从激情到利润：2025年新加坡餐饮初创企业策略
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In Singapore, a nation known for its vibrant food culture, it’s easy to get influenced by the idea of opening your own café, bistro, or…
新加坡创业准证申请指南
In a world where borders blur and innovation knows no zip code, Singapore has emerged as a launchpad for global entrepreneurs. If you’re building an AI-driven SaaS platform, scaling a biotech breakthrough, or pioneering green tech, the EntrePass scheme offers a streamlined path for foreign founders to set up and thrive in the Lion City. But is it right for you? And what does it really take to qualify?
This blog breaks it all down: eligibility, application tips, and how to actually get approved in 2025 and beyond.
If you’re planning to build a high-impact venture in Southeast Asia, EntrePass could be the right strategic move.
Table Of Content
- What is EntrePass Singapore & Who is It For?
- EntrePass vs Employment Pass: What's the Difference?
- Who is Eligible for The Singapore EntrePaas?
- How to Apply for the EntrePass in Singapore?
- What to Include in Your Singapore EntrePass Business Plan?
- What to do After Applying for the EntrePass Singapore?
- What if Your Singapore EntrePass Application Gets Rejected?
- When and How Should You Renew Your EntrePass in Singapore?
- Can EntrePass Holders Bring Their Families to Singapore?
- Conclusion
What is EntrePass Singapore & Who is It For?
The Singapore EntrePass is more than just a work visa; it’s a strategic initiative by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and government agencies to attract foreign entrepreneurs who are serious about innovation and long-term impact.
Unlike traditional employment passes, the EntrePass in Singapore is specifically designed for startup founders seeking to establish high-growth, disruptive, or tech-driven businesses in Singapore.
It is ideal for founders of scalable, innovation-led startups; entrepreneurs with proprietary technology or IP; individuals backed by recognised incubators, accelerators, or venture capital firms, industry experts launching R&D-heavy or deep-tech solutions, and founders looking for a structured pathway to Singapore Permanent Residency (PR).
EntrePass vs Employment Pass: What's the Difference?
If you’re deciding between the EntrePass and Employment Pass(EP) to work or build a business in Singapore, understanding the differences is crucial.
| Criteria | EntrePass | Employment Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Entrepreneurs & Startup Founders | Skilled Professionals, Managers, Executives |
| Purpose | Build and grow an innovation-driven business in Singapore | Work for an established Singapore-based employer |
| Minimum Salary | Not required | Minimum SGD 5,000 |
| Eligibility Criteria | Innovation credentials (e.g., funding, IP, incubator) | Based on salary, qualifications, and company reputation |
| Pass Duration | 1 year initially; 2 years upon renewal | Up to 2 years initially; renewable |
| Renewal Conditions | Must show business progress, local job creation | Employer submits justification and proof of ongoing role |
| Permanent Residency (PR) | Eligible via the Global Investor Programme or the PTS Scheme | Eligible under the PTS Scheme |
Who is Eligible for the Singapore EntrePass?
Understanding the EntrePass Singapore eligibility is the key for aspiring founders.
| Eligibility Area | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Founder Profile |
Must meet at least one of the following:
|
| Company Type | Private Limited Company (either already registered or to be incorporated after EntrePass approval) |
| Company Age | Must be less than 6 months old at the time of application |
| Sector Focus |
Must operate in an innovative or strategic industry, such as:
|
| Ineligible Sectors |
Low-barrier businesses like:
|
| Hiring Requirements |
Required after 1 year for pass renewal Year 1: Hire 1 local FTE + S$100K total spending Year 2+: Higher thresholds apply |
| Path to PR | Eligible after 2–3 years, based on business milestone and economic contribution |
How to Apply for the EntrePass in Singapore?
Applying for an EntrePass
may seem complex, but the process is straightforward when broken down into key steps:
Step 1 - Prepare Your Documents
You’ll need personal identification, proof of eligibility (such as VC funding or IP rights), and a comprehensive 10-page business plan. If your business isn’t registered yet, no problem—just incorporate it within six months of approval.
Step 2 - Submit Your Application
Apply online via MOM’s e-Service or at SingPost. It costs SGD 105 and takes 8–10 weeks to process. Your application is reviewed by MOM and sector-specific agencies.
Step 3 - Receive IPA Letter
If successful, you’ll get an In-Principle Approval (IPA), valid for 6 months. This gives you time to incorporate, relocate, and schedule your biometrics appointment.
Step 4 - Finalise Pass Issuance
Pay issuance fees, register your fingerprints, and get a temporary work letter. Your official EntrePass card will arrive in 4 weeks, allowing you to live and work in Singapore legally.
What to Include in Your EntrePass Business Plan?
Your EntrePass business plan is a crucial component of the EntrePass application; it must demonstrate innovation, scalability, and alignment with Singapore’s economic objectives. You should keep it under 10 pages, clearly structured, and evidence-based.
Key sections to include:
- Executive Summary—Snapshot of your mission, model, and value proposition.
