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Startup Founder Visa

Singapore EntrePass Startup Founder Visa Guide 2026

Complete guide to Singapore EntrePass startup visa. Capitalize on EnterpriseSG incubator support, US$100k VC funding, IP patents, and business incorporation rules.

Overview & Statutory Background

The EntrePass is Singapore's dedicated startup visa for global entrepreneurs, high-caliber innovators, and experienced investors wishing to launch and operate an R&D-intensive or venture-backed business in Singapore. Administered jointly by MOM, Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), and EDB, the EntrePass does not impose a mandatory minimum paid-up capital requirement, but mandates meeting at least one innovative startup criterion.

Key Pass Highlights & Statutory Criteria

Pass Validity

1 Year (Renewable)

Verified

Min. Paid-Up Capital

No Fixed Min.

Verified

VC Funding Requirement

S$100,000 Min.

Verified

Local Spending Renewal

S$100k/yr Business Spend

Verified

Evaluation Criteria & Points Breakdown

Criterion A: Government VC / Business Angel Funding

S$100,000 Funding

Has raised at least S$100,000 from a government-recognized VC firm or angel investor group.

Criterion B: Recognized Incubator / Accelerator

EnterpriseSG Partner

Is an incubatee at a government-backed incubator or accelerator (SGInnovate, EnterpriseSG partners).

Criterion C: Intellectual Property (IP) & Patents

Registered IP

Holds a registered patent, copyright, or IP registered with an approved national IP institution.

Criterion D: Deep Tech R&D Collaboration

A*STAR / University R&D

Demonstrates ongoing research collaboration with a Singapore university (NUS, NTU, SMTU) or A*STAR research institute.

Mandatory Eligibility Requirements

Must have registered (or intend to register) a Private Limited company with ACRA in Singapore.

Must meet AT LEAST ONE of the innovative criteria (VC funding, incubator, registered IP, or R&D collaboration) listed above.

Businesses such as coffee shops, hawker centers, food courts, bars, massage parlors, and employment agencies are EXCLUDED from EntrePass eligibility.

RENEWAL BUSINESS SPEND: To renew the 1-year pass, the startup must demonstrate at least S$100,000 in total business spending and employ at least 3 local FTE staff.

Step-by-Step Application & Issuance Process

Business Plan & Online Submission

Submit 10-page business plan and application via MOM eService with S$105 fee.

EnterpriseSG & MOM Joint Review

Enterprise Singapore and MOM evaluate startup innovation and commercial viability (8 weeks).

In-Principle Approval (IPA)

Receive IPA letter valid for 6 months to incorporate ACRA company and open bank account.

Pass Issuance

Required Document Checklist

•10-page Business Plan detailing target market, product technology, competitive landscape, and financial projections

•Passport Copy (valid for at least 6 months)

•Proof of VC Funding (investment agreement showing minimum S$100k raised)

•Proof of Patent Registration from IPOS or international patent offices (if applicable)

•Incubator Acceptance Letter from EnterpriseSG-supported accelerator (if applicable)

•ACRA BizFile Incorporation Search Report (if company registered within the last 6 months)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

MOM strictly excludes non-tech traditional retail businesses such as coffee shops, hawker centers, food courts, bars, night clubs, massage parlors, traditional medicine clinics, and employment agencies.

No. MOM removed the mandatory S$50,000 minimum paid-up capital requirement, focusing instead on startup innovation, VC funding, IP patents, or EnterpriseSG incubator backing.

Yes, but ONLY after Year 1 renewal, once the startup meets minimum business spending (S$100,000/year) and employs local staff (3 local FTEs for DP; 6 local FTEs for parent LTVP).

The initial EntrePass is valid for 1 year, and is renewable for 2-year periods based on local headcount and business spending benchmarks.

Ongoing research collaborations with A*STAR institutes, NUS, NTU, SUTD, SIT, or polytechnics count toward EntrePass eligibility.

You can apply BEFORE incorporating, or within 6 months of incorporating your company with ACRA in Singapore.