Singapore EntrePass Founder Business Visa Guide 2026

Complete guide to the Singapore EntrePass business visa for founders. Explains VC funding, incubators, IP criteria, & MOM renewal rules.

Statutory Overview & Legal Framework

The Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) is a specialized business founder pass administered by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) in partnership with Enterprise Singapore. Designed for global entrepreneurs, high-tech innovators, and venture-backed founders looking to establish an innovative business in Singapore, EntrePass allows founders to incorporate and operate a tech or innovation-driven company. Applicants do not need to satisfy COMPASS points but must meet at least one innovative criterion, such as securing at least S$100,000 in qualifying VC/angel funding, holding registered IP with a national IP office, or being incubated by a government-recognised or internationally renowned accelerator. Use this guide to apply for the Singapore EntrePass.

Core Statutory Criteria & Regulations

Venture Capital / Angel Funding CriterionVC Funding

Raised at least S$100,000 in funding from a government-recognized VC fund or angel investor.

Proprietary Intellectual Property (IP) RegistrationIP Ownership

Owner of registered IP or patent filed with a recognized national IP institution (e.g. IPOS).

Incubation at Recognized Accelerator / IncubatorIncubator Partner

Incubated at a government-recognised or internationally renowned incubator/accelerator.

MOM Business Spending & Local Hiring Renewal MilestonesRenewal Criteria

Pass renewal requires meeting annual Total Business Spending (TBS) and hiring local workforce (LWF) employees.

Qualification & Compliance Requirements

Applies to foreign entrepreneurs of any nationality intending to incorporate an innovative tech or IP-driven business in Singapore.

If company is already registered with ACRA, it must be 12 months old or less at time of EntrePass application (companies registered over 12 months are assessed against renewal criteria).

Ineligible businesses: hawker centers, food courts, massage parlors, bars, karaoke lounges, and traditional trading firms.

EntrePass holders can bring family (spouse and children under 21) on Dependant's Pass once meeting MOM business spending (S$100k+) and local hiring milestones (1+ local workforce staff), or another qualifying family-pass route.

Statutory Document & Application Checklist

MOM EntrePass Online Application Form

Detailed Business Plan & Technology Innovation Proof

Venture Capital Term Sheet / Proof of S$100,000 Funding

IPOS Patent / Trademark Registration Certificate (if using IP route)

Applicant's Passport, CV, & Educational Credentials

Step-by-Step Filing & Compliance Process

Prepare Innovative Business Plan & Qualifying Evidence

Draft detailed business plan highlighting tech innovation, VC funding, IP ownership, or incubator backing.

Submit EntrePass Application to MOM

Submit online application via MOM portal; Enterprise Singapore assists MOM in evaluating innovation merit.

Receive In-Principle Approval (IPA) Letter

MOM issues a 6-month IPA letter allowing founder to travel to Singapore and register the business on Bizfile.

ACRA Company Incorporation & Bank Account Opening

Incorporate company on Bizfile, open corporate bank account, and deposit required capital.

Pass Issuance & Biometric Appointment

Submit ACRA Business Profile to MOM, complete biometric appointment, and receive EntrePass card (initial pass valid up to 1 year; first renewal up to 1 year, subsequent renewals up to 2 years).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The EntrePass is a specialized business founder visa issued by MOM and Enterprise Singapore for eligible foreign entrepreneurs looking to start an innovative tech or venture-backed business in Singapore.

Applicants can qualify under Entrepreneur (raising S$100k+ VC funding, incubator backing, or prior exit), Innovator (holding registered IP, research collaboration), or Experienced Investor routes. If company is already registered with ACRA, it must be 12 months old or less.

No. The COMPASS points framework applies to standard Employment Passes (EPs). EntrePass has its own innovative eligibility criteria.

Initial EntrePass is valid up to 1 year. The first renewal is valid up to 1 year, and subsequent renewals are valid up to 2 years, subject to meeting MOM business spending and local hiring milestones.

Yes. EntrePass holders can sponsor spouse and unmarried children under 21 on Dependant's Pass once meeting MOM criteria (e.g. S$100,000 Total Business Spending + 1 local workforce employee).

No. Traditional retail stores, cafes, hawker stalls, bars, and traditional trading businesses are explicitly excluded from EntrePass eligibility.