What is the Singapore Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) Visa?

The EntrePass visa is a non-immigrant work and study visa for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to start their own business in Singapore, or expand an existing one here. It enables them to come, stay, work, study, or do both in Singapore for up to two years.

This visa will allow you to:

• Start your own company
• Expand your current business
• Work as an employee of another company
• Study at any local university or polytechnic institute

In addition, it also allows you to apply for permanent residency after three years.

Key Facts about the EntrePass

The EntrePass visa has been introduced since 1 January 2012.

It can be applied for by anyone aged 21 and above who:

• Is not a citizen of Singapore
• Has sufficient funds to support himself/herself during his/her stay in Singapore
• Does not have a criminal record
• Does not pose a threat to public safety
• Is willing to comply with all conditions laid down by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Countries Covered by the EntrePass?

You can apply for the EntrePass if you are from one of these countries:

Singaporean citizens can apply for this visa on behalf of overseas companies they represent.

Eligibility for EntrePass

To qualify for the EntrePass, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be between 21 and 40 years old
• Have sufficient funds to support yourself while in Singapore
• Not have a criminal record
• Meet the requirements of MOM
• Have a valid passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of intended departure from Singapore
• Have no outstanding debts
• Have a good command of English

How to Apply for the EntrePass

Step 1 – Registering Yourself as an Overseas Company Representative

For every applicant, there will be one representative registered under him/her. This representative should be someone who knows the applicant well and has complete access to the applicant’s financial documents. For example, if the applicant is married, then he/she can register themselves as the spouse of the applicant.

Step 2 – Obtaining a Work Permit

The application form will ask for details such as:

• Name of the applicant
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Address
• Email address
• Phone number
• Contact person
• Business name
• Type of business
• Registered office address
• Total number of employees
• Total annual turnover
• Employer’s bank account number
• Fiscal year end
• Tax identification number

Step 3 – Submitting the Application Form

To submit the application form, applicants need to fill out the online EntrePass application form. They may choose to use either a desktop computer or laptop. Applicants may also use a smartphone to fill out the form. However, they cannot use a mobile device to scan the application form.

Step 4 – Paying Fees

Applicants need to pay the $1,000 fee for processing the application. Payment can be made using credit cards or debit cards.

Step 5 – Waiting Period

After submitting the application form, applicants will receive confirmation via email. Once the application is approved, the applicant will get an appointment letter within 7 working days.

Step 6 – Appointment Letter

Appointments letters will be sent to applicants’ email addresses. If the applicant does not have an email address, then the appointment letter will be delivered to the applicant’s home address.

Step 7 – Interview

When the applicant meets the immigration officer at the airport, he/she will be asked about his/her background, employment history, family members, and assets. The interview process takes approximately 15 minutes.

Step 8 – EntrePass Approved

Once the interview is over, the applicant will be given EntrePass approval notice by the Immigration Department. The applicant needs to keep this document safe until their arrival in Singapore.

Step 9 – Arriving In Singapore

On arriving in Singapore, the applicant will need to present the EntrePass approval notice to the Immigration Officer at Changi Airport. He/She may also be required to provide other supporting documents like an invitation letter or an air ticket.

Step 10 – Re-Entry Into Singapore

If the applicant re-enters Singapore after having left it without obtaining the EntrePass approval, he/she will face a fine of up to S$5,000.

Passes for Dependants

The above information applies to individuals. But what about those who work with an entrepreneur? Can they apply for an EntrePass visa too? Yes! There are two types of passes that can be obtained from the government:

(a) Dependent pass

This type of pass allows dependents to travel into Singapore while the entrepreneur is staying outside of Singapore. It is valid for 30 days. A dependent pass holder must show his/her passport when entering Singapore.

(b) Non-dependent pass

A non-dependent pass is valid for 90 days. An individual holding a non-dependent pass can enter Singapore without showing his/her passport.

Note: Both types of passes require the entrepreneur to obtain a separate pass before leaving the country.

Permanent Residency Benefits

There are many benefits associated with permanent residency in Singapore. For example, you can live in Singapore indefinitely. You can also bring your spouse and children to live in Singapore. Permanent residents do not have to renew their passports every time they visit another country as often, as entering Singapore will no longer require a passport.

Visa Free Travel with EntrePass

Entrepreneurs who hold a Singapore permanent resident pass can travel freely between countries without requiring a visa. This means that entrepreneurs can travel to any country in the world and stay there as long as they wish. They will only need to obtain a tourist permit to visit Singapore.

FAQs

What documents do I need to apply for an EntrePass?

You need to submit the following documents to support your application:

• Your EntrePass Application Form

• Proof of identity such as a driver’s license or passport

• A recent photo

• Two copies of your passport

• One copy of your current passport

• Five bank statements

• Three years of tax returns

• Invitation Letter

• Air Ticket

How much does it cost to get an EntrePass? How long does it take?

It costs $1,500 and takes six months to receive an EntrePass.

I was rejected for an EntrePass What should I do?

In case you were rejected for an Entrepass, you can appeal against the decision. To do so, you need to contact the Ministry of Manpower at 1-637-7001 within 14 days of receiving the rejection notification.

I am planning on applying for an EntrePass soon… how can I prepare myself?

Here are some tips to help you prepare yourself for the process:

• Read through the guidelines carefully and follow them closely.

• Make sure all the documents submitted are complete and accurate.

• Ensure that you have enough money to cover the entire procedure.

• Keep track of the progress of your application and ensure that all relevant documents are sent to the right address.

• Do not forget to check if you have already applied for an EntrePass. If yes, then make sure that you provide proof of this.

Can I apply for Singapore permanent residence with my EntrePass?

Yes, you can! Anyone with legitimate business investment or business vehicle can apply. However, you cannot apply for permanent residence until after you have been approved for an EntrePass and received your permanent resident card from the Ministry of Manpower.

How long does it take to get an Entrepass in Singapore?

The average processing time for an EntrePass is 6 months.

How to collect your Singapore Entrepass?

After you have completed the EntrePass application form, you must send in the required documents by post to the Ministry of Manpower’s Immigration Department. The department will then issue you with an EntrePass. Once you have received your EntrePass, you may pick up your EntrePass from one of the designated collection centres located around Singapore.

Where do I start?

Part of getting the EntrePass for Singapore is to first have a registered business in Singapore. The experts at Air Corporate are here to help you. Talk to one of our experts or immediately register your Singapore business with us.