The Singapore EntrePass (Entrepreneur Pass) is a work visa designed for foreign entrepreneurs who want to establish and operate venture-backed or innovative technology businesses in Singapore. Administered by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), this program targets serial entrepreneurs, high-caliber innovators, and experienced investors.
2024 Updates: Singapore revised EntrePass criteria to focus more narrowly on technology sector and proven business tracks while adding flexibility on company registration timing.
Who is this visa for?
EntrePass targets well-funded, high-growth startups – specifically:
What makes Singapore attractive for startups?
Singapore is Asia’s premier business hub with unmatched infrastructure:
However – Critical Tradeoffs:
Singapore offers a one-year residence with full work authorization for founders, renewable in one plus two-year periods based on business performance. Entrepreneurs can sponsor a Dependant’s Pass for their spouse and children under 21 once renewal criteria are met. The country also provides excellent regional mobility across Asia, with long-term residents and citizens benefiting from extensive global visa-free travel.
Founders receive full authorization to work on and operate their business in Singapore without a minimum salary requirement, unlike traditional Employment Pass routes. Entrepreneurs can freely establish and manage their company, while Dependant’s Pass holders are allowed to work for any employer in Singapore.
After approximately two years of successful business operations, founders may apply for Permanent Residency under the PTS scheme. Applications are assessed case by case based on business performance, economic contribution, local job creation, qualifications, age, and family ties, with no guaranteed approval timeline.
Permanent Residents may become eligible for Singapore citizenship after at least two years. Singapore’s passport is among the world’s strongest, offering visa-free access to 194 countries, although dual citizenship is generally not permitted and most applicants must renounce their previous nationality.
Singapore hosts one of Asia’s most mature startup ecosystems, with over 1,000 venture capital firms, family offices, and angel networks. Founders benefit from government programs such as Startup SG and Enterprise Singapore grants, along with access to more than 200 accelerators and incubators and strong connections to Asian capital markets.
Singapore’s corporate tax rate is capped at 17%, with startups enjoying tax exemptions on the first S$100,000 of chargeable income for the first three years. There is no capital gains tax, foreign-sourced income is not taxed if not remitted, and R&D spending qualifies for deductions of up to 400%, with additional incentives for IP development.
The country consistently ranks among the world’s easiest places to do business, offering fast company incorporation, transparent regulations, and strong intellectual property protection under a British common law system. World-class infrastructure and strategic time zone positioning further support regional and global operations.
Singapore serves as the regional headquarters for thousands of multinational corporations and provides direct access to the ASEAN market of over 680 million people through an extensive free trade agreement network. Its neutrality, connectivity, and proximity make it an ideal gateway to China, India, and Southeast Asia.
Singapore combines a safe, clean, and highly developed living environment with access to global talent, excellent healthcare, and top-tier education. While living costs are high compared to many countries, the quality of life, stability, and business opportunities continue to attract global entrepreneurs.
Company Structure
Minimum paid-up capital: S$50,000 in company bank account
Proof of funding (if using funding criterion): Documentation showing S$100,000+ investment from recognized sources
No personal funds requirement: Unlike some programs, no minimum personal savings required (though practical reality requires substantial capital)
The Singapore EntrePass application follows a structured journey from company setup and business planning to approval and card issuance.
Mandatory costs to meet Year 1 renewal:
Total Business Spending (TBS): Minimum S$100,000 required
Local employment: Minimum 1 local (Singaporean/PR) employee
