Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) offers the EntrePass to foreign entrepreneurs who want to establish and operate businesses in Singapore. Designed to attract global talent with innovative or venture-backed businesses, the EntrePass is open to all nationalities and provides a clear pathway for foreign entrepreneurs to build and scale their ventures in the city-state.
What is the EntrePass?
The EntrePass is a work visa aimed at foreign entrepreneurs who are either starting or intend to start a business in Singapore. It is especially targeted at innovative businesses in areas such as technology, research, and development, biotech, and sustainability. The goal is to boost Singapore’s economy by encouraging new ideas and enterprises that contribute to the local ecosystem.
EntrePass: Supporting Global Talent and Innovation
The EntrePass is more than just a work visa; it’s a strategic initiative aimed at attracting global talent with high-growth potential. By welcoming foreign entrepreneurs, Singapore aims to drive development in emerging and innovation-focused sectors, reinforcing its role as a hub for cutting-edge industries. Specifically designed to support entrepreneurs with technology-driven, venture-backed, or R&D-focused businesses, the EntrePass aligns with national goals of fostering an innovative economy and enhancing Singapore’s competitiveness.
Industries in Focus
The EntrePass particularly supports entrepreneurs in technology, biotech, R&D, and sustainability—industries that Singapore considers vital to its future economy. With a strong focus on smart technologies, the EntrePass encourages growth in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and green technology. This focus aligns with Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative, which aims to integrate advanced tech into daily life and the economy. Consequently, entrepreneurs entering through the EntrePass are expected to contribute to this vision by bringing unique ideas, expertise, and skills to the city-state.
Ecosystem Support and Access to Funding
Singapore provides an ecosystem that supports EntrePass holders through funding opportunities and partnerships. Entrepreneurs may access programs like Startup SG, which provides grants and incentives for early-stage tech companies, or Enterprise Singapore, a government agency that helps companies scale. This support network extends to co-working spaces, incubators, and accelerators, creating a nurturing environment for startups. With Singapore’s extensive network of venture capital firms and government-backed investors, EntrePass holders have robust resources available for scaling their businesses.
Facilitating Sustainable Growth and Job Creation
EntrePass holders are expected to play a role in job creation and skill development for Singaporeans. By establishing innovative companies in the city-state, these entrepreneurs contribute to local employment opportunities, particularly in highly skilled roles that require advanced technical knowledge. This aligns with Singapore’s commitment to building a future-ready workforce that can support sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, and biomedical sciences.
Who is Eligible for the EntrePass?
To qualify for the EntrePass, applicants must meet several criteria. The pass is not restricted by nationality, and entrepreneurs across various industries can apply, provided they meet the innovation-driven criteria. Key eligibility requirements include:
1. Business Stage: Applicants must either have started or intend to start a private limited company that is registered with Singapore’s Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
2. Innovative Criteria: Applicants need to meet at least one of the following conditions to demonstrate their business’s innovation potential:
3. Types of Businesses: The EntrePass is designed for businesses in tech, research, and other knowledge-intensive industries. Entrepreneurs in sectors such as fintech, AI, e-commerce, and life sciences are encouraged to apply.
EntrePass Application Process
To apply for the EntrePass, applicants need to follow these steps:
1. Prepare the Documents:
2. Submit the Application:
3. Approval Process:
Advantages of the EntrePass
1. Long-Term Residency: The EntrePass allows entrepreneurs to stay in Singapore to manage their businesses. It can also be a stepping stone toward permanent residency.
2. Family Sponsorship: EntrePass holders can bring their spouse, children, and parents to Singapore under Dependant’s Passes and Long-Term Visit Passes.
3. Support for High-Growth Startups: By targeting venture-backed or tech-driven businesses, the EntrePass is ideal for startups that aim for scalability and regional expansion.
Renewal and Requirements
The EntrePass is renewable based on business performance. During the renewal process, entrepreneurs must demonstrate that their businesses are making progress, such as meeting milestones for revenue, investment, or job creation.
How We Can Help
What is the EntrePass?
The EntrePass is a work visa aimed at foreign entrepreneurs who are either starting or intend to start a business in Singapore. It is especially targeted at innovative businesses in areas such as technology, research, and development, biotech, and sustainability. The goal is to boost Singapore’s economy by encouraging new ideas and enterprises that contribute to the local ecosystem.
EntrePass: Supporting Global Talent and Innovation
The EntrePass is more than just a work visa; it’s a strategic initiative aimed at attracting global talent with high-growth potential. By welcoming foreign entrepreneurs, Singapore aims to drive development in emerging and innovation-focused sectors, reinforcing its role as a hub for cutting-edge industries. Specifically designed to support entrepreneurs with technology-driven, venture-backed, or R&D-focused businesses, the EntrePass aligns with national goals of fostering an innovative economy and enhancing Singapore’s competitiveness.
