Must be (or will be) a Private Limited company registered with ACRA.
- Must be less than six months old at the time of application (or not yet incorporated).
- Can have paid-up capital as low as S$1, if you meet an innovation criterion.
You must meet at least one qualifying criterion, which fall into categories such as:
- Being an entrepreneur backed by funding from a recognised investor or accredited incubator/accelerator.
- Being an innovator holding intellectual property or a strong research collaboration.
- Being an experienced founder with a track record.
There is no salary requirement for the EntrePass, which is its key difference from the Employment Pass.
Validity and renewal
|
Stage |
Validity |
|
First issue |
1 year |
|
First renewal |
1 year |
|
Later renewals |
2 years each |
Renewal depends on meeting business milestones, such as local spending and creating local jobs, so your venture needs to show real progress.
EntrePass vs Employment Pass
|
Employment Pass |
EntrePass | |
|
For |
Employed professionals |
Foreign entrepreneurs / founders |
|
Salary requirement |
From S$5,600 |
None |
|
Basis |
Salary + COMPASS |
Innovative business + criteria |
|
Run a business |
No |
Yes, that is the point |
|
Validity |
Up to 2 years (3 on renewal) |
1 year, then renewable |
For the professional route, see our guide on the Employment Pass.
Does an EntrePass lead to PR?
Yes. An EntrePass holder can apply for Singapore PR under the PTS scheme, and a genuine, growing business that creates local jobs and revenue is exactly the economic contribution ICA rewards. For founders, our guide on the self-employed EP route to PR covers what to evidence, and for larger investors, Singapore PR by investment.
How First Immigration can help
The EntrePass lives or dies on how well your business meets the innovation criteria. First Immigration helps you:
- Confirm whether your venture qualifies and under which criterion.
- Prepare a strong application and business plan.
- Plan renewals around the milestones, and the path toward PR.
Speak to our consultants through the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the EntrePass in Singapore?
A work pass for foreign entrepreneurs starting an innovative, venture-backed, or IP-driven business, assessed on the business rather than a salary.
Is there a salary requirement for the EntrePass?
No. Unlike the Employment Pass, the EntrePass has no minimum salary. It focuses on your business and innovation.
What kind of company do I need?
A Private Limited company registered with ACRA (or to be incorporated), less than six months old, with paid-up capital that can be as low as S$1 if you meet an innovation criterion.
Who qualifies for an EntrePass?
Founders with an innovative, scalable business, holders of commercialisable IP, or researchers collaborating with a Singapore institution, meeting at least one qualifying criterion.
How long is the EntrePass valid?
One year at first issue, one year at first renewal, then two years for later renewals, subject to meeting business milestones.
How is the EntrePass different from an Employment Pass?
The EP is for employed professionals and needs a salary; the EntrePass is for entrepreneurs, has no salary requirement, and lets you run your business.
Can an EntrePass holder apply for PR?
Yes, under the PTS scheme. A genuine, growing business that contributes to the economy strengthens a PR application.
What do I need to renew an EntrePass?
Evidence that your business is progressing, such as local spending and creating local jobs, at the milestones MOM sets.
