Why Work Passes Matter for Foreign Entrepreneurs and Professionals

Singapore welcomes global talent and entrepreneurs, but to work or start a business here legally, foreign nationals must hold a valid work pass. The two most common options for foreign professionals and business owners are the Employment Pass (EP) and the EntrePass.

While both allow you to live and work in Singapore, they cater to very different profiles. Choosing the wrong pass could result in application delays, rejections, or business complications.

What Is the Employment Pass (EP)?

The Employment Pass is designed for foreign professionals, managers, executives, and specialists who have secured a job with a Singapore-registered company.

Key EP Criteria:

  • Minimum monthly salary of S$5,000 (higher for experienced professionals)

  • Recognised educational qualifications

  • Offer of employment from a Singapore company

  • Sponsored by an employer (cannot apply on your own)

  • Renewable every 1–2 years

The EP is ideal for professionals working in established companies — including foreign business owners who incorporate a Singapore entity and hire themselves as employees.

What Is the EntrePass?

The EntrePass is tailored for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to relocate to Singapore to start and operate a new business in sectors like tech, biotech, education, healthcare, and other innovative industries.

Key EntrePass Criteria:

  • No minimum salary requirement

  • Business must be in a qualifying industry (e.g., innovation-driven, tech, social enterprise)

  • Submission of a detailed business plan

  • Approval from government agencies (e.g., IMDA, ESG)

  • Company must be less than 6 months old or newly registered

  • Valid for 1 year initially, renewable with business milestones met

EntrePass is more complex and suited for startup founders or global entrepreneurs building high-growth ventures in Singapore.

EntrePass vs Employment Pass: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature Employment Pass (EP) EntrePass
Purpose For professionals with a job For entrepreneurs starting a business
Salary Requirement Min. S$5,000/month No salary requirement
Application Type Employer-sponsored Self-sponsored
Industry Flexibility Any industry Must be in approved sectors
Business Plan Requirement Not required Mandatory
Government Agency Involvement MOM MOM + Supporting agencies
Company Age Limit No restriction Must be new or <6 months old
Renewal Criteria Salary and role-based Based on business milestones

Common Scenarios and Best Fit

  • You have a business already registered in Singapore and want to work in it: Employment Pass

  • You are a foreign professional joining a Singapore company: Employment Pass

  • You’re launching a tech startup or innovative venture in Singapore: EntrePass

  • You don’t meet EP salary criteria but have a scalable business idea: EntrePass

How Excellence Singapore Helps

Our team guides you through every step of your work pass application, including:

  • Assessing which pass is suitable for your profile

  • Preparing and reviewing your documents

  • Writing and structuring business plans (for EntrePass)

  • Liaising with MOM and supporting agencies

  • Applying for Dependant Passes or LTVPs for family members

  • Renewals and appeals for rejected applications

We also provide company incorporation, nominee director services, and registered office setup — everything you need to launch and run a compliant business in Singapore.

Conclusion: Choose the Right Path Into Singapore

Both EntrePass and Employment Pass offer viable entry points into Singapore’s dynamic economy — but the right one depends on your goals and business model. Avoid delays and complications by consulting with experts before applying.

Contact us to evaluate your eligibility and start your application or learn more about our immigration and business setup services.