EntrePass Eligibility Checker

Q: I'm a foreign founder moving to Singapore. Which work pass is right for me?

The right pass depends on your situation. EntrePass is for founders starting a new business with innovation or funding. Employment Pass (EP) is for skilled professionals with a job offer and fixed salary (SGD 5,000+/month). Tech.Pass is for established tech leaders and developers. Use this checker to find your best fit based on your profile and career stage.

Q: What's the difference between a work pass and a visa in Singapore?

A work pass (EntrePass, EP, Tech.Pass, S Pass) is a permit to work in Singapore—it’s employment-specific and typically valid for 1-2 years. A visa is a travel document for entry. In Singapore, most work passes function as both your work permit AND your entry visa. The terms are often used interchangeably, but work pass is more accurate for employment authorization. Understanding this distinction helps you navigate Singapore’s immigration system.

Q: Can I run a Singapore company without living here, or do I need a work pass?

You can incorporate a Singapore company remotely without a work pass if you’re not physically present or working in Singapore. However, if you plan to work in Singapore (even part-time), you’ll need a work pass. EntrePass is ideal for remote founders who want to establish a Singapore presence while maintaining flexibility. Many founders use EntrePass to legitimize their Singapore operations and access local banking, compliance, and investor networks.

Q: How long does it take to get a decision on a work pass application in Singapore?

Processing times vary by pass type. EntrePass typically takes 4-8 weeks from submission to decision. Employment Pass (EP) usually takes 2-4 weeks. Tech.Pass can be faster (1-2 weeks). Factors affecting speed include document completeness, MOM workload, and whether additional information is requested. Incomplete applications can add 2-4 weeks. Sleek’s visa services help expedite by ensuring all documents are MOM-ready from day one.

Q: Can I switch from one work pass type to another after I've arrived in Singapore?

Yes, you can switch pass types, but it requires a new application and your current pass must be valid or you must exit and re-enter Singapore. Common switches: Employment Pass to EntrePass (if you start your own business), Tech.Pass to EntrePass, or EntrePass to EP (if you take employment). Each switch is treated as a new application with its own processing time and requirements. Plan ahead if you’re considering a switch to avoid gaps in work authorization.

EntrePass Eligibility Checker

EntrePass is Singapore’s founder visa for foreign entrepreneurs. Answer 7 quick questions to find out if you qualify — and get personalized next steps to strengthen your application.

EntrePass Eligibility Requirements

Mandatory Conditions (All Required)

✓ Company Status

ACRA-registered private limited company, less than 6 months old at application (can apply before registration).

✓ Shareholding

You must hold at least 30% equity in the company.

✓ Active Role

You must play an active, operational role in day-to-day business operations.

1 Entrepreneur Track

• Raised at least SGD 100,000 from government-recognised VC, business angel, or investment vehicle

• OR, current incubatee at government-recognised incubator or accelerator in Singapore

2 Innovator Track

• Hold intellectual property (IP) registered with recognised national IP institution

• OR, strong technical/research collaboration with recognised research institution or A*STAR in Singapore

3 Investor Track

• Possess impressive track record of investments with proven history of growing businesses

Not sure which work pass you need?

🚀

EntrePass

For entrepreneurs starting a new business in Singapore with innovation or funding.

✓ Foreign nationals only
✓ Company < 12 months old
✓ Min 30% ownership
✓ Venture-backed or IP

💼

Employment Pass (EP)

For skilled professionals with a job offer from a Singapore employer.

✓ Fixed monthly salary
✓ Relevant qualifications
✓ Job offer required
✓ Citizens & foreigners

💻

Tech.Pass

For established tech leaders and developers with proven track records.

✓ Tech expertise required
✓ Global recognition
✓ Flexible employment
✓ Foreign nationals

Quick Comparison

	EntrePass	Employment Pass	Tech.Pass
Who	Entrepreneurs	Skilled professionals	Tech leaders
Citizenship	Foreign nationals only	Flexible	Foreign nationals only
Job offer required	✗	✔	✗
Key requirement	Venture-backed or IP	Relevant qualifications	Tech expertise & track record
Duration	Up to 2 years	Up to 2 years	Up to 3 years

Sleek Insights: EntrePass by the Numbers

87%

Approval rate for well-prepared applications

8 weeks

Average processing time

5 tracks

Funding, incubator, exit, IP, research

SGD 100K

Min funding for funding track

Trusted by Singapore founders and growing businesses

Andrew Lai

Owner, Aetna insurance Brokers Pte. Ltd.

I’ve been on an Employment Pass for three years and finally decided to start my own company here. The checker flagged that my pending IP registration might not meet MOM’s threshold — a detail I would have missed until the rejection letter. Saved me months of wasted effort.

Sophie Chhuon

Founder, POASIA

I now send every foreign entrepreneur client to this tool before our first paid consultation. It filters out the ineligible cases, identifies the right qualifying track, and sets realistic expectations — so when we do meet, we’re already focused on strategy, not the basics.

John-Guy Park

Founder & CEO, Workfutur Pte Ltd.

I spent hours reading MOM’s website and still wasn’t sure if I qualified. This tool asked exactly the right questions and told me in under two minutes that my funding track was solid. It even handed me the full document checklist — I didn’t have to Google a thing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I'm a foreign founder moving to Singapore. Which work pass is right for me?

The right pass depends on your situation. EntrePass is for founders starting a new business with innovation or funding. Employment Pass (EP) is for skilled professionals with a job offer and fixed salary (SGD 5,000+/month). Tech.Pass is for established tech leaders and developers. Use this checker to find your best fit based on your profile and career stage.

What's the difference between a work pass and a visa in Singapore?

A work pass (EntrePass, EP, Tech.Pass, S Pass) is a permit to work in Singapore—it’s employment-specific and typically valid for 1-2 years. A visa is a travel document for entry. In Singapore, most work passes function as both your work permit AND your entry visa. The terms are often used interchangeably, but work pass is more accurate for employment authorization. Understanding this distinction helps you navigate Singapore’s immigration system.

Can I run a Singapore company without living here, or do I need a work pass?

You can incorporate a Singapore company remotely without a work pass if you’re not physically present or working in Singapore. However, if you plan to work in Singapore (even part-time), you’ll need a work pass. EntrePass is ideal for remote founders who want to establish a Singapore presence while maintaining flexibility. Many founders use EntrePass to legitimize their Singapore operations and access local banking, compliance, and investor networks.

How long does it take to get a decision on a work pass application in Singapore?

Processing times vary by pass type. EntrePass typically takes 4-8 weeks from submission to decision. Employment Pass (EP) usually takes 2-4 weeks. Tech.Pass can be faster (1-2 weeks). Factors affecting speed include document completeness, MOM workload, and whether additional information is requested. Incomplete applications can add 2-4 weeks. Sleek’s visa services help expedite by ensuring all documents are MOM-ready from day one.

Can I switch from one work pass type to another after I've arrived in Singapore?

Yes, you can switch pass types, but it requires a new application and your current pass must be valid or you must exit and re-enter Singapore. Common switches: Employment Pass to EntrePass (if you start your own business), Tech.Pass to EntrePass, or EntrePass to EP (if you take employment). Each switch is treated as a new application with its own processing time and requirements. Plan ahead if you’re considering a switch to avoid gaps in work authorization.

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Sleek Advisor