Singapore EntrePass vs Tech.Pass vs EP: Which One Fits Your Startup in 2025?
Singapore is a global business hub with active government support for innovation. So it’s no surprise that entrepreneurs worldwide are eager to build a business in the country and officially join its fast-growing startup ecosystem.
Before you can start setting up operationsin Singapore, however, there’s one important hurdle to clear. And that is getting the right Singapore work visa, also known as a work pass.
In 2025, the three most relevant passes for entrepreneurs are the EntrePass, Tech.Pass, and Employment Pass (EP). Each one of these serves a different type of founder and comes with its own eligibility criteria, benefits, and limitations.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between these three passes, compare their requirements, and help foreign business owners figure out which one best fits their business goals.
Why Choosing the Right Work Pass Matters
A valid work pass is a legal requirement for any foreigner who plans to start a company, join an existing one, or invest in Singapore’s tech ecosystem. Without the appropriate one in hand, it is not possible to operate a business or engage in employment activities in the country.
However, not all work passes are suitable for startup founders. Some are designed for salaried professionals, while others cater to senior executives or experienced entrepreneurs. Choosing the wrong type of pass (or failing to meet its specific criteria) can lead to application delays, rejections, or restrictions that hinder business growth.
For foreign founders, selecting the right work pass is a critical strategic decision. It determines when operations can start, whether dependants can be brought to Singapore, how much flexibility the founder has in business activities, and even whether the founder may later qualify for Singapore permanent residence.
Overview: Singapore EntrePass vs Tech.Pass vs EP
For foreign startup founders, three types of work passes stand out. Here’s a closer look at the EntrePass, Tech.Pass, and Employment Pass, including who they’re for, what they require, and how they compare.
EntrePass
The EntrePass, also informally called the Singapore Entrepreneur Pass, is Singapore’s designated work pass for foreign entrepreneurs planning to establish innovative, scalable businesses. It is designed for founders in strategic sectors such as technology, biotech, the financial services sector, sustainability, and urban solutions.
Unlike other work passes that tie the holder to an employer, the EntrePass offers entrepreneurs full control over their business operations. This flexibility is one of the main EntrePass benefits, which lets founders make agile decisions and respond quickly to market conditions.
To qualify, applicants must submit a detailed and viable business plan, possess a relevant entrepreneurial track record or industry experience, and demonstrate the potential to contribute meaningfully to Singapore’s economy, such as through innovation, job creation, or investment.
If the business is already registered as a private limited company, it must be less than six months old at the time of application; otherwise, the applicant should apply for an Employment Pass instead.
Applications are strengthened by endorsements from recognized incubators or accelerators, venture capital firms, and by demonstrating that the applicant possesses innovative technologies or owns intellectual property (IP) relevant to their business.
Key facts:
Processing time: 8 to 12 weeks
Initial validity: 1 year, renewable based on milestones such as total annual business spending, funding, team growth, or revenue
Hiring flexibility: EntrePass holders may also apply for an Employment Pass to hire foreign professionals as their team expands
Pros:
No salary requirement
Company incorporation not required at the time of application
Tailored for innovation-driven founders
Cons:
Higher scrutiny of business model and founder credentials
Renewals dependent on performance, contribution to Singapore’s startup ecosystem, and creation of local employment
Tech.Pass
The Tech.Pass is a specialized work pass aimed at established tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors who have made significant contributions to the global tech industry.
Unlike most passes tied to a single employer or company, the Tech.Pass offers exceptional flexibility, allowing holders to operate businesses, invest in startups, mentor, consult, or take on multiple roles across the ecosystem.
For Tech.Pass eligibility, applicants must meet at least two of the following three criteria :
Earned a monthly salary of at least SGD 20,000 in the past year
Held a leadership position in a tech company with a market cap or valuation of at least USD 500 million
Founded or led a tech company that raised USD 30 million or more in funding
The Tech.Pass, administered by Singapore’s Economic Development Board, allows direct application without employer sponsorship and permits holders to sponsor dependents under standard MOM schemes.
Key facts:
Processing time: 8 to 12 weeks
Initial validity: 2 years, with the option to renew (limited to one renewal cycle)
Hiring flexibility: Pass holders may hire foreign professionals through entities they establish, provided they follow standard EP or S Pass application procedures.
Pros:
Unmatched flexibility in employment and investment activities
No need for prior company incorporation in Singapore
Cons:
High eligibility threshold
Limited issuance
To explore detailed eligibility criteria, benefits, and the application process, see our comprehensive guide to Tech.Pass Singapore.
