For the global entrepreneur, Singapore is often the dream city to start a business. It is safe, hyper-connected, and sits at the crossroads of the East and West. But for foreign founders, the path to establishing a base here has evolved. Gone are the days when you could simply incorporate a company and grant yourself an Employment Pass (EP) with ease.
As we approach 2026, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has sharpened its focus. They are no longer looking for just any business; they are hunting for innovation. This is where the EntrePass (Entrepreneur Pass) comes into play. It is a specialised visa scheme designed not for the passive investor, but for the active, risk-taking founder ready to disrupt industries.
If you are eyeing Singapore as your launchpad for 2026, here is what you need to know about navigating the EntrePass landscape.
The Shift from “Business” to “Innovation”
In the past, a consultancy or a trading firm might have sufficed for a work visa. In 2026, the keyword is scalability. The Singapore government uses the EntrePass to attract high-calibre startups that can plug into the local ecosystem, create high-value jobs, and transfer technology.
Unlike the Employment Pass, which relies heavily on salary benchmarks and the COMPASS framework, the EntrePass has no stipulated minimum salary. Instead, it judges you on the quality of your idea and your track record.
Do You Make the Cut? (The 2026 Standards)
To qualify, your company must be less than 6 months old (or not yet incorporated) at the time of application. Furthermore, you must meet at least one of the rigorous “innovation” criteria. As of late 2025, these remain the gold standard for approval:
- Venture Backing: You have raised at least $100,000 in funding from a recognised Venture Capitalist (VC), angel investor, or family office. Note: Borrowing money from a relative does not count; the investor must be accredited.
- Proprietary Intellectual Property (IP): You hold registered IP (patents or trademarks) that gives your business a significant competitive advantage.
- Research Collaboration: You have an ongoing research partnership with a Singapore Institute of Higher Learning (like NUS or NTU) or a research institute like A*STAR.
- Incubator Support: You are an incubatee at a Singapore government-supported incubator or accelerator (e.g., those under Startup SG).
The “Progressive” Renewal Trap
The EntrePass operates on a Progressive Renewal Criteria framework.
- Year 1: You get the pass to start up.
- Year 2 onwards: You must prove you are actually running a business, not just holding a visa.
To renew your pass for 2026 and beyond, you will need to demonstrate substantial Total Business Spending (TBS)—typically starting at $100,000 annually—and, crucially, local employment. You must hire local Singaporeans or Professionals, Managers, and Executives (PMEs). The government expects your contribution to the economy to grow as your business matures.
The Path to Permanent Residency (PR)
For many of our clients, the EntrePass is a stepping stone to Singapore Permanent Residency (PR). The ICA views EntrePass holders favourably because they are “job creators” rather than “job seekers.” However, the scrutiny is intense. When you apply for PR, the officers will look at:
- Tax Contributions: Is your company profitable and paying corporate tax?
- Knowledge Transfer: Have you transferred skills to your local employees?
- Rootedness: Have you integrated into the social fabric of Singapore?
Planning Your Move to Singapore
Starting a business in Singapore is a marathon, not a sprint. The regulations for 2026 are now stricter than before, designed to filter for resilience and genuine innovation. If you are ready to build something that lasts—and potentially make Singapore your permanent home—the EntrePass is your golden ticket.
If you have been residing in Singapore for a period of time and are looking to make Singapore your permanent home, contact us to learn more about obtaining your Singapore PR or Citizenship today!
