The Eligibility Requirements and Benefits of Singapore’s EntrePass Visa 

Singapore has a well-deserved reputation as a global hub of innovation and commercial activity. Attracting foreign talent and creating a business climate in which it can flourish has long been a priority. 

The Singapore EntrePass is a work visa designed for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to start and operate a business there. It aims to attract individuals with innovative business ideas or entrepreneurial experience in areas such as technology, research, or other high-growth industries. 

Let’s look at the eligibility requirements and benefits that make the Singapore EntrePass an attractive option for entrepreneurial talent.  

Eligibility Requirements for Singapore EntrePass 

To be eligible for the Singapore EntrePass, applicants must meet the following criteria: 

Qualifying Business Idea 

Applicants must have an innovative business idea and be in industries that contribute to Singapore’s economy. Common sectors in which innovative ideas are approved include Biotech, clean energy, professional services, digital media, and tech-intensive industries.  

Business Registration 

The business must meet both of these conditions: 

• Be registered as a Private Limited Company with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) of Singapore. 

• Be backed by venture capital or have existing commercialized products. See the official website for more details on these criteria.  

Entrepreneurial, Innovative, or Investor Criteria 

Applicants must qualify under at least one of the following key criteria: 

Entrepreneur. You have raised funding from a recognized third-party venture capitalist (VC) or business angel, or your business has been incubated by a recognized Singaporean incubator or accelerator. 

Innovator. You hold intellectual property (IP) that is registered and relevant to your proposed business, have significant expertise and experience in research and development or specialized technical expertise related to your business, or have a strong track record of bringing products or services to the market. 

Investor. You are an individual with a proven track record of substantial investments in businesses, especially in startup ecosystems. 

Financial Standing 

There is no specific minimum capital requirement for the EntrePass. However, applicants need to demonstrate that their business will generate sufficient economic benefits for Singapore, such as creating jobs, contributing to innovation, or attracting investment. 

No Prior Employment Pass 

Applicants must not hold an Employment Pass (EP) or another long-term Singapore work pass at the time of application. 

Benefits of the EntrePass 

Here are the primary advantages gained by successful applicants to the Singapore EntrePass: 

Work and Live in Singapore 

The EntrePass allows you to live and work in Singapore while operating and managing your business. This includes free travel to and from Singapore.  

Long-Term Validity and Simple Renewal 

The validity of the initial visa is one year. Upon successful business performance and meeting renewal criteria, the EntrePass can be renewed for an additional two years. 

Eligibility for Dependents 

After the first year, EntrePass holders may apply for dependent passes for their family, provided certain business milestones are met. Spouses and children under 21 of visa holders can apply for a Dependent’s Pass if certain criteria regarding total annual business spending and employment creation are met. See the official site for more details.  

No Minimum Salary Requirement 

There is no minimum salary requirement for Singapore EntrePass holders, which allows flexibility for startups in their early stages. 

Access to Government Support and Grants 

Singapore EntrePass holders are eligible to apply for various Singaporean government schemes and grants aimed at supporting startups and entrepreneurs, such as those offered by Enterprise Singapore, Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), and the Economic Development Board (EDB). 

No Need for Local Sponsorship 

The EntrePass does not require local sponsorship from a Singaporean company or individual, unlike some other visa types. You can apply independently, provided the business plan and the credentials meet the required criteria. 

Gateway to Permanent Residency 

Singapore EntrePass holders who establish successful businesses may become eligible to apply for Singapore Permanent Residency (PR) after a few years of residing in Singapore, depending on the growth and success of their business. 

The Role of a Business Plan in the Singapore EntrePass Visa 

A business plan is a required part of the application package for the Singapore EntrePass visa.  

The reason is simple – a business plan explains points that are important to Singaporean immigration authorities while evaluating an application and shows that the business meets the requirements of the visa program. 

A business plan also clarifies how the proposed endeavor will contribute to overall economic growth and job opportunities in Singapore.  

Joorney can provide a comprehensive Singapore EntrePass visa business plan that maximizes your chances of getting approved. We’ve written nearly 30,000 business plans to satisfy the requirements of business immigration visa programs around the world.  

Business plans from Joorney are: 

• Customized to your specific situation and goals. Every applicant’s situation and the business behind them are unique. That’s why we work closely with each client to create a tailored plan that explains their ambitions and maximizes their chances of success. 

• Informed by experience in over 180 industries and fields. Our team of writers has experience in just about any business sector you can think of. This experience helps us to understand the context and build plans specific to each applicant’s needs. 

• Comprehensive and detailed. We understand the importance of both presenting a compelling case for your proposed venture and attention to detail in business plans for Singapore EntrePass visas. Our team of writers and editors thoroughly reviews each plan to ensure that it meets the specific requirements of the visa program. 

Joorney’s team of international, multilingual consultants understands the importance of crafting a high-quality business plan that meets the visa’s specific requirements. We can help you take the next steps toward starting a new business in Singapore.  

If you’re interested in learning more about our business plans, reach out to us today.