Professionals considering flexible work arrangements across multiple roles may also want to explore the Personalised Employment Pass in Singapore, which offers a similarly high level of autonomy for top talent.
Employment Pass (EP)
The Employment Pass (EP) is the most common work pass for foreign professionals and is also suitable for startup founders who plan to join their Singapore-based company as a director or key employee. Unlike the EntrePass or Tech.Pass, the Singapore Employment Pass is tied to a specific company and role.
To qualify for the Employment Pass, the applicant must:
Have a job offer from a Singapore-registered company (including a company they founded)
Earn a fixed monthly salary of SGD 5,000 (higher for older or more experienced applicants)
Meet the criteria under COMPASS (Complementarity Assessment Framework), which assesses both the applicant’s professional qualifications and the hiring company’s attributes (such as diversity and industry relevance). To better understand how scoring works under this system, refer to our step-by-step guide to the Singapore COMPASS Framework.
Key facts:
Processing time: 3 to 8 weeks
Validity: 1 to 3 years, renewable
Hiring flexibility: Not applicable; pass is tied to a specific role in one company
Dependant privileges: Singapore Employment Pass holders may sponsor family members via Dependant’s Pass or Long-Term Visit Pass, subject to salary criteria
Pros:
Straightforward process for registered companies
Longer initial validity compared to other passes
No foreign worker levy or quota applies
Meets clear minimum monthly salary requirements for eligibility
Cons:
Requires company incorporation before application. (Foreign entrepreneurs who have yet to relocate may consider appointing a nominee director. Learn more in our 2025 legal guide to nominee directors in Singapore.)
COMPASS scoring and salary threshold can be restrictive for early-stage startups
Compared to the EntrePass, the EP comes with a clear minimum salary threshold, which can be restrictive for early-stage founders. This is a key point in the broader EP vs EntrePass salary requirement discussion.
For a detailed breakdown of eligibility, documents, and renewal steps, refer to our Singapore Employment Pass Guide.
Singapore Visa Comparison 2025: EntrePass vs Tech.Pass vs EP
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to help you evaluate which pass best suits your startup needs.
Case-Based Guide: Choosing the Right Work Pass
To help illustrate how each work pass applies in practice, here are fictional but realistic startup founder profiles.
Founder A: Ana, First-Time Startup Founder in Sustainability Tech
Ana is a 31-year-old entrepreneur with a background in environmental engineering. She’s planning to launch a sustainability-focused IoT startup in Singapore but hasn’t incorporated her company yet. Her idea has received interest from a local accelerator, and she’s building her business plan.
Recommended Pass: EntrePass
Ana doesn’t meet the salary or seniority benchmarks for Tech.Pass or EP. However, her innovative concept, support from a recognized incubator, and plans to build a high-growth company in a strategic sector align well with the EntrePass criteria.
Founder B: Ravi, Former CTO of a High-Growth Fintech Company
Ravi is a seasoned executive who served as CTO of a unicorn fintech firm valued at over USD 800 million. He recently exited the company and now wants to base himself in Singapore to mentor startups, invest in emerging tech, and possibly build a new venture.
Recommended Pass: Tech.Pass
With a strong track record, Ravi meets two of the three Tech.Pass criteria: leadership in a large tech company and experience in high-value fundraising. The Tech.Pass gives him the flexibility to mentor, invest, consult, and explore multiple ventures without being tied to one employer.
Founder C: Isabel, SaaS Startup Founder With Limited Track Record
Isabel is launching a B2B SaaS startup and has already incorporated her Singapore entity with local partners. She plans to draw a salary of SGD 6,000 as Managing Director and has a degree in computer science. She wants to relocate to Singapore to oversee operations directly.
Recommended Pass: Employment Pass (EP)
Isabel doesn’t yet qualify for the EntrePass (no incubator support or IP) or Tech.Pass (limited track record), but she meets the Singapore Employment Pass salary and qualification thresholds. Since her company is already incorporated and she's assuming a key role, the EP is the most straightforward option.
Conclusion
Each pass comes with its own benefits, eligibility criteria, and flexibility, and understanding these differences early can help you avoid delays, meet compliance requirements, and take full advantage of the opportunities Singapore offers to global founders.
For startup pass holders, choosing the right route from the beginning also improves long-term planning. Once your work pass is secured, learn what comes next with our expert tips on how to expand your business to Singapore.
Still unsure which work pass is right for your startup? Book a free consultation with Piloto Asia today to assess your eligibility and receive step-by-step guidance for your chosen pass.