- Product/Service – Unique offering, commercial potential, and problem-solving approach.
- Market Analysis – Target market, competitors, growth outlook, and GTM strategy.
- Business Model – Monetisation plan, pricing, and channels.
- Traction – Early success: users, pilots, or partnerships.
- Team – Founder profiles, domain expertise, prior success.
- Innovation Credentials – IP, incubators, funding, and R&D collaborations.
- Local Contribution – Plans to hire locally or collaborate with institutes.
- Financials – 3–5 year projections, funding requirements.
- Appendices – Charts, cap tables, letters, mockups.
What to do After Applying for the EntrePass Singapore?
After submitting your application, here’s a quick roadmap of what follows:
- Wait for Processing (8–10 weeks): Your application will be assessed by MOM and relevant agencies.
- Receive IPA Letter: If approved, you’ll get an In-Principle Approval (valid for 6 months). Use this time to incorporate your company, relocate, and schedule biometrics.
- Complete Pass Issuance: Once in Singapore, attend your appointment and pay issuance fees.
- Receive your EntrePass Card: You’ll receive your official pass within 4 weeks, allowing you to live and work in Singapore legally.
What if Your EntrePass Application Gets Rejected?
A rejection doesn’t have to be the end—it’s often an opportunity to reassess and strengthen your application.
1. Identify Possible Shortcomings
While the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) doesn’t share specific feedback, common rejection reasons include vague or generic business plans, weak proof of innovation or scalability, and missing or inconsistent documentation.
2. Improve and Reapply
Before reapplying, take the time to refine your business plan with greater clarity and specificity, strengthen supporting evidence (e.g., IP ownership, funding confirmation, incubator support), and ensure your venture aligns with EntrePass-approved sectors.
3. Consider an EntrePass Appeal
If your application is rejected, you can file an EntrePass appeal within 3 months, but only with new or compelling evidence such as updated documents, proof of funding, or innovation credentials. Appeals without fresh information are unlikely to succeed.
When and How Should you Renew Your EntrePass in Singapore?
- The initial pass is valid for one year and then renewed for two years.
- When to Renew: Apply 3 months before the expiry date
- To renew your EntrePass, you must show that your business remains active in an approved sector, has hired at least one local full-time employee by the second year, and meets the required business spending threshold (starting from SGD 100,000).
- Additionally, you must demonstrate continued innovation through elements like intellectual property, research and development efforts, or external funding.
- As an EntrePass holder, maintaining compliance is key to retaining your status in Singapore.
- This includes filing annual tax returns, keeping your ACRA business records up to date, and notifying the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) of any significant business changes.
- You must also ensure timely CPF contributions for local employees and actively track key business performance indicators such as revenue growth, local hiring, and strategic partnerships.
Can EntrePass Holders Bring Their Families to Singapore?
Building a business in a new country is a bold step, but it doesn’t have to mean leaving your family behind. Once your EntrePass business reaches specific performance benchmarks, you’ll become eligible to sponsor your immediate family members under Singapore’s Dependant’s Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) schemes.
Dependant’s Pass
If your company earns at least SGD 100,000 in annual turnover, you can apply for Dependant’s Passes for your legally married spouse and unmarried children under 21.
Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP)
For parents or common-law partners, the LTVP is an option once your business achieves an annual turnover of SGD 200,000 or more. This pass does not grant full employment privileges, but it allows eligible family members to stay with you in Singapore on a long-term basis.
Conclusion
The EntrePass isn’t about paperwork; it’s about demonstrating innovation, capability, and a commitment to growth. With Singapore’s pro-startup infrastructure and policy support, the right founder with the right backing can build something truly global.
But approval isn’t guaranteed. It requires a strategic approach, strong documentation, and the ability to adapt to evolving MOM expectations.
That’s where VIVOS
comes in. We help founders transform ideas into sustainable, Singapore-ready businesses—with advisory support, compliance guidance, and renewal planning that grows with you.
Ready to Set Up in Singapore?
VIVOS can help you build the proper foundation with end-to-end support on company setup and EntrePass compliance.
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经常
常见问题
-
新加坡的EntrePass是什么？
EntrePass是一种工作签证，专为希望在新加坡创办并运营风险投资支持或创新企业的外国企业家而设。
-
EntrePass申请流程需要多长时间？
平均而言，MOM处理创业准证申请需要8至12周。处理时间可能因您的商业提案和支持文件的完整性而有所不同。
-
EntrePass商业计划书中应包含哪些内容？
一份强有力的EntrePass商业计划应涵盖业务目标、行业概览、目标市场、竞争优势、创新角度、招聘路线图以及未来一到三年的财务预测。
-
EntrePass的有效期是多久？
初始EntrePass有效期为1年。若符合续签标准，后续通行证的有效期将延长至两年。
-
我可以带家人一起申请EntrePass吗？
是的，但前提是您必须达到特定的商业里程碑。配偶和子女可能有资格申请家属准证，而父母可能符合长期探访准证的申请条件。
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