- Your incorporation timeline and work pass timeline run in parallel, not sequentially. Missing the six-month EntrePass window because you planned the visa after incorporating is the most common mistake foreign founders make.
- The Employment Pass requires a minimum salary of S$5,600 per month and must pass the COMPASS assessment. Thresholds rise again from January 2027, so model the higher figures if you are planning ahead.
- Incorporating in Singapore and being allowed to work there are two different things handled by two different agencies. An approved work pass is what gives you the legal right to live and operate in Singapore.
- If your business cannot yet support the EP salary minimum, you can still incorporate, operate remotely with a nominee director, and apply for your work pass once the business justifies the salary.
Singapore work passes for foreign business owners are among the most searched and least clearly answered questions throughout the incorporation journey. Reportedly, Singapore saw 77,579 new companies established in 2025, with December alone recording a 43.5% year-on-year surge in new registrations.
According to ACRA’s official business registry statistics, Singapore recorded over 27,000 new business formations in the first four months of 2026 alone. Founders from every corner of the world are choosing Singapore as their business base, and almost all of them eventually ask the same question: Which visa actually lets me live here and run my company?
Most content answers two questions well: can I incorporate as a foreigner, and can I open a corporate bank account? The third question is the one that actually determines whether you can relocate and run your business day to day, and it rarely gets a straightforward answer in one place. This guide covers the six work passes directly relevant to foreign founders, what each one requires, and how to decide which one fits your situation.
Why foreign founders need to think about work passes before incorporating
Most foreign founders treat their business incorporation in Singapore and work visa as two separate steps. Incorporate first, figure out the visa later. This is the single most common and costly mistake foreign founders make in Singapore.
Here is why the order matters. The EntrePass, which is often the right pass for early-stage founders, can only be applied for if your company is less than six months old. Miss that window, and you are automatically redirected to the Employment Pass, which has a minimum salary requirement that your company may not yet be able to justify. Your shareholding structure also matters. If you own more than 30% of your company’s shares and apply for an Employment Pass, MOM may view you as an entrepreneur rather than an employee and redirect your application entirely.
The pass you are eligible for can also influence how you structure your company from day one, how you set your salary, who you appoint as directors, and whether you need a nominee director service to meet incorporation requirements before your own visa is approved.
Think of incorporation and your work pass as parallel tracks, not sequential ones. Getting clarity on both before you start saves weeks of delay and avoids having to restructure your company after the fact.
Singapore incorporation and work pass timeline
6 Singapore work passes every foreign business needs to know about
1. Employment Pass: The default route for most foreign founders
Best for
Foreign founders joining their own Singapore company as a director or salaried employee
The Employment Pass is the most widely used work pass in Singapore and the default route for the majority of foreign founders who have already incorporated or plan to draw a fixed monthly salary from their company. It is issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and grants you the right to live, work, and manage your company in Singapore. It is quota-free and levy-free, which means there is no cap on how many EP holders a company can have and no monthly government charge attached to holding one.
Who qualifies
To qualify for the EP in 2026, you must meet two requirements.
Stage 1: minimum salary
- S$5,600 per month for the general sectors
- S$6,200 per month for financial services
- Salary scales upward with age. Candidates in their mid-forties need to earn approximately S$10,700 (general) or S$11,800 (financial services) to qualify
Important:MOM confirmed at the March 2026 Committee of Supply that these thresholds will rise again from 1 January 2027 to S$6,000 (general) and S$6,600 (financial services). If you are planning to apply or renew in 2027, model the higher number now.
Stage 2: COMPASS assessment
Since September 2023, all new EP applications must pass the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS), a points-based system that evaluates your application across six criteria, including salary competitiveness, qualifications, workforce diversity, and your employer’s support for local hiring. You need a minimum of 40 points to pass. Applicants earning S$22,500 or more per month are exempt from COMPASS entirely.
A recognised university degree is strongly preferred. Professional qualifications, such as a CFA or CPA, carry significant weight for non-degree holders.
