By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what the EntrePass is, whether you qualify, how to apply step by step—and you’ll gain insights into its history, success rates, comparison with other work visas, post-visa pathways, success stories and support networks unique to Singapore.

What Is the EntrePass?

The EntrePass is a work visa for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to start and operate innovative businesses in Singapore. Introduced by the Ministry of Manpower, it allows you to live and work here while growing your company.

• Valid for one or two years initially, with renewals thereafter.
• Enables you to bring in key foreign staff and family members.
• Gives access to grants and tax incentives for qualifying startups.

Source: Ministry of Manpower’s official EntrePass overview

Eligibility and Evaluation Criteria

To qualify, you must satisfy one of three evaluation tracks (as outlined on the EntrePass criteria page on Wikipedia):

1. Innovation
   – Your business must demonstrate a unique value proposition or technology.
2. Investment Funds
   – You’ve secured at least SGD 100,000 from accredited investors.
3. Business Track Record
   – You’ve generated at least SGD 200,000 in profit in one of the last two years.

Ineligible Business Types

MOM excludes purely service-based or local trade businesses, such as:

• Traditional retail shops
• Accommodation or food & beverage outlets
• Freelance/consultancy without an innovation component

Application Process and Required Documents

Follow these steps to submit a complete application:

1. Register your business with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority’s e-services portal.
2. Prepare documents:
3. Business plan detailing innovation and market analysis
4. Proof of investment or revenue track record
5. Personal credentials (resume, diplomas)
6. Submit online via MOM’s e-services portal.
7. Pay the SGD 105 application fee.
8. Wait for 8–12 weeks for processing.

Common reasons for rejection include insufficient innovation evidence and incomplete documents.

A Brief History of the EntrePass Scheme

– 2004: EntrePass introduced to attract tech-driven ventures.
– 2013: Criteria tightened to focus on innovation over employer-sponsored ventures.
– 2021: New Tech.Pass launched, but EntrePass remained key for early-stage startups.

These policy tweaks have gradually shaped a more selective, innovation-led ecosystem.

Source: Singapore Tightens Startup Visas – The Straits Times

How EntrePass Compares with Other Singapore Work Visas

| Feature | EntrePass | Employment Pass | S Pass | Tech.Pass |
|———————|—————————–|————————-|—————————|——————————–|
| Target | Foreign founders | Skilled professionals | Mid-level skilled staff | Established tech leaders |
| Minimum Salary | N/A | SGD 5,000/month | SGD 3,000/month | N/A |
| Innovation Focus | Required | Not required | Not required | Required |
| Dependent Privileges| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |

EntrePass stands out if you’re building an innovative business rather than joining an existing company.

Approval Rates, Common Pitfalls and Case Studies

According to the Singapore Government’s Work Pass Statistics dataset, about 60% of EntrePass applications are approved each year. Pitfalls often include:

• Overstating market potential without evidence
• Submitting outdated or unsigned documents
• Weak financial forecasts

Case Study: Carousell co-founder Lucas Ngoo received his EntrePass in 2012, establishing one of Southeast Asia’s leading C2C marketplaces.
Source: Carousell’s Singapore Story – Tech in Asia

EntrePass within Singapore’s Innovation Ecosystem

The EntrePass is a pillar of Singapore’s Smart Nation and Startup SG initiatives, offering you:

• Access to Startup SG Founder grants (up to SGD 30,000)
• Connections with government-accredited venture capitalists and incubators
• Invitations to national tech events (e.g., Singapore FinTech Festival)

“EntrePass holders have been instrumental in bringing fresh ideas that align perfectly with Singapore’s Smart Nation vision.”
— Tan See Leng, Minister for Trade and Industry
Source: Speech by Minister Tan See Leng – Ministry of Trade and Industry

Post-EntrePass Pathways and Additional Support

Once your startup gains traction, you can:

• Apply for Permanent Residency under the Global Investor Programme
• Transition to other passes like the Employment Pass if you hire local talent
• Tap into sector-specific grants for fintech, biotech or deep tech

Unique challenges—such as navigating PR applications as a female or minority founder—are addressed by support networks like the Women Entrepreneurs Network Singapore.

Your Next Chapter in Singapore

You’ve seen how the EntrePass works, where it came from, and how it fits into Singapore’s plan to be a leading innovation hub. You also now know the steps to apply, common mistakes to avoid, and the support systems you can tap into—be it grants, incubators or PR pathways. If you’re ready to build something groundbreaking, Singapore is waiting.