Singapore EntrePass

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 13, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Singapore has long been known as a global financial hub backed by a thriving startup ecosystem. Because of this, it's a powerful magnet for entrepreneurs seeking a vibrant and supportive business environment.

Allowing foreigners access to these benefits, the country developed the EntrePass, which is tailored for innovative entrepreneurs and provides a clear pathway to establish and grow your venture in this dynamic city-state.

With access to funding, a talented workforce, and a strategic location in the heart of Asia, EntrePass can turn your entrepreneurial visions into a reality.

 

What are the eligibility criteria for the EntrePass?

The EntrePass is not for everyone. It's designed for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas who can contribute to Singapore's economy. You'll need to meet specific criteria related to your business and your background to be eligible.

Who is eligible?

• Open to all nationalities: The EntrePass welcomes applicants from all countries, regardless of their citizenship.

Business requirements

• Registered company: You must have already started, or intend to start, a private limited company registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) in Singapore.
• Ownership: You must hold at least 30% ownership in the registered company.
• Venture-backed or innovative technologies: Your business must be either venture-backed, meaning it has received funding from recognised investors, or it must possess innovative technologies that give it a competitive edge.
• Company age: If your company is more than 12 months old at the time of application, you'll be assessed based on the renewal criteria, which focus on the company's performance and growth.

Applicant criteria

You must also meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Raised funding: You have raised at least S$100,000 (approximately €70,000) in a single funding round from recognised investors for any past or current business. Eligible investors include government-backed entities like SEEDS Capital, reputable venture capital firms, and angel investors.
• Incubator/Accelerator support: Your business is supported by a government-recognised or internationally renowned incubator or accelerator program in Singapore. Examples include the Startup SG Accelerator (SSGA) or the Startup SG Founder (SSGF) programs. Accepted international programs include Y-Combinator, MassChallenge, and more.
• Successful tech exit: You have founded and successfully sold a technology business. You can find more information here.
• Intellectual property: You hold intellectual property rights that provide a significant competitive advantage to your business. However, this IP MUST be registered with an approved national IP institution.
• Research collaboration: You have an ongoing research collaboration with a recognised research institution or university in Singapore.

Ineligible businesses

Certain businesses are not eligible for an EntrePass, which are currently these sectors:

• Coffee shops, hawker centres, food courts
• Bars, nightclubs, karaoke lounges
• Foot reflexology, massage parlours
• Acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, herbal dispensing businesses
• Employment agencies
• Geomancy business

If you're unsure whether your business qualifies, it's advisable to consult with an immigration expert or refer to the official guidelines on the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website.

Note: if you're starting a tech business, you may find it more beneficial to use a Tech.Pass visa.

Passes for families of EntrePass holders

Singapore recognises the importance of family in an entrepreneur's life and offers pathways for your loved ones to join you in the country.

As an EntrePass holder, you can apply for passes to bring your family members to Singapore, provided you meet certain requirements.

Eligibility requirements for family members

To bring your family members to Singapore, you must meet at least one of the following conditions:

• Business spending and local employment: Your business must have an Annual Total Business Spending (TBS) of at least S$100,000 (approximately €70,000) and employ at least one local worker. This demonstrates your commitment to contributing to the Singaporean economy.
• Successful track record: You have founded and sold two or more companies that are venture-backed or possess innovative technologies. This highlights your entrepreneurial experience and success.
• Significant funding or intellectual property:
  • You have raised more than S$2 million (approximately €1.4 million) for a past or current business, showcasing your ability to attract substantial investment.
  • You possess two or more deep tech Intellectual Properties (IPs) that provide a significant competitive advantage to your business, demonstrating your innovation and technological prowess.

To make things a little easier, you can always request an assessment for eligibility for Dependant's Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass using the tools here.