What it lets you do
- Live and work in Singapore legally as a company director or employee
- Bring your spouse and children to Singapore if you earn S$6,000 or more per month
- Apply for Singapore Permanent Residency in due course
- Open personal bank accounts and sign contracts in Singapore
When the EP is not right for you
If your company is brand new and cannot yet justify a S$5,600 monthly salary from a commercial standpoint, MOM may question the credibility of your application. If your business is innovative or venture-backed and less than six months old, the EntrePass may be a better fit and gives you more flexibility in the early stage.
2. EntrePass: For founders building something new and innovative
Best for
Founders starting a venture-backed, technology-driven, or IP-led business who want to relocate to Singapore from the start
The EntrePass is a specialised work pass designed specifically for foreign entrepreneurs who are building new, innovative businesses in Singapore. Unlike the EP, it has no minimum salary requirement, and it is not assessed under COMPASS. Instead, MOM evaluates whether your business meets its innovation criteria and whether your entrepreneurial track record is credible.
It is not a general entrepreneur visa. Traditional businesses like retail, F&B, general consultancy, and employment agencies do not qualify, regardless of the founder’s background.
Who qualifies
Your company must be registered as a private limited company with ACRA, and you must own at least 30% of its shares. You must also meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Raised at least S$100,000 from a MOM-recognised venture capital firm or angel investor
- Accepted into a government-recognised incubator or accelerator, such as those under Enterprise Singapore’s Startup SG Accelerator, or an internationally recognised programme like Y Combinator
- Previously founded and successfully exited a venture-backed or technology business
- Hold registered intellectual property that is core to your business
- Engaged in a formal research collaboration with a Singapore institution of higher learning or research institute
A detailed business plan covering your market, business model, hiring intentions, and financial projections is mandatory for every application.
The six-month rule
This is the most important thing to know about the EntrePass. It can only be applied for if your company is less than six months old at the time of application, or if you have not yet incorporated. If your company is older than six months, you are no longer eligible and must apply for an EP instead.
What it lets you do
- Live and work in Singapore as the founder and operator of your business
- Avoid the salary minimums that apply to EP holders in early-stage operations
- Bring family members once your business meets MOM’s spending and local hiring milestones
- Build toward PR eligibility over time
3. Personalised Employment Pass: For high earners who want flexibility
Best for
Serial entrepreneurs or senior executives earning S$22,500 or more per month who want a work pass not tied to a single employer
The Personalised Employment Pass is a step above the standard EP and is designed for established, high-earning professionals who want the flexibility to change employers, take on advisory roles, or build multiple ventures in Singapore without reapplying for a new pass every time.
Unlike the standard EP, the PEP is not tied to a specific company or employer. As long as you remain employed in Singapore and meet the income threshold, you can switch roles or companies freely. This makes it particularly relevant for serial founders who may be involved in multiple companies simultaneously.
Who qualifies
- Existing EP holders currently earning at least S$22,500 per month
- Overseas professionals earning an equivalent of at least S$22,500 per month who wish to relocate to Singapore
You must secure employment within six months of the PEP being issued. If you do not, you are required to leave Singapore. The PEP is valid for three years and is non-renewable, meaning you need to either obtain a standard EP or another pass before it expires.
When this makes sense for a founder
If you are a second or third-time founder with a strong income track record, or you are simultaneously involved in more than one Singapore entity, the PEP removes the complication of tying your residency to a single company. It also exempts you from COMPASS, which simplifies your application considerably.
4. ONE Pass: The top-tier option for exceptional founders
Best for
High-profile founders, funded entrepreneurs, or established executives earning S$30,000 or more per month
The Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass is Singapore’s premium work pass, introduced to attract world-class talent across business, arts, science, and academia. For founders, it is most relevant for those coming off a significant exit, leading a well-funded startup, or with a track record of exceptional achievement in their industry.
