EntrePass — founder eligibility and renewal — Costs and fees breakdown
The EntrePass is a Ministry of Manpower work pass that allows eligible foreign entrepreneurs to start and operate a venture-backed or innovative business in Singapore. This guide explains founder eligibility, the renewal milestones, and the costs and timelines to budget for in 2026.
Little Big Employment Agency (EA Licence 19C9790) works with a panel of corporate and employment law firms; this article is general information, not legal advice.
What the EntrePass is
The EntrePass is designed for foreign entrepreneurs who want to incorporate and run an innovative, scalable or funded business in Singapore. Eligibility hinges on the business profile rather than a salary alone – applicants must typically be funded, hold intellectual property, have an incubator or accelerator relationship, or possess strong entrepreneurial credentials. The pass is renewable, but renewal is tied to the company hitting business and local-employment milestones.
For a related perspective across the Raffles group, see our guide on Mas payment services act licensing mpi and spi costs.
Who the EntrePass suits
It suits founders of innovative start-ups who do not yet draw the salary needed for an Employment Pass but can demonstrate funding, technology or a track record. It is not intended for conventional small businesses such as retail outlets, food courts or simple trading firms, which are generally directed to other pass types.
You may also find our note on Singapore bank account opening dbs ocbc uob wise aspire useful for the wider context.
Founder eligibility and the regulatory basis
The EntrePass operates under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990 and MOM’s eligibility criteria assessed jointly with Enterprise Singapore. An applicant must register, or intend to register, a private limited company that is venture-backed or holds innovative capabilities. Section 5 of the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990 underpins the requirement to hold a valid pass to work, and the EntrePass holder is expected to take an active management role and build a Singapore-based team.
Refer to the primary sources for the current position: Ministry of Manpower; Immigration & Checkpoints Authority.
Cost and timeline breakdown
Beyond modest government fees, founders should budget for incorporation, paid-up capital and the local hiring and spending commitments required for renewal. Indicative 2026 figures are below.
| Item | Indicative figure (S$) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | S$105 | At application |
| Issuance fee | S$225 | On approval |
| Incorporation & setup | S$1,000 – S$3,000 | 1 – 2 weeks |
| Processing time | ~ within 8 weeks | Application to outcome |
Step-by-step application and renewal
Sequence: prepare a business plan and evidence of funding, IP or accelerator backing; submit the EntrePass application (the company may be incorporated before or within six months after approval); on approval, incorporate or activate the company and commence operations; for renewal, meet the total business spending and local-employment milestones for the relevant renewal period; and apply to renew before expiry with the supporting financials.
For the procedural walkthrough, read our companion article on Entrepass singapore 2026 founder complete walkthrough.
Common mistakes and gotchas
Common pitfalls are applying with a business type that is excluded, underestimating the local-hire and spending milestones needed for renewal, and weak evidence of funding or innovation at first application. Renewal is not automatic – the venture must show genuine progress.
Evidence that strengthens an application
The strongest EntrePass applications demonstrate genuine innovation or funding: a term sheet or confirmation of venture-capital or angel investment, ownership of patents or other intellectual property relevant to the business, acceptance into a recognised incubator or accelerator, or a track record of founding or scaling companies. A clear, credible business plan that shows scalability and a Singapore hiring roadmap helps the joint MOM and Enterprise Singapore assessment. Thin applications that look like conventional small businesses are the most common reason for rejection.
Renewal milestones over time
Renewal is conditional on the venture making progress. At each renewal the holder must meet cumulative business-spending thresholds and create a minimum number of local jobs, with the requirements stepping up at later renewals. This means founders should plan hiring and spending from day one, keep clean financial records, and retain evidence of local employment. A business that has not progressed against these milestones risks non-renewal even if it remains operational.
Bringing in family and building the team
Once the business meets the relevant thresholds, an EntrePass holder may sponsor dependants’ passes, subject to the prevailing criteria. Building a Singapore-based team is not only a renewal requirement but also strengthens the venture’s substance and credibility with investors and regulators. Founders often pair the EntrePass with Employment Passes for key hires as the company grows.
Sectors and ideas that fit the scheme
The EntrePass is aimed at innovative, technology-driven or scalable ventures – for example, deep-tech, fintech, biotech, advanced manufacturing and other ideas with intellectual property or strong growth potential. Ventures backed by recognised investors or affiliated with established incubators and accelerators fit naturally. Conventional service or trading businesses without an innovation or funding angle are better served by other routes, and applicants should be candid about which category their venture falls into before applying.
From application to a growing Singapore business
A successful EntrePass journey moves from a funded or innovative idea, through approval and incorporation, to building a Singapore team and meeting renewal milestones. Founders who treat the milestones as a roadmap – hiring locally, investing in the business and keeping clean records – tend to renew smoothly and can later sponsor dependants and key hires. Aligning the venture’s growth plan with the renewal criteria from the outset turns the pass from a hurdle into a framework for building a substantive Singapore operation.
EntrePass: key considerations
In summary, The EntrePass is a Ministry of Manpower work pass that allows eligible foreign entrepreneurs to start and operate a venture-backed or innovative business in Singapore. The figures above are indicative for 2026 and should be confirmed against your specific circumstances and the latest official guidance before you commit.
FAQs
Do I need to incorporate before applying?
Not necessarily. You may apply before incorporating, but if approved the company must be registered (or already be registered within the permitted window) for the pass to be issued.
What does EntrePass renewal depend on?
Renewal is tied to meeting business spending and local-employment milestones for the renewal period; the thresholds increase at later renewals.
Which businesses are not eligible?
Conventional businesses such as coffee shops, food courts, bars, employment and massage agencies, and simple trading firms are generally excluded; the scheme targets innovative or funded ventures.
How much paid-up capital is needed?
There is no fixed statutory minimum for all cases, but the company must be a registered private limited company and the business must be credible and adequately funded; venture backing or comparable evidence is expected.
Can I switch from EntrePass to Employment Pass?
Yes, where the individual meets Employment Pass criteria, switching can provide a more stable long-term path; advice on timing is worthwhile.
Need help with this? Call, SMS or WhatsApp +65 8501 7133, or email [email protected]. Little Big Employment Agency (EA Licence 19C9790) works with a panel of corporate and employment law firms; this article is general information, not legal advice.