Singapore has earned its reputation as the “Silicon Valley of Asia,” thanks to its thriving startup ecosystem. A business-friendly environment, easy company registration, generous government support through funding and tax incentives, and strategic location as a gateway to Asia have all shaped what the nation is today.
According to StartupBlink's 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index, Singapore ranked 4th, becoming the first Asian nation to enter the top five.
For entrepreneurs looking to establish a business in Singapore, the EntrePass Visa can be your key entry point.
What the EntrePass Visa Is — and Who It’s For
EntrePass, short for Entrepreneur Pass, is a work visa for foreign entrepreneurs and investors who want to start and run an innovative or venture-backed business in Singapore. It focuses on creating economic benefits such as technology development, research, and development (R&D), and job creation.
The program is administered by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and is designed for those who don’t qualify for a standard Employment Pass but have proven entrepreneurial ability. However, applicants must present a strong business plan and meet specific criteria before they can be granted one.
Eligibility: The Innovation and Funding Rules You Must Meet
Qualifying for the Entrepreneur Pass requires that you be a foreign entrepreneur with an innovative or venture-backed business with at least a minimum investment of S$100,000 ($77,000). You also need to hold a meaningful stake in the business and move to Singapore to run it. You also must have registered, or plan to register, a Private Limited Company (PLC) with ACRA.
You must meet at least one innovation or funding condition. They include;
- You may have raised funding from recognised investors,
- Joined a government-backed incubator,
- Own a registered intellectual property,
- Previously sold a tech startup,
- Or be working with a Singaporean research institution.
Required Documents Checklist
In meeting the requirements to apply for the visa, you need the following documents to be submitted with the EntrePass application form (Form 8). They include;
- Your passport,
- A recent photo,
- Educational certificates,
- A detailed 10-page business plan (including market analysis, team profiles, and financials),
- Your CV/resume with testimonials.
- Product certificates,
- Licencing agreements,
- Patents, or brochures.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the EntrePass Visa
Step 1: Prepare your documents
You want to gather everything you’ll submit with the application form. This includes your passport copy, CV, education certificates, testimonials, and any proof of your entrepreneurial background. Most importantly, prepare your 10-page business plan.
Step 2: Submit your application
Next, complete your application online and submit it through the MOM portal. You will pay an application fee of S$105 ($81) at this stage. Once submitted, you would have to wait for about 6 weeks for MOM’s review.
Step 3: Receive the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter
If your application is approved, you’ll receive an IPA letter by email. This letter is valid for 6 months and allows you to enter Singapore to complete the remaining steps.
Step 4: Register your company (if not already registered)
If your company was not registered before applying, you must register your Private Limited company with ACRA within 30 days of receiving the IPA letter.
After You Arrive in Singapore
Step 5: Complete entry requirements
At the point of entry, you are required to present your IPA letter to the immigration officer and complete any medical examination.
Step 6: Request for EntrePass Issuance
Once in Singapore, request the issuance of your EntrePass online through EP eService. Here you would pay a S$225 ($175) issuance fee and another S$30 ($29) Multiple Journey Visa fee.
Step 7: Complete biometrics (if required)
If stated in your notification letter, book an appointment to register your fingerprints and photo at the Employment Pass Services Centre within 2 weeks.
Step 8: Receive Your EntrePass card
After verifying your submission at the Employment Pass Services Centre, your EntrePass card is delivered to your local address. You can start running your business while waiting for the physical card.
How Much Does the EntrePass Visa Cost?
The total cost of applying for a Singapore EntrePass is around S$360 ($279), made up of a S$105 ($81) application fee paid upfront to the Ministry of Manpower and a S$225 ($175) issuance fee paid after approval. If a Multiple Journey Visa is required, this adds S$30 ($29).
Extra costs may apply depending on how you pay and whether you use help. Bank transfers such as Telegraphic Transfer can attract an additional S$10 ($8) fee if PayNow is not used. Professional or agent services are optional but can significantly increase the overall cost.
How Long the Process Takes
The entire process could take as long as 6 weeks for initial processing by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), with potential extensions if more documents are needed.
Once you get the IPA letter, you have about 30 days to register your company if it’s not already done. You must enter Singapore within six months of approval. After biometrics, the physical EntrePass card is usually ready within a few working days.
Why EntrePass Applications Get Rejected
Most rejections come down to one thing; If your business idea isn’t clearly innovative or venture-backed, it’s unlikely to pass. Certain businesses are also not allowed, including coffee shops, bars, massage parlours, traditional medicine clinics, employment agencies, and similar setups.
Other common issues include missing documents, weak business plans, unclear explanations, or failing to meet any innovation criteria. Providing false information almost always leads to rejection and can affect future applications. Health or criminal record issues can also be a problem in some cases.
What Happens After You’re Approved
After the approval of your EntrePass card, it is delivered to your address within five days, valid for one year. From there, you’re expected to run the business and meet renewal requirements.
Bringing Your Family: Dependants and Long-Term Visit Passes
After the first renewal (typically after one year), EntrePass holders may be eligible to apply for Dependant's Passes for their spouse and children, and Long-Term Visit Passes for their parents, provided they meet the required business milestones.
Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)
Successful Entrepreneur visa holders are eligible to apply for Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) status through the Professionals/Technical Personnel and Skilled Worker scheme after 2-3 years of successful business operations and tax payments.
David Adubiina