Who qualifies
To be eligible, you must meet one of the following:
- Earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000
- Have earned at least S$30,000 per month in the last year in an established company overseas
- Have outstanding achievements in arts, culture, sports, science, technology, or academia (assessed case by case)
Why it stand out from other passes
The ONE Pass is valid for five years, compared to one or two years for the EP. It allows you to work for multiple employers simultaneously and start, operate, or be a director of more than one company in Singapore at the same time, without needing separate approvals. Your spouse can also work in Singapore without needing a separate work pass, which is a significant advantage over the standard EP and PEP.
For founders who meet the threshold, it is the most flexible work pass Singapore offers.
5. Dependant’s Pass: Bringing your family to Singapore
Best for
Spouses and children of EP, PEP, or ONE Pass holders who want to live together in Singapore
The Dependant’s Pass is not a work pass for the founder, but it is one of the most practically important passes in the entire ecosystem. For many founders, the ability to bring family to Singapore is a deciding factor in whether they relocate at all.
Who can sponsor a Dependant’s Pass
- EP holders earning at least S$6,000 per month can sponsor a spouse and unmarried children under 21
- EP holders earning at least S$12,000 per month can also sponsor parents
- ONE Pass holders can bring their spouse automatically, who can work without a separate pass
DP holders are not automatically permitted to work in Singapore. They need a Letter of Consent (LOC) from MOM, applied for by their employer, before they can take up employment. If your spouse intends to work, factor the LOC process into your planning timeline.
6. Long-Term Visit Pass: For family members who do not qualify for a Dependant’s Pass
Best for
Common-law partners, parents, or stepchildren of EP holders who fall outside standard Dependant’s Pass eligibility
The Long-Term Visit Pass covers family members who do not meet the criteria for a Dependant’s Pass. This includes common-law partners, parents of EP holders earning below S$12,000 per month, and stepchildren or unmarried children over 21.
Who qualifies
The LTVP is sponsored by the main pass holder and covers:
- Common-law or unmarried partners of EP, PEP, or ONE Pass holders
- Parents of EP holders earning below the S$12,000 Dependant’s Pass sponsorship threshold
- Stepchildren and unmarried handicapped children over 21
What it lets you do
- Live in Singapore legally as a dependant of the main pass holder
- Apply for a Letter of Consent from MOM to take up employment in Singapore
- Renew in line with the main pass holder’s pass validity
When this is not right for you
If your partner is in a legally recognised marriage and your salary meets the S$6,000 threshold, the Dependant’s Pass is the stronger and more flexible option. The LTVP is the fallback for family arrangements that fall outside standard eligibility, not the default route for spouses and children.
How to decide which pass to apply for
|
Pass |
Who it is for |
Minimum salary or criteria |
Tied to one employer |
Duration |
Can sponsor dependants |
Best for |
|
Employment Pass |
Foreign professionals, directors, and company owners |
S$5,600/month (general), S$6,200 (financial services) |
Yes |
1 to 2 years, renewable up to 3 years |
Yes, if earning S$6,000+ |
Most foreign founders draw a salary from their own company |
|
EntrePass |
Foreign entrepreneurs starting an innovative business |
No minimum salary. Must meet innovation criteria |
No |
1 year initial, 1 year first renewal, 2 years thereafter |
Yes, after hitting business milestones |
Early-stage founders with VC backing, IP, or incubator support |
|
Personalised Employment Pass |
High-earning professionals wanting flexibility |
S$22,500/month |
No |
3 years, non-renewable |
Yes |
Serial founders or executives involved in multiple companies |
|
ONE Pass |
Exceptional talent and top-tier founders |
S$30,000/month for outstanding achievements |
No |
5 years, renewable |
Yes, the spouse can work without a separate pass |
Funded founders, post-exit entrepreneurs, and globally recognised talent |
|
Dependant’s Pass |
Spouse and children of pass holders |
Sponsored by the main pass holder earning S$6,000+ |
N/A |
Tied to the main pass holder |
N/A |
Founders relocating with family |
|
Long-Term Visit Pass |
Common-law partners, parents, stepchildren |
Sponsored by the main pass holder |
N/A |
1 year, renewable |
N/A |
Founders with non-traditional family arrangements |
How to decide which work pass is right for you
The right pass comes down to four things: how old your company is, what salary you can pay yourself, what type of business you are building, and whether you are bringing family. Here is the short version.
