Singapore startup residence permit

Who the pass suits

• Company founders who have started or plan to start a private company in Singapore. If already registered, the company must be no more than 6 months old at application.
• The founder's stake is at least 30%.
• One criterion: the company is funded by a government-recognised venture fund or business angel; it holds a patent or other intellectual property; it has a research partnership with a Singapore research institution; it is in a government-supported incubator or accelerator; or the applicant has a strong track record as an entrepreneur, innovator or investor.

The pass does not suit ordinary businesses without an innovation element, such as trading or consulting, unless backed by a proven track record or investment.

How to choose a criterion

• Venture funding. Strongest if the fund or business angel is recognised by the state enterprise agency.
• Intellectual property. For companies with a registered patent linked to the product.
• Research partnership with a Singapore university or research institute.
• Incubator or accelerator supported by the state.
• Track record. For those who have founded and grown successful companies, led large businesses or invested in startups.

We apply under the criterion best supported by documents: one strong basis is more reliable than several weak ones.

How much the EntrePass costs in 2026

• application fee - $82 (105 Singapore dollars);
• issuance fee - $180 (225 Singapore dollars);
• private company registration and a local address;
• business plan and criterion evidence;
• accounting and a company secretary, mandatory for Singapore companies;
• our support, if you hand the process to us.

Dependant passes for the family are arranged separately once the business meets the requirements. A manager will calculate the total for your project and family in the chat. Dollar amounts use the rate of 18 October 2026, 1.2821 Singapore dollars per US dollar, rounded up.

Documents

• passport;
• company documents from the Singapore register or a registration plan;
• a business plan: product, market, team, finances and hiring plan in Singapore;
• criterion evidence: a venture fund agreement, patent, research agreement, incubator confirmation or documents on past companies and investments;
• the founder's CV and proof of education and experience;
• statements showing funds to launch the business.

Documents in other languages are translated into English.

Renewing the pass

The first pass is issued for up to 1 year. On renewal the Ministry of Manpower looks at results: total business spending in Singapore, the number of local staff hired and their salaries. If requirements are met, the pass is renewed for up to 2 years. So from the first year track spending and plan hiring of Singapore citizens and permanent residents. File the renewal early, before the pass expires, with the company's accounts, staff data and proof of spending: without renewal the founder must leave the country.

Family

A spouse and children under 21 may get a dependant's pass or a long-term visit pass. The right to bring family depends on the business meeting spending and local hiring requirements, so many founders move alone first and bring the family at renewal.

What to check before applying

• the company is older than 6 months at application;
• the founder's stake is below 30%;
• no innovation or track-record criterion is met;
• a business plan without a clear model, market and Singapore hiring plan;
• the business has no innovation element and the applicant's track record does not support it;
• on renewal, spending and hiring below requirements.

Path to permanent residence

A pass holder may in time apply for Singapore permanent residence. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority decides on a combination of factors: economic contribution, income, taxes, length of stay, family. There is no guaranteed timeline, so company growth and steady taxes matter more than time spent.

EntrePass or employment pass

If you have an offer from a Singapore employer with a salary above the set threshold, an employment pass is simpler: it requires no company stake or innovation criteria. The EntrePass is for those building their own business and ready to show its growth. Some founders start as employees of their own company if its funding allows paying the required salary.

Taxes

Singapore corporate tax is 17%, and there is no capital gains tax or dividend tax for shareholders. Personal income tax for residents is progressive, up to 24%. You become a tax resident by spending 183 days or more in Singapore in a calendar year. See taxes in Singapore.

Risks and what can change

• Strict renewals. If the business does not grow and hire locals, the pass is not renewed.
• High costs. Housing and office rent in Singapore are among the world's highest.
• Criteria change: the ministry periodically revises pass requirements.
• Family later: the right to bring family depends on business results.

Alternatives

• Hong Kong residence - another Asian financial centre.
• Malaysia startup residence - a neighbouring country with lower costs.
• Japan startup residence - a large Asian market.
• Singapore residence - other grounds for living in the country.

What changed and what we rely on

EntrePass application and issuance fees are 105 and 225 Singapore dollars. Innovation criteria and renewal requirements on spending and local hiring are set by Singapore's Ministry of Manpower. Sources: the Ministry of Manpower, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore; checked on 6 October 2026.

Why choose Singapore

How to get an EntrePass: step by step

FAQ