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EntrePass: Your Founder Eligibility and Renewal Questions Answered
Short answer: The EntrePass is a Ministry of Manpower pass for foreign founders who start and run a new, innovative business in Singapore. MOM assesses the founder, the company and its funding, then renews the pass only if the business shows real progress. Meeting the headline criteria does not guarantee approval, so prepare evidence early and check current MOM thresholds before filing.
Key facts at a glance
- Administered by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), not the Economic Development Board.
- Applicants must be starting a new business, with the company registered with ACRA before filing.
- Initial validity is shorter than renewal validity; MOM sets both periods and can change them.
- Renewal turns on the business track record: spending, local hiring and funds raised.
- Section 5(1) of the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990 requires a valid work pass before a foreigner is employed.
- Applications and renewals are filed online by the applicant or an authorised representative.
This article is general information only and is not legal advice. For matters needing legal advice, we work with a panel of experienced Singapore law firms.
Who is the EntrePass for?
The EntrePass is for foreign entrepreneurs who intend to start and operate a new business in Singapore. It is not a route for buying into an existing trading company or for working for someone else. Founders who plan to be employed by their own company at a fixed salary may find the Employment Pass a better fit, and our comparison of EntrePass versus Employment Pass sets out the trade-offs.
What are the EntrePass eligibility criteria?
MOM looks at the founder, the company and the business plan together. In practice, assessors consider the company’s paid-up capital, the founder’s shareholding, evidence of innovation or a credible technology or funding track record, and how the business will contribute to Singapore. Thresholds are updated from time to time, so treat any figure you read online, including ours, as a prompt to check the live MOM page rather than a final answer.
A common point of confusion is whether the company must already exist. It generally does: MOM expects the entity to be registered with ACRA, which is why many founders also read our guide to foreign and local resident director requirements before incorporating.
How do I apply for an EntrePass?
The steps below follow the usual sequence. Timings are indicative and depend on how complete the submission is.
- Incorporate the Singapore company and appoint a local resident director where required.
- Prepare the business plan, funding evidence, founder CV and company documents.
- File the application online with MOM and pay the application fee.
- Respond promptly to any request for further information.
- On approval, collect the in-principle approval, complete the issuance steps and have the pass issued.
How much does an EntrePass cost and how long does it take?
MOM publishes application and issuance fees and a target processing time. The table shows what to budget for, without fixing numbers that MOM may revise.
| Item | What to budget for |
|---|---|
| MOM application fee | Payable on submission; check the current MOM schedule |
| MOM issuance fee | Payable on approval before the pass is issued |
| Processing time | Several weeks, longer if MOM asks for more documents |
| Professional fees | Depends on company set-up and business plan support |
How does EntrePass renewal work?
Renewal is where many founders struggle. MOM reviews what the company has actually done since the pass was first issued: business spending in Singapore, local employment, funds raised and revenue or product progress. A pass holder who spent the first year setting up but has little documentary proof of activity is at risk.
Keep a running evidence file from day one: payroll records, CPF contributions for local hires, invoices, bank statements, investor term sheets and contracts. Our article on common mistakes and rejection reasons covers the errors that most often sink renewals.
What are the legal duties of an EntrePass founder?
A foreign founder who is a director owes duties under the Companies Act 1967, including section 157A(1), which provides that the business of the company is to be managed by, or under the direction or supervision of, the directors. The work pass itself carries conditions under the Employment of Foreign Manpower (Work Passes) Regulations 2012, so changes in role, employer or business activity may need to be notified to MOM first.
Founders who later hire foreign staff should also review the tax considerations of bringing in foreign talent. For the wider application picture, see our full EntrePass application guide.
Where can I check the official requirements?
Always confirm requirements with the issuing agencies: the Ministry of Manpower for the pass itself, ICA for entry and immigration matters, and the Economic Development Board for programmes that sit alongside the pass, such as investor and talent schemes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for an EntrePass before incorporating the company?
MOM generally expects the company to be registered with ACRA at the time of application. Incorporate first, then file.
Can I hold the EntrePass and work for another employer?
No. The pass is tied to your own start-up. Working for another employer would need a different pass and MOM approval.
What happens if the business has not grown by the renewal date?
MOM may decline renewal, or invite you to explain the shortfall. Strong evidence of spending, hiring and funding helps, and so does a realistic forward plan.
Can my family join me in Singapore?
Eligible EntrePass holders may apply for Dependant’s Passes for qualifying family members. Eligibility depends on MOM’s criteria at the time of application.
Is the EntrePass a path to permanent residence?
It can support a later application, but PR is a separate decision by ICA and is never guaranteed.
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.
Last reviewed: 06 October 2026. The Editorial Team.
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