Singapore EntrePass: The Complete Work Visa Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs (2026)

If you are a foreign entrepreneur looking to start and run a business in Singapore, the EntrePass is the most direct route to legal residency and the right to work in your own company. Unlike the Employment Pass — which is tied to employment by an existing company — the EntrePass is specifically designed for founders who want to incorporate a new business and operate it from Singapore.

What Is the Singapore EntrePass?

The EntrePass (Entrepreneur Pass) is a work pass issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) that allows eligible foreign entrepreneurs to start and operate a business in Singapore. It was introduced to attract innovative, high-growth entrepreneurs who can contribute to Singapore's startup ecosystem and economy.

The pass is valid for one year initially and can be renewed for two or three years at a time, provided the business continues to meet renewal criteria. EntrePass holders can also bring their immediate family members to Singapore on Dependant's Passes, provided they meet the minimum salary requirements.

Who Qualifies for the EntrePass?

The EntrePass is not open to all business types. Singapore's Ministry of Manpower has specific criteria designed to attract innovative and high-impact businesses. Your business must fall into one of three categories:

Venture-Backed: Your company has received funding from a recognised venture capital firm, business angel, or incubator accredited by the National Research Foundation (NRF) or Enterprise Singapore. The funding must be at least SGD 100,000 and must have been received within the last five years (Source: MOM — EntrePass Eligibility).

Innovative: Your company holds intellectual property registered with a recognised national IP institution, or you have conducted research in collaboration with a Singapore research institution. Alternatively, your company must have developed proprietary technology that is central to its business model.

Scalable: Your business is supported by a government-recognised incubator or accelerator, or you have a strong entrepreneurial track record — typically defined as having founded and exited a company with a valuation of at least SGD 10 million, or having raised significant institutional funding in a previous venture.

EntrePass Eligibility: The Business Criteria in Detail

It is important to note that standard retail businesses, food and beverage outlets, employment agencies, and businesses that primarily provide personal services do not qualify for the EntrePass. The scheme is explicitly focused on technology, innovation, and scalable business models.

Required Documents for EntrePass Application

Personal Documents: A valid passport with at least six months of validity, a recent passport-sized photograph, educational certificates (degree or higher), and a detailed curriculum vitae demonstrating your entrepreneurial background and relevant experience.

Business Documents: The company must be incorporated in Singapore before the application is submitted, or you must submit a business plan alongside the application. If the company is already incorporated, you will need the ACRA business profile, the company's memorandum and articles of association, and evidence of the company's bank account.

Business Plan: Even if your company is already incorporated, a well-structured business plan is strongly recommended. The business plan should cover your product or service, target market, competitive landscape, revenue model, financial projections for three years, and your hiring plans in Singapore.

EntrePass Costs

EntrePass vs. Employment Pass: Which Is Right for You?

EntrePass Renewal Requirements

At the first renewal (after one year), your business must demonstrate that it is operational and generating revenue, that you have hired at least one local employee (Singapore citizen or permanent resident), and that you have invested at least SGD 50,000 in the business (Source: MOM — EntrePass Renewal).

Common Reasons for EntrePass Rejection

Insufficient evidence of innovation: Submitting a business plan without concrete evidence of IP, venture backing, or incubator support is the most frequent cause of rejection. MOM requires verifiable, documented proof — not just assertions in a business plan.

Business model not considered innovative: Businesses in retail, F&B, personal services, or other non-technology sectors are routinely rejected regardless of the quality of the application.

Weak entrepreneurial track record: If you are applying based on your personal track record rather than current business criteria, you need to provide comprehensive documentation of your previous ventures, including financial records and exit documentation.

Conclusion

The Singapore EntrePass is a powerful tool for foreign entrepreneurs who want to build innovative businesses in one of Asia's most business-friendly environments. The eligibility criteria are specific, the documentation requirements are substantial, and the renewal benchmarks are real — but for entrepreneurs who meet the criteria, Singapore offers an unparalleled base for ASEAN expansion.

For more information on setting up your company in Singapore, read our guides on How to Start a Company in Singapore (2026 Guide) and Cost of Setting Up a Business in Singapore.

--- *Royce Consulting has assisted foreign entrepreneurs with EntrePass applications and Singapore company setup, including business plan preparation, ACRA incorporation, and MOM application support. Speak with our team if you are considering the EntrePass route.*