- Your company is less than six months old, and your business is innovative or venture-backed: Start with the EntrePass. No minimum salary, no COMPASS, and it is designed exactly for this stage.
- Your company is operational, and you can pay yourself at least S$5,600 per month: The Employment Pass is your route. It is the most straightforward path for the majority of foreign founders.
- Your company is more than six months old: The EntrePass is no longer an option. The Employment Pass is your only route to living and working in Singapore.
- You are earning S$22,500 or more and want flexibility across multiple entities: Look at the Personalised Employment Pass.
- You are earning S$30,000 or more or coming off a significant exit: The ONE Pass gives you the most flexibility Singapore offers, including a working spouse and five-year validity.
- You are relocating with family from day one: Make sure your EP salary is at S$6,000 or above. That is the threshold that unlocks the Dependant’s Pass for your spouse and children.
- You want to incorporate but are not ready to relocate yet: You do not need a work pass at all. A nominee director service covers the local director requirement while you build toward the salary threshold.
|
Your situation |
Recommended pass |
|
Company less than 6 months old, innovative or venture-backed business |
EntrePass |
|
Company operational, drawing a salary of S$5,600 or more |
Employment Pass |
|
Company more than 6 months old, any business type |
Employment Pass only |
|
High earner at S$22,500 or more, involved in multiple entities |
Personalised Employment Pass |
|
Exceptional founder or executive at S$30,000 or more |
ONE Pass |
|
Relocating with spouse and children from day one |
EP at S$6,000 or above |
|
Passive investor, no intention to relocate |
No work pass needed, nominee director required |
How Sleek helps with incorporation and work passes
Once your pass is approved, the clock starts. Company constitution, director details, corporate secretary in Singapore, registered address in Singapore, ACRA filing, accounting and compliance. There are more moving parts than most founders expect, and all of them need to come together quickly.
Sleek is the only provider that manages your foreign company incorporation in Singapore and your work pass application under one roof. Everything is handled online with no paperwork or in-person visits required.
What Sleek handles for you:
- Company incorporation with ACRA from name application to UEN
- Nominee director services for founders who need a Singapore-resident director before their own pass is approved
- Employment Pass and EntrePass application preparation and submission
- Corporate secretary, registered address, and compliance from day one
- Accounting, bookkeeping, and corporate tax support as your business grows
Most companies go from sign-up to UEN in under a week. Incorporate a company in Singapore with Sleek and get your work pass sorted at the same time.
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FAQs: Singapore work passes for foreign business owners
Can a foreign founder own 100% of a Singapore company without a work pass?
Yes. 100% foreign ownership is permitted for Singapore private limited companies, and there is no requirement to relocate or hold a work pass to incorporate. However, you must appoint at least one Singapore-resident director. If you do not have one, a nominee director service covers this requirement. A work pass is only needed if you intend to live and work in Singapore yourself.
What happens if my company is more than six months old and I want to move to Singapore?
The EntrePass is no longer available to you. You must apply for an Employment Pass instead, which means your company needs to justify a fixed monthly salary of at least S$5,600. MOM will assess the commercial credibility of the salary against your company’s revenue, funding, or operational history.
Can I apply for an Employment Pass if I own more than 30% of my company?
You can, but MOM may scrutinise the application more carefully and, in some cases, redirect you toward the EntrePass. Some founders structure their shareholding below 30% at the time of EP application and increase it after approval. Always get corporate advice before setting your ownership structure.
How long does an Employment Pass application take in 2026?
Standard applications are typically processed within two to eight weeks. Applications that require additional documentation or manual review take longer, and MOM does not proactively notify you when this happens. Submit as early as possible and avoid committing to a hard start date before your pass is approved.
Do I need to be in Singapore to apply for a work pass?
No. Both the EP and EntrePass can be applied for while you are outside Singapore. Your employer or Corporate Service Provider submits the application on your behalf through MOM’s myMOM Portal. You enter Singapore once the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter is issued.
