Entrepass is a visa intended for entrepreneurs who wish to set up a business in Singapore. Once approved, visa holders must set up a company in Singapore and commence regular operations. After obtaining an Entrepass, you can apply for a Dependant’s Pass to bring family members (spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21) to Singapore. Entrepass holders are eligible to apply for permanent resident status in Singapore. A small-scale entrepreneur immigration scheme is available for consideration.

I. EntrePass Eligibility Criteria:

1. Educational Qualifications: No formal qualifications are required, but applicants must have relevant work or business experience, or be able to demonstrate ownership of an innovative industrial project.
2. Residence Permit for Family Members (DP): After meeting the specified criteria, applicants can apply for a Residence Permit for family members, including spouses and children under 21 years of age.
3. Eligibility for Permanent Resident (PR) Status: Direct applications are permitted. Family members may also be included in the application.

II. Singapore Business License Services (Business Entry Category):

1. Requirements for innovative industrial projects:

– Must have obtained funding from a recognized venture capital scheme or angel investor.
– Possess nationally recognized intellectual property rights (IPR).
– Collaborate in research with a recognized research institution.
– Participate in government-approved research incubation projects.
– Obtain support from Singapore government agencies.

2. Requirements for Registering a Private Limited Company:

– Own at least 30% of the company’s shares.
– Maintain a minimum paid-up capital of S$50,000.
– Appoint a company secretary.
– Register a local business address.

III. Documents required for business establishment:

Businesspeople applying for a Business Visa must prepare the following documents:
1. A completed Business Entry Application Form.
2. Innovative written documents demonstrating compliance with one of the “Innovation” requirements.
3. A business plan in the specified format.
4. A photocopy of the company’s bank account showing a minimum balance of S$50,000, if the company is applying for incorporation prior to submission.
5. A printed copy of the company’s latest business profile, if already registered.
6. A passport photo taken within the last three months.
7. A photocopy of the passport’s personal data page.
8. Written documentation of previous employment and/or business history, if applicable.
9. A copy of your academic certificates (if applicable).
10. Additional documents that may increase the chances of your application’s success, including partnership/licensing agreements, potential clients/suppliers, product certifications, accreditations, etc.
Note: All documents must be submitted in English or accompanied by a certified English translation.

IV. Procedures and Schedule for Submitting Business Establishment Applications:

Once your business registration application documents and supporting documentation are prepared, they must be submitted to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Enterprise SG and MOM – your application will be reviewed by two government agencies. The application process is as follows:
1. The application is submitted to MOM.
2. Once submitted, the average processing time for an Entrepreneur Pass application is approximately 6-8 weeks.
3. If your application is approved, you will receive a Letter of Approval in Principle (AIP). After that, you have 30 days to register your Singapore company, open a corporate bank account, and deposit the required share capital (assuming the company has not been incorporated prior to the application).
4. MOM will require you to submit proof of company registration documents and proof that the minimum paid-up capital has been fully deposited into the corporate bank account before issuing the Final Approval Letter (IPA).
A medical examination report may be required during the business entry process.
5. Once the Final Approval Letter (IPA) is issued, you must settle in Singapore within six months from the date of approval.
6. Within six months of receiving your Entrepreneur Pass, you must submit a lease agreement, employee Central Pension Fund (CPF) statement, the latest company registration documents, and a business plan reflecting the company’s operational status. Failure to submit these documents within the six-month deadline will result in the Entrepreneur Pass being revoked.

V. Rejection of Business License:

1. If you meet the eligibility requirements for business entry, have a strong business background, and your business can create local employment opportunities, your Entrepreneur Pass application will likely not be rejected. However, if your application is rejected, you can appeal within 90 days. The appeal processing time is 4-6 weeks.
2. Please note that Entrepreneur Pass applications will not be approved for the following sectors:
1) Cafes, hawker centers, and food courts
2) Bars, nightclubs, and karaoke establishments
3) Foot massage parlors and massage centers
4) Traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine sales
5) Employment bureaus and feng shui services

VI. You should use the services of a professional firm:

If you are operating on a tight budget, have sufficient time and experience to prepare the necessary documents for an Entrepreneur Pass application, and are prepared to face potential rejections and appeals, you may choose to apply yourself. In other circumstances, using a trusted professional firm to handle your Entrepreneur Pass application is a better option:
1. An experienced professional firm will help you ensure all necessary and supporting documents are completed accurately and efficiently, maximizing your chances of approval.
2. The agent will guide you in developing a business plan that meets government requirements. Typically, you will need to provide information about the risks and prospects of your business.
3. The professional agent will sponsor your application, exempting you from providing a US$3,000 bank guarantee to the authorities.
4. The agent will file and monitor the progress of the application, identify the reasons for rejection, and file appeals if necessary.
It should be noted, however, that the authority to grant an Entrepreneur Pass rests solely with government departments. Professional agents do not have decision-making authority in the application process.

VII. Business License Extension Guide:

The Entrepreneur Pass validity period is set by the government as one or two years. Typically, a renewal form will be sent to you three months before the expiration date. You must apply for a renewal within two months of the expiration date.

The following documents are generally required to apply for an Entrepreneur Pass renewal (or as stated in the renewal reminder letter):
1. A recent copy of the Business Registration Certificate.
2. The latest audited financial statements.
3. The local employee’s highest educational certificate. Please note that local employees must hold at least a National Technical Certificate (NTC2), National ITE Certificate (NITEC), or Vocational Qualification (obtained after a minimum of two years of full-time study).
4. The employee’s CPF statement.
5. An office lease agreement.
6. Supporting documents proving the company’s operational activities, such as an office lease agreement, client correspondence, issued invoices, or other evidence of contract tenders. It is important to note that authorities must verify that the company is actually conducting business and is not simply a fictitious entity.

VIII. Esin Business can help you in the following areas:

1. Provide pre-application information and professional advice for Entrepass applications;
2. Develop and compile business plans;
3. Prepare project plans and Entrepass application documents as needed;
4. Monitor the Entrepass application process;
5. Coordinate directly with MOM officials if necessary;
6. Submit additional documents as requested by MOM;
7. Closely monitor post-approval arrangements following Entrepass approval;
8. If an EntrePass application is rejected, we will determine the reasons for the rejection, notify you accordingly, and manage the follow-up process.