Program Quick Facts
Investment Amount
S$100,000
Fees and Expenses
From S$245
Residency (Visa) Length
1 year
Time to Obtain
2-4 months
Complexity
Complex
The Singapore Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) offers temporary residency to foreign entrepreneurs and investors aiming to establish and operate an innovative business in Singapore. The program is designed to attract high-potential individuals with scalable business ideas that contribute to the local economy and generate employment.
Applicants are required to invest a minimum of S$100,000 and pay government fees starting at S$245. There is no annual income requirement. The application process can be completed remotely, and approval typically takes around 112 days. Once approved, applicants must travel to Singapore to complete company registration and biometric steps in person.
The EntrePass is renewable and can lead to permanent residency after 2 years, and citizenship eligibility begins after 10 years. The visa includes provisions for dependants, making it a viable option for entrepreneurs relocating with family. It is ideally suited for founders and investors building businesses with innovation and growth potential.
Who can apply for Singapore EntrePass?
Eligibility and requirements for the main applicant and family members.
Main Applicant Requirements
- Open to all nationalities with an innovative business idea that creates local jobs.
- Must have an entrepreneurial or relevant background.
- Business must be a private limited company registered in Singapore, less than six months old or not yet incorporated.
- Must hold at least 30% of the company shares.
- Must be sponsored by a reputable Singapore company or provide a S$3,000 Banker’s Guarantee.
- Company must have at least S$100,000 funding from an approved investor, be incubated, hold intellectual property, or applicant has strong business or investment experience.
- From 2022, must deposit at least S$50,000 in a Singapore bank and spend at least S$100,000 annually on the business.
- EntrePass is valid for two years and can be renewed up to three years if conditions are met.
Spouse/Partner Requirements
- —
Children Requirements
Under 18:
- —
Over 18:
- —
Special Cases (Any Age):
- —
Program Options, Fees and Requirements
Option 1: Singapore EntrePass
The Singapore EntrePass is a work visa for foreign entrepreneurs with innovative business proposals. It requires registering a private limited company in Singapore, holding at least 30% shares, and meeting specific funding or experience criteria. EntrePass holders must maintain a minimum fixed deposit of S$50,000 in a Singapore bank and have a yearly business spending of at least S$100,000.
Feature: Innovative business opportunityFeature: Pathway to PRRequirements:
Company Registration
Register a private limited company in Singapore within one month of IPA issuance.
Amount: S$0
Minimum Fixed Deposit
Maintain a fixed deposit of S$50,000 in a Singapore-based bank.
Amount: S$50,000
Annual Business Spending
Achieve a minimum yearly business spending of S$100,000.
Amount: S$100,000
Shareholding
Applicant must hold at least 30% of company shares.
Amount: S$0
Funding or Business Experience
Either have S$100,000 funding from a government-recognised VC/angel investor or demonstrate significant entrepreneurial/business experience.
Amount: S$100,000
Fees:
Application Fee
Online application processing fee per pass.
Amount: €105
Issuance Fee
Fee charged when the EntrePass is issued.
Amount: €225
Banker's Guarantee
Banker’s Guarantee of S$3,000 issued by a Singapore-based bank, required upon approval.
Amount: €3,000
Legal/Professional Fees
Estimated professional service fees for application assistance.
Amount: €3,000
The Singapore EntrePass is a work visa for foreign entrepreneurs with innovative business proposals. It requires registering a private limited company in Singapore, holding at least 30% shares, and meeting specific funding or experience criteria. EntrePass holders must maintain a minimum fixed deposit of S$50,000 in a Singapore bank and have a yearly business spending of at least S$100,000.
Main Applicant | Spouse (additional) | Child (additional) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requirements | |||
Company Registration* | S$0 (not included in total) | S$0 (not included in total) | S$0 (not included in total) |
Minimum Fixed Deposit* | S$50,000 (not included in total) | S$0 (not included in total) | S$0 (not included in total) |
Annual Business Spending* | S$100,000 (not included in total) | S$0 (not included in total) | S$0 (not included in total) |
Shareholding* | S$0 (not included in total) | S$0 (not included in total) | S$0 (not included in total) |
Funding or Business Experience* | S$100,000 (not included in total) | S$0 (not included in total) | S$0 (not included in total) |
| Fees and Expenses | |||
Application Fee | S$105 | S$105 | S$105 |
Issuance Fee | S$225 | S$225 | S$225 |
Banker's Guarantee | S$3,000 | S$0 | S$0 |
Legal/Professional Fees | S$3,000 | S$0 | S$0 |
| Total Cost | S$6,330 for main applicant | S$6,660 for married couple | S$6,990 for family of 3 |
| * Items marked with an asterisk are not included in the total cost calculation | |||
Benefits & Restrictions
Benefits | Restrictions and Drawbacks |
|---|---|
warm climate and high quality of lifeSingapore offers a consistently warm tropical climate complemented by a high standard of living, providing a comfortable and stable environment for entrepreneurs and their families. | no access to public health systemEntrePass holders and their dependents do not have entitlement to Singapore’s public healthcare system, necessitating private health insurance arrangements. |
freedom to work or start a businessThe Entrepreneur Pass grants holders the ability to legally establish and operate their own private limited company in Singapore, supporting business innovation and growth without restrictions on work. | no direct path to citizenshipAlthough permanent residency is attainable after two years, citizenship eligibility typically requires at least ten years of residence, making immediate naturalization unavailable. |
path to permanent residencyEntrePass holders become eligible to apply for permanent residency after maintaining their business and residency in Singapore for two years, enabling longer-term stability and integration. | |
family members includedThe pass allows eligible dependents, including spouse and children, to join the main applicant in Singapore, facilitating family unity during the residency period. | |
tax incentives and low corporate taxSingapore’s tax system offers competitive advantages such as a low corporate tax rate of 17% and multiple tax incentives for startups, making it an attractive jurisdiction for entrepreneurs. |
How to apply for EntrePass - Timeline
Application Submission & Due Diligence
Submit the EntrePass application and required documents online. Authorities conduct eligibility and business viability checks during this period.
In-Principle Approval & Entry to Singapore
After receiving the In-Principle Approval letter, enter Singapore within six months to complete company registration and biometric formalities.
Residence Permit Issuance & Initial Residency
The EntrePass is granted for one year, allowing legal residence and business operation in Singapore.
Permit Renewal
Renew the EntrePass if program requirements continue to be met, with renewal periods lasting up to three years.
Path to Permanent Residency
Eligible to apply for permanent residency after maintaining residency and business conditions for two years.
Path to Citizenship
Permanent residents may apply for Singapore citizenship following 10 or more years of continuous residency.
Annual Physical Presence Requirement
Maintain a minimum of 183 days physical presence in Singapore annually to retain residency status.
Total Processing Time
Duration from application submission to issuance of In-Principle Approval.
Singapore Taxation at a glance
Key Information
Taxation Type: Territorial tax system
Special Regime:
Normal Tax Residency: 183 days
Special Residency:
Income Tax Rate: 24
Frequently Asked Questions
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