Singapore EntrePass for Startup Founders

EntrePass

The EntrePass lets a foreign entrepreneur live in Singapore while starting and running a business that is venture-backed or owns innovative technologies. It is open to all nationalities. Applicants must hold at least 30% of a private limited company registered with ACRA, or intend to register one, and must meet at least one track: a single funding round of at least SGD 100,000 from recognized investors, support from a government-recognized or internationally known incubator or accelerator, or a record of founding and selling a technology business. Enterprise Singapore evaluates applications together with MOM. No minimum salary, levy or quota applies. A company that is already more than 12 months old at the time of application is assessed under the renewal criteria instead.

Validity

Up to 1 year (new pass and first renewal), then up to 2 years

Processing time

Within 6 weeks for most cases

Application fee

SGD 105 per application

Issuance fee

SGD 225 per pass, plus SGD 30 per Multiple Journey Visa

Ownership

At least 30% of an ACRA-registered private limited company

Family

Dependant's Pass once spending and hiring targets are met

Leads to

No set PR track; ICA assesses each application

Requirements

• Hold at least 30% of a private limited company registered, or to be registered, with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
• Show that the company is venture-backed or owns innovative technologies.
• Meet one track: SGD 100,000 or more raised in a single round, recognized incubator or accelerator support, or a founded-and-sold technology business.
• For the exit track, show registered IP and an ongoing research collaboration with a Singapore institute of higher learning or research institution.
• Avoid excluded sectors, including coffee shops, bars, massage parlors, employment agencies and geomancy.
• If the company is more than 12 months old, meet the renewal criteria at the point of application.

How to apply

1. Register or prepare the company with ACRA and collect proof of funding, incubator support or a past exit.
2. Submit the online application to MOM and pay the SGD 105 application fee.
3. Receive the in-principle approval letter, valid for 6 months, and travel to Singapore.
4. Pay the SGD 225 issuance fee in Singapore and register fingerprints and photo within 2 weeks if required.
5. Set up the digital pass in the SGWorkPass app; the card usually arrives within 5 working days.