EntrePass — founder eligibility and renewal — Step-by-step walkthrough
Raffles Corporate Services works with a panel of corporate and employment law firms; this article is general information, not legal advice.
The EntrePass is a Ministry of Manpower work pass for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start and run an innovative, venture-backed or technology business in Singapore. It suits founders who do not yet meet Employment Pass salary thresholds but can show a fundable, scalable venture.
What the EntrePass is
The EntrePass is issued by the Ministry of Manpower to eligible foreign business owners. The applicant must hold at least 30% of the shares in a private limited company registered with ACRA, and the business must be venture-backed or hold innovative capabilities recognised under the scheme’s criteria. The pass lets the founder live in Singapore and run the company directly rather than relying on a local proxy.
Who qualifies for the EntrePass
Eligible founders fall into three groups: entrepreneurs with funding from recognised investors, innovators holding intellectual property or a research tie-up with a local institution, and experienced founders with a strong track record of starting and scaling businesses. Pure trading, F&B, and conventional retail concepts generally do not meet the innovation bar. Founders deciding between passes should read our Employment Pass vs S Pass vs EntrePass comparison.
Eligibility and requirements
The company must be registered for less than six months at the point of application, or the applicant may apply before incorporating. The founder must hold at least 30% of the shares and run the business actively from Singapore. Supporting evidence includes term sheets, intellectual-property filings, awards, or a record of prior ventures.
Cost and timeline
EntrePass processing typically takes around 8 weeks. The first pass is issued for one year, and renewals run for two years thereafter. Government fees are modest, but plan for incorporation, paid-up capital and operating costs from the outset.
Renewal benchmarks
To renew, the business must meet progressive benchmarks on total business spending and local employment. Indicatively, the company is expected to incur a minimum level of annual business spending and to create a set number of local jobs, with the bar rising at each renewal. A minimum paid-up capital of S$50,000 supports the renewal-stage spending profile. Track these metrics from day one, because renewal is evidence-led.
Step-by-step process
First, confirm the venture meets one of the EntrePass profiles and gather evidence of funding, IP or track record. Second, prepare a business plan covering products, market and three-year projections. Third, submit the application to the Ministry of Manpower with supporting documents. Fourth, incorporate the company within the required window if not already done; our partners can pair this with Singapore Pte Ltd registration for foreigners. Fifth, track renewal benchmarks from the start. Tax planning for the new company is covered in our Singapore corporate tax 2026 guide.
Common mistakes and gotchas
The frequent pitfalls are applying with a non-innovative concept, weak proof of funding, and missing renewal benchmarks on spending and local hiring. Founders also forget that the 30% shareholding must be maintained throughout the pass period.
FAQs
How much shareholding must an EntrePass holder keep? At least 30% of the company throughout the validity of the pass.
How long is the first EntrePass valid? One year, with two-year renewals if benchmarks are met.
Can I apply before incorporating? Yes, you may apply before registering the company, then incorporate within the required window.
Do retail or F&B businesses qualify? Generally no, unless they demonstrate genuine innovation or recognised funding.
Can my family join me? Holders meeting the spending and employment criteria may sponsor family members on Dependant Passes.
Authoritative sources: the Ministry of Manpower and the Singapore Economic Development Board.