Industries in Focus
The EntrePass particularly supports entrepreneurs in technology, biotech, R&D, and sustainability—industries that Singapore considers vital to its future economy. With a strong focus on smart technologies, the EntrePass encourages growth in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and green technology. This focus aligns with Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative, which aims to integrate advanced tech into daily life and the economy. Consequently, entrepreneurs entering through the EntrePass are expected to contribute to this vision by bringing unique ideas, expertise, and skills to the city-state.
Ecosystem Support and Access to Funding
Singapore provides an ecosystem that supports EntrePass holders through funding opportunities and partnerships. Entrepreneurs may access programs like Startup SG, which provides grants and incentives for early-stage tech companies, or Enterprise Singapore, a government agency that helps companies scale. This support network extends to co-working spaces, incubators, and accelerators, creating a nurturing environment for startups. With Singapore’s extensive network of venture capital firms and government-backed investors, EntrePass holders have robust resources available for scaling their businesses.
Facilitating Sustainable Growth and Job Creation
EntrePass holders are expected to play a role in job creation and skill development for Singaporeans. By establishing innovative companies in the city-state, these entrepreneurs contribute to local employment opportunities, particularly in highly skilled roles that require advanced technical knowledge. This aligns with Singapore’s commitment to building a future-ready workforce that can support sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, and biomedical sciences.
Who is Eligible for the EntrePass?
To qualify for the EntrePass, applicants must meet several criteria. The pass is not restricted by nationality, and entrepreneurs across various industries can apply, provided they meet the innovation-driven criteria. Key eligibility requirements include:
1. Business Stage: Applicants must either have started or intend to start a private limited company that is registered with Singapore’s Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
- If the company is already registered, it must be less than six months old at the time of application.
2. Innovative Criteria: Applicants need to meet at least one of the following conditions to demonstrate their business’s innovation potential:
- The company receives funding or investment from government-accredited venture capitalists or business angels.
- It holds intellectual property (IP) that is registered with a recognized institution.
- The business has ongoing collaboration with a recognized research institute or is supported by a Singapore government agency.
- Applicants have a proven entrepreneurial track record, such as founding or owning a successful tech or innovation-driven business previously.
3. Types of Businesses: The EntrePass is designed for businesses in tech, research, and other knowledge-intensive industries. Entrepreneurs in sectors such as fintech, AI, e-commerce, and life sciences are encouraged to apply.
EntrePass Application Process
To apply for the EntrePass, applicants need to follow these steps:
1. Prepare the Documents:
- A copy of the business plan, detailing the company’s structure, innovation, and growth plans.
- Proof of investment (if applicable), IP filings, or partnerships with recognized institutions.
2. Submit the Application:
- Applications are submitted online through Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website. An application fee is required.
3. Approval Process:
- The processing time typically takes about 8 weeks. During this time, MOM will review the application to ensure it meets all eligibility criteria.
- If approved, the EntrePass will be issued for 1-2 years, with the option for renewal based on business performance and compliance.
Advantages of the EntrePass
1. Long-Term Residency: The EntrePass allows entrepreneurs to stay in Singapore to manage their businesses. It can also be a stepping stone toward permanent residency.
2. Family Sponsorship: EntrePass holders can bring their spouse, children, and parents to Singapore under Dependant’s Passes and Long-Term Visit Passes.
3. Support for High-Growth Startups: By targeting venture-backed or tech-driven businesses, the EntrePass is ideal for startups that aim for scalability and regional expansion.
Renewal and Requirements
The EntrePass is renewable based on business performance. During the renewal process, entrepreneurs must demonstrate that their businesses are making progress, such as meeting milestones for revenue, investment, or job creation.
How We Can Help
- Guidance Through EntrePass Requirements: Our team can help you assess your eligibility for the EntrePass, ensuring you meet Singapore’s innovation-driven criteria. We assist with gathering necessary documentation, from business plans to proof of investments and intellectual property.
- Application Support and Documentation Preparation: We guide you through the application process with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), including preparing business plans, verifying partnerships, and organizing other supporting documents required to strengthen your EntrePass application.
- Incorporation and Local Business Setup: We assist with company registration in Singapore, helping you meet the criteria to establish a private limited company, and ensure that your business aligns with EntrePass regulations.
- Connections with Local Partners and Investors: Through our extensive network in Singapore’s business ecosystem, we can connect you with potential investors, venture capitalists, and local research institutions to enhance your business’s growth and innovation potential.
- Long-Term Compliance and Renewal Support: We provide ongoing support to ensure that your business meets EntrePass renewal requirements, such as demonstrating progress in revenue, investment, and job creation, helping you stay compliant and focused on growth.