Blog/April 17, 2026
How to Move to Singapore as an Entrepreneur in 2026: EntrePass and Startup Ecosystem
By Relova Team
Singapore EntrePass entrepreneur 2026 guide with visa routes, cost bands, neighborhood picks, timelines, and practical setup steps for expats planning a confide
Singapore EntrePass entrepreneur 2026 is MOM’s founder visa for people building an innovative Singapore Pte Ltd—not a generic work pass. You must hold at least 30% of the company, clear one of the innovativeness tracks, and plan for renewal metrics (local hires and business spend) from day one. Unlike Employment Pass, EntrePass has no minimum salary floor (EP commonly starts near SGD 5,600/month).
Table of Contents
- What EntrePass is (and is not)
- Ownership, ACRA timing, and capital
- Innovativeness criteria you must clear
- Duration, renewals, and the path to PR
- Processing time and restricted businesses
- Key numbers at a glance
- Frequently Asked Questions
What EntrePass is (and is not)
EntrePass is for founders who will operate a Singapore company with a credible innovation story. It is not a shortcut for coffee shops, food courts, bars, massage parlours, employment agencies, and similar restricted categories unless you can prove a genuinely innovative model. If you mainly need salaried employment, compare Move to Singapore and Employment Pass rules instead of stretching EntrePass.
Ownership, ACRA timing, and capital
You need at least 30% shareholding in a Singapore Pte Ltd. The company should be registered with ACRA and, at filing, usually under six months old—or not yet incorporated. Formal paid-up capital can be as low as SGD 1, but many advisers recommend about SGD 50,000 so renewal officers see real skin in the game. There is still no statutory minimum salary on EntrePass itself.
Innovativeness criteria you must clear
Satisfy at least one track:
- Funding of at least SGD 100,000 from an accredited VC or business angel
- Ownership of registered intellectual property
- Active participation in a Singapore government–recognised incubator or accelerator
Weak “me-too” retail concepts without one of these anchors are the usual rejection pattern.
Duration, renewals, and the path to PR
The first pass is typically 1 year. The first renewal is often 12 months; later renewals commonly run 24 months each. Renewal evidence usually includes at least 2 local employees (rising to 4 from the second year in many briefings) and total business spending of about SGD 100,000/year (about SGD 150,000 from year two). After two successful renewals, founders often evaluate a permanent residence (PR) filing—eligibility is never automatic.
Processing time and restricted businesses
Plan on roughly 8 weeks of processing. Keep company setup abroad and Singapore vs Hong Kong in parallel if you are still choosing a hub: EntrePass only pays off when the Singapore entity is the real operating company, not a paper shell.
Key numbers at a glance
| Criterion | 2026 requirement |
|---|---|
| Company shareholding | Minimum 30% |
| Paid-up capital (recommended) | SGD 50,000 (not formally mandatory) |
| VC / angel funding (if using that track) | Minimum SGD 100,000 |
| Minimum salary | Not required |
| First visa length | 1 year |
| Renewal — local employees | 2 local employees (4 from year two in typical guidance) |
| Renewal — business spending | SGD 100,000/year (SGD 150,000 from year two) |
| Application processing | ~8 weeks |
Related guides on this blog: Move to Singapore, Open a company abroad, Singapore vs Hong Kong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need SGD 50,000 paid-up capital for EntrePass?
Formally, no—you can incorporate with as little as SGD 1. In practice, many consultants still recommend about SGD 50,000 so renewals look better funded.
What ownership stake do I need?
You generally must own at least 30% of the Singapore Pte Ltd, and the company should be ACRA-registered and typically under six months old at application (or not yet formed).
Is there a minimum salary like Employment Pass?
No. EntrePass has no minimum salary. Employment Pass commonly starts near SGD 5,600/month—a different product for employees, not founders.
What do renewals require?
Expect roughly 2 local employees (often 4 from year two) and SGD 100,000/year in total business spending (SGD 150,000 from year two in common guidance), plus continued innovativeness evidence.
How long does EntrePass take, and when can I apply for PR?
Processing is often about 8 weeks. The first pass is usually 1 year; after two renewals, many founders explore PR, subject to MOM/ICA criteria at the time.
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