EP and EntrePass eligibility requirements
| Question | Employment Pass | EntrePass |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Eligible foreign professional employment | Eligible entrepreneur and qualifying innovative / venture-backed business |
| Salary / points | Qualifying salary plus COMPASS unless exempt | Separate entrepreneur / business criteria |
| Shareholding | Ownership alone does not establish eligibility | At least 30% ownership |
| Company age | Assess actual company and role | More than 12 months old: renewal criteria apply |
| Renewal | Current EP rules and employment assessment | Business progress, spending and local workforce conditions |
When an EP may be relevant.
You have a genuine professional role with a Singapore company and can meet the age/sector salary and COMPASS requirements, or a relevant exemption. The employer must support the job and declaration. Owning the company does not waive these requirements.
When EntrePass may be relevant.
Your business and background satisfy a current EntrePass criterion, such as qualifying funding, incubation, intellectual property, research collaboration or an eligible track record. Ordinary company setup is insufficient. Check the evidence before incorporating or choosing a pass strategy.
Current EntrePass rules on company age
MOM’s current EntrePass page applies renewal criteria when a registered company is more than 12 months old. The previous six-month restriction should not guide a current application.
What should you prepare for a review?
- Your proposed business and actual operations so far.
- Your background, role and ownership.
- Funding, salary and realistic operating plans.
- Any venture, research, innovation or investor evidence.
- Your timing and family needs.
We check whether the business and candidate meet the EP or EntrePass criteria and list any missing documents. A rejected EP does not establish eligibility for EntrePass.
Compare evidence and renewal obligations
| Question | EP | EntrePass |
|---|---|---|
| What is assessed? | A qualifying professional role, salary and applicable COMPASS assessment. | Specific entrepreneurial, innovative or investment eligibility and the business. |
| What should you prepare? | Candidate, employer, role, salary and relevant qualification evidence. | Evidence supporting the chosen eligibility route and business plan. |
| What happens later? | Renewal based on the applicable EP criteria and current position. | Business progress and applicable renewal requirements. |
Neither route follows automatically from incorporation or share ownership. A founder who cannot establish EntrePass eligibility should not describe an ordinary business as innovative just to fit the application. An EP plan must also involve a genuine role and a salary the company can support.
Compare family arrangements and likely business development before choosing. If neither route fits the present facts, identify the missing condition instead of filing interchangeable applications. The company evidence guide helps organise the operating information.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose either pass just by changing the application wording?
No. Choose the route supported by the actual business and applicant facts.
Is EntrePass a fallback if my EP is rejected?
Only if you independently meet EntrePass criteria. A rejection does not establish eligibility for another pass.
Can I work just because I own the company?
No. Share ownership and work permission are separate matters.
Official sources
Related guides
Enquire about an Employment Pass
Tell us whether you are applying, renewing or appealing, along with the candidate’s age, role and proposed salary.