• You can apply for an EntrePass without incorporating a company beforehand or needing paid-up capital.
• Having an innovative or entrepreneurial business idea takes precedence over educational qualifications.
• EntrePass holders can bring their spouse and children to Singapore to apply for Dependant Passes or Long Term Visit Passes.
• EntrePass holders are eligible to apply for permanent residency (PR) in Singapore.
• Under the scheme, EntrePass holders benefit from relatively low corporate tax rates.

The EntrePass application undergoes review by three government bodies: SPRING Singapore, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), and the National Research Foundation (NRF). Applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Funding from a Recognized VC or Business Angel:
  • Minimum monetary funding of $100,000.
  • Provide shareholder certificate or proof of investment commitment from VC/business angel (e.g., Vertex Ventures, SGInnovate).
• Nationally-Recognized Intellectual Property (IP):
  • IP must confer a competitive advantage to the proposed business.
  • One shareholder or the company must own the IP.
• Research Collaboration with Recognized Institutions:
  • Collaboration must be related to the proposed business.
  • Research institution needs to verify details of collaboration.
• Incubation at Government-Approved Incubator or Accelerator:
  • Includes programs under Startup SG Accelerator Programme and SGInnovate-linked initiatives.
• Significant Business Experience/Network:
  • Includes founding and selling a tech company, raising significant funding, incubation by renowned incubator, strong industry networks, and professional achievements.
• Exceptional Technical/Domain Expertise:
  • Requires international recognition or outstanding achievements related to proposed business.
• Investing in and Driving Growth:
  • Investment willingness in a local company, track record in driving growth, or substantial experience as a senior executive in a large corporation.

Applicants must fulfill the specific criteria corresponding to their chosen route for EntrePass application approval.

To apply for an EntrePass, you’ll need to submit the following documents:

• Completed EntrePass application form (downloadable here)
• Copies of educational certificates
• Passport-sized photograph taken within the last three months
• Copy of the passport’s personal particulars page
• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or contracts with potential clients for the new business, if applicable
• Brochures, press releases, or any business collaterals from previous or existing ventures, if available
• A 10-page business plan

Please ensure that all documents are in English or translated into English by a certified translation body.

Preparing a comprehensive business plan is crucial for your EntrePass application. Your plan should showcase your professional experience, outline business goals, strategies to meet MOM requirements, and demonstrate unique skills and resources.

The business plan should cover:

• Applicant’s profile:
  • Professional experience, including employment history, role in business growth, and startup track record.
  • Awards and recognition from national bodies, credible organizations, or recognized media.
  • Special skills, resources (e.g., intellectual property, technology, networks), and academic qualifications.
  • Role in societies and organizations.
• Business Idea:
  • Products and services offered.
  • Market analysis and supporting documents (e.g., licensing agreements, product certifications).
• Implementation Plan:
  • Market and operational plans.
  • Financial projections.
  • Profile of the management team.

• Submit the EntrePass application form with supporting documents. MOM typically takes up to eight weeks to process, which may extend if additional clarification is needed.
• Upon approval, an in-principle approval letter (IPA) is issued, granting 30 days for company registration with ACRA.
• Within six months, the applicant must enter Singapore to request EntrePass issuance.
• The applicant may need to register fingerprints and have photos taken for pass issuance.
• The EntrePass card is delivered within 4 days after completion of all requirements.

If your EntrePass application in Singapore is rejected, you can file an appeal within 90 days from the date of rejection. The appeal will be reviewed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), and you may need to provide additional information or address any concerns raised during the initial assessment.

The processing time for the appeal can vary but typically takes around 3 to 8 weeks.

If your application is unsuccessful, we can help to investigate why your application was rejected and to refine your application and business plan based on MOM’s feedback and submit an appeal on your behalf.

You’ll receive a renewal form from MOM three months before your EntrePass expires. The renewal process typically takes approximately 8 weeks to complete.

A new EntrePass is initially valid for one year, with the first renewal extending it by one year and subsequent renewals by two years.

To qualify for EntrePass renewal, the holder must meet these criteria:

• Provide proof of ongoing business activity as outlined in the original business plan.
• Submit the latest audited financial statements, CPF statements of employees, employees’ educational certificates, tenancy agreements, ACRA registration info, bank statements for the past 3 months, recent invoices/contracts.
• Own at least 30% of the company’s shares.
• Meet the minimum annual Total Business Spending (TBS) and local employee requirements based on the number of years holding the EntrePass, as per MOM regulations:
  • For 1 year: No minimum spending, no local employees.
  • For 2 years: S$100,000 TBS, 3 local full-time employees or 1 local professional, manager, or executive.
  • For 4 years: S$200,000 TBS, 6 local full-time employees or 2 local professional, manager, or executive.
  • For 6 years: S$600,000 TBS, 9 local full-time employees or 3 local professional, manager, or executive.
  • For 8 or more years: S$400,000 TBS, 12 local full-time employees or 4 local professional, manager, or executive.

According to MOM, a local full-time employee earns at least S$1,100 monthly with CPF contributions of at least 3 months. A local professional, manager, or executive earns at least S$3,600 monthly with CPF contributions of at least 3 months.

Excluded from TBS calculations are expenses related to purchasing royalties or franchises, technical know-how fees from overseas companies, work outsourced overseas, and payments to EntrePass holders.

Please be aware that certain types of businesses are not eligible for the EntrePass scheme as outlined by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM):

• Coffee shops, hawker centres, and food courts.
• Bars, nightclubs, and karaoke lounges.
• Foot reflexology and massage parlours.
• Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), acupuncture, and herbal dispensaries.
• Employment agencies.
• Geomancy businesses.

EntrePass holders can sponsor certain family members to come to Singapore by applying for them a Dependant’s Pass or Long Term Visit Pass.

Eligible family members for a Dependant’s Pass include:

• Legally married spouse
• Unmarried children under 21 years old (including legally adopted ones) To qualify for Dependant’s Pass application, the EntrePass holder must meet Year 2 renewal criteria.

Eligible family members for a Long Term Visit Pass include:

• Common-law spouse
• Unmarried handicapped children over 21 years old
• Unmarried step-children under 21 years old
• Parents To be eligible for these pass applications, the EntrePass holder must meet minimum annual business spending and local hiring requirements:

Family Member Minimum Annual Business Spending Local Hiring Requirements Common-law or legally married spouse, children S$100,000 3 local full-time employees or 1 local professional, manager, or executive Parents S$200,000 6 local full-time employees or 2 local professional, manager, or executive

According to MOM, a local full-time employee is a Singapore citizen or permanent resident earning at least S$1,100 monthly with 3 months of CPF contributions. A local professional, manager, or executive is a Singapore citizen or permanent resident earning at least S$3,600 monthly with 3 months of CPF contributions.

The minimum annual business spending excludes expenses like purchasing royalties or franchises, technical know-how fees from overseas, expenses due to outsourced work, and payments to EntrePass holders.

EntrePass holders are required to inform MOM of any changes in:

• Business activity
• Company name
• Company’s financial information
• Company address
• Salary
• Occupation
• Residential address
• Personal particulars

EntrePass holders are required to cancel their EntrePass if they cease business operations, resulting in immediate cancellation of all associated family passes.

After canceling the EntrePass, the holder must settle any outstanding income taxes, obtain tax clearance from IRAS, and return the pass to MOM within one week of cancellation.