Sohrab Vazir
Consultant | Founder | Global Citizen | Writer
Singapore Startup Visa
Overview | EntrePass
Singapore’s Startup Visa, officially known as the EntrePass, is a work visa designed for foreign entrepreneurs who want to establish and operate a business in Singapore. Targeting innovative ventures, it caters to founders in industries such as technology, R&D, and professional services.
The EntrePass provides access to a thriving startup ecosystem, with opportunities for collaboration and growth in one of Asia’s leading business hubs.
Key requirements
Applicants must meet several eligibility factors to qualify for EntrePass.
Core compulsory requirements
Must meet both of the following requirements.
Applicants must have started, or intend to start a company that is:
- Registered with ACRA
- Have a minimum shareholding of 30%
A company qualifies as venture-backed or technologically innovative if it meets the following criteria:
- Secured Funding: It has received investments from sources like government-backed funds, venture capital firms, corporate investors, family offices, or angel investors.
- Technology Commercialization: It has successfully developed, launched, or commercialized cutting-edge technological products, services, or platforms.
- Intellectual Property Registration: It holds patents registered with a recognized national intellectual property authority.
- Research Collaboration: It actively collaborates on research projects with accredited institutions or organizations.
Additional requirements
Must meet one of the following requirements.
To qualify as a venture-backed business, you must have secured a minimum of SGD 100,000 in funding through a single investment round for a current or previous business venture.
Eligible investors include:
- SEEDS Capital.
- Vertex Ventures.
- Participants of the Enterprise Singapore Startup SG Equity (SSGE) Program.
- Globally recognized venture capital firms, corporate investors, angel investors, and similar entities.
The business must be, or plan to be, supported by an incubator or accelerator that meets one of the following criteria:
- Recognised by the government.
- Renowned internationally for fostering startups and innovation.
Eligible examples include:
- Organisations partnered with Enterprise Singapore under the Startup SG Accelerator (SSGA) or Startup SG Founder (SSGF) initiatives.
- Globally acclaimed incubators or accelerators such as Y-Combinator, MassChallenge, or Alchemist Accelerator.
Applicant has founded and sold a business that is/was:
- Venture-backed
- Holds IP rights
The following must be demonstrated:
- Applicant is/was the founder. You must provide:
- Incorporation documents
- Signed letter from current management team
- Venture backing or IP rights. You must provide:
- Company’s business plan
- Business sale was under the applicant’s management. You must provide:
- Sale & Purchase agreement indicating the applicant’s name and information
A business, whether already established or in the planning stages, must own intellectual property (IP) registered with a recognized national IP authority.
The IP should offer a substantial competitive edge to the business, making it difficult for others to replicate. This demonstrates the uniqueness and strategic advantage of the business’s offerings, ensuring it stands out in the market.
To qualify, the business must maintain an active research partnership in Singapore with at least one of the following:
- Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs): Recognized institutions listed by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
- Research Institutions (RIs): Organizations under the purview of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).
- Universities and Research Entities: Members of the Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE) program.
The available funds must be at least 70% of the standard rate for individuals as defined by the Minimum Wage Act.
🚀 Helping founders create solid business proposals & plans
As a former immigrant founder who has scaled a tech startup in the UK (and settled here via the latter), I use my business experience to create the strongest business proposition for you.
Some of the key areas that I can help with include:
- Business plan review & writing
- Marketing & market research
- Strategy consulting
Extra help
EntrePass Business Plan
I can assist you in creating a comprehensive and impactful business plan tailored to your goals. By working with me, you’ll develop a well-structured, credible, and actionable plan or proposal that highlights your vision and ensures its feasibility.
Branding & Marketing
I have spent the past six years being in charge of digital marketing activities across several industries.
Whether you’re B2B or B2C, I can help you implement a successful digital marketing strategy.
Contact
🗨️ Singapore Startup Visa (EntrePass) | FAQ
The EntrePass is a work visa introduced by the Singaporean government, designed to attract foreign entrepreneurs who are interested in establishing and operating innovative businesses in Singapore. The visa allows holders to stay and work in Singapore while running a business that contributes to the country’s economy, particularly in technology and research-driven industries.
To qualify for an EntrePass, applicants must meet certain criteria, including securing funding, registering intellectual property, or partnering with local research institutions. Additionally, businesses must show a significant level of innovation or technological advancement.
The EntrePass is part of Singapore’s strategy to enhance its status as a global startup hub, offering access to a thriving business ecosystem and opportunities for networking, collaboration, and funding.
Yes. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a small business or a medium organisation, I am able to help.
No, I work with a very broad range of businesses.
However, there are certain exceptions & specific types of industries which I may not be able to assist with due to ethical or legal considerations.
Yes.
Creating the best presentation of the business proposition in the form of a business plan is the key goal ~ and that’s where my help comes in.
I can help with every aspect of the business plan, including drafting one. Of course, this needs to be on the basis of the idea / primary research and info coming from you.
Please note: I do not produce or sell generic, plagiarised or templated business plans. All works are tailored, unique and produced by myself.