July 13, 2023
With its progressive infrastructure and affinity for technology, Singapore is a major attraction amongst savvy and ambitious professionals. Suppose you’re an entrepreneur who has been eyeing this island state as a potential locale for your next international business venture. In that case, you may be the perfect candidate for the Entrepreneur Pass.
This article addresses some of the most common questions regarding the key requirements and EntrePass application process, including:
An Entrepreneur Pass is a scheme that allows foreign entrepreneurs to start a new business in Singapore and relocate there. The business can be backed by venture capitalists or by its innovative technologies. It is part of Singapore’s effort to attract international talent to establish itself as a business hub. It is also commonly referred to as an EntrePass.
To get EntrePass eligibility, you must fulfil several criteria. The EntrePass is open to individuals of all nationalities who meet the following conditions:
The applicant for the EntrePass should fit into either one of the categories below to qualify for an EntrePass:
Several types of businesses do not qualify for EntrePass. You can see the full list below.
If you’ve already gone through the above points and checked all the necessary boxes, you’re one step closer to getting an EntrePass. Now is the time to start compiling all the documents you need to file your application.
These are the complete set of documents you will need:
Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower website features a detailed breakdown of the documents required for each EntrePass applicant category.
You must submit a copy of the original and translated versions for documents not provided in English.
Once you’ve managed to compile all the necessary documents, you can file your application with the Ministry of Manpower (MoM) at any SingPost branch, or you can do it online by following the steps below:
Your application must include the following:
The application process can take up to eight weeks, during which you may check your application status online. You will receive an email containing the in-principal approval (IPA) upon approval. The IPA gives all approved applicants six months to come to Singapore to claim the pass.
You must be in Singapore upon the pass being issued. You can collect it yourself if you have a Singpass or appoint a company representative or employment agent.
The pass can be issued online via EP Online (for SingPass holders or if you have an employment agent) or over the counter. You must make an appointment with the Employment Pass Services Centre (EPSC) for the latter.
If required, you must register your fingerprints and photo with the EPSC. You will receive your EntrePass card within four working days of registering and verifying your documents.
Two different types of passes can be used by the families of EntrePass holders to relocate to Singapore. They are:
Dependant Pass | Long-Term Visit Pass |
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The validity of these passes is similar to that of the EntrePass and can also be renewed along with the EntrePass.
However, for EntrePass holders to be eligible for either the Dependant or Long-term Visit Pass, they must fulfil the below requirements.
To bring in your | To bring in your | Company must employ |
Spouse (legally married or common law) Children |
At least $100,000 |
At least three full-time employees or One local PME (professional, manager or executive) |
Parents | At least $200,000 |
Àt least six full-time employees Or Two local PMEs |
To apply for either of the above passes, you will need to fill in the Assessment of Eligibility Form and mail it to the MoM along with the following:
The fee is $105 for each application on an EntrePass. Upon a successful application, the fee is $225 for EntrePass.
No, you don’t. You can begin registering your company once your EntrePass application is successful. Once you have received your IPA letter, you can register your company with ACRA, open a corporate bank account and bank in any necessary share capital.
Be sure to do this within 30 days of your application being approved. Upon registering your company, contact the MoM to ensure these details are updated in your EntrePass status before receiving your Entre Pass card.
For applicants who have successfully registered and are growing their team, our hiring solutions portal is a great way to get started on your talent acquisition journey here in Singapore.
One of the EntrePass Singapore benefits is that EntrePass holders may be eligible for a Permanent Residency after some time. This can be done via the Professionals/Technical Personnel and Skilled Worker scheme. Viable candidates can apply for this through the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA).
The EntrePass holder should be able to provide evidence that they are operating an innovative business capable of adding value to Singapore’s economy.
All candidates will be evaluated according to their age, qualifications, how long they have been in Singapore and the company’s financial well-being.
If your application for EntrePass has been rejected, you can file an appeal within 90 days of the rejection notice. The appeal will usually take up to 8 weeks to be processed. You may enlist the help of a professional firm to help you with your appeal.
The EntrePass application process can be complex, and if you find yourself at a standstill on how to proceed, Airswift is here to help you. Our global employment and mobility team come fully equipped with all the information you need to ensure a seamless process.
Reach out to us today to learn more about the different types of services we offer expats looking to relocate and expand their business internationally.
This post was written by: Leanna Seah, Content Marketing Coordinator
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