EntrePass (Entrepreneur Pass)
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) EntrePass lets eligible foreign entrepreneurs start and operate a business in Singapore. Official MOM criteria require a private limited company registered with ACRA, at least 30% shareholding by the applicant, and meeting at least one of MOM’s innovative / entrepreneurial eligibility options — for example having raised at least SGD 100,000 from an accredited VC or recognised incubator/accelerator in a single funding round; being incubated by a Singapore Government-supported incubator; having sold a tech company; holding relevant IP; or collaborating with a Singapore institution of higher learning / research institute. Always re-read mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/entrepass before applying — criteria and renewals change.
Min. capital
No single fixed paid-up capital floor; common criterion: raise ≥ SGD 100,000
Best for: Founders who can incorporate (or join) an ACRA Pte Ltd at ≥30% ownership and document at least one MOM innovative eligibility criterion.
MOM does not publish one universal paid-up capital minimum for EntrePass. One official eligibility option is raising ≥ SGD 100,000 from an accredited VC or recognised incubator/accelerator in a single round. Other options (incubator, prior tech exit, IP, research collab) may apply instead — verify the current MOM list.
Investment options
- Raise ≥ SGD 100,000 from an accredited VC or recognised incubator/accelerator (single round) — one MOM eligibility option
- Incubation by a Singapore Government-supported incubator / accelerator
- Demonstrable prior tech business sale / entrepreneurial track record (per MOM list)
- Relevant intellectual property registered with an IP office
- Research collaboration with a Singapore institution of higher learning or research institute
- Company must be ACRA Pte Ltd; applicant holds ≥ 30%
Eligibility
- ACRA-registered private limited company
- Applicant holds at least 30% of shares
- Meet at least one innovative / entrepreneurial criterion on MOM’s current EntrePass list
- Business must not be on MOM’s excluded activities list (e.g. certain coffee shops, bars, massage parlours — verify current exclusions)
- Standard passport, application, and MOM document requirements
Process timeline
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1
Validate fit vs MOM criteria
Map your raise, incubator, IP, or research collab to the current EntrePass eligibility list.
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2
Incorporate / structure ACRA Pte Ltd
Register the company and ensure ≥30% shareholding for the applicant.
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3
Apply for EntrePass
Submit via MOM with business plan and supporting evidence for the chosen criterion.
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4
Operate & renew
Meet MOM renewal / business progress expectations (local hiring and spending milestones can apply — verify current renewals).
Family
Eligible family members may apply as dependents under MOM rules when the EntrePass holder qualifies — confirm spouse/child criteria and work rights for dependents on mom.gov.sg.
Work rights
Authorised to start and operate the approved Singapore business. Taking separate employment generally requires a different pass.
Route to PR
Permanent residency is a separate ICA process (not automatic with EntrePass). Strong local presence, tax compliance, and business substance help but do not guarantee PR — verify ica.gov.sg.
Route to citizenship
Singapore citizenship is by naturalisation after meeting residence and other conditions; dual nationality is generally not allowed. Verify ICA rules and Pakistani dual-nationality implications.
Pros
- Clear official founder track from MOM
- Multiple innovative criteria — not only a capital cheque
- Strong ASEAN HQ, banking, and IP environment
- Transparent company registry (ACRA)
Watch-outs
- ≥30% ownership and innovative criterion are both required
- Excluded business activities list can block otherwise viable SMEs
- Renewals may expect local hiring / business progress — plan cash runway
- Cost of living and office rents are high — budget accordingly
- Always verify current MOM criteria before transferring funds or incorporating