Singapore Business Immigration — EntrePass, EP, Tech.Pass & GIP

The EntrePass is a 1-year renewable visa for entrepreneurs launching an innovative, venture-backed, or IP-driven business in Singapore. You must show funding from a recognised VC, ownership of registered IP, or membership in an MAS/EDB-endorsed incubator. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) assesses it. A service business or sole proprietorship with no distinct innovation won't qualify.

The Employment Pass (EP) is Singapore's main work visa for a professional earning at least S$5,600 per month (2024 threshold; S$6,200 for financial services). Since 2023, every new EP application is scored under the COMPASS framework — salary, qualifications, firm diversity, and support for local hiring. Processing runs 3–8 weeks. Spouses and children get Dependant's Passes; after 2–4 years of continuous EP, you can apply for PR.

Yes. The common route: hold an Employment Pass continuously for 2–4 years with a clean tax record and real business contribution. EntrePass holders apply once their company hits meaningful revenue and headcount milestones. ICA assesses PR applications holistically, with no published quota. Odds are better for STEM profiles, applicants with significant local economic contribution, and those whose family members are citizens.

The Global Investor Programme (GIP), administered by EDB, grants Singapore Permanent Residence to a high-net-worth individual investing at least S$10 million in a new or existing Singapore business, a GIP-approved fund, or as a family office with AUM of S$200 million+. The investment is held for five years. It's one of the fastest PR routes: in-principle approval typically within 6–12 months, full PR status soon after.

An Employment Pass application filed online through EP Online typically gets a decision within 3 weeks for straightforward cases; additional documentation or COMPASS point verification can stretch it to 8 weeks. EntrePass runs on a monthly evaluation cycle — usually 8–12 weeks from filing to decision. Once approved, the pass card is issued within 4 working days of arrival in Singapore. There is no official rush processing.