Types of passes for family members

Depending on their relationship with you, your family members will be eligible for different types of passes:

• Spouse (legally married): Dependant's Pass
• Unmarried children under 21 years of age, including those legally adopted: Dependant's Pass
• Common-law spouse: Long-Term Visit Pass
• Unmarried handicapped children aged 21 years and above: Long-Term Visit Pass
• Unmarried step-children under 21 years old: Long-Term Visit Pass
• Parents: Long-Term Visit Pass

Additional requirement for parents

To bring your parents to Singapore, your business must have an

Annual Total Business Spending (TBS) of at least S$200,000 (approximately €140,000) and employ at least two local workers.

Remember you need to apply for the respective pass types for your family members after your EntrePass is approved.

While you can apply for family passes concurrently with your EntrePass application, you will lose the application fees for each family pass if your EntrePass application is rejected.

What are the documents required for an EntrePass application?

A strong application is key to getting your EntrePass. You'll need to submit detailed documents that showcase your background, business skills, and the potential of your startup.

Mandatory documents

• Personal information: A copy of the personal particulars page of your passport.
• Business plan (in English, ten pages or less):
  • Description of your product or service
  • Market analysis
  • Operational plan
  • Management team profiles
  • Supporting documents (e.g., licences, certificates, patents)
  • Information on prior business ventures (if any)
• Personal and professional background:
  • Your CV (resume)
  • Past employment testimonials (if available)
  • Company's latest business profile or instant information from BizFile (if applicable)
  • Latest financial statement (if your company is registered with ACRA for over 12 months)
• Any other relevant documents to support your application.

Remember:

• Ensure all documents are in English or provide certified translations.
• Organise your documents clearly and submit them as instructed in the application guidelines.

Tip: A well-prepared application with strong supporting documents can significantly increase your chances of success!

Additional documents

Depending on how you demonstrate your innovation, you'll need to provide extra documents.

If you've raised funding:

• Show that you've raised at least SGD 100,000 in a single funding round for a past or current business.
• Examples: Investment agreements, shareholder certificates

If your business is supported by an incubator or accelerator:

• Prove that your business is or will be supported.
• Example: Incubation agreement

If you've founded a venture-backed or innovative technology business:

• You'll need to meet all of these requirements and provide the relevant documents:
  • You founded the business: Incorporation documents, signed letter from the current management team
  • The business is/was venture-backed or owns innovative technologies: Company's business plan
  • The business was sold under your management: Sale and Purchase Agreement with your name and information

If you own intellectual property (IP):

• Show proof of your IP ownership.
• Example: IP registration documents

Important:

If any of your documents are not in English, you must provide:

• The original document
• An English translation (can be done by a translation service)
• Upload both the original and the translation as one file.

Remember:

• The specific documents you need might vary depending on your situation.
• Always check the official Singapore immigration website for the most up-to-date requirements.

How to apply for an EntrePass

Applying for the EntrePass is a streamlined process that you can complete online, making it convenient and efficient for aspiring entrepreneurs.

At a glance

• Who can apply: The candidate can apply directly.
• Cost:
  • When submitting the application: S$105 (approximately €73) for each pass
  • When the pass is issued: S$225 (approximately €157) for each pass, plus S$30 (approximately €21) for each Multiple Journey Visa (if applicable)
• Processing time: Within eight weeks for most cases, but some may take longer

Step-by-step guide

1. Submit an application: Complete the online application form through the Employment Pass eService (EP eService). Provide all the required information and upload the necessary documents.
2. Pay the application fee: Pay the S$105 application fee using a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Amex).
3. Check your application status: You can check the status of your application online after two weeks.
4. Receive your application results: If your application is approved, you'll receive an in-principle approval (IPA) letter via email. This letter acts as a pre-approved single-entry visa, allowing you to enter Singapore within six months and get your pass issued. It also specifies if you need a medical examination upon arrival.

Entering Singapore

• Before departing: Print your IPA letter and comply with the latest travel requirements.
• After Arriving: Present your IPA letter to the immigration officer and complete any required medical examinations.

Getting the pass issued

• Within six months of IPA: You must get your pass issued within six months of receiving your in-principle approval.
• Options for submission:
  • If you have a Singpass account, you can submit the request yourself through the EP eService.
  • If you don't have a Singpass account, you can submit the request yourself at the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC).
  • Your company representative or employment agent can also submit the request on your behalf through the EP eService.
• Required information and documents:
  • Passport details
  • Singapore contact details
  • Current Short-Term Visit Pass or immigration pass details
  • Singapore residential address (must meet housing requirements)
  • Address to receive the EntrePass card
  • Details of up to three authorised recipients to receive the card
• You may also need to submit PDF copies of:
  • Passport page showing the date of arrival in Singapore
  • Completed medical declaration form
• Fees: Pay the issuance fees (S$225 for the pass and S$30 for each Multiple Journey Visa, if applicable) using GIRO or a credit card.
• Notification letter: Once the pass is issued, you and the company representative/employment agent (if applicable) will receive a notification letter. This letter allows you to start work and travel while waiting for the physical card and states if you need to register your fingerprints and photo.

Registering fingerprints and photo (if required)

• Check the notification letter to see if this is necessary.
• If required, make an appointment at the EPSC within two weeks of the pass being issued.

Receiving the card

• The EntrePass card will be delivered to the provided address within five working days after registration or document verification.
• If delivery fails twice, you'll need to collect the card at the EPSC.

Additional notes

• Getting an EntrePass doesn't guarantee business registration or licence approvals; you'll need to apply for those separately.
• The processing time is typically eight weeks.
• Apply for family passes only after your EntrePass is approved.

What is the valid duration of the EntrePass?

The EntrePass offers a flexible duration, allowing entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses in Singapore with peace of mind.

Initial pass and first renewal

• Upon approval, you'll receive an EntrePass valid for one year. This initial period allows you to set up your company, secure funding, and demonstrate the viability of your business model.
• After the first year, you can apply for a renewal. If your business shows promising progress and meets the renewal criteria, your EntrePass will be renewed for another year.

Subsequent renewals

• Following the first renewal, subsequent renewals of your EntrePass can be granted for up to two years at a time.
• To be eligible for renewal, you must demonstrate that your business is meeting specific performance milestones, such as generating revenue, creating local employment opportunities, and contributing to the Singaporean economy.

Pathway to permanent residency

• While the EntrePass itself is a temporary work pass, it can serve as a stepping stone towards permanent residency in Singapore.
• After holding the EntrePass for a certain period and meeting specific requirements, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency, allowing you to live and work in Singapore indefinitely.

The EntrePass, therefore, not only provides the initial authorisation to start and operate your business in Singapore but also opens a potential pathway to long-term residency and integration into Singaporean society.

What are the application costs of the EntrePass?

Applying for the EntrePass in Singapore involves two sets of fees: one at the time of application submission and another upon successful issuance of the pass.

Application fees

• Submission fee: When you submit your EntrePass application, you'll need to pay a non-refundable processing fee of S$105 (approximately €73) per pass. This fee covers the administrative costs of reviewing your application.

Issuance fees

• Pass issuance fee: If your application is approved, you'll need to pay an issuance fee of S$225 (approximately €157) per pass. This fee covers the cost of issuing the physical EntrePass card.
• Multiple journey visa fee (if applicable): If you require a Multiple Journey Visa to enter and exit Singapore multiple times during your EntrePass validity, there's an additional fee of S$30 (approximately €21) per visa.

Total cost

Therefore, the total cost for a single EntrePass application, including both the submission and issuance fees, is S$330 (approximately €231). If you also require a Multiple Journey Visa, the total cost will be S$360 (approximately €252).

Important notes

• These fees are subject to change, so it's advisable to check the official website of the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for the latest fee information.
• If you're applying for Dependant's Passes or Long-Term Visit Passes for your family members, separate application and issuance fees will apply for each pass.
• Remember that these fees are non-refundable, even if your application is unsuccessful.

Singapore's EntrePass is a fantastic launchpad to entrepreneurial success in a thriving global hub.

Of course, as with any visa and the start of a new chapter, the application process demands careful preparation, and with a visa consultant on hand to guide you, you can ensure your application showcases your vision and potential.

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