EntrePass business and ownership requirements
The applicant must intend to start, or have started, a Singapore private limited company with qualifying venture-backed or innovative characteristics and hold at least 30% of it. The company and applicant must satisfy the current MOM criteria. Some business types are excluded.
What kinds of evidence can qualify?
- Qualifying fundraising: at least $100,000 raised in a single round for a past or current business, with the specified investor requirements.
- Support from a qualifying incubator or accelerator, where the rules apply.
- Intellectual property or a qualifying Singapore research collaboration.
- A qualifying entrepreneurship, innovation or investment track record under the actual criteria.
A promising idea, ordinary consultancy or broad claim of experience is not automatically sufficient. Check the current definition and evidence for the route you rely on.
Does company age matter?
Current MOM guidance does not impose the old six-month company-age window. Where the registered business is more than 12 months old, assessment follows renewal criteria. Business spending and local workforce requirements then matter. Use the current company-age rules when planning the application.
What happens at renewal?
The ongoing assessment includes the business’s progress and the relevant business-spending and local-workforce conditions. Family-pass eligibility has separate thresholds. Keep records of business spending, local employees and operations for renewal.
When may an EP fit better?
An ordinary trading, services or professional business may be better assessed through an EP-sponsored employment role if the candidate and company qualify. EP uses salary and usually COMPASS; EntrePass has a different set of business criteria. Compare the eligibility rules with your business, role and funding before choosing a pass.
Test the business model against EntrePass first
Prepare evidence of the relevant entrepreneur, innovator or investor eligibility route before focusing on incorporation. A conventional consultancy, trading company or ordinary small business is not automatically eligible because a foreign founder owns it. Identify the specific qualifying condition, the evidence supporting it and how it connects to the Singapore business.
- Describe the product, technology or innovative business model in concrete terms.
- Identify the relevant funding, intellectual property, research relationship or qualifying track record.
- Check incorporation timing and shareholding requirements before filing.
- Budget for genuine business operations rather than only the application fee.
- Review renewal conditions and family-pass criteria separately.
Keep development, funding and operating records from the start. Renewal examines progress and applicable ongoing requirements; an initial approval is not a permanent exemption from business performance. Compare the EP and EntrePass routes before committing to a setup plan.
Frequently asked questions
Is EntrePass the default pass for every business owner?
No. It has specific business and applicant eligibility requirements.
Must my company be less than six months old?
That is the old rule. Current MOM guidance assesses a registered business older than 12 months under renewal criteria.
Does an ordinary consultancy qualify automatically?
No. The applicant and company must meet the actual EntrePass criteria.
Official sources
Related guides
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