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EntrePass and Employment Pass: the founder routes

Not every foreigner moving to Singapore is structuring investment wealth. If you are building an operating business, the EntrePass and Employment Pass are the routes to know.

The short answer: the EntrePass is for founders of venture-backed or innovative Singapore companies (generally holding at least 30 percent of the company). The Employment Pass is for those in a qualifying managerial or executive role who meet a minimum salary threshold. These are business-owner routes, distinct from the family office and Global Investor Programme paths.

EntrePass: for founders

The EntrePass is aimed at foreign entrepreneurs starting a private limited company registered with ACRA that is venture-backed or built on innovative technology. The pass holder is generally expected to hold at least a 30 percent stake. It suits people building and running a business in Singapore.

Employment Pass: for qualifying roles

If you incorporate a Singapore company and take a qualifying managerial or executive role, that company can sponsor an Employment Pass for you, subject to meeting the minimum salary criteria set by the Ministry of Manpower. Many business owners use this route.

How this compares to the family office route

These founder routes are about running a business. If your goal is instead to structure and hold family wealth, the family office schemes and the residency-by-investment route are the relevant paths. See the family office setup guide and the Global Investor Programme guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the EntrePass?

The EntrePass is a Singapore work pass for foreign entrepreneurs starting a venture-backed or innovative private limited company registered with ACRA. The pass holder is generally expected to hold at least a 30 percent shareholding in the company. It suits founders building an operating business, rather than families structuring investment wealth.

EntrePass or Employment Pass for a business owner?

If you have incorporated a Singapore company and hold a qualifying managerial or executive role, that company can apply for an Employment Pass for you, which requires meeting a minimum salary threshold. The EntrePass is aimed specifically at venture-backed or innovative startups. A specialist can advise which fits your business.

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Sources

Pass criteria are indicative, drawn from the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (July 2026), and change over time. This page is general information, not immigration, financial, tax or